Blogs from Portugal, Europe - page 160

Wow I know I have complained before but Lisbon is built on mountains, that's what I think anyway others might think they are only hills. On the map we got it looked like our hostel was only a few streets away from where the bus dropped us from the airport. Unfortunately we did'nt take into account that it was all up hill by cobbled streets and we had to drag our luggage up with us. My suitcase is very heavy now with all the presents I have bought for Melanie!!!!!!!! We made it though and after our 5.30am start we were sooooooo happy to get there. The hostel is in the old part of the city called Bairro Alto and it seemed very quaint and quiet when we arrived. We went to bed very early as ... read more

Hoje começou a primeira aventura familiar, viajar de comboio até Madrid, Espanha. Pelas 5h30 começou a confusão de tomar banho, vestir, ver se falta alguma coisa para a viagem. Fomos beber café, ás 6h00 entramos nosso carro nos levaria á cidade de Faro, onde iriamos apanhar o nosso comboio para Lisboa. 9H20 o InterCidades Faro-Lisboa iniciou a marcha, para os miudos era tudo novidade, tambem para mim.... read more

Madeira - Day 10 We quickly disembarked so we catch the cable car to Monte before the tour buses arrived, and as we rode up in the first chairlift of the day it started to drizzle, at this stage we had no idea of what was to follow. We made our first mistake when we reached Monte, we decided to stop and admire the great views over a coffee. The tour groups over took us and we ended up in a huge line for the wicker taboggan ride back down the mountain. As we inched forward in the line, the rain fell heavier and heavier until it turned into a heavy tropical downpour. Ron kept telling me it would be worth the wait as it was such fun riding in the taboggan. After standing in the ... read more

Its another beautiful fine day and we're going to explore the source of Portugal's famous port wine, the Douro Valley. On the way we are charmed by the town of Amarante, locals flowing out of the church as we enter the square. Its an idyllic spot with a sunny cafe, the river and old stone bridge, and the old church. Keith is happy to soak up the square's atmosphere, sitting near an accordian player while we explore the church. Pulling aside the thick red curtain we discover yet another delightful church interior, and in the adjoining courtyard a well-worn row of confessionals. I briefly consider taking the opportunity, but unfortunately the dimensions were not designed for wee frogs. We follow the Douro River up the valley. The steep hills have been extensively terraced to provide footholds ... read more

Caminho Portugés Introduction After the Camino Francés (French Way) the Caminho Portugés (Portugés Way) is the most popular of all the ways to St James. Most pilgrims start at Tui as it’s a short route into a see Jimmy and obtain a Composetela. This time as it is winter we will be starting in Santiago and heading south to Lisboa, trying to keep ahead of the rain. Well that is the theory, but the rain has followed us from Spain so far! The Caminho Portugés is one of richest cultural and architectural heritages of the existing Caminos. In Portugal there is a long history of devotion to St James and St Roch, the patron Saint of Pilgrimage. Representations of both Saints are to be found everywhere along the pilgrim road, some can be in prominent ... read more