The Orient is still here, along with the modern
Thursday, 29 March, 2018; arrive Israel
I planned - after reading an article about Israel in our The Age- to visit Tzfat ad wander in the old streets admiring paintings, maybe buying one, but was told the at Pessach visits from tourist are frowned upon, so I decided to take a trip tho Acco instead. We go first, Carina is with me, to Caesarea. Of course I have been here before but this time- is the guide more effective ? the place
speaks more to me. Within the ruined columns I see the wonderful palace overlooking the sea, his personal swimming pool and the whole Roman splendour.
From Caesarea to Haifa. We don't linger in the town but admire -and take photos- of the magnificent Bahai church and garden
From here to Acco.
Apparently it was just luck that let to the discovery of an ancient crusaders city buried by the
Moslems in an effort to erase all traces of the infidels. Now it is reconstructed for us to admire, and enhanced with some movie effects...not really necessary
And then, of course is the magnificent Mediterranean, in full display of rocky shores, hidden pools, stormy waters.
We are not far from the border
Sunday, 4 April , 2018
Carmel market, with Rachel
The sun is shining so Rachel, who hasn't been there for years, decides to take me to the Carmel market.
It is much cleaner and richer than I remembered.
These are pomegranates
I wish I could buy lots-fruits, vegetables, cheeses-end up by buying an embroidered envelope for the Pessach matzot. Quite nice.
Wednesday, 11 April, 2018, Lisbon.
A very elegant hotel right in the middle of the main street. The Avenue of Liberdade is a wide street lined with trees and decorated with abstract pavement mosaics. It looks even bigger than the Cahmps Elysees. Lined with elegant building, shops, an imposing railway.
Wednesday, 11 April, 2018, Lisbon.
A very elegant hotel right in the middle of the main street. The Avenue of Liberdade is a wide street lined with trees and decorated with abstract pavement mosaics. It looks even bigger than the Cahmps Elysees. Lined with elegant building, shops, an imposing railway.
Atribute to the master builders of Portugal.
Thursday, 12 April, 2018.
This is our first day of the tour. We are taken for a drive around Lisbon. . Just as well because it is during rain. We are told that the locals are thankful, as it comes after a long drought. Hmmm
Fortunately we can admire the views from the bus. The city appeared to be very carefully planned, which it is, thanks to the famous earthquake from 1755 which destroyed a large part of the city, caused much damage and suffering and allowed the famous Marquis of Bompal to practice his architectural skills. Avenues follow avenues lined with elegant buildings housing boutiques and luxurious dwellings.
Further afield we visit Belem, on the river Tagus and admire, from the outside, the imposing Torre de Belem and the Monstero dos Jeronimos, all dark and smoky. it is build, we are told in the Manuelline style, which stressed nautical details, an homage to the Portuguese explorers.
We go on to visit the Palacio de Queluz.
Thursday, 12 April, 2018.
This is our first day of the tour. We are taken for a drive around Lisbon. . Just as well because it is during rain. We are told that the locals are thankful, as it comes after a long drought. Hmmm
The fountain seem well supplied with water.
Further afield we visit Belem, on the river Tagus and admire, from the outside, the imposing Torre de Belem and the Monstero dos Jeronimos, all dark and smoky. it is build, we are told in the Manuelline style, which stressed nautical details, an homage to the Portuguese explorers.
We go on to visit the Palacio de Queluz.
The rooms are beautifully restored, to their former glory.
The gardens are also remarkable adorned with topiary, fountains and Pleasant Walks.
The gardens are also remarkable adorned with topiary, fountains and Pleasant Walks.
From Lisbon to Cascais and Estoril. This is where the rich and famous spend their holidays. The he'd the beach, the views and the luxury. We drive by and go on the see the where the land ends: the Cabo da Roca.
A monument to the Templar knights (we learn their story later)
St. Vincent's Cape
Old and new Faro
with the new.
The entrance
new over old building
new over old
a decorating vine
new flag on an old building
storks; they are everywhere
remains of the roman temple dedicated to Diana (perhaps)
main square; Praca de Giraldo; notice fountain
it is all bones
nice ceiling (no bones0
On the way there we visit the locks ad admire the splendid views
The Palacio de Mateus and gardens
King Afonso Henriques
Wednesday, 18 April, 2018
To Oporto to admire the magnificent ocean views (this time from the bus).
There are lots of churches and cathedrals in Oporto but we are to see a modern building, very much in use, the Palacio deal Bolsa. Very elegant, with a fantastic ceiling, inspired apparently by the Alhambra. (My first reaction:'Is it a mosque?')
in memory of Gustave Eiffel; his workroom
inlaid woodwork
Here is Henry the Navigator (who never went to sea) pointing the way
The Lello library
Oporto has one of the famous bookshops, mentioned on line. There are books, as in any other bookshop but the staircase, the windows and the ceiling make book buying special.
Tomar.
We learn that the Knights Templar after being persecuted by French king Philip14 and Pope Clement V were adopted by the Portuguese ad given the task to help clear the country of Moors. They left picturesque castle, churches and a good reputation.
This is a tomb oF A VERY NOBLE PERSON
The last sight is more cheerful, a fishing village where the Portuguese go for rest and recreation (some people do fish-it is on all the menus) and, finally, the picturesque Oporto with winding streets leading up to the castle. We are treated with cherry brandy in a chocolate case-so we shall remember Portugal as a very sweet country.
Friday, 13 April. 2018
Olhao
I didn't think that a fish market is a thing of beauty but this one is.First the variety; fish of all shapes, sizes and colours presented in and orderly display and adorned with leaves and flowers. The blue and white tiles which decorate the hall are a perfect foil. I am not tempted to eat the creatures but I can see why they sell.
