Sintra!

We traveled the whole day.  Planes, trains and automobiles...  Destination Sintra. 

Tomorrow...  we explore Sintra  stay tuned to this blog!

One of many palaces

Lots more soon!

Tired travelers are we...

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Viana do Castelo

On a rainy day in October we arrived by train.  The jewel of the Costa Verde, this town has a wonderful medieval center right next to the Rio Lima.  Roman ruins, castles...

Built in 1955, the Gil Eannes was a Hospital ship that supported fishing fleets off of the coast of Greenland and Newfoundland.  Today it is a museum ship.

On the way to an off the beaten path diner for some local cuisine.

Castile of Sao Tiago da Barra.  1400's construction, it was the first fortification on the entrance to the Lima River.

The Church of Our Lady of Agony.  Mid 1700's construction

High atop an overlooking hill sits Saint Lucia Basilica.  There is a funicular that takes you to the peak.

One of many piazzas with commemorative statues.

On board the funicular...

At the foot of the basilica

Near the center of the old town this oceana themed statue is in the midst of a reflection pool

A good day for a rest.  The people of Portugal are among the friendliest we have ever met.  What a wonderful experience.

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Day 5... Porto

What incredible good fortune to have another beautiful day to explore.  Today was a wander through the old port city of Oporto.

Looking towards the Atlantic above the Louis I Bridge from Vila Nova de Gaia.  This bridge was designed by Gustav Eifflel's partner  Théophile Seyrig. 

On the side of the Porto Cathedral stands this commemorative statue of Vimara Peres.

Harry Potter fans might recognize Lello's the book store where Rowling wrote part of her book, and the inspiration for the library.

In front of the Porto University is this fountain where the freshman get "baptized."

These two churches are separated by what was Europe's narrowest house.

Inside Lello's bookstore

The ceiling is full of wood carvings.

Explorers - Portuguese navigators changed the world. This memorial commemorates Henry the Navigator

On a street we past this man playing a most unusual musical instrument

And yet another... notice the birds.

More details when I get a chance!

Isn't Porto a beautiful city?

A solid silver alter... in the Porto Cathedral

Short post for now.  I'll finish later when I have more time.

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Portugal - Day 4

Another day of traveling.  This time by rail to Barelos to see the famous market.  Everything from apples to zenias... you name it, it was for sale! We ended today in Porto, a most beautiful city.

We rode the street car to a place near to where the Rio Douro empties into the Atlantic

Near the entrance of the river, and high on a bluff sits this fascinating mansion.  I don't know what it is, but it does look so very interesting.

I think these are Royal Palms.  They line the wharf near the mouth of the river.

We walked - a lot!  From Porto to Matosinhos.  The sun was setting alomg the way over the Atlantic.

Near Fort Francesco Xavier we came upon this statue. 

What could this be?

So I took the pic thinking it was some mathematical rendition of a revolved spectral waveform or something.  Well it is a fish net!  An artist from Belgium created it!

The welcoming committee from Barselos

The market here is famous.  It goes on and on and on.

Furniture, chickens, stills, coats, silver ware... it's all here!

Hope you liked the pics!

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Portugal Day - 3

Rain!  That didn't stop us from a 7 hour trek up and down the hills of Coimbra today.  This is a fascinating city with history that reaches back to very beginning of Portugal. We toured the university and were amazed at the capability it has had through the ages.  The old town  center is charming with shops that line a pedestrian plaza.  All toll, about a seven mile wander through a great Portuguese city amidst the most friendly natives.  

This is a statue of King Joao III.  The University of Coimbra was once his palace, and the seat of government in Portugal.

Looking towards the Hall of Arms.  PhD oral exams are still given here! This was built in 1537.

The library.  No photographs are allowed inside, so all I can do is link to this...

To think scholars were studying here when Columbus was planning trade routes.

Inside the ceremonial hall where you would defend your dissertation...

The Santa Clara Monastery. 

The chapel was reclaimed from intruding river water.

The city of Coimbra.  The University is perched upon the highest hill.  This picture was taken while crossing a stained glass lined pedestrian bridge that spans the Rio Mondego.

Bustling with students and visitors, Coimbra has a youthful vibe.

If you are in the old city, and if it's before 9PM... you can ride this back to the top!

The first elevator is a traditional lift, the second part is an incline. 

The Math Dept...

Inside the Math Department Building there were a few really interesting displays.  I'm not sure how this Newton's Cradle works, but it sure looks interesting!

Ohio State has equations in the sidewalks of it's campus, here they are chiseled into the walls...

Just a short synopsis of a great place.  I attended the Freshman Serenade last night and have some Coimbra Fado music of the students singing in the rain around mid-night.  An amazing place.

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Fado at U of Coimbra

Just a quick post before bed time.

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 Up until now - some two months after fall semester started, Freshman have not been allowed to wear the cap or hat of a student.  Tonight all that changes as they are initiated into the University.  The voices of the Freshman can be heard all over the city!

 

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Portugal Day 2

Another beautiful day in Portugal.  We took the bus from Tomar to Coimbra and are about to go to the huge welcoming ceremony of the Freshman Class to the University de Coimbra!  More about that tomorrow!   What a great city.  The pics below are of the day's  travels.  First Fatima....

The sight of the visitation of Mary to the children is now a church.  Inside this church are the burial vaults of this children

A beautiful statue of Christ adorns the entrance of the cathedral...

Inside the cathedral at Fatima

Burial vault

Prayerful reflection...  Me too.

Francisco and Lucia aged 9 and 10 were visited in Fatima by the Blessed Virgin Mary, or Theotokos on the 13th of May 1917.

I lit a candle for NLO and  JRO and my dear sister and her family. More prayers, and a few tears.

Amazing statuary of the children as you enter Fatima. 

A touching day for me.  I hope all enjoy the pics,

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