More of Lisbon, Cascais and Sintra

Trip Start Sep 20, 2012
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Trip End Nov 13, 2012


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Flag of Portugal  , Estremadura,
Thursday, October 18, 2012

Wet again but not enough to cause any problems. We began with a city tour covering tree lined Liberty Boulevarde, the old area of Alfama, the Royal Palace (now  Presidential residence) and Belem Tower which was built 500 yeras ago as a fortress. We also passed the Memorial for the Fallen Soldier and eternal flame, as well as the Monument to the Discoveries which is in the shape of a caravel with Henry the Navigator at the helm. It was all quite fascinating and obvious that Portuguese are very proud of their sea faring days and discoveries of the new world. Pity about their present wealth. Average wage is between 12,000 - 15,000 Euros.
Our next stop was the Monastery of Saint Jeronimo built in the 1500's which is now a UNESCO site. It houses 6 royal tombs as well as the tomb of Vasco da Gama. Its stained glass windows are copies because they were destroyed by the tsunami of 1755. It is quite unique and is filled with maritime symbols rather than christian icons.
We also toured the exclusive seaside towns of Estoril and Cascais and the gorgeous hillside town of Sintra with lots of shops!
Our evening entertainment was a Fado show which consisted of singers and dancers performing traditional folksongs and dances. Surprisingly entertaining! At least once anyway!
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