I blame our month-long stay in Lisbon on the fact that I have a cousin in Denmark (how fun is that to say?). The original intent of the trip was a 1.5 to 2-week stint. I was going to join my work team in Lisbon for a meetup for a week, and Chris would join me at the beginning or end. Then my cousin said she might be able to spend some time with us, too. The time we were staying stretched onward, and we finally realized that staying for a month in an apartment was not much more expensive than spending a couple of weeks in a hotel. No brainer. We booked. She visited.

We had a marvelous time with my cousin and her man. You’ve met her before if you read this blog. She played Monopoly with us last year. Thing is — I haven’t seen her live in about 8 years. This was such a treat! So much better than Zoom (although I’m grateful for that).

Chris and I are serious walkers, and Lise thought she was, too. But the hills in Lisbon proved a little too much for a post-leg surgery patient, so we hit the Yellow Bus Tour. It had horrible reviews, which made me a bit nervous, but we had a marvelous time. I do have to say that in the on-season and on weekends the reviews are justified, but for a low-key weekday in April, it was a fabulous experience.

We sat in an uncrowded bus and cooled off under blue skies while soaking in the history of the city — both old and new. We also enjoyed funiculars, trolleys and ferries as part of the tour. If a radio didn’t work, we switched our seat. No problem.

On the weekend we struggled to get room on the trolleys (hence the correct reviews comment earlier), but weekdays were bliss.

I’m not sure what part of the Wed-Mon visit I loved best (apart from just being with Lise in person). Perhaps it was sharing the wonders of a continent together — from the Moor Castle in Sintra to watching performers in the plaza. Or giggling over childhood stories. Or meeting her boyfriend (also named Chris. Poor Lise, hanging out with Chris, Chris and Chrissie). I guess it’s good that I’m not required to pick a favorite moment.

Funicular Fun:

Anyway, that time will always be a treasure in my memory. If you are into pics, check out highlights of our extended weekend:

Chris can’t stop with the bunny ears. Ever.

Lise enjoying art in the city.

Yakking away at the park. Fun night and day.

Even the train ride is fun

Which chocolate do I want?

Chris and Lise enjoy a funicular ride.

Moorish castle and cousins.

Lise enjoying the view of Sintra

Chrissie, Lise and Chris by the Tagus

Lise, surrounded by Chris’s near the Tagus River

Look at that beautiful smile and beautiful view.

Yellow Tour Ferry. So fun

Bubbles in the park

Art at the Sintra train station

Lunch for the travelers

The funicular in Bairro Alto, Lisbon.

Chris and Chris checking out the beer choices at the beer museum

Art at the train station

Downtown at twilight

Super art on buildings.

Beer museum

Bairro Alto – our home

Chris can’t stop with the bunny ears. Ever. Fortunately Lise is a good sport.

Monestary

Lise and Chrissie on the Yellow Bus Tour touring the modern section of Lisbon.

A monestary

Yellow Bus Tour – Did us Wll

Lise and Chris on the Yellow Bus Tour

Statues everywhere. I think this one is St. Anthony, patron saint to the city.

Dolphins on a bridge

Twilight by the Tagus

Chris on the lookout at the Moorish Castle

Lise arrives after a loooong cab ride (yay strikes)

Great architecture in the modern section of town

Lise and Chrissie at Sintra

Great art everywhere.

Love this monument

Lights by the Tagus

Modern section of Lisbon