Yesterday was rainy again in the morning, and disrupted our plans to go to the beach (Jim had pulled A Thousand Splendid Suns off of the bookshelf here and would like to finish it before we leave). We took a break in the rain to check our email, have coffee and pastry (yes, custard) and walk through the village. On Friday we had noticed a flurry of activity and posters going up throughout the village that indicated the start, on June 6, of celebrating a Month of Contemporary Arts. It appeared that there were going to be various exhibits and art installations – but as we walked around nothing had arrived – so not sure if we are mis-reading the posters or the rain had delayed things. (As I walked up to internet this morning I did figure things out and signs our posted at various points and the installations are in the nearby building, so did view a few, interesting modern art.) But, it was the weekend, and we have noticed that brings the weddings to Obidos. Don’t know if this is a “destination wedding” place, or just local folks getting married, but what a romantic spot to say your vows. Check out this little outfit on the ringbearer…
As the clouds were continuing to hint at rain, we decided in the early afternoon to go underwater for some snorkeling….
not really, we headed to the outer edges of Lisbon with first stop being the Oceanario de Lisboa – 2nd largest in the world, or so the guidebook says. It was very impressive – can get very up-close and personal views as you can see.
It was build by an American architect to resemble an aircraft carrier. This is a very new area of Lisbon, built for Expo 98 with a nautical theme throughout –
even this tall building is replicating the bow of a ship (rather ugly I think, but does keep with the theme).
All of this is on the Tejo/Tagus river that goes through Lisbon – looks more like a bay in terms of its size. In the background you can (barely, it is on the horizon) see the Vasco De Gama bridge (only one part of it, there is a whole suspension section on the Lisbon start of the bridge). It is the longest bridge in Europe at 10 miles (or maybe 7 miles/10 km)
We walked along the water past the various exposition halls (now convention center) in Parcque das Nacoes and loved these fountain sculptures – one even similar to the sea otters at the aquarium.
The ocean theme continued with this impressive fountain and wave pool which goes through an unpredictable cycle as the waves continue until suddenly the fountain erupts.
We had parked at the shopping center parking lot, Vasco de Gama, a modern, multi level shopping mall, so figured we would walk through it on the way to the garage under it. Pretty similar to any shopping center other than they don’t have anchor department stores. But again, the whole nautical theme – it sort of looks like the a cruise ship with the different decks. The whole ceiling is clear with water running over it, so a sense of being under the water….maybe a sinking cruise ship? Anyway , we were hungry and it was during the hours (3-7) when only pastry and ice cream are available – except, of course, for shopping center food court! But there were actually lots of healthy and vegetable options so we ended up eating a late lunch/early dinner. Nice outside area to eat, overlooking the river.
We walked along the water past the various exposition halls (now convention center) in Parcque das Nacoes and loved these fountain sculptures – one even similar to the sea otters at the aquarium.
The ocean theme continued with this impressive fountain and wave pool which goes through an unpredictable cycle as the waves continue until suddenly the fountain erupts.
We had parked at the shopping center parking lot, Vasco de Gama, a modern, multi level shopping mall, so figured we would walk through it on the way to the garage under it. Pretty similar to any shopping center other than they don’t have anchor department stores. But again, the whole nautical theme – it sort of looks like the a cruise ship with the different decks. The whole ceiling is clear with water running over it, so a sense of being under the water….maybe a sinking cruise ship? Anyway , we were hungry and it was during the hours (3-7) when only pastry and ice cream are available – except, of course, for shopping center food court! But there were actually lots of healthy and vegetable options so we ended up eating a late lunch/early dinner. Nice outside area to eat, overlooking the river.
Next we drove to the west/south end of Lisbon, also on the coast to see Belem, which was really the hub during the era of navigation and exploration. We knew that buildings would be closed, but we were able to walk around and view the exteriors. We were able to go into the cathedral as Mass was going on – huge, beautiful and also houses the tomb of Vasco De Gama. On to see the tower of Belem, built in 1515. And another great view of the GoldenGate bridge clone -- the Ponte25 de April – built in 1966 by a dictator but renamed in 1974 to commemorate restoration of democracy to Portugal. Belem also has the famous bakery/café for our beloved Pasteis da Nata. We did not stop because people were lined up down the block to get in.
So there, you have it, our two weeks in Portugal. We have seen a lot, but also realized how much we didn’t get to see. This is a lovely country, very laid-back, beautiful and varied scenery, amazing culture and history everywhere you turn, overall we had great weather, wonderful wine. When we decided that we would go to Europe and try to stay 2 weeks somewhere originally Portugal wasn’t under consideration. You never hear people saying, “you must go to Portugal!” Well, having been here, we highly recommend it! You must go to Portugal!
So there, you have it, our two weeks in Portugal. We have seen a lot, but also realized how much we didn’t get to see. This is a lovely country, very laid-back, beautiful and varied scenery, amazing culture and history everywhere you turn, overall we had great weather, wonderful wine. When we decided that we would go to Europe and try to stay 2 weeks somewhere originally Portugal wasn’t under consideration. You never hear people saying, “you must go to Portugal!” Well, having been here, we highly recommend it! You must go to Portugal!
Wow. I am overwhelmed. You could be the poster children for Portugal. Thanks for bringing so much interesting detail to your poor, deprived brethren in the U.S.!
ReplyDelete