Portugal: Cannon at the Fortaleza de Sagres

Using our hotel in Luz as a base, we explored the Algarve. Most tour guides had the Fortress at Sagres as a "must see" attraction. Sagres is the most south-westerly community in the Algarve. In Roman times this area was called the Promontorium Sacrum (hence the name, Sagres). One of two promotories in this region that jut out into the Atlantic (the other being Cape St Vincent), Sagres provides an excellent panoramic view of the ocean; clearly a military advantage.

Prince Henry the Navigator, son of King João I, built his famous school of navigation at Fortaleza de Sagres. The fort was originally built in the 15th century and rebuilt in 1793 after it was destroyed by Sir Francis Drake in 1587.

As a tourist site, Sagres is a bit disappointing. As we found throughout Portugal, the many historic sites are not utilized to maximize touristic potential. There was little in the way of guides or booklets to guide the visitor. No doubt an impressive site/sight, but little is done to educate the tourist. On the other hand, entrance prices were cheap and parking was free!

Cannon at the Sagres Fortress with Cape St Vincent
 in the distance  2014-05-15

Portugal: Portal Through the Castle Walls at Óbidos

The name "Óbidos" probably derives from the Latin term oppidum, meaning "citadel", or "fortified city". That's appropriate, since there have been a number of forts or castles on this site, since the time of Roman occupation. Since then, the Visigoths, the Moors and, finally, Portuguese royalty have occupied fortifications here.

This view of the surrounding valley, through a portal in the castle wall, was postcard worthy. Click!

Portal Through the Castle Walls at Óbidos  2014-05-10

Portugal: Óbidos: Santa Maria Church

Óbidos is a photographer's fantasy land. I can compare it to Quedlinburg in Germany insofar as every few metres or every corner presents another "Kodak Moment". Here the steeple of the Santa Maria Church, Óbidos.

Historical note: The Church of Santa Maria in Óbidos was the setting for the wedding of King Afonso V to his cousin, Princess Isabella of Coimbra, on 15 August 1441, when they were both still children aged 9 and 10, respectively.

Church steeple of the Santa Maria Church in Obidos 2014-05-15

Portugal: Rooftops of Old Lisbon

Prior to our trip we had, of course, read many tour guides about Portugal, and Lisbon in particular. Included in the must-see attractions were the yellow trams. On this morning, our first full day in Lisbon, we boarded the #12 tram, nice and early, for a short tour of neighbourhoods frequented by it. We were not disappointed. And, most certainly, our knees which had been acting up since our departure from home, thanked us. Lisbon is, to put it mildly, a city of hills. Oh, and did I mention; hills!

In this postcard view, overlooking the rooftops, we have the San Vincente de Fora church in the distance.

 Rooftops of old Lisbon 2014-05-06

Portugal: Rua dos Sapateiros in Lisbon

Our trip pre-planning had included a hotel booking. What luck! Without any real prior knowledge of Lisbon, Hanne and Gail found a hotel smack in the middle of the Baixa District, on Rua dos Sapateiros. In the 19th century, Baixa was Lisbon’s commercial heart, with streets named according to their trades. Rua dos Sapateiros means ‘the shoemakers’ street. The exit to the Rua dos Sapateiros, seen in the middle of this postcard,  is spanned by the Arco do Bandeiro. Seen from the other side, this arch is quite decorative.

One immediate advantage to this location was the proximity of two very highly rated (by TripAdvisor) restaurants. Seafood, of course!

Rua dos Sapateiros in Lisbon  2014-05-06

Portugal: Statue of King Joseph I in Lisbon

When we arrived in Lisbon, the temperature was, for us, too hot. But then again, we don't do heat very well. So, tired from our flight, and having checked into our hotel, we decided to explore our new neighbourhood; the Baixa. A short stroll took us from our hotel location on Rua dos Sapateiros to the broader, somewhat more majestic, Rua Augusta. About 3-4 blocks down this street we found the Praça do Comércio.

The centerpiece of the Praça do Comércio is the statue of José I (Joseph I). The bronze statue, inaugurated in 1775, shows the king on a horse trampling snakes. The statue is set on a monumental pedestal decorated with large sculpture groups (see the postcard picture) and overlooks the majestic square.

The centerpiece of the Praça do Comércio is the statue of José I (Joseph I)  2014-05-05

Portugal: Lisbon: Cruise Ships Dock at Alfama

Our early morning tram ride (on the #12 line) had taken us to a small plaza with a commanding view of the Targus (various spellings: Tagus. Tejo) River, the rooftops of the historic Alfama district, and the cruise ship terminal. On this morning, the Queen Mary 2 was berthed at Alfama. Scanning the riverside, we spotted two more cruise ships. No wonder Lisbon was seemingly filled to the brim with tourists!

