Early I head north of the hostel. I visit the Centro da Arte Moderna, which is free on a Sunday. It has some great works of modern art, set in a nice fitting building. In the same park is the Museu Gulbenkian, also free on a Sunday. I spend some time in the famed Museu Gulbenkian. It has some great works of art from across the world.
After leaving I head south through the Parque Eduardo VII. Although not a very interesting park the views right down to the river are impressive. I head across town stopping at the Basilica da Estrela, with its beautiful domed roof. I head further south to the Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga, which is also free on a Sunday. I spend a good while in this museum, which has wonderful collections from around the world. In particular I like the biblical paintings, and oriental and Portuguese art.
My feet are aching and I take a rest in the museum. I decide to catch a tram to Belem. The tram is a modern one, and gets me there promptly. There is a good market which I stroll around. I buy some of the famous Belem pastries, which are custard based, expensive but delicious. I am exhausted now and catch the tram back to the Baixa, and then a Metro back to the hostel.
I have a siesta as I am so tired. That morning I spoke with another room mate, a Brazilian called Juan. He has been living in Paris for 6 months, and is on a 2 week assignment with a Portuguese newspaper, across the road from the hostel. We agreed to meet up in the evening. After my siesta Juan and Japanese guy appear, and we head down to Barrio Alto. After walking for a while we decide to head to the Baixa to find somewhere cheap to eat. I have the grilled salmon which is nice. We head back to the hostel as we are all tired.
