Buddha Gardens & Sintra

Felt a little sad when having to leave picturesque Obidos
So went to Buddha Eden Gardens at Quinta dos Loridos.
Whose sprawling estate is known for it’s quality of wine
Has 35 acres devoted to plants, art plus an Asian shrine.

A proud golden Buddha is flanked by warriors blue
Reached via a winding maze edged with tall bamboo.
A Japanese bridge spans across a carp filled lake
Following gravel paths that around statues snake.

Giant ornately carved stone deity heads
Arise from flowering hydrangea beds.
The various domains are distinctly Asian
Welcoming visitors to a spiritual haven.

Ventured onwards to our final place to stay
The newly renovated Collares Petit Palais.
Discovering Sintra by car left us bemused
Circular one way routes left us so confused.

Following day by foot we were still unsure
Waved down a tuk tuk and booked a tour.
Moorish Castle and the endless love fountain
Then Pena Palace atop of the steepest mountain.

A fairytale vision of bright yellow and red
Once entered so many more steps to tread!
It’s views and magnificence we did appreciate
Extremely crowded didn’t make us feel so great.

Descending, passed Quinta de Regaleria with it’s spiral well
Our tour ended outside Sintra Palace where royalty still dwell.
Successfully ticked off all the major highlights
Drove to Cascais ready to curb our appetite.

Lunched on periperi chicken & a cold beer
Then a dip in the ocean whilst we were here.
Our last day was spent locally, more relaxed
Then a final clear up before our bags repacked.

Three weeks in Portugal certainly opened our eyes
So many adventures and making memorable times.
West, south, east, north and lots more in between
Our route was thorough, so pleased we have been.Read more