I was in no hurry to disembark today; I have become comfortable in my cosy cabin on Deck 12 with all that I could want just yards away. However, I couldn’t help feeling that I owed it to myself to, at least, set foot on Portuguese soil, avail myself of the free shuttle bus and explore as I chose to. After lunch, I called cruise friend in England who was very curious about, among other things, what it was like on board QM2 mid pandemic.
This was my first visit to a capital city since the first lock-down of 2020, and first major city since a brief family trip to Lancaster. I am glad I made the effort. I enjoyed soup, caesar salad and a small decaff latte in a lovely boutique eatery, the Figus Restaurant & Tapas Bar, right in the centre of town.
Outside, in the square, whose name I cannot remember, I was offered a quick tour of the city in a tuk-tuk, like those which whiz around in the Far East. This was perfect and although just over an hour, I was shown so much and came away hoping the same tour guide would be able to take me on a longer more relaxed trip on my next visit. I felt that I got the very best out of my brief stay in Portugal’s capital. Many thanks Diana.
I am back on board now, with seven days crossing the Atlantic to Barbados to look forward to. The clear winter’s day here was gorgeous with just a hint of chill in the air. The Captain announced a further three days of not very good weather, before we would come into the warmer climes one associates with the Caribbean. I doubt it will be as bad as the crossing to Bermuda in 2020.
At approximately 18.00 hrs, QM2 gently eased from where she had been berthed, making a spectacular 180 degree turn as the night sky darkened and a full moon reflected off the River Tagus. Soon, we were heading towards the Atlantic Ocean, under the April 24th Bridge which carries both road and rail traffic across the River Tagus. Further pictures will appear in my next blog.
Many thanks for reading, David, 09.36hrs 18/1/22, Day 6/29.
David's Cruise 