Elle Field's Blog, page 13

Lisbon: Exploring Belem and Lx Factory

The area of Belém in Lisbon has a lot of historical importance - it's where the Portuguese explorers set sail from in the 16th century on their voyages of discovery, something that's celebrated today with the rather impressive Monument to the Discoveries (Padrão dos Descobrimentos).

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The month that was: October and November 2020

What happened:
Our last day of self isolation was the 2nd (because of visiting Portugal), so as soon as we were allowed we headed to the pub to celebrate our freedom! We did have a restaurant booked for afterwards but even though they acknowledged our reservation (and we were there on time), they didn't have a table for us. Grrrr!

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Lisbon: Exploring Alfama

I'm going to start with the hilly neighbourhood of Alfama for my first Lisbon post. That's not because it's the most touristy area, it really isn't - Alfama is where the locals live. It's also one of the oldest parts of Lisbon, filled with narrow cobbled streets that you can get lost in, and the only part of Lisbon to (mostly) survive the great 1755 earthquake.

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Spending 24 hours in Sintra, Portugal

If you're thinking about going to Lisbon, every itinerary will tell you to use one of your days to visit Sintra. I'm here to tell you not to do a day trip. Instead I'm going to suggest you stay overnight and spend at least one night in Sintra - two, if you can.

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Sintra: Visiting the National Palace

The National Palace of Sintra dominates the town of Sintra because of its two white towers. Which, turns out, aren't towers but conical chimneys located in the palace's kitchen. I wasn't expecting that! The chimneys rise 30 metres above the kitchen so you're easily going to spot them when you're exploring the town.

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Sintra: Visiting the Moorish Castle

If you've made it up the hill to Park and National Palace of Pena, you're going to pass by the Moorish Castle so you might as well pop in and visit there, too. Unlike Pena Palace though, Castelo dos Mouros (Castle of the Moors) is neither colourful, nor is it complete. There are only ruins left there now.

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Sintra: Exploring Pena Palace and Park

If you can only do one thing in Sintra, I'd explore the Park and National Palace of Pena. Located up in the hills, it's this joyful, colourful castle that's delightfully eclectic, both inside and out.

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Coronavirus diary: Week 34

Monday 2 November
Another week, another lockdown. Though we have got until 1 minute past midnight on Thursday before the merry-go-round begins again.

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Sintra: Exploring Quinta da Regaleira

Quinta da Regaleira was the first place we headed to in Sintra (after lunch, obviously) and I knew we had to visit because it looks like a fairytale. Trust me, it really is that dreamy. Like the National Palace, Quinta da Regaleira is located in the old town of Sintra, so if you're in already in town there's no need to take a bus, taxi or tuk-tuk.

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Warner Bros Studio Tour London

I actually did the Warner Bros Studio Tour London in July 2019 - and before that I went in October 2012, blogged about here and here - but looking at what's there now compared to when I went last year, things still look to be the same. So I'm writing this long over-due post and we can all pretend I went recently.
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