Uma manhã de domingo com bons amigos

= A Sunday morning with good friends...

Over the years we have come to really appreciate the fact that museums here are open, and free on Sunday mornings.  Since the church body meets in the afternoon, a morning excursion is always fun.  That has indeed changed in the last year as the economy was worsened in Portugal.  Very few museums remain free, most are now several euros to visit.  One wonders now how many people visit them??  Sad to see the changes that have been necessary.  Now the word is that once a month they will be open for free, but that remains to be seen.

This Sunday morning, after a very busy day yesterday and a leisure breakfast here at the house, we went down into Lisbon to visit the open air market in Belem.  Every first and third Sunday of the month an antiques and second hand market is set up in the gardens in Belem.  Once there, many other attractions are simply within walking distance around the park.  It is a good way to get the people in the center of historic places to visit and to spend their euros. 

We walked through the market, which was sparce today, we assume because of the time of year and the rain clouds overhead that threatened to open up at any time.  There were several booths that had old antiques of Portugal and many selling jewelry and other handmade items.  (This was not a farmer's market with produce as we would see at home.)  M and I found some very unique handmade jewelry that we could not resist - very nicely made! 

The sun did come out for awhile as we walked across the street to have coffee and Pasteis de Natas (can't translate this one of a kind incredible mouth watering delicate tasty sweet Portuguese custard tartlet pastry!!!)  For those who have been here and tasted these, know exactly what I am talking about.  Only a picture will do. 

A little Sunday morning outing...

One of a kind handmade jewelry

Fresh Pasteis de Natas out of the oven

A full dining area

Oh my, can't tell you how good this is!!!  They haven't even been stored in a refrigerator yet, straight to the tables from the ovens.  What would travel be without food???

A Starbucks is next door the Belem cafe

and across the street from Jeronimos Monastery, an incredible museum and church.  Why stop at Bucks when you can go next door??? Haven't figured that out!?! 

Thank you for joining me!