Lisbon (Friday 3/31)

Our last day in Portugal. We had a few hours this morning before we had to leave for our train, so we enjoyed the breakfast buffet one final time, and then the kids swam in the indoor pool. Then we packed up, left our bags at the desk, and Ubered to the marina. Mom bought some cork placemats at a cork store, we walked along the beach (one final praia!), and then we had gelato for lunch.  

The train ride back to Lisbon was pleasant, but what was even more pleasant was discovering that the hotel we'd booked for our last night in Lisbon was absolutely amazing. Beautiful, spacious, in a building full of charm--we wanted to stay for many many days. It's called Le Consulat, and I am determined to return. Our room (well, suite of rooms) looked out over Praca Luis de Camoes, a bustling square with trams rattling by. 

We walked around our neighborhood buying a few final souvenirs, then had a delicious final dinner at Faca & Garfo in the Bairro Alto. I had steak in a coffee, port, and cream sauce; Andrew had grilled octopus; Lucia had sausages; Dad had "black pork," which this time was a pork chop; and Mom and Greta had grilled tuna steaks. We had a bottle of vinho verde, several appetizers, and desserts all around. A perfect final dinner. 

With sadness, we called it a day. Tomorrow we head home. What an unforgettable trip it's been.