Portugal

Our stay in Salamanca was way too short, but it was time to head to Portugal. We had two days before we were due in Lisbon and no real plan for must-see sights along the way. After crossing the border our first stop was in Coimbra, coincidently another old University town. After looking around campus, a walk down Main Street, and a quick bite to eat, we decided to keep the train rolling. Next stop was Batalha, best known for its monstrous church and monastery. Built by King Joao I in 1388, it was his thank you to the Virgin Mary for victory over the Spaniards in the Battle of Aljubarrota. The sun was setting now, but we kept moving and found ourselves in Sintra for the night. Not far from Lisbon, Sintra has always been the summer retreat for the kings of Portugal. After a good nights sleep and a few local specialties for breakfast, we headed out to explore a couple of the palaces. The National Palace of Sintra is the oldest, built by King Joao I in the 14th century. It was occupied until 1910 (when the monarchy ended) and is still used today for receptions and other special events. Portuguese King Ferdinand, a cousin of Germany’s Mad King Ludwig, added the Palace of Pena to the landscape in the mid-1800’s. It was a real treat to tour and is beautifully furnished as if the King still occupied it today. In fact it was so completely furnished that the Queen’s sitting room included the following quote; “The profusion of objects demonstrates the horror of empty spaces and the desire to collect.” (I know a few ladies that think like this.)

We had a little more time to fill before our friends arrived so we headed over to the Lisbon Oceanarium. Built as part of the 1998 World Expo, this amazing facility (2nd largest in the world) has over 25,000 marine species. After we had our fill of fish it was on to the Mall as we were running out of days to see Santa Claus before Christmas. This Mall was huge and had a very lively and jolly Santa Claus. Speaking only a little English, he did an awesome job entertaining the kids (and Angie as you’ll see below). We even got a special Portuguese Christmas book (authored by Santa himself) full of Christmas stories from his many years of visiting kids at the mall.
Coimbra was Portugal's original capitol.  Then in 1290, the university was founded in the former royal palace (pictured above) and the capitol moved to Lisbon.

Surprised to see a Hamburger on the menu at lunch, I decided to go American.  When in Portugal though, this is what you get.  Yes there is a little patty hidden under the egg, but no bread or ketchup.  None-the-less, it was pretty good.
Batalha Monastery.
This statue of Nuno Alvares, the man who masterminded the Portuguese victory, sits just outside the main entrance of the Monastery.
Everywhere you look, homes and businesses are decorated with the locally made tile.  The next photos are two very different examples.

The National Palace of Sintra is easily recognized by its unique 108 foot high chimneys. 
Palace of Pena


This troll/serpent keeps watch over the main gate.

Built high on a hill, it offers great views out to the ocean.

Lisbon Oceanarium.


The ocean sunfish (aka Mola Mola) is the largest bony fish in the world.  This one measures over 6 feet long and weighs in at almost 3,000 pounds.
Santa Time!!!