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.