Extra Non Conference Bits

The few sessions that we decided to skip saw us explore new areas...

Located between the conference centre and the Tagus River is the Parque Nações Cable Car that was built for Expo 1998. We boarded the cable car at the north terminal for the 1.2km return journey that took around 15 mins. Panoramic views included oceanarium, MEO Arena, FIL Pavilions (including the one our conference was in), Oriente Station, the São Gabriel and São Rafael towers, the old Torre Vasco da Gama now Hotel Myriad, Vasco da Gama bridge (longest bridge in Europe - 17km long) and of course the vista across the Tagus River.

With our feet on the ground we wandered around Parque Des Nações (the Park of Nations from Expo 1998) finding various interesting sculptures!

Leaving the conference that evening we chose to eat dinner at Time Out Market, a gourmet market hall. It was busy, very busy. After securing a seat, we each found something to eat - Shannon braving a traditional Portuguese meal while I not wanting sardines, played it safe with a burger.

A late night from the conference party and a less appealing afternoon program meant we left early choosing to spend some time soaking up the sun with a run in  the largest city park - Parque Eduardo VII. We caught the metro out and then ran a few loops around the park before walking back to our apartment.

The final day of the conference was a half day of lectures followed by an afternoon excursion including dinner to Cascais. Given that we'd already visited this coastal town, we opted out of this one choosing to do our own thing. We first went in search of port...which led us to Alfama the oldest district of Lisbon - a charming area of small roads / laneways and many little shops.

  

To celebrate the close of the conference, we decided on wine tasting at a roof top bar and found the perfect one accidentally! A great way to wind down from a hectic week.