On our way out of Lisbon we stopped in Sintra, the former summer playground of the Portuguese Royalty. We opted to explore the Castelo dos Mouros (Moorish Castle) in an attempt to avoid the sweltering heat and annoying crowds.

Built around the 10^th century by Muslims who lived on the Iberian Peninsula, the castle served as a control tower for the Atlantic coast. In 1147, during the conquest of Lisbon, the castle came under Christian control and then was abandoned completely in the 1490s. Archaeological research indicates that this site was occupied as early as the 5^th century BC! Graves were still being unearthed as late as November 2011!

The views from the walls and towers of the castle are amazing! Despite the hot, hazy day, it seemed like we could see forever!

After Sintra we opted to cool down at the beach! The air temps might have been sizzling…but the water was arctic! I felt like I was at the Jersey Shore! Burrrrr!

Oh man, I love me some tchotchke!

I don’t know if it was because it was the first night of the World Cup or if because it was the feast day of St. Anthony (the patron saint of Lisbon, who is known as a matchmaker and wooer of fish), but Lisbon’s streets were alive with sardines, street parties, and plenty of tchotch!! Honestly, it was probably because they knew WE were coming into town!

Here is a smattering of Lisbon’s mishegas…just because it’s fun!

This street was actually in Porto, where they were getting ready to celebrate St. John!

Lisbon had some great graffiti lining the streets as well.

Dear Lisboa, thanks for the street-tchotch!

Shamefully, I had no idea that Lisbon, Portugal was thought of as the “San Francisco of Europe” until after I arrived. Admittedly, travel research has gone by the wayside on account of everything else that requires attention during this time of transition.

The first day we were in Lisbon, I convinced Joe to go to the Oceanarium. This Reef Tank is really interesting – each of the larger species has a specific location within the tank from where they are fed, and they know exactly where to go to get some chow! Who said fish can’t be trained?! Even though each of the shark species has a normal feeding schedule, the aquarists know when the apex predators are hungry because occasionally an unsuspecting member from one of the schooling species will get knocked off by a ravenous shark! Whoops!

Sunfish are SO weird!

The next day we rode Tram 28 up to St. George’s Castle. To be perfectly honest, riding San Fran’s cable cars is so much more fun. There is something about hanging off the side of the car and watching the operator heave the break and grip levers back and forth that just can’t be beat!

Keep your arms/head/body inside the car? What fun is that?

No cool levers. How sad.

Even though the journey up was a bit disappointing, I did love St. George’s Castle. It was so much quieter and cooler up there than in the city…not to mention the amazing views! This was by far my favorite part of Lisbon!

The castle grounds were filled with peacocks!

Even though San Francisco has clam chowder in sourdough bread bowls and Crepes a Go Go, it doesn’t have pastel de nata (custard tart). Sadly, not all of these Portuguese treats are created equal. I tried several! There was one though, ohhhhh this one, was sooooo good! The one topped with cinnamon and paired with a nice, cold glass of sangria after a hot and sticky day in the city. It was amazing! Way better than ANY food on Pier 39.

One day, Joe and I decided to take the lazy way out and see some of Lisbon’s sites via boat. Here, from left to right, is the Belém Tower, Monument to the Discoveries, and Ponte 25 de Abril.

Speaking of bridges…I tried to remain objective on this one…but failed. The “25^th of April Bridge” just doesn’t do it for me. I think the tacky dolphins on the bottom are what really turned me off. And an Ocra? Come on…we all know there are no Orcas swimming in this river. Point for Golden Gate – it has REAL sharks and sea lions cruising past its piers!

My editor says I’m being too hard on Lisbon, so here is something the city can brag about: Street Sangria!! 1€ for a cup of tasty sangria from a street vendor?! Ummm…yes please!!

Lisbon was a lot of fun…but it’s no San Francisco! A+ for effort, but the City by the Bay is going to win every time in my book!