Today we went down to the promenade to ride the renowned Monte Cable Car. After a refreshing drink at one of the kiosks overlooking the sea, we began to queue. Inching along, we booked our tickets online, and after working out how to get three people through the gates with one ticket, we joined the inside queue.
Slowly working our way up the steps to the cable car we finally reached the end of the queue. Boarding the teleférico, we chose the best seats and waited for the views to start. The car rose until the buildings had disappeared; then we could see the entire bay and city, even a cruise ship coming in. It continued like this for 10 minutes, then we reached the top terminal.
Walking across to Monte Palace, we purchased tickets and zigzagged down into the gardens. We entered the museum and examined the weird and wonderful art on display, then we looped back round to explore the lower level as well. We spiralled our way down into the Asian garden, where we were greeted by a pair of Chinese Guardian Lions, or as we call them, ‘puppy dog dragons’. After passing through the gate, we followed depictions of Portugal’s history in Japan. We then passed some terracotta soldiers on our way towards a bridge spanning the valley. Crossing it, a tree had suspiciously fallen to create a border for the bridge. We looped back round and ducked under the bridge, heading towards the music playing in the distance.
We passed some flamingos which were being fed and then saw the massive pond ahead. With a band playing, water cascading and the birdsong, it was a brilliant atmosphere. We climbed up beside a bubbling waterfall to grab a few seats overlooking the pond. With a clear view of the small islands and sculptures, we saw a miniature Santana traditional house, three horse statues in full gallop, a galleon-shaped island, two statues of children being pestered by a duck, and finally we spotted a small path winding around the pond, at times under waterfalls. Naturally, we had to go on the path; luckily, we didn’t go as far as the waterfall.
Saying goodbye, we climbed out and up to the palace, which, to be fair, is not as good as what’s around it. I think it should be called ‘Monte Gardens (and Palace)’.
We then zigzagged our way through greenhouses, zen gardens, flowering foliage and much more. Unfortunately the cafe nearby was bad and the other cafes were too far away. Alas morning tea was not to be. I planned the longest route to the exit and we set off. We found a cool pool with a side window to see the massive koi floating by, also a path with open doors along it. Eventually finding the exit, we left with sadness…
After a walk downhill, we found ourselves back home. The end of a spectacular day up in Monte.
