Lisbon

November 22 

I was going to try and combine two days of touring into one post. I am getting behind because of all the fun.

But I can't. 

Day 42

We took a tour to Sintra.  First stop, Palacios Nacional da Pena.

What a colorful place!

I like this freestyle use of color and tile.

Nice bed for a King.

Nice handrail.

The Party Room.  Tony was not surprised that they had 11 children.

The stonework was A Maze Za Zing.

And then there's this guy.  It was weird because he is next to the exit for the bathrooms. 😆 

 

Then we went to the creepiest place I have ever been. Really.  I think that is the absolute truth.

Quinta da Regaleira.

It's a really lovely garden, cool and green, with circular paths up and down.  Our tour guide left us there with this admonishment:

Left is Sinistre in Latin.  Only turn right in this place to get out.

K.

So the highlight of this park is something called The Initiation Well.  It was used to initiate those who wanted to be a member of the  Knights Templar.  I will not be one, sadly.

Tony might.

You walk to the bottom and out through a cave.  Regular people have lighting.  The Templar candidates were blindfolded.

I made it to the first step, then properly freaked out.

It would be the perfect place to hide a grail.

But the garden has other qualities.

Like a nice mosaic wall.

And a really gingerbread castle.

Uggh.  I never have to go there ever again.

Tony had a different experience, but he's not writing this blog.

Then we went to the edge of the world to wave at our continent, but it was too cloudy to see America. 😞 

We ended our day with a great meal and some local FADO.  (Music)

The host and waiter and one of the cooks entertained us, after all  orders were taken!

Tony is living it up.  Note the "AF" on the barrel next to his head.

Also these guys.  Our new best friends in the neighborhood of Alfama.