We wandered through the beautifully manicured Empire Square Garden, and Lisbon gifted us one of those mornings you wish you could bottle. First stop was Monument to the Discoveries. Built in honour of Portugal’s Age of Exploration, this towering tribute stands like a stone ship poised to set sail. Lined along its “prow” are key historical figures - Prince Henry the Navigator leading the charge, with explorers, cartographers, and crusaders following behind, all carved in striking detail.

A lift took us to the top, where we were greeted with sweeping views of the Lisbon waterfront. The massive mosaic compass rose below, gifted by South Africa, it looked like a piece of intricate lace laid out on stone, and beyond that, the 25 de Abril Bridge stretching across the Tagus River like a red ribbon tying the city together.

We followed the waterfront, soaking in the breeze and rhythm of the sea, past rows of sailboats and kiosks, and eventually reached the fairytale-like Belém Tower. A perfect morning filled with sunshine, stories, and just enough wind to mess up your hair.