Lisbon: Baixa

Hello from Lisbon!  

Two weeks ago, we packed our bags and flew to Lisbon for a family holiday.  Just under 3 hours after departing from Schipol, we found ourselves on a nice sunny patio overlooking the rooftops of Baixa and the Tagus River in the distance.

Our late afternoon snack of octopus salad (left) and blood sausages (below extreme left).

We rented a lovely, spacious apartment in the heart of Baixa district.  3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and plenty of space to do balloon runs.

It was well-equipped with all the comforts of home, including air-conditioning which was a great welcome in the summer heat.

Our gym instructor.  Except that he was a little excitable.

And the exercise machine was put to good use because...

.....we kept doing this - enjoying Portugal's wonderful desserts.

This is galão (essentially kopi-si or cafe latte), and fios de ovos (egg threads or 'angel hair') made of egg yolks boiled in sugar syrup.  No doubt the famed Portuguese egg tarts are very good but this has got to be my absolute favourite dessert.

If it is not sweet enough for you, this version comes caked in a hard layer of syrup.

Get your sweet fix at Confeitaria Nacional near Rossio square:
http://www.lisbonlux.com/lisbon-cafes/confeitaria-nacional.html

If you're interested in renting the same apartment we did, here is the link, and you can see my review on the page:  https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1126009

Stay tuned for more of Lisbon and its surroundings.

(All photos except the last few courtesy of Melanie M, thank you!)