This municipal site is somewhat different to others we have stayed on – there are very few caravans here, quite a few motor homes and lots of tents. Our pitch is away from everybody. We have seen no Brits here at all (which is usually a benefit). There are eight wash blocks on the site, all spread out in the woods – between us we tried most of them but found them all to be very basic and probably some of the worst we’ve had. The great benefit of the site is that it is so close to the city centre.

Finding an internet café was a priority at first as there is no wi fi on this site so set off  on our first morning to central Lisbon on the bus – 25 mins, €1.35. Eventually found free wi fi facility on the top floor of a shopping centre so managed to get up to date. Too far to trek with the laptop again so will have to make do with the computers in reception at €0.30 for 15 minutes. Blog will have to wait.

G‘s tooth still very bad so had to find another English dentist – no such thing in Lisbon apparently so went to one quite nearby who spoke no english at all.  One of the reception staff at the caravan site was spectacularly helpful with translations – the dentist even telephoned the site three times while we were with him to speak to the staff here to make sure G understood what was going on!  Anyway, the tooth came out, no more problems.

Sorted out the awning for Pam and Lester who arrive on Thursday for a few days. Blew up the air beds, hung a curtain across the middle to give them some privacy, stocked up on alcohol, got out the red carpet etc.  We thought we’d make them earn their keep by writing a guest blog entry …read on…………..

Guest Addendum by Pam and Lester Biffin

 We have been invited to contribute to the blog by our generous hosts. Whether this is a genuine attempt to inject an alternative style or merely because they can’t be bothered to do this bit, we will have to let you decide.

Had a trouble free flight – only marred by spending well over an hour waiting for our bag, so that we could get out of the airport. A and G were waiting to greet us and we made straight for the site – an oasis of green within the city, just 4 miles from the centre – and had a beer (or two!), a barbie and a planning meeting.

Friday was a whirl of bus rides and walking interspersed with seeing the sights of Lisbon. It soon became apparent that it is a very hilly place and the vast majority are heading up. Pavement cafes, great architecture and sunshine – great combination for a grand day out –  the bonus was finding a replacement glass for the coffee pot, which was mysteriously broken at some point during the previous evening. After a fine meal back at camp, we re- inflated the punctured airbed again (Cath – I will explain when I see you) and so to bed.

The other must place to see close to Lisbon is the riverfront at Belem, which is where Portugal’s naval history is clear for all to see. Lots of walking between monuments, museums and galleries plenty of sun and we had our first ice cream of the trip. In the evening we had a meal out and went to Hot Clube de Portugal, Lisbon’s premier jazz venue. Got a fast taxi back at 2am and crashed. (into bed)

Not too much enthusiasm to get going this morning – after a light breakfast we headed off to Sintra and Estoril – both worth an hour or so to have a wander about  and watch the police cart off an errant biker from the prom.

Our last evening has come around all too quickly, but a superb barbie and a couple of drinks made it memorable. We will be seeking another opportunity to visit again, if we are lucky enough to be invited. (please).

Thank you for one of our favourite city visits ever. End of. Pam & Lester xxx.

Thanks for that both - we had a great time too. As you well know you are more than welcome any time. Simply as.

Loads of new photographs to view – CLICK HERE.

Off up north to Porto tomorrow (Tuesday).