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Brian Gallagher

Brian Gallagher

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    • Brian GallagherBrian GallagherPortugal

      Day 15. Sintra and beyond

      23 agosto 2017, Portogallo ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C

      A guide took us to Sintra first thing in the morning where we saw first hand "tourist pollution ". There were thousands of them fighting for parking spaces etc.
      Our first destination was the Palace of Pena a former home of Portugal's royal family. We were taken to a small entrance, away from the maddening crowds, to purchase our tickets. Only for the gardens and Palace terrace. Buying Palace tickets depended on the queue.
      On our arrival at the main entrance it was quite obvious we were not visiting the Palace. The waiting time in the queue was estimated at 1 hr30 mins. In the heat we would have become boiled lobsters. Not on.
      From the Palace terrace we headed to the high cross. The highest point with great views all around. From there in the shade of the garden, quite extensive, we headed down through the Valley of the lakes to meet our guide Nunu.
      The Quinta da Regaleira was our next port of call. An exhuberant collection by some of Portugal's best artists. The ceiling panelling were fantastic.
      The gardens were a labyrinth and despite being discombobulated several times we managed to see all the highlights, which included the following;
      The Iniciatic Wall. A submarine tower that sinks 27 metres into the earth by a spiral stairway and the exit was through a tunnel.
      The Regaleira Tower, the Grotto, the Balnearium Fountain and the Chapel.
      Weary and dusty we then drove to the most Western point in mainland Europe. The Cabo da Roca. Very dramatic coastline.
      I might add we manage lunch amongst all the activities.
      A walk round Cascais with an ice-cream and we were ready to return to Lisbon. Tired, dusty but very satisfied.      Leggi altro

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    • Brian GallagherBrian GallagherPortugal

      Day 14. Lisbon.

      22 agosto 2017, Portogallo ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C

      Bus trip to Lisbon was uneventful, passing through an huge area of cork trees. No evidence of bushfires that were on the news.
      We are accommodated in the Baixa area of Lisbon and on arrival there was a noticeable difference in temp. Cooler. The hot weather is going to follow us for the next few weeks with no change in sight.
      Passed the afternoon strolling around the area with lots of other tourists.
      Tomorrow we hope to take a trip to Sintra and Cabo da Roca the most western point of Europe.      Leggi altro

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    • Brian GallagherBrian GallagherPortugal

      Day 13. Evora

      21 agosto 2017, Portogallo ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

      Up bright and early on the bus to EVORA. On arrival we took the city tour bus to get a general feel of the city.
      The Chapel of the bones attracted our interest and so we visited. Built with bones from a previous time it is interesting but macabre. Like the one in Paris in it's subterranean passages.
      A Cathedral visit and the nearby Roman temple followed but the heat was too much so we had lunch and headed back to Estremoz.
      EVORA is not the place to visit in the August heat.
      After a siesta ( it is one of the things that prolongs your life) we dined and had a beautiful meal and evening.
      Shirl soaked her feet in the bidet to soften her toenails for trimming.
      Lisbon tomorrow and hopefully the weather will be cooler.      Leggi altro

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    • Brian GallagherBrian GallagherPortugal

      Day 12. Estremoz.

      19 agosto 2017, Portogallo ⋅ ☀️ 37 °C

      We changed our plans today staying in town to visit the weekly market instead of going to EVORA. 42deg predicted there today against a cool 😜😎37 here.
      The market was of two parts. Flea and veggies. Always interesting to see the locals engaging in animated bartering and conversation. Not much of interest and we retired to a bar for cold drink. It was one dominated by men and the owner frowned at Shirl sitting at the bar.
      With nothing left to do but escape the heat we retired to await the cool of the evening.
      We heard that there have been bush fires near EVORA and with this heat and winds they will be difficult to see. Tomorrow we might see, experience the extent of them. Let's hope they are not too severe.
      The evening saw us visit the local church and as we approached a group of young musicians entered the church. Shirl immediately thought"concert". Not to be. It was the music for the mass. Ursula, up there with St Peter must have been having a good old laugh. Us two sitting through a mass.
      We tried the Asado Polvo for dinner. Roasted octopus. Quite tasty. I have included a photo from the men's toilet telling men not to sprinkle on the floor.
      A pleasant evening.      Leggi altro

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    • Brian GallagherBrian GallagherPortugal

      Day 11. Estremoz.

