This picture shows the name of a student who graduated along with the date and degree. It's all written on the walls in bull's blood. I guess in the excitement of graduating some guys would kill a bull, use the blood and then have a feast. Crazy!!!! I'm happy that part has been forgotten. It's the third oldest University behind Cambridge and Montpelier. They studied theology, languages and mathematics. It was hard to imagine going to school in those dark cold con...

This is one of the older buildings near the major plaza and it's called "The House of Shells". The whole of the exterior is decorated on this shell motif...even the iron work covering the windows. The craftsmanship is amazing when you realize how long ago it was done. Canada as a nation is so young.

While strolling through the streets we were fascinated by the racks of cured ham hanging in the window. We also visited the local market and checked out the local meats,fish,vegetables and spices. Everyone goes to market in the morning to buy what they need for their main meal which is served from 2:00 til around 4:00. They have a snack around 12:00 to hold them til 1mealtime. After they have their family meal it's siesta and then the stores open again around 5:...

Here we are at the hotel after resting for a bit. We did a bit of sightseeing from the bus as we were driving I'm but the main part will be tomorrow. Getting set to do to a Fado dinner and show. Fado is a Portuguese style of "Blues" music. I'm lonely, I'm sad, somebody left me, somebody done me wrong kind of music. Hard to tell what they're saying but you get the drift. It was a really good concert and dinner. Also saw some traditional dances. Again everyone is ...

Have really enjoyed the company of everyone on the tour. Diverse but no primadonnas. Boarded the bus for our long drive to Lisbon. Most people just decided to sleep or read. Elaine and I had a very interesting conversation with a fellow from Miami. We learned of the downgrading of the US dollar as well as the low Dow Jones plus the riots in England and it made for lively discussion. The countryside was much the same with sunflowers and olive trees. We saw more ...