Iberian Voyage 20 - Lisbon to Cascais/Sintra

Monday April 22

Our last full day. I think we left again at 9 am on the bus. Have I said that the bus was almost always big enough for double the people we were? So comfortable.

First we went to Cascais, were we had been before but only to have lunch at a beach restaurant. 

This time it was different. We visited actually the town. A very cute one. 

We viewed the lovely beaches and clear blue water.

And yes, I bought some pashmina shawls for myself. 

And then, back onto the bus and towards Sintra. 

Ha-ha, we were so on the wrong track. On the itinerary was the Royal Palace in Sintra. Well, we thought we had been there already (in 2015) and were actually a bit sad that we would not go also to the Palácio e Quinta da Regaleira we had liked very much. 

Well, there is another Palace in Sintra we had not been too. So we had a totally new experience. 

Joana had tickets and on we went right in. 

Joana explained on this model the different parts of the palace. The two white peaks on the right are the kitchen chimneys. 

James and I decided to walk through this opening very fast. We didn't trust the stone arch on the top left.

This is the Swans Hall because of the crowned swans painted on the ceiling. It is assumed that they were painted in the 14th century when Sintra was directly administered by Queen Philippa of Lancaster. Her brother was Henry IV of England.

There were so many "nooks and crannies" all from different centuries. 

I am always fascinated by potential lace or quilt ideas. These tiles....

Another painted ceiling. This one with ships.

The walls in this room were totally covered with large scenes painted on tiles. 

It was impossible to take a photo to show what the kitchen was like. I can't even imagine how they would cook here. Two huge rooms.

This terrace was my favorite. Covered and with a beautiful view. 

From the National Royal Palace we went straight across the street to have lunch.

The tables were very posh set up. The food was not so impressive. But by now we were really never hungry.

We had a little bit of free time to wander. We went to the Info and I had the strong feeling to have been there before. We got a map which explained the many palaces. 

Next door was this church ... with some lace.

Back in the bus we had a view again of the palace we had just visited and we also saw the train station were we had arrived 2015.

If you are interested, here is the LINK to our previous (totally different) visit. I enjoyed reading it again.

But now it is time to pack the suitcases. Tomorrow morning we have to leave. Time has gone so fast.

Iberian Voyage 19 - Lisbon. to Óbidos

Sunday April 21

Second day of the post trip. We are leaving on the bus at 9 am. Portugal is a hilly country and this morning we see fog. It’s sometimes quite eerie.

Finally about an hour later we are in Óbidos, a medieval town on a hill encircled by a city wall. But first we see this viaduct leftover by the Romans. 

We are heading to the city gate. 

Inside the gate a place to pray for it. Somebody was making nice music. 

Isn’t this an enchanted place? Joana is giving us details of many of the buildings but I am afraid that my head is already on overload. I am just happy looking around and admiring. 

Juana took us into this church “Igreja de Santa Maria de Óbidos”. Unfortunately I can not find a link to it on the internet. Joana knew a lot about the important details and artwork. 

When we walked a little further Joana had one of her little surprises for us. 

This was called “Ginja”, Portuguese liqueur served in a little chocolate cup. It was very nice. 

Then we had some free time until we had to be on the bus at the appointed time. 

James and I took a wrong turn and the streets were a bit more difficult than we would have liked. We managed though and soon we were on better grounds again. 

When we passed one of the many gift shops I saw these nativities. Yes, peanuts are here everywhere. James just said “please don’t”. Ha-ha, I was only tempted a split second. 

The bus drove back to Lisbon a different way and Joana got off with those who wanted an optional (shopping) walk. It was after 1 pm by now and we were happy to go back to the hotel. 

It was Sunday. We decided to have that short walk to the Aldi we had seen earlier. It was interesting and fun. 

Well, yes, we were thirsty. But at 3 pm (when it was /0 am at home) we wanted to join the Sunday service streamed from home live. For us that is always a special time. Martha knew we wanted to do it and she waved during the peace to us. 

At 5 another little walk finding an ATM for some Euro cash. 

Later we joined Joana and some others for a walk to dinner. 

When we finally seemed to be where she led us too we couldn’t quite believe it. The facade was nothing special, some steps up through a door and more steps but then…

And more steps. 

And then … amazing.  

Our little group with a very special antique tiles background. 

We had a very nice time. But then it was time to walk home. 

Yes, this was the entrance. Who would have thought?

What a day! I am so happy that I gave this written down now. All these adventures are starting to be jumbled up. It is nice to be able to read about everything again.