Lisbon

Olives and sardines and cod.  Lisbon perches on the edge of the sea sitting on rows of hills like a tiered wedding cake.  The medieval part of the city where we are staying is filled with monumental statues on monumental pedestals in monumental plazas.  The city is a tribute to the grandeur that was Portugal in the 1500-1800 hundreds.  The steep cobblestone narrow streets with cream, ochre and red buildings and red tiled roofs is as beautiful as maple syrup being poured on gelato.
We have again lucked out with a lovely apartment.  The city has terrific public transportation and one card takes you seamlessly from subway to bus to ferry boats.  Our apartment here is entirely self service.  We have not seen a staff member since we arrived.  Two days before coming we received an access code for the front door (which is a non-descript unmarked green door) and to our apartment.  Fortunately everything went well.  We found our way here from the airport on the Metro and easily walked to the building.  It's a great walking city only a bit crowded with tourists.  We took a ferry across the bay to get away from the crowds and found a nice regular neighborhood with a quiet commercial street to sit and have a snack and a drink.  I also discovered a beautiful roof top bar in the center city with great views and we may go for a drink later.
The Portugese language is a bit of challenge but Jim is using his Spanish to good effect.  I have learned a few words, please, thank you and excuse me and mostly just point.