Porto - Barcelona Day 8 Obidos - Lisbon

Good morning to Capitão Polvo Residence. Bruno & Thomas whom have prepared breakfast for us at The Infusion. We will be leaving this small yet interesting town sometime in the noon. 

I took another opportunity to ride around the captivating town and also visiting a flea market nearby the castle as informed by Chris during our awesome dinner last night.

There was a lot of stuff sold at the flea market from old irons to books and many more items.

My bike after a brief clean-up, ready to pack and leave Capitão Polvo Residence.

Time to move on ladies .....

On the way to the bus stop at the castle we stopped by the flea market again and met Chris for the last time.

Rolling through the main alley at the castle where we will find the bus stop nearby.

Goodbye to the Castle of Obidos, we will remember you as long as we can. Photo credit : Anne Cheong.

We folded our bikes and bagged them in the dimpa bags.

Patiently waiting for the coach to come for the next stage of our journey to Lisbon. It will take approximately about an hour and the fare was €7.95 per pax.

Praça Dom Pedro IV - The Rossio is the popular name of the King Pedro IV Square in the city of Lisbon, in Portugal. It is located in the Pombaline Downtown of Lisbon and has been one of its main squares since the Middle Ages.

The long bungee cord was useful to secure the bikes together at the lower luggage compartment. Photo credit : Anne Cheong.

We had made it to the capital of Portugal, Lisbon with a land area of about 100 sq.km and a population of of slightly more than half a million. Looks like Kuala Lumpur is more crowded than Lisbon but KL is less than half its size. At Campo Grande Bus Terminal GPS : 38.760289, -9.158552 opposite is Jose Alvalade Stadium.

All our bikes were all set up and ready to roll on the streets of Lisbon, the first place to go was to locate our place of stay and along the way look for a place to fill our tummies.

There are sign of bicycle lanes in the city but limited as I could see.

Making a turn to an eatery place and I was wondering what we were gaming for, hopefully something good and tasty.

It's Frankie Hotdogs at R. Dr. João Soares, GPS : 38.753011, -9.153010. It was packed with patrons and we were fortunate to find a table next to the shop front where we could have a watchful sight of our bikes.

The hot dogs were delicious and the price of beer was about the same as mineral water hence beer was the choice. Photo credit : Anne Cheong.

All were happy with their hot dogs and drink. Me and the favourite bottle of beer in my hand, so were the rest.

Graffiti at end of buildings are commonly seen at Lisbon, some with commercial ads instead of artwork.

We continued our ride to locate the apartment at D'Happy Inn Apartment, the weather was excellent with clear blue sky.

The route was so far easy for us to coup.

Pedal by pedal we inched into the apartment. 

The Land lady was waiting for us at the apartment and showed us her lovely place.

Looking out the balcony of the apartment, we were welcomed by a beautiful rainbow under the interesting Lisbon city. D' Happy Inn at R. Gomes Freira GPS : 38.724381, -9.140078

All thing settled with the accommodation, we then set off to the city centre with our bikes.

Cycling into Lisbon centre attraction was not easy it has lots of steep slope to handle. Nevertheless our bikes were useful when we found ourselves at the places of interest.

The places of attraction are found closer to the river and beginning to the crowd in this robust city. 

The Queen Maria II National Theatre (Portuguese: Teatro Nacional D. Maria II) is a theatre in Lisbon, Portugal. The historical theatre is one of the most prestigious Portuguese venues and is located in the Rossio square.

Rolling through the street of R. Augusta which was the most happening street with brightly lit shops and many choices of food outlets to visit.

The Santa Justa Lift, also called Carmo Lift, is a lift, in the civil parish of Santa Justa. Situated at the end of Rua de Santa Justa, it connects the lower streets of the Baixa with the higher Largo do Carmo. GPS : 38.712178, -9.139271

Statue of King José I, by Machado de Castro (1775). The King on his horse is symbolically crushing snakes on his path (need to look closer at the legs of the horse). 

The Rua Augusta Arch (Portuguese: Arco da Rua Augusta). It has six columns (some 11 m high) and is adorned with statues of various historical figures.The associated space is filled with the coat of arms of Portugal.
Originally it was designed as a bell tower, the building was ultimately transformed into an elaborate arch after more than a century.

The Praça do Comércio is located in the city of Lisbon, Portugal. Situated near the Tagus river, the square is still commonly known as Terreiro do Paço, because it was the location of the Paços da Ribeira until it was destroyed by the great 1755 Lisbon earthquake.

A stop at Fabrica da Nata at R. Augusta for its famous cream custard tarts. GPS : 38.712862, -9.138562

While some of us went in to purchase the tarts and some were taking guard of the bicycles.

A taste of Fabrica da Nata, it was soft and succulent in the inside crispy at the outside. mmm... truly yummy. Photo credit : Anne Cheong.

A snap by Anne from the upper floor of Fabrica da Nata.

Everyone tasting slowly with small bite by bite and appreciating the fantastic creation of the original Portuguese cream custard tarts. That was our warm-up appetizer.

Minutes later we went into a negotiation and agreed with Juvenile (he was touting at the street for patrons and we met us) for a set dinner at a price of €17 per pax. We were ushered to a smaller lane at R. dos Correeiros GPS : 38.710594, -9.137208. Photo credit : Anne Cheong.

Beginning we were skeptical whether we were in for a con deal but it ended with full of pleasant surprises. The dinner was unexpectedly delicious, worthy and satisfying. Drinks were either beer and wines. And completing the dinner with sweet desserts. Photo credit : Anne Cheong.

We had fun with Juvenile and his boss over the dinner still canvassing for extras. Photo credit : Anne Cheong.

