Portugal

On to a brief visit to Portugal, beginning with Lisbon. 

Lisbon, situated on the Tagus River delta, is all about seafaring. This is the Belem Tower, the city symbol, that guards the river.

Across the street from the Tower and Monument is the Cathedral and Monastery. 

Inside is the tomb of Vasco da Gama 

An unusual feature is this tomb supported by statues of elephants--a nod to the far-flung Portuguese explorations.

Our next stop was Cascais, a seaside resort outside Lisbon. A notable feature is the "wavy" sidewalks--they really are flat but they are a little disconcerting at first.

Homes and public building have a storybook feel and are usually decorated with elaborate tile and stone work.

The main square is modest but very cute.

As we continued up the coast, we passed the westernmost point of land of continental Europe. 

We continued up into the hills to the resort town of Sintra where there is a royal summer palace.

We toured the palace and admired the carved and painted wooden ceilings.

Local woodwork and tile work are highlighted in the collection, as well as acquisitions from other places.

One entire room was decorated floor to ceiling with blue and white tiles that formed a series of pictures on the walls.

We then continued on to Fatima, where some believe that the Virgin Mary appeared to a local child.