| During the next three days we explored Lisbon. The first day was spent in the Belem district where most of the Age of Discovery sights were located. The Monastery of Jeronimos and the Belem Tower displayed beautiful examples of the Portuguese Manueline architecture, an ornate and decorative artwork using nautical motifs throughout its designs. Vasco da Gama prayed in this church prior to each of his passages, his sail to India launched Portugal�s Golden Age, and his tomb rested in the monastery�s church. The Maritime Museum presented excellent displays showing the development in navigational tools and other items throughout Portugal�s seafaring history. Before leaving Belem, we climbed to the top of the Monument to the Discoveries affording us excellent views of both the Belem district and Lisbon. |
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| During the last two days in Lisbon we visited the Gulbenkian Museum, the Coach Museum, and the House of Fado and Portuguese Guitar. Also, we walked through the historic Lisbon districts of Bairro Alto, Baixa, and Alfama and up to the Castle Sao Jorge, unfortunately walking part of the time in the rain. The following day we flew home to Florida for the holidays. |
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