Awoke at 9 a.m., optimistic about the day. Opened the window and got rained on. Met Carole and Merv at 10:15 and decided it wasn't raining all that hard for us not to walk downtown for breakfast. Made it a couple of blocks, then it really started to rain. Maxwell's umbrellas were in the lost luggage, but I had one in my hand luggage. Lent it to Carole and Merv as Lee and I had raincoats, so not too bad.

    
click picture to enlarge

Beautiful city, even in the rain. Every block brought an exciting new discovery. Like finding out pedestrians have no right-of-way and are fair game. Sidewalks are cobbled with small stones, about 3 by 3 inches, inlayed with intricate designs done in contrasting stone. All laid by hand. Rained off and on. Destination Aveinda Palace but no open restaurants open. Finally found one in a basement and had a nice breakfast of omelets, salad, buns and a bit of coffee for our hot milk. Actually quite tasty. Had an additional table guest but Carole squashed him with her napkin.

         
     
    
click picture to enlarge

Back to the hotel by 1 p.m. and caught a 3 hour double decker bus tour at 2:30. Quit raining after a half hour and tour was a success. Highlights were the Carriage Museum and the Alfama (oldest part of the city). The Alfama is a maze of narrow streets, with buildings about 10' across from each other and buildings are all attached. Up and down, in and out; the walk really gave you an idea of how people lived 400 years ago. Nothing's changed.

      
      
      
      
click picture to enlarge

Back to the hotel by 5:30 and placed a call to Denise back home. Had a good chuckle about our misadventures and got the good news about mom's surgery; an enormous relief. Walked to Amoreiras Mall (370 shops) at 6:30 for supper and shopping. New and modern. Lee and Carole made a new friend: until they wouldn't give the little beggar money and a fruit cup. Bought groceries and I found a nice Rolex (252,000 excudos) but was talked out of it; thank god for level heads. Guess what sport fans? No luggage! Carole, with great patience, spoke to the Lost and Still Lost Department at the airport for an hour by phone to no avail. Will go to the airport in the a.m. to try and straighten out. Off to bed at 10:30. Weather seems nicer; probably bringing in a hurricane!