We’d arranged for a final two night stay in Lisbon at the Avalade Palace Hotel near the airport to prepare for the 24-hour flight back to California.

This section of the City was developed for middle class housing during the ’40’s and ’50’s with high rise apartments,  parks, and a neighborhood atmosphere. It also attracted international non-profits and government agencies along its wide central boulevard. On our walks up the block it was evident that many of the buildings had seen better days and were now being restored or redeveloped.

The backyard of our Hotel also showed signs of faded former opulence.

The concierge told us about two places to eat within walking distance:  Tico-Tico, a lively spot with wonderful fresh fish where went the first night for dinner and for lunch the next day

and O Patamar, a tiny neighborhood cafe around the corner, where we went for lunch the first day and for evening snack the last. Still owned by the grandma who started it, it’s run by three brothers, including one who’s 11-years old.

They spoke enough English for some warm conversation–a fitting conclusion for the unexpected encounters of a memorable trip.

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