Next stop was at the Tower of Belem.

It was built as security to the port, with a twin fort on the other side of the river. That way any intruder would suffer crossfire from both fortifications

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bel%C3%A9m_Tower

I went looking for the rhinoceros of course, since I read the story and had to go find it.

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/belem-tower-rhinoceros-torre-de-belem

Originally bullt as a temporary exhibit, the Monument to Discoveries is now a proud part of the city, celebrating a long and interesting history.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Padr%C3%A3o_dos_Descobrimentos

We had lunch at this astounding seafood restaurant that is well loved by the locals. And so well loved, they asked me not to publish their name on social media. We were the only two non-locals in the place.

Finally got to eat 'percebes'

A delicacy in Portugal. They are goose barnacles and really yummy. João was not only surprised that we wanted to try them, but also really liked them. And then we had shrimp soup, Mozambique prawns and oysters. And chocolate dessert. And espresso.

A feast!

Pasteis de Belem has been in the same family since 1837. They made Pastel de Nata world famous, and those little custard tarts are indescribably tasty.

There are usually a long line to get in to the place, but we have VIP guide that grew up in this area and knows everybody. We walked by all the lines and was able to go all the way to the kitchen where they make them.

On a good day they sell nearly 50,000 of them.

He got ours fresh from the kitchen. We had to get them to-go since we were so stuffed from lunch.

On the next block was the Jeronimos Monastry.

This is one of the great examples of manueline architecture. King Manuel was one of the rulers in the age of discoveries and since they ruled the seas during that time, they celebrated it in their architecture and you find nautical themes as decorations.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jer%C3%B3nimos_Monastery

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manueline

The royal palace in Ajuda had quite the history, but is still being used for major goverment functions and presidential events.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palace_of_Ajuda

Our final view of the city, checking that we have been on all seven hills.

Check.

Then João took us back to our place, leaving us with not only lots of tips of places to go, but more importantly, a whole new appreciation of Lisbon.

His passion for his city of Lisboa is unmatched, and by the end of his tour we were in love with this city.

Thank you João.

Hope to see you again real soon…

Great views of a great city. Walking down the avenue.

This was a much easier way to get up the hill. And since Pieter sang this song badly out loud, you are all now blessed with an earthworm if you watch the video.

He he he.

Street scenes on our way.

And Kenn with a rare Kenn sign.