      18 agosto 2017, Portogallo ⋅ ☀️ 37 °C

      First off this morning we headed off to the hospital to have Shirl's arm redressed. We approached what looked like a derelict building and entered with some trepidation.
      Inside it was clean, spotless.
      I was greeted by an older woman who clearly wanted nothing to do with us and told us, in Portuguese of course, to go down the hall to room at the end.
      There were several rooms and one with a doctor. I explained our problem. She consulted her computer terminal and, of course we were not on it. She spoke to someone and told me to go back with our passport to the counter. Phew! A younger lady, who spoke a little English, took the passport and Medicare card and proceeded to enter the details, with difficulty and consternation. As usual everyone joined in giving her advice. Eventually a smile and obvious relief and the task was completed. I returned down the hall and the wound was already redressed. The doctor entered details into the system and told us to return to the counter to pay.
      I paid with many thanks to the young lady and we left, very satisfied.
      Shirl told me she nearly had a heart attack as she thought the cost was €70. It was €4-70. ($7).
      The wound is healing nicely and several of the tapes that held the skin together were removed. I think Shirl is praying all will be well so we can walk St Francis Way in Italy. I remain unconvinced.
      The Correos(Post Office) was our next port of call with me wishing I had learnt more Portuguese. All was well and the hound man spoke excellent English. The parcel of Shirl's purchases is on its way.
      A visit to the medieval part of town on the hill was next before it became too hot.
      The visit to the local museum depicted the old way of life provided some relief from the heat.
      Not much to see elsewhere ,but we came across a gallery of marble sculptures. Wonderful pieces. Several we would have bought if it was possible. A long, interesting conversation with proprietor followed.
      Returning to town for lunch and an escape from the afternoon heat.
      Surfacing in the relative cool of the early evening we copied the locals and found a cafe by the square. (In the shade)
      A Super Bock and Ginger Ale were enjoyed whilst observing the locals. A passeggiata around the square finished the day got us.      Leggi altro

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    • Brian GallagherBrian GallagherPortugal

      Day 10. Our journey to Estremoz.

      18 agosto 2017, Portogallo ⋅ ☀️ 37 °C

      At breakfast we were able to pass on our knowledge of Fozcoa to a fellow traveller, newly arrived. She had been kept in the dark about what was on offer here.
      Our bus journey was uneventful but interesting. At our 3rd stop 4 locals plus a nun came on board and an animated, loud, debate amongst them about who sat where, followed.
      After 15 mins calm and quiet returned(thank goodness).
      Throughout the trip the burnt out countryside was all around us. Portugal has had terrible bush fires and 64 people perished.
      Estremoz is to Portugal what Carrara is to Italy. They mine marble. Each will tell you there's is the best.
      The bus terminal seats, floors and walls were made of the stuff. Outside the kerbstones and cobbled streets were marble.
      Opposite the new terminal is the old one with it's protected tiled scenes. A more charming edifice.
      Fortunately our hotel was close by as one does not linger on the searing heat. 38degs. Once inside the air conditioned comfort we stayed until we.ventured out in the cool of the evening.
      Weather forecast is for the hot weather to continue.
      Looks like morning sightseeing and afternoon siestas.      Leggi altro

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    • Brian GallagherBrian GallagherPortugal

      Day 9. Photos

      16 agosto 2017, Portogallo ⋅ ⛅ 15 °C

      The only plants that grow well here are olive trees and grapes. The rest wither in the boiling temps.
      There is a Camino walk through here to Santiago. Not a summer walk.
      Enjoy the photos.

