In Lisbon it is perfectly OK to sell cocaine, marijuana and hash a few yards from a police officer (needless to say we bought LOADS!!!) but totally unacceptable to complain about a meal and suggest you wonºt pay. This was our first evening in Lisbon - went for what we hoped would be a lovely meal of fish and it was DISGUSTING! Jennyºs squid had the texture of tyres and we were served freezing cold vegetables. When we asked for a refund/replacement food the police were called. The waiter claimed they werenºt police but they had guns and pepper spray so weºre pretty convinced they were (I think having "POLICE" emblazened on their t-shirts kind of gave the game away). Jenny turned on the waterworks like a pro (Oscar deserving) and suddenly the male waiters and the police officers changed their attitudes and let us not pay. But weºre never complaining about poor food again! We then recovered from our ordeal with icecream and wine (in another restaurant).

Anyway, we spent our first day (before almost being arrested), visiting the Cathedral and Castle and harbour area! I also managed to give Jenny a black eye whilst putting on my back pack!

Monday was spent in Belem where we visited the Monastery and Modern Art Gallery (or would have done if it hadnºt been shut) - they looked nice from the outside anyway! We also saw a few epic monuments down by the river to Henry the Explorer (Doraºs POrtugese counterpart). We waited 1 hour and 1-2 for the bus back in to town!! But managed to scam not buying a ticket. Had sea food on the evening by the harbour which was delicious before heading to a Fado bar where we watched old ladies sing. Also saw an epic Jazz band on the street!

Today has been spent visiting the Pantheon and another monastery which houses all the bodies of the previous Kings and Queens of Portugal (bit creepy). We then went to the nearby flea market in Alfama where we were struck by the entrepreunerial spirit of some of the sellers. One guy was selling 1p, 2p and 10p pieces for a euro a pop, and another guy had stapled together some pictures of nude ladies which had clearly just been printed from Google.

Now having a chilled afternoon and mentally preparing ourselves for the night train (for which we have seats and not beds) to Madrid!

Michael and Jenny x