This day we got up for an early start. We had heard that there was really big flea market in the city on Tuesdays and Saturdays, so as this was Saturday, we were in luck. It’s the Feira da Ladra, Lisbon’s oldest flea market, dating from the 12th century!

We went outside and managed to get an Uber, as it was some distance from us. Once we arrived about 0830, it was already bustling. Stall after stall, up and down a street and side streets. Some vendors were still setting up, but others ready for business. There was quite an array of stuff for sale. We were mostly just looking in general, but we had a few specific things in mind.

I was very happy to find tiles with numbers that I can use at home. The other thing we were in need of was a duffle bag to use for our poles and umbrellas and assorted other things, which don’t do well in the side of our packs in the overhead bins. We had brought them over in a checked dufffle bag, but of course we didn’t want to carry it for 5 weeks so we left it at our first hostel. Now on the hunt for a replacement. But alas, nary a one in sight. Then Karma spotted a funky, retro suitcase that looked like the right size. I think the vendor had just used it to carry his merchandise to the market, but a sale is a sale and he went for it. We now had what we needed.

At the market there was a center building that had more hand crafted type items for sale. But what drew us in was a sign for a vegan food stall. They even had vegan pasteis de nata! Mandy had wanted to try some, so she was in luck. After wandering around more we returned to the stall to buy lunch from the same couple. They were pros at the business and the lunch was delicious.

The area of the market was also known for a remarkable tile wall, the Mural de Azulejos. It consists of 52,728 hand painted tiles by the artist Botto Machado. We could see parts of it but much, sadly, was blocked by the vendor stalls.

We grabbed a taxi to get back to the apartment. We had chores to attend to prior to flying home. Primarily laundry. We knew no one on the flight would appreciate all our hiker stink so clothes got washed as well as our pack shoulder harnesses. We are now ready!