Hey everyone!
My train to Lisbon went off without a hitch, though I was seduced yesterday afternoon by the comfy white couch in the tiny lobby of my hotel and never made it to the Prado. Criminal, I know, but I was getting a little worn out.
But something in the air of Lisbon has restored me. It´s hard to describe, but from the moment I got off the train I have felt like I belonged. The streets are cobblestoned in beautiful mosaics, the architecture a kaleidoscope of colors and styles. And within moments of dropping my pack off at my little blue hotel, I was on the doubledecker tourist bus headed straight for the Henry the Navigator monument.
It was one of the things I have been waiting to see... something about exploring the big wide unknown that thrills my toes. I got great pics. Nearby I wandered through the Belem Tower, sort of a stone fortress built half in the middle ages and half a century or so ago. Next, I went inside the cloisters of an old monestary, and caught the cathedral just as Sunday mass was ending. Vasco da Gama was buried there -- he's the explorer who blazed the trade route to India which put Portugal on the map!
Outside the Navigator was a huge compass mosaic built into the square, with a map of the globe. I stood over the spot where Seattle is, and waved hello to all of you, and missed you very much! But then I stood over the Portugal spot and thought of that yummy empanada I had for lunch.... :-)
Love T
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At one time Tom and I considered going to Portugal, and Henry the Navigator monument was on our list. Work interferred and we didn't go, but I remember ol' Henry's monument. This morning, while Tom and I were thinking about you Tom noticed Jazz chased a very large jack--that turned out to be a small coyote. Then Tom noticed two more coyotes in the brush pile. Worried about my little Jazz boy all alone, I turned Charger, Challenger, and Nitro out. They had great fun chasing the two critters. The coyotes managed to get through the fence but it was close. Of course, Charger broke a nail so off to the vet he goes Monday. Sigh. Nothing is cheap when it comes to hounds.....
ReplyDelete...and of course we miss you and envy you your adventures. We really are living vicariously through your writings. Bop has asked me to put your notes on her blog, so I'll do that. Love from your mom
ReplyDeleteTell those lightening fast hounds they'll catch the big one next time!
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