Sintra
Critiques of our photos are a major part of these trips, so today we had our first review this morning. At home, friends regale you of how perfect your photography skills are. Not here! Some photos pass muster while others are sent to the trash bin. It's what we all needed but not always easy to hear.
After class we departed for Sintra, a delightful little town in the mountains not far outside of Lisbon. Our hour long bus ride gave us an opportunity to view Portugal outside of the city bustle. The highway system seems well maintained which would make it easy to rent a car and drive the country if one desires.
We stopped on the edge of the 'little town' and were allowed a couple of hours to explore and also grab lunch. All roads lead upwards into the narrow streets lined with souvenir shops and small restaurants. Passing by the initial food offerings, we found a little place in the heart of the district with a waiter that had a sense of humor. He played us the entire meal, from telling us they had run out of water to 'forgetting' to bring one of our meals. He was as entertaining as the food was delicious. I dined on a very rich cod dish that appeared to be baked in a creamy gratin sauce. I couldn't get enough.
Roaming up and down the narrow passageways, you get an idea of how popular a tourist destination Sintra has become. After several passes on the same streets I was ready to head out to our main destinations, the Moorish Castle and the Pena Palace.
Built in the 9th century by North African Moors, the ruins of the Moors Castle overlooks the surrounding lands and also gives a vantage point to spy the waters on the coast. Restored in the 19th century, visitors can climb (and I do mean climb) onto the walls of the fortress. Above the castle, the colorful Pena Palace awaited us.
A short 10 minute walk lead us to the entrance of the Pena Palace. Upon entering the Palace, I was struck by the colorful yellow and ochre walls decorated by tiles and sculptures of mythological creatures. It's a beautiful place to wonder around especially near sunset when all of the colors are magnified by the beautiful light.
We arrived back in Lisbon early evening and decided to dine across the street from our hotel at a lovely tapas restaurant that we would visit several times during our stay.
Tomorrow: Depart for Amarante
After class we departed for Sintra, a delightful little town in the mountains not far outside of Lisbon. Our hour long bus ride gave us an opportunity to view Portugal outside of the city bustle. The highway system seems well maintained which would make it easy to rent a car and drive the country if one desires.
We stopped on the edge of the 'little town' and were allowed a couple of hours to explore and also grab lunch. All roads lead upwards into the narrow streets lined with souvenir shops and small restaurants. Passing by the initial food offerings, we found a little place in the heart of the district with a waiter that had a sense of humor. He played us the entire meal, from telling us they had run out of water to 'forgetting' to bring one of our meals. He was as entertaining as the food was delicious. I dined on a very rich cod dish that appeared to be baked in a creamy gratin sauce. I couldn't get enough.
Roaming up and down the narrow passageways, you get an idea of how popular a tourist destination Sintra has become. After several passes on the same streets I was ready to head out to our main destinations, the Moorish Castle and the Pena Palace.
Built in the 9th century by North African Moors, the ruins of the Moors Castle overlooks the surrounding lands and also gives a vantage point to spy the waters on the coast. Restored in the 19th century, visitors can climb (and I do mean climb) onto the walls of the fortress. Above the castle, the colorful Pena Palace awaited us.
A short 10 minute walk lead us to the entrance of the Pena Palace. Upon entering the Palace, I was struck by the colorful yellow and ochre walls decorated by tiles and sculptures of mythological creatures. It's a beautiful place to wonder around especially near sunset when all of the colors are magnified by the beautiful light.
We arrived back in Lisbon early evening and decided to dine across the street from our hotel at a lovely tapas restaurant that we would visit several times during our stay.
Tomorrow: Depart for Amarante
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