Carlos and Omar have taken their first vacation in seven years and have chosen to spend some time with us in Lisbon. We met them for lunch, went to the Botanical Gardens, stopped in at the Gin Lovers Bar, headed downhill to our place and finally ended up eating dinner at the Indian place across the street. It was great to hear Omar say that his chicken masala dish was the best he has ever had! For lunch we ate outside at Tascardoso right next to the Jardim de Principe Real where the old juniper tree grows. Both Leslie and Carlos got grilled sardines, Omar got a fried shrimp and I got the rabbit. The food was top notch and it came with a free sardine eating lesson. I asked about the portion size of the rabbit and the server said it was scaled to the size of the diner, the diner being me I expected a a generous portion and I was not disappointed. We wandered along the street to the pastry shop and then through the Botanical Gardens. More of the ceramic art had been set up and other pieces had been moved from earlier in the week when we first went. In addition those little signs giving the names of the pieces had been installed. A few new birds made the life-list, European fly catcher and spotted fly catcher. We had a great time catching up with Carlos and Omar and their adventures in Mexico. A quick drink in the opulent Gin Lovers Bar and then we came to our place. They liked our layout and told us how much nicer our neighborhood was compared to theirs. We had a fine happy hour with cheese and crackers, olives and berries. We got out the spreadsheet and went over where they may want to meet up with us again. The future is looking bright!
Huge tile wall
On a series of steps leading up to the Juniper tree
A ceviche place we passed by
My rabbit
A generous amount of sardines
Cit off the head, de-bone and discard the innards, then enjoy
I could not articulate this any better
Nice gate
At the Pastry shop where we ate at the counter
Back at the gates to the Botanical Gardens
This cool motif is found on the top of all the lamp posts
Delicate branches
More food is presented here at the Ant's Picnic
The Sandwich is particularly appealing
A whole mess of owls
Very realistic eyes
Female European Flycatcher
Botanical Man
Impressive hibiscus trees
An evergreen with willow like characteristics
Oranges! Size matters is written on the side of the boxes
Fish and pomegranates
Floating buffet
Some delicate crocus just blooming
This building peeking out of the foliage looks a bit like a lighthouse
Help I'm melting
This fish is now swimming
A spider web of wood
Palm berries
This doctor is a bit green
Spotted Flycatcher
Readers that fold together to make necklaces
Bougainville
The Gin Lovers Bar is located in this grand building called the EmbaiXada
Not wasting ink on detailed restroom signage
Glorious interior
Stairwell
gate tot he elevator
Layers on layers
The skylight roof
Inside by the bar
In the courtyard where we were sitting
More funky graffiti