Viewing the Queen Mary 2 cruise ship over
the rooftops of Alfama  2014-05-06

Portugal: The Famous #28 Tram in Lisbon

Earlier in the morning we'd ridden the #12 tram through some interesting old Lisbon neighbourhoods. We'd read about the yellow trams of Lisbon in all the tour guides, but the #28 was usually singled out as the one to take, if you only had time to ride one line. Having ridden the #12 to a higher location we were slowly strolling downhill (best travel advice for Lisbon is: trams up, walk down) when the #28 came rattling around the corner. Perfect postcard snap.

The Famous #28 Tram in Lisbon  2014-05-06

Portugal: Augusta Arch in Lisbon

One block from our Baixa hotel was the Rua Augusta. This street is probably as good an introduction to Lisbon as any. Full of sights, stores, activity, and, finally, leading to the Rua Augusta Arch at the end. The arch is a stone, triumphal arch that takes the visitor from the street to the imposing Praça do Comércio (Commerce Square). The arch, like so many monuments in Lisbon, was built to commemorate the city's reconstruction after the 1755 earthquake.

Augusta Arch in Lisbon 2014-05-05

Portugal: Convent of Christ in Tomar

The Convent of Christ in Tomar, attached to the Tomar Castle, is one of the most impressive historical sites we've visited in Europe.

The Convent of Tomar - The Convent of the Order of Christ (Convento de Cristo) - was originally conceived as a symbolic monument of the Reconquest (defeat of the Moors) in the 12th century. The castle around it was a Templar stronghold. With the dissolution of the Order of the Knights Templar in the 14th century, the Portuguese branch was turned into the Knights of the Order of Christ, which supported Portugal's maritime discoveries of the 15th century.

The Convent of Christ of Tomar is one of Portugal's most important historical and artistic monuments and has been in theWorld Heritage list of UNESCO since 1983.

The Convent of Christ in Tomar, attached to the Tomar Castle, is
one of the most impressive historical sites we've visited in Europe  2014-05-12

Portugal: Rooftops of Old Lisbon

Our fantastic hotel not only had cool, clean, and very creatively-decorated rooms, it also had a roof garden with a spectacular view of old Lisbon.

Rooftops of Old Lisbon  2014-05-05

Germany: Steeple of the Laurentius Kirche in Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler

In early May, Beate took us on a tour of picturesque Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler. As we approached the Marktplatz, storm clouds gathered behind the steeple of the Laurentius Kirche. Before long, as we settled in for some coffee, at an outside cafe table in the market square, the deluge was upon us.

Storm clouds gather behind the Laurentius Kirche
steeple in Ahrweiler 2014-05-04

Germany: Rüdesheim am Rhein: The Famous Drosselgasse

May 1st is perhaps not the best time to visit Rüdesheim am Rhein (because it's a bank holiday in Germany and the town is teeming with tourists), but when you're in the vicinity, you might as well have a look. And, if you're having a look, well, that requires a stroll down the Drosselgasse (along with hundreds/thousands of others). Nonetheless, it's very picturesque. CLICK! Another postcard is born.

Strolling along the Drosselgasse in Rüdesheim am Rhein  2012-05-01

England: Big Ben in London

On our first days in London, we hit many of the iconic sights. On this particular day, the Tube took us to Westminster. Once we emerged from the subway, Big Ben dominated the skyline. What an icon!

Big Ben in London needs little introduction  2014-05-03

Portugal: Lisbon's Iconic Trams

If you visit Lisbon, a ride on one of the iconic trams lines (Line #28 likely the best, but #12 is also pretty good) is a must. Make sure you get to the start of the line early; these trams have become real tourist attractions and can be quite crowded later in the day.

One of Lisbon's Iconic Tram Cars (#12 Line) 2014-05-05

Portugal: Sitio (Upper Part of Nazare) Chapel

A quick ride up the funicular took us up to Sitio, the upper part of the town of Nazare. A slight drizzle and some mist were just what we needed after the heat of the previous few days.

Chapel in Sitio (Nazare) Portugal 2014-05-14

Portugal: Window Seen from the Streets of Tomar

After arriving at our hotel in Tomar, we took a stroll along the Nabão River, heading for the old part of town. This window caught my eye. CLICK! I love windows and doors; particularly old ones.

Old Window in Tomar, Portugal 2014-05-11

Portugal: Algarve Fishing Village of Salema

Once we travelled west from our hotel location in Luz, Portugal, we found the "real" Algarve. Two of our favourite places; Burgau and Salema. This is the wonderful, tiny village of Salema with its perfect beach.

Salema, Portugal 2014-05-18

England: London - Thames Barrier

Our recent visit to London took us on a Thames cruise. On this particular sunny day, the cruise went as far as the futuristic-looking Thames Barrier; built as flood protection.

Thames Barrier: Flood Control for London 2014-05-03