Lisbon

Why Lisbon, and why so soon after Egypt? Glitches and goofs, that`s why!

For reasons unknown we flew to Egypt via Heathrow. We booked flights from Manchester to Heathrow to pick up the flight for the prebooked holiday, yet we somehow forgot to purchase return flights from Heathrow home. With no actual desire to rush home, and flights from Heathrow to Manchester a very expensive £200 plus, we decided we could probably fly elsewhere for less, getting our return to Manchester that way. A quick look on skyscanner and Lisbon came up as our cheapest option. Granted we had to pay for our accommodation, but even with that, it still felt more acceptable than paying for an overpriced flight home.

Lisbon. A city we been to before, and saw quite a lot of, therefore this trip would very much be a rest and relax kind of stopover. We did revisit the Aquarium, which second time around seemed much smaller, and from the Aquarium we had a coffee break, tea for Mrs B served in the biggest mug ever, and it was onto the cable car. Just a short ride, there and back along the sea front. We did wander to see something called Owls (something like that) which turned out to be the dirtiest grubby under bridge wall art `things`. A couple of days we simply relaxed, played cards, read our books and recharged tired batteries. Unfortunately Mrs B seemed to have picked up a nasty chest infection probably from the elderly person sat behind me on the flight in who appeared to have zero consideration for anyone else as they coughed far, wide and often. Not a handkerchief or mask in sight. Whilst I hate the darn things, there are the rare occasions where certain people should wear them!

We dined once or twice at the very excellent Time Out Food Market, and if feeling better, Mrs Bunny would most definitely have sampled some of the very delicious sweet offerings. On our last day we decided to get ourselves tickets to the Zoo. We always enjoy the peace of a nice Zoo, and the one in Lisbon had some nice reports. Website `No more available tickets for today`. Get Your Guide ` Tickets unavailable for Friday th February` Mr Bunny was very disappointed, so we took a cab there regardless in the hope that maybe we could buy a last minute ticket on the gate. So glad we made that decision, the Zoo was empty! Give or take a couple of families we very much had the place to ourselves. We came to the conclusion that whilst the Zoo had some nice enclosures, animals that appeared loved and cared for, this is a Zoo that requires some tlc. No doubt they are still feeling the pinch from Covid years, so if anyone fancies a cute little Zoo, give Lisbon a go. Help out the animals.

Just a short stay this time, a b&b room with all the appeal of a hospital side ward and a bonkers exterior bathroom, a sink at knee height? really!

Flight home day. We checked out at 11 as you do, with a taxi booked for 1pm. Naturally after a week of overcast, the sun just had to make an appearance as we were leaving. Shame to sit in Time Out as planned, so spotting a table for four, in the sun, and only occupied by a singular very attractive woman, we asked if we could join her. Please do! was the reply, absolutely not said the waiter, we do not allow table sharing, do you know this lady? "Miguel, Miguel, these are my friends, I have been waiting for them" This lovely lady, lying through her teeth proceeded to quickly order drinks for us, bottled water with lemon and ice gabbled away to us as though we had been friends for years, not seconds. Naturally we quickly introduced ourselves to her, and delighted to say, spent a very pleasant hour in the sun, in her company. Whoever you are, we Thank you. (sorry Miguel)

One little titbit about Lisbon. Its hilly. Very, very hilly.