Day 4 of 102
In the UK, today would be regarded as a beautiful spring day with very occasional slight drizzle and the temperature, an agreeable 14°C.
Jo thought she might like to tour Portugal’s capital on a hop on – hop off bus. I had little objection despite having a slightly different but flexible plan. Unfortunately, the bus was too rough-riding for Jo’s back condition. She would choose to walk through the city, perusing the shops and stalls and having a light snack along the way, back to the Cruise Terminal. I would, after unsuccessfully looking for somewhere to eat, continue the rest of the bus circuit.
All might have been well if it wasn’t for an enormous national protest by the Portuguese teaching profession whom I understand had not received a pay rise for (I think) twenty years. This snarled up the traffic system, and my bus seemingly abandoned the rest of its circuit without letting me know! I don’t speak Portuguese. However, after some amateurish gestures on my part, I did find a taxi drivr, who, while not speaking English, whizzed me right back to where Queen Mary 2 was berthed, allowing me enormous relief! An al fresco eatery nearby told me that their WC was for customers only. Fair enough, I became a customer and enjoyed two coffees with a cheese and sausage sandwich. Right now, there is time to stroll along the banks of the River Tagus.
It feels a lot cooler than it did this morning, but it is still not as cold as this time last year.
It seems the nationwide teachers’ protest has spread throughout the capital, right down to near the banks of the Tagus. Drums banging, hooters blowing, massive crowds shouting, singing, chanting, much noise of protest.
I “Googled” teacher’s strike Portugal, and I understand that this appears to be a long-standing dispute. Certainly, Portugal’s teaching profession is making its feelings felt!
Eventually, I would walk back to the ship, taking a few pictures along the way.
While not my favourite city (I don’t quite know why), once back from my mystery bus ride and taxi to the quayside, I really enjoyed my walk along the banks of the River Tagus, and getting amongst the domenstrating crowds, and the rhythmic percussion of protest.
Once back on board, I made my way to Deck 13 for final twilight photographs of the Lisbon skyline, as well as watching the departing cruise ship AIDAbella sail past.
Time on board was 18.30 hrs, which is the time Aidabella slipped its moorings and was soon passing alongside.
Usually, I sleep quite well, but occasionally, I will wake up around 4 am. and have difficulty returning to sleep. This is the case right now, providing a nocturnal opportunity to complete this blog. Three further sea days will bring us to our final European call on this outward journey, Heraklion, Greece.
Many thanks for reading, David, 04.55 hrs 15/1/23 in bed!
David's Cruise 