And more wanderings in an ancient city

On Tuesday we took off on foot again for parts unknown. We had lunch in a little very local restaurant a block in from the Praca do Commercio, then walked up to the Se Cathedral,, then further up toward the castle.

We passed a small palace at the bottom of a rather steep alley which is today a small hotel. Hotels - new, old and under construction, are everywhere. As we headed down we found the Fado Museum. Local museums are free on the last Sunday of the month, so this may be on the agenda this coming Sunday. From there we walked along the river between the massive construction and the small businesses and restaurants that are currently being hurt by the construction. That's where we were reminded what an ancient city this is. Among the big equipment and cranes was an area where workers were digging by hand with small trowels - an archaeological dig.

Archaeological dig site. On left wrapping small shards in plastic. Note old wall - probably Roman.

It seems that all of Lisbon is being rehabbed due to its new-found popularity among visitors from the rest of the world. This is February - the "slow" season - and yet the line for Tram 28 is long every day, and the trams are crammed. This is just going to get worse as the "in season" approaches, beginning next month. After dinner we stopped at a pastalaria on the Rossio square and asked the waiter about the large old building across the way with a roof that seems ready to collapse. He says it has been acquired and will be converted to ANOTHER hotel.

Yesterday we explored some more - up hill, of course - and spent some lovely time in the warm sun overlooking the river. Last night at dinner, in a beautiful restaurant with good food but not so good service, we met a couple from DC who were on the last night of their first visit to Portugal and love it. They are even considering moving here. We share that sentiment.

So, ho hum, another sunny day is dawning. The tai-chi guy was going through his daily routine in th square below. John is anxious to use the car we have leased and not needed, so perhaps we will go further afield today.