TravelingArtista.com: 2016 Europe * Lisbon & Sintra * September 8

"I soon realized that no journey carries one far unless,

as it extends into the world around us, it goes an equal distance into the world within."

~Lillian Smith

I awake at 5 and notice lights along the horizon. We’re close to port! I jump up and walk the decks in the early morning light and marvel at this gigantic ship easily passing under the bridge. The span seriously looks like the Golden Gate to me. I learn later that it was designed by the same architect. (Ah. Makes sense!)

We pass through Lisbon quickly on a bus tour to Sintra. An elegant town in the hills where the King’s palace is surrounded by elegant lords’ manors clinging to the hills. Verdant with pines and eucalyptus, morning glories grow rampant over other plants – a wild weed. Tiny cobblestone streets weave in and out of medieval shops that are now tourist stores.

Cork specialties – now used for designs for everything from purses, to shoes, to – well, almost anything that is made of leather. A cork plantation heiress had a great idea of asking artisans and artists to see what they could do with the product and, voilá, all these cool items! I purchase a small day purse for 25€.

Shops sell local hand painted ceramics and the typical scarves, t-shirts, and aprons touting the area and famous double chimney palace (I think those chimneys look like a Madonna bra gone very bad). Shops with Ginja a light cherry liquor served for 1€ in a tiny dark chocolate cup. Special pastries that originated in a small coffee shop are quickly purchased, placed in a box and carried out to eat later. Light and delicate with an apple filling.

Beautiful views from the King’s balcony - the light is perfect for photos. Our guide Gloria mentions that this is normally a lush area because of the micro climate and rains but our day was perfectly sunny.

The bus passes along the coast and the most western spot of Europe. A jutting peninsula with wild white beaches dotted with lighthouse forts, that are now mostly restaurants, from there to Lisbon. Fourteen. Near here is the beach if the worlds larger surfing waves. One Australian surfer conquered a wave of 100 meters (300 feet!). Post storm waves of course.

The next town stop is the locale of the King’s beach and the Queen’s beach – but way back then they had to wear fully body bathing suits and men and women had to swim at different spots. I walked quickly basically searching for free WiFi to contact home. The whole town’s internet was down. But I did have a wonderful homemade tiny pork pie and local tiny beer. 2.50€.

Back in Lisbon we have plenty of time to walk alone along the boulevard that is mostly under construction. I run into two new friends from the ship, Astrid and Sue, and we share a pitcher of Sangria and finally find free WiFi. My first received message is from my daughter telling me that my year-old grandson is taking steps on his own! Tears ensure of course. But how wonderful!

Nearly 8 hours of sleep this night!