Belém Tower

A general bus tour around Lisbon took us first to the Belem monument, a structure built in the mid 16th century as a fortress to project Portugal’s power as the foremost nation in Europe. A walk around the National Maritime Museum was pleasant enough, but Glenda was more excited by the pastels de nata, a custard-filled delight. How she chafed when her bee-line to the bakery was blocked by a full dress military review in honor of the arrival of the President of Senegal. One cavalryman quickly dismounted when his horse suddenly balked. The soldier summoned a nearby farrier who began tending the horse’s hoof. Soon the soldier remounted and the parade continued. For a while. Glenda did not look at the President. She just glared down the street toward the bakery and gnawed her fingers. After canons and bugles raised a Presidential racket, a military band struck up The Liberty Bell March by John Phillip Sousa. I had to wonder whether these people played Sousa simply because it sounds good, or because someone here knew that the former director of the U. S. Marine Band was of Portuguese descent. Then the Prime Minister of Portugal spoke at length about how Portugal and Senegal were the closest of allies. Glenda’s eyes never left the blue awning of the patisserie two blocks down the street. She started gnawing my fingers. Then the President of Senegal spoke at length about how his country and Portugal would continue to be close allies for ever and ever. Amen. When the horses, bandsmen, infantry and limousines finally passed and cleared our path, Glenda shot like a bullet to the bakery. Four of their sweet delicacies washed down with a cup of Starbuck’s coffee constituted our lunch. A brief bus stop at the top of the highest hill in town gave us another chance for a panoramic photo. We returned to the palatial Corinthia Hotel and prepared for our afternoon outing.Read more