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    • Brian GallagherBrian GallagherPortugal

      Day 9. Foz Coa.

      16 agosto 2017, Portogallo ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C

      This morning we made a change to our itinerary, cancelling our proposed 5 day walk from Fidenza, over the Passa della Cisa to Pontremoli. Instead we have booked an apartment in Pissoia, giving Shirl,s arm more time to heal before the Via Francesco.
      We discovered that yesterday was Assumption day( Public Holiday) in Portugal perhaps explaining lack of interest by the Tourist and Hostel Staff.
      Shirl discovered a walking trail to the Museum 4 kms away. Newly sign posted it was easy to follow. The countryside reminds us of Port Augusta. We came across a shepherd and his flock of sheep blocking the road. He invited us to walk through them which we did with trepidation. No problems. I thank him and we went on our way with the flock following us.
      We were surprised on arrival at the museum to be told that there were spaces available on the afternoon's tour. Then disappointed when told the starting point was 14 kms away and we needed to make our own way there. We settled for a tour of the museum. Very informative. The artists scribed over the work of other previous ones, making it sometimes difficult to see the images.
      We discovered why I had no response when trying to book a tour. All spots taken by tour groups.
      The predicted temp today was 36degs, so perhaps a blessing we didn't go.
      We left to return to the town and came across a group of young boys and their guardian who told us that a free tourist train operated 3 times each morning to correspond to the tours. We jumped at the offer of a free ride to town. The guardian tried to arrange a private guide but all slots were full.
      A good lunch then we returned to escape the afternoon heat.
      Evening saw us having a drink at the Sunset Bar before walking into town and enjoying the relative coolness of the evening breeze.
      Shirl has suggested that she carries her own rucksack tomorrow to relieve the pressure on me. We'll give it a go.      Leggi altro

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    • Brian GallagherBrian GallagherPortugal

      Day 8. Vila Nova de Foz Coa

      16 agosto 2017, Portogallo ⋅ ⛅ 24 °C

      Where on earth is Foz Coa? It is on the eastern side of Portugal near the Spanish border.
      The purpose of the long bus ride to the other side of the country was to visit the Pre historic Rock Art site. I was unable to book a visit on their site (quite useless) and this was confirmed by the staff at the hostel.
      On arrival I left Shirl drinking a coffee whilst I went to visit the Museo Office. Could not locate it. Then the Tourist Office. a most unhelpful woman confirmed she could not book visits and was unsuccessful in ordering a taxi for me.
      I did not appreciate humping both bags 1 km to the hostel, which is the only accommodation in town. (I will Check this out tomorrow)
      The staff in the hostel were indifferent to us but the room is very good.
      I was very grumpy at this stage but later we managed to find a good tapas/restaurant and enjoyed a pleasant meal. The beer went down well.
      We will explore tomorrow.      Leggi altro

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    • Brian GallagherBrian GallagherPortugal

      Day 7. JK !?'l/(#*+ Rowling.

      14 agosto 2017, Portogallo ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C

      First up a visit to a clinic to have Shirl's dressing replaced. The wound is healing up nicely. Not quick enough for Shirl as she knows that it needs to be well and truly healed before we start walking again.
      Today is the day I cursed JK Rowling and Harry Potter.
      She lived and taught English in Porto in the 1990's spending a lot of time in the Majestic Cafe and the Livraria Lello (Bookshop Lello).
      We decided to have coffee at the cafe. Bad idea. Full of Japanese tourists paying €30 ($47) per person for breakfast. Too rich for our tastes. Took a photo and moved on to the Livraria Lello. It cost 8€( $13) to enter after 1 1/2 hours wait in a queue. I was all for moving on but Shirl wanted to see the inside. All Harry Potter fans will recognise the staircase. A replica featured in Hogwarts Library. Very impressive.
      JK Rowling has a lot to answer for.
      Afternoon spent doing the laundry in preparation for our move to Vila Nova do Foz Coa.      Leggi altro

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