Lisbon postcard #7_____discovery

---

Inside the church at the Monastery

The Rio Tejo, 25th of April Bridge, and the humongous Cristo Rei

History lesson comes to life...This plaza in the Belem district is full of history and sights. Not surprising as it is on the World Heritage list for the Monastery of Jeronimos and the tower of Belem.

First the Belem Tower, was a defense tower and now stands guard over the Tejo River. This was where ships set sail for unknown destinations! Can you imagine the relief when those sailors caught sight of the tower after months and maybe years away. It is several miles outside of Lisbon and did survive the earthquake.

The Monastery of Jeronimos, King Manuel built this church on the site of a little sailors chapel. He is also the king that expelled Portugal's Jews. The sailors must have prayed here before embarking to who knows where!

Lisbon has been a most beautiful place. Warm and sunny in January! The people were friendly. Here by the river, at the Monument, families were hanging out, picnicing, playing ball, spending very easy going weekend afternoon. Makes you want to return and experience more. And there was a lot we just didn't have time to do. These blog entries have been interesting for us to put together. It gives us a chance to remember and make sense of what we have seen. Hope y'all find it fun, too. By the way, as we flew back into Poland, and the plane was approaching out from under the clouds, we saw snow on the ground.

---

Photos

sunlit
built 1520's
at the entry to the Atlantic

Marble Map of the world in the plaza
with dates of Portugal's voyages, and their conquests

Henry the Navigator
organised and financed the explorations

Luis de Camoes
Portugal's beloved poet's memorial in the church at the Monastery

beyond is the bridge
Monument stands 170 feet tall

Monument to the Discoveries
Prince Henry with poets, explorers, map makers, warriors, and the only woman depicted-his mother

Nativity
above the door into the church at Monastery of Jeronimos

monks were allowed in this loft
from this they could not see the congregation, only the pulpit

reflection
of Monument to the Discoveries

Cristo Rei
330 feet high, 1959 as a thanks to God for keeping Portugal out of WWII

Edward VII Park
the sun goes down and we say good bye to Cristina

Comments

[Brooke]

Great to hear from you!!!
Stephanie and Keith: WOW!!! What amazing adventures you have had! Keith, is there any way you could get me a job with Intl. Paper?! = ) It just seems like a dream the way you all are getting to explore Europe and learn about a new culture. Stephanie, I love the way you describe all your adventures and the little details about living abroad. And Portugal sounds beautiful! I LOVED reading about your Christmas with Katie!! I have sent the blog to my mom. Well, I will be checking back soon and will be in touch! LOVE, your friend from across the pond, Brooke = )