Sept 26th - Oct 2nd - Images of Lisbon

Still walking everywhere on these uniquely paved sidewalks with limestone and basalt mosaic.

And in doing so, we see the most interesting decorations in the street!

Pastel painted buildings and many homes still covered in hand-painted tiles.

View from the Airbnb

We really have enjoyed Lisbon - a very walkable city, although quite hilly.  Quaint streets, great viewpoints, variety of transport - trams, tuk tuks, venicular railway, etc..  Of course there have been many a Pastel de Nata consumed.  Great value for money so definitely worth a visit.

Sept 30th - We have been joined by one of Julie's friends from high school, Rebecca.

One last photo of us before we drive an hour north to the Silver Coast.....

Sept 21st - 26th - Au revoir London, hello Lisbon

Time is just flying by, and it has been so great that we have been able to catch up with so many friends and family.  Makes moving on just that little bit harder.  Apologies that I didn't manage to capture each person, but we'll see you again soon....

And following a short and uneventful 2.5 hr flight we are in Lisbon!  The Airbnb is on the 4th floor of a centrally located older property (read: no elevator).

The first night we wandered out in search of a refreshing beer and ended up at a delightful tapas bar.  The tapas (octopus tacos, steak sandwich, and potatoes with truffle mayo) were so good that by the time I thought to take a picture this is what was left!

The climb to our Airbnb will keep us fit though

But worth it....

Sept 1st - Sept 20th - Still being entertained by London

Hard to believe these are our last few weeks in London this summer.  We had another great evening at the Betsey Trotwood with friends for the comedy night.  The light relief was perfectly timed since we'd spent a few hours at the Old Bailey earlier that day.  The Old Bailey is the Central Criminal Court where significant and important trials take place.  All trials are open to the public so we decided to check it out.  Fascinating on so many levels.

We have also enjoyed random musical entertainment.  For example, last night we decided to walk off some of this week's indulgencies and happened across a rehearsal in Trafalgar Square for West End Live (a live musical showcase for the current shows).  Pianists were playing when we passed through St Pancras Station on our way back from Kings Cross.  There are pianos in the main thoroughfare - open for the public to play on a whim.  We frequently walk to Covent Garden where in addition to watching Formula 1 at The White Swan, there are always buskers entertaining the crowd.

While in Richmond visiting friends we could not help ourselves tracking down venues featured in 'Ted Lasso'.  If you know this Apple TV show you will recognize where Julie is standing.  Yes, outside the Fox and Anchor (aka Princes Head).  Had to enjoy a pint while we were there, although not served by Mae!

And only this morning we see that our street may be featured soon in a new TV drama (Trigger Point), but we didn't hang around to spot any stars - a DIY project was calling!

There were fantastic views of London from The Sky Garden.  It's free (but need to plan ahead since tickets are required) and the views are better than those from the Shard (in my opinion).  The Shard is a little too high to see the detail of the streets.  Extra bonus is the cafe/bar at the top and comfy chairs where one can linger....except if you are afraid of heights in which case you take the fast elevator down again and enjoy a coffee on terra firma.