And finally the dessert to complete the fabulous dinner. Photo credit : Anne Cheong.

We got into a underground station for a ride back as closer as possible to our apartment.

At Baixa - Chiado Station waiting for the train.

Thanks to the Metro of Lisbon for cutting short our cycling efforts especially for skipping those steep roads. Good night and tomorrow we shall have another day in Lisbon.

Porto - Barcelona Day 7 Figueira da Foz - Obidos

Good bye Figueira da Foz and unfortunately it was a brief stay, we could have stayed a bit longer maybe a next time as Portugal is really interesting.

Breakfast was provided at Marina Charming House and a good satisfying loading for the start of the day.

All set after a good breakfast and ready to head to the train station.

Figueira da Foz Train Station is about 1.5km away from Marina Charming House.

A train ride of about 115km from Figueira da Foz to Obidos for €11.50 with a connection train at Caldas da Rainha.

It was another relief to be able to catch the train for another set of journey ahead.

One shot before the station master shoo us into the coach.

The interior of the local train.

Crossing the railway lines for another platform at Caldas da Rainha Station.

Obidos Train Station is soul-less the old building is all locked up. We were kind of lost as to whether we are in the right station. The famous castle on the blue ceramic tiles said it's the place hehehe....

The word "Obidos" is right on the building so it must be Obidos, we went round the building and it was deserted.

Anyway let's get help from our GPS devices and locate the accommodation for the evening which showed that it was not too far away from here.

Let's follow the route and check it out!

The road is of countryside quiet and secluded.

The anxiety continued as we rode on the earth trail and we were still feeling unsure of our position. Sure or not ......

We found it at last, Capitão Polvo Residence located at Largo Nazaré Fortunato GPS : 39.353954, -9.162943 after a bit of knocking at wrong places.

Restaurant Infusion Albergaria is also part of  accommodation runs by two brothers Thomas & Bruno, they are such a great host. 

Bruno showed us our accommodation and later we went over to Infusion Albergaria for lunch. It was Bruno who took our orders, the best part was Bruno did the cooking too. His food is undoubtedly delicious and indeed he is such a good cook. Thumb up to Bruno!

After our lunch we were recommended to walk to the Castle of Obidos, an authentic mediaval castle of Portugal.

The castle and the village has been here for ages going through early period of the Roman, Muslim and the in fighting taking over throne after throne. A place for the Queens and many more stories of them coming out from this place.

There are plenty of narrow passages and corners that you might get lost but it was fun exploring this walled community of Middle Ages.

The construction of this castle was kind of continuous from one reign to another and went on for centuries. It was a home of the broken hearted queens and a safe harbor for some kings.

We enjoyed taking photographs in the place there are so many interesting structures to capture.

Cars are seen driven into the area, it would be ideal if these cars are prohibited making the place cleaner and closer to the olden time.

Shops and food outlets are found at every corners and a good place to learn admire and shop the local produce.

In the 12th century, during the Christian Reconquista, the site of the castle in Óbidos was conquered by the first Portuguese king, Alfonso I. Since January 10, 1148, the site became strongly connected with building the power of the Kingdom of Portugal. However, the fortification itself did not belong to the Portuguese crown until a little bit later, during the reign of King Sancho I. According to the document called Torre do Facho this event took place in 1195.

Alfonso II decided to expand the castle and gave it to his wife as a gift in 1210. During those times, the castle was already a significant fortress. The tower of the castle was adapted as it was necessary to have a jail inside, but other parts of the construction began to flourish. The castle was expanded on during the next century, so much so that when it became a wedding gift to Denis (1279 - 1325) and Queen Elizabeth during their stay, it was already one of the most impressive castles in Europe.

Besides narrow and interesting alleys there are also linkages from one building to another.

Another place to chill out with good local wine and fantastic ambiance.

A typical clothes line at Obidos.

We sneaked into a narrow alley for a shot.

A resort hotel with within the vicinity of the castle with amazing view over looking over the lower land.

Now the Óbidos castle is a famous site, two centuries ago it was just another Roman settlement. 

This location was mentioned by Pliny the Elder, and it is known that it was an important place for Romans until it became a Visigoth territory in the 5th century. Later, the area belonged to Muslims, who fortified the town during the 8th century. This was the beginning of the castle’s construction.

Lot of souvenirs on display.

Many have cautioned about the narrow walk path without railing. One should be careful when going up for a view.

The castle is one of the official wonders of Portugal, and it’s a source of national pride. The rich story of the area of the settlement sounds like a movie scenario. 

The castle was a witness to fights for the throne, political changes, and even Roman activities. It continues to be one of the central sites related to the colorful history of Portugal. 

Got myself a tube of antiseptic for my eye infection.

Dinner was back to Infusion, thanks to the two brothers Thomas & Bruno fro specially opened for us. The dinner was fabulous so was the drinking session. Thomas gave us a challenge for to dismantle and fix back the wooden bottle and if it is successful the bottle of wine is on the house. Anne took the challenge and successfully fixed back with much of a problem. And it was more to drink fro the evening.

The mood and atmosphere continued to be joyous and lively, Thomas went back to the bar and came back with this bottle of Kraken. Kraken Black Spiced Rum is a Caribbean black spiced rum. It is distributed in the United States by Proximo Spirits, and named after the kraken, a mythical giant squid-like sea monster. However, the bottle has a rendering of the actual giant squid with a reference to its scientific name, Architeuthis Dux.

Thank you so much Thomas for your superb hospitality and a good story teller. We hope you and Bruno will be successful in your business and become popular in Obidos.

We did a "yum seng" toast at the closing, one for Obidos and indeed it was the highlight of the night. A wonderful night for everyone to remember.