Lisboa

We returned the campervan on August 26, as our plan was to celebrate my birthday in Lisbon.  MY  friend Marylou was arriving from Seattle the next day to celebrate with us. We hated to end the camping and driving experience.  It was a great way to see the countryside and be sleeping in the same bed every night.  I know how turtles feel carrying their homes with them!

                                            

    

                              

                               

     

Lisbon is a big city, so rich in history. Henry the Navigator started  a maritime school and sent men out to discover new places.  When Vasco de Gama Sailed from Portugal and reached India, this was a turning point in explorations.  Europe reached out to more distant lands.  Portugal became powerful and wealthy.  As you sightsee around Lisbon and see the palaces, castles and fortresses, churches and monasteries you are offended by the thought that these monuments were built by money siphoned out from the colonies.  

                                         

                                          

The Portuguese are delightful, so warm and hospitable.  The language is difficult for us to understand but the people are very helpful.

We are staying in an Airbnb hosted by Adriana.  She is in her 30's with two children and her husband for now is working in Angola, a CFO in a big portuguese car manufacturer or dealership.  The apartment is lovely, located in the old part of town, the location is great.  She left us a bottle of wine, great tips for sightseeing and was very charming.