For such we have been invited to a horse ranch, where we are treated to a show.
First we have to listen to the history of the place. quite a story. The owner of the ranch fell in love with the reigning queen and since his love was not returned he fell into a deep depression and surrounded himself with black, hence the name of the ranch, Montenegro. Then we watch the horses perform. We clap hands politely.
Cats are welcome too.
Saturday, 14 April. 2018
The Sagres peninsula
We are at the Algarve, there to admire nature; the view of St.Peter's Cape and Lagos. On the way we listen to the guide talk about the exploits of the Portuguese navigators, how forced by political and economic pressure they took to the sea and, in small and primitive vessels revolutionised navigation and discovered the world we know. Portuguese is now spoken in South America, Asia, China... and Portugal.
In the afternoon we follow Anna. She takes us on a tour of old Faro where the old houses blend in
withe the new
In memory of the Templars
Old and new Faro
in the afternoon we go to the church of St. Lawrence to follow his tragic story painted in blue and white tiles. We learn that just as he was about to be burned and angel came to him and offered comfort. Still he was burned.
Sunday, 15 April. 2018
Monsaraz.
This is ancient Portugal at its best; narrow lanes, stone built houses anda pub reminiscing the Knights Templars, who were handed over the town in order to protect it against the enemy, Spain. We enjoy some local cheeses and wine, walk the narrow streets ( that is, go up and down) and visit the fortifications; it was at the border with Spain and needed protection. A perfect Sunday.
original local crafts
pub dedicated to the old warriors, the Templars
new flag on an old building 
storks; they are everywhere
the symbolic rooster
it tells all about it (in Portuguese)
afternoon; Evora
We start with the remains of a Roman temple -some columns. Pity the rest is gone, the stones used for new houses. Still, the city is full of cathedrals, places, museums...we get to see only one, Sao Francisco, because it houses a gruesome chapel of bones... I would rather have visited the main cathedral. The modern drawing at the entrance is good though.
remains of the roman temple dedicated to Diana (perhaps)
bones again
this is modern
In the evening we have dinner (with wine) at the very elegant hotel.
16 April. Monday, 2018
Castelo de Vide
This is a very small town high up on the hilltop, interesting to visit because at one time it was the refuge of persecuted Jews. The old synagogue is still there, now a museum.
This is a very small town high up on the hilltop, interesting to visit because at one time it was the refuge of persecuted Jews. The old synagogue is still there, now a museum.
.
We are staying at the Grao Vasco hotel, named after a great painter.
The town is very pleasant; green gardens fountains and a cathedral who seems to welcome all.
Tuesday, 17 April, 2018
From Viseu we drive through the Douro Valley where -we are told-port wine is produced.
no doubt we shall be tasting it. We are visiting the Palacio de Mateus where the gardens are as famous as its spirits.
On the way there we visit the locks ad admire the splendid views
GUIMARES
Described as 'the birthplace of the nation' Guimares takes us back to 1139 when Afonso Henriques proclaimed himself King of Portugal. The old castle still stands -proudly overlooking the town is meant to protect and the statues are there, to remind us of Portugal' old history. The new buildings been well with the old forts and statues.
King Afonso Henriques
Showing the way to the pilgrims on the way to Santiago de Compostella
Nightime.
We enjoy a cruise on the Douro. It is a perfect way to admire the old fortifications and the bridges
designed by the Gustave Eiffel, the engineer of the famous tower.
Then we enjoy a feast in an old inn.
Wednesday, 18 April, 2018
To Oporto to admire the magnificent ocean views (this time from the bus).
There are lots of churches and cathedrals in Oporto but we are to see a modern building, very much in use, the Palacio deal Bolsa. Very elegant, with a fantastic ceiling, inspired apparently by the Alhambra. (My first reaction:'Is it a mosque?')
inlaid woodwork
Here is Henry the Navigator (who never went to sea) pointing the way
The drink
Port, the drink, is an important industry. We are taken to a distillery and made to learn all about it whether we want to or not. We get to drink some though.
Oporto has one of the famous bookshops, mentioned on line. There are books, as in any other bookshop but the staircase, the windows and the ceiling make book buying special.
Thursday, 19 March, 2018
Coimbra and Tomar were left for the last days and so was the guide. Both sights and guide were the best of all.
Coimbra. I have been here before but see it only from the outside. This time we are taken around the
old lecture halls, have the bell tower pointed out let to admire the ornate Salas dos Capelos (for investitures), and the magnificent library. The students, clad in black garments, fit the grandeur.
Free, of course, or very affordable, for the bright and hardworking.
Tomar.
We learn that the Knights Templar after being persecuted by French king Philip14 and Pope Clement V were adopted by the Portuguese ad given the task to help clear the country of Moors. They left picturesque castle, churches and a good reputation.
This is 'The Manueline window', which appeared in every exam testing the architectural students knowledge of his 'style, inspired by the Portuguese navigational ability and achievements.
This is a tomb oF A VERY NOBLE PERSON
The fountain is important for purification rites
Friday, 20 April, 2018
We are at Fatima, where the virgin appeared to three children. This is the Portuguese Lourdes. I see-some pilgrims who actually walk on their knees.
The last sight is more cheerful, a fishing village where the Portuguese go for rest and recreation (some people do fish-it is on all the menus) and, finally, the picturesque Oporto with winding streets leading up to the castle. We are treated with cherry brandy in a chocolate case-so we shall remember Portugal as a very sweet country.
Oporto: views from the castle
and this is how it all started, with a tour of Lisbon leading to the Monument of Discovery;
later on, with the help of our wonderful guides, we found out how did the Portuguese make their worlds much bigger.
