We walked around the corner to grab tickets for the hop on hop off bus and this time went with the red bus. Buses today to look after Jane, so as little walking as possible. Into the first bus and no commentary, not a good start. They finally got the commentary going just before we got off at our first stop, Forte de Sao Francisco Xavier, (Castelo do Queijo), known by locals as the cheese fort. The fog had just started to come in and gave a strange view to what looked a lovely beach.
Got back on the next bus and this time the music didn't stop when the commentary started so you couldn't hear any of the explanations, not happy.
We got off near the Palacio da Bolsa to have a look but all sold out for today. You can't book online so we'll have to return early tomorrow morning to book. We popped back down to a cafe and Jane had picked up considerably, ordering scrambled egg with bacon, while I just went with a bowl of fries. We booked online tickets to the Lavaria Lello bookshop for 3pm, so started a slow walk towards there. On the way we came across an old building ( yes another one, surprise) that was the original prison which was commenced in 1767 and only closed in 1974. A massive stone structure with very high ceilings, windows and what appeared to be lots of light for a prison of the age. The cells increased in size and light as you went up the floors and this was because the status of the 'guest' required better conditions. The other reason for stopping was it housed the Portuguese Center for Photography and currently had a travelling photographic exhibition 'The comedy Wildlife' and a permanet camera collection housed here. Restoration work was being done on the building but it was in excellent condition and the displays were brilliant. It had also heated up to a humid warm day so this building with its massive thick stone walls was a welcome respite from the heat.
We then made our way to the Liveria Lello ( supposedly one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world ) where we started standing line for our 3pm slot at 2.30. Luckily in the shade and Jane popped off and grabbed us both a fresh lemonade, little bit of sugar next time please; that was most refreshing. Got into the bookstore and it is a magnificent sight with its carvings and unique staircase. The only issue of course is it is packed with way too many selfie girls trying to get the perfect pose, blocking the stairs and any vantage point. I think my next pursuit may be to ruin as many selfie photos as possible 🤬, I know Janes certainly is😂.
The entry fee is only €5 euro and this is taken off any purchase so Jane bought a book. There was an issue however as I had already left and gone outside to wait, and had our entry tickets which she needed for the discount. Needless to say a lot of discussion was had apparently before they finally gave her the discount and she left with her purchase. There was an excellent icecream shop next door so we purchased a cone each which we thoroughly enjoyed before walking back in the heat to our hotel.
Not much time for a nap as we needed to catch a taxi at 5pm to go across the the Gaia side of the city to the marina for our 6pm sunset cruise that Jane had booked last night. Was a small group cruise on a yacht for a max 8 people and as we arrived an 5.20 we sat at a bar and had a beer and lemonade while waiting. Got on board and there was only us and a couple of French Canadian girls, a total of four which was brilliant. Once again as we set off for something the fog came in reducing the view but gave a nice atmosphere for some photos.
It was a lovely, gentle couple of hours on the boat and the fog lifted for some good scenery and a pleasant sunset. Some port, meat and cheese was enjoyed and when we got back to the marina I got an Uber for us back to the hotel. By now 8.30 so we found a nice cafe, Java, close to the hotel where I had a burger ( a little too pink me thinks) with a plate of chips enough to feed a family of five. Jane had the cod and potato Portuguese speciality which she enjoyed with a rose and it was then back to the room for a port and bed. Had to catch up a little on the blogging so sat up till 11.30 and still the food was sitting very heavy in the stomach I must say.
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