Well, it’s time to leave this interesting town of Porto by the river and head south to Lisbon.
Made the two hour trip south to stop in Fatima. Fatima is the town where there Shepard children saw a vision of the Virgin Mary in around 1917. According to the story she was spotted and at times conversed with for several months on the same date. There is now a huge square with a basilica and other religious buildings and sites.
Made our way into this very pretty church with a beautiful Madonna picture at the altar. Outside the stations of the cross are depicted in tile. Heard a mass with singing, saw a procession, and saw several people kneel walking on a path to where the original tree where Mary was seen, and is now an altar area.
After visiting the church, went to the town for a little shopping and a nice lunch. Had a lovely lunch with good vinho verdi wine, in a little plaza.
Off to Lisbon, where after we checked in to the hotel, we had to “check out” the rooftop bar. Such a pretty spot! It was then off to see some of the city before meeting for dinner.
Some of us decided to take the trolley car, which was an experience in itself. Got on and went up these narrow streets, before getting off to look out at the beautiful view down to the water. Made our way taking in one fantastic view after another, and decided to try to walk by following the trolley tracks down the hill. Quite a walk down these rather steep, narrow cobblestone streets !
Got to see some interesting buildings, pretty cafes, and some fun shops, before making it back to our hotel.
We had some time before dinner, so set off to explore this part of the city. Found a lovely square, with a market with individual crafts people, as well as food and drink venues, before returning to the hotel.
Met Derek who walked us to the Fado concert and dinner. We had a delicious dinner with the best of the cod cakes, as well as our normal fare of bread, cheese, and olives. Also ate a delicious fish, shrimp and rice dish as the entree. All accompanied by of course wine. The real stars were the group of Fado performers. A male and female singer, and two guitar players, all of which were excellent.
Well it is off to bed, as tomorrow is a busy day with a city tour, and an excursion to Sinatra.