Like everyone else (or so it seemed), we started at the Jerónimos Monastery, which includes a cathedral, monastery, and cloisters, all constructed in what is referred to as Manueline style (Gothic). The monastery is closely associated with the Age of Portuguese Discovery, largely because construction commenced in 1501 and the facility is close to the river bank where the yearly voyages to India, China, and Japan departed from.
After the tram ride, we took a taxi up to the top of Alfama, visiting the Monastery/Church of São Vicente de Fora, which was well worth the effort. We particularly liked the room housing the tombs, which looked like cargo shipping containers, where King Carlos I (1863-1908), who was assassinated by two republican activists, is buried in an impressive, but eerie tomb that rests in the center of the room.
The museum is housed in several modern buildings that are spread across a park-like campus that has water features, an amphitheater, and a restaurant. After spending time in the commemorative exhibition, we had lunch in the museum's cafeteria, and then explored the main collection, which includes paintings, René Jules Lalique glassware and jewelry, Chinese porcelains, furniture, and most notably, turkish/arabic rugs, tiles, and ceramics. The turkish/arabic collection is the highlight.
Today we were in search of fishing boats, which we found, along with a strong smell of glue that was being used to repair a boat. We also found raging teenage hormones, as a group of summer sailors were preparing for a day on the water. Moments before I snapped the cover photograph, these two were playful pushing and grabbing each other, but temperaments do change quickly. By tonight, I am willing to bet all be right again, with the two walking hand in hand.
Upon arrival all we saw was fruits and vegetables. Nice enough, but not what we were looking for. And then that unmistakable smell hit--fresh fish just in from the boat. We entered the balcony of a large hall.
The cloud covered disappeared as the plane banked sharply to the right, making a semi-circle as the engines accelerated to support the sharp decline. Out the right window, I could see three swimmers in the pool below and out the left window there was blue sea. Within ten seconds, we were on the ground.
Evelyn and I will be traveling to the city of Funchal on the island of Madeira off the coast of Africa today on a house hunting expedition. We have determined that this is the best place in the world to be following the nuclear war that will follow the annexation of Estonia by Vladimir Putin. Thank you President Trump. You were right: Only you, alone, could do this.
