Day Trip to Belem

We spotted Belem, an area west of Lisbon from the train to Cascais 2 years ago. There was a beautiful monastery building, some gardens and bingo- a playground! We didn't have time to check it out then so we made a point to go on this trip. 

Sunrise in Lisbon

There were so many ways to get around Lisbon- bus, historic trams, walking and Ubers, which were ridiculously cheap. This morning we opted for a bus since we had the stroller with us. On every mode of public transit, the locals would go out of their way to make sure that the kids and I had a seat. This was particularly impressive on the super crammed trams when either a straphanger or the driver would tell someone seated to get up for us. This type of gentility is not often seen in big cities, NYC and Amsterdam being my points of reference, so it was really refreshing and made me love the city even more.

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We arrived before the 10am opening time at the monastery so we walked around a bit, got tickets and impatiently waited in line. 

Once inside, I was thrilled to see the wide open courtyard between the cloisters and the other children already playing there. It gave me the chance to savour the building and take pictures.

Ways to entertain children at cultural sites:

Let them take turns playing horse.

Don't frown upon their desire to play "toliet tag" in such a holy place.

Make them laugh.

We found the playground and started picnicking while Pete went to the National Archeology Museum. 

Chasing the persistent seagull that wanted in on our picnic.

Then I headed to Pasteis de Belem for the pastel de natas that everyone raves about. We found the flavor a bit too carmelized, but loved the jam filled donut.

The monument for Henry the Navigator. 

Incredibly carved figures

During nap time, Pete took Jude to the Natural History and Geology museums. Then they went to a playground that we had discovered on our visit two years ago. Maeve and I eventually made it there to meet them after a few tram mishaps!

Good night, Lisbon!