Exploring the explorers (November 5)

Today was our first big exploration into Lisbon and we headed to Belem to learn more about the Portuguese explorers. Being a mapper, I can't ever get enough of maritime history, just being where these brave explorers even attempted to go outside their known boundaries with such limited technology. (Yes, I prefer to go to sea in only the large research vessels, the bigger, the better and hopefully the more stable.)

Our first stop was the Monastery of Jeronimo where Vasco de Gama is entombed. Wow. This was my second time here and I was hoping Alexa would feel my enthusiasm and get a feeling for the history. It was impressive and the architecture amazing. We walked toward the monument to the explorers and also viewed the marble tiled map of the explorers (a gift from South Africa). Last history stop was the Belem Tower which was the first and last thing the sailors would see coming & going on their journeys. The very idea we were staring at it still so many years afterwards was uplifting.

We finished our stop in Belem with the famous pastry shop which has been making their divine custard creation since 1837. What's a little more powdered sugar and some cinnamon.

Such a smooth sail into history and Lisbon...unfortunately the ride home was a typical, big-city
traffic jam. Rush hour combined with an accident on the other side of the bridge made it a long
day. It was great to see the castle upon the hill all lit up as we approached Sesimbra. Also the
traffic made it late enough for us to venture out to dinner...a fabulous meal. Frango piri-piri...roast chicken with a hot sauce, a mound of fresh fries and a lot of the house vinho verde.