November 14 Side Trip to Sintra

Trip Start Nov 11, 2007
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Trip End Dec 23, 2007


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Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Just outside of Lisbon, about 10 miles away, is a semi-seaside resort called Sintra, built up on a mountain range overlooking the sea.  A UNESCO World Heritage Site now, but in years past Kings resided here during the summer months and those who wanted to be close to royalty also built homes here.  The train dropped us off near the Town Hall, which is a beautiful building that was built in 1906.  We had a very nice walk - down and around the edge of the mountain to the historic village.  Along the way we had nice modern sculptures to view, old parks and gardens and a Moorish Fountain.  We knew we were in the center of the village when we saw the horse drawn carriages and found all of the restaurants and souvenir shops.  We ate at a small restaurant for lunch - a little off the beaten path - full of locals.  Then Jim went up to the National Palace to smoke a cigar while I wandered up and down the hills in the village, looking for something unique.  I lucked out in a small shop - but other than that - just the same old items Sintra 01
Sintra 01
 .  There are some famous castles to visit here but quite honestly, we were a bit tired from the steep climbing yesterday and didn't really feel like touring a castle - not to mention we would have had a 2 mile uphill walk to get to one of them...although I suppose the public transportation would have been willing to assist us had we really wanted to go.  We found a nice park, Parque da Liberdade,  to wander through on the way and Will, there were some very interesting animals in this park, Ahnie and Bahdee took some photos for you so you can see for yourself what we found in that park.  These animals came courtesy of Ghandy Piorski in honor of this parks 70th anniversary.  Back to the train station and a quick 30 minute ride back to Lisbon.  Spent a good hour uploading the photos from yesterday, sorry about all of those - I was a bit excited on our first full day.  Today you have a more reasonable amount to view.  We rested a bit and then headed out for dinner.  Along the way we found a shop that we had visited last April so I ducked in real quick and when I came out, Jim was congregated with a bunch of men drinking down some Ginjinha.  This is a Cherry Liquor and at 1 Euro a shot, we may have found our favorite treat in Lisbon!  Two or three cherries in the bottom of the glass and a great taste and feeling!  I was so proud of Jim for figuring out what these guys were all doing and then venturing in and ordering one for himself!!  We had dinner at an Italian restaurant - we have had enough 'carne' for a day at least - and then couldn't wait to walk back past the Ginjinha shop for a little digestive!  I will tell you, I need to be careful while walking with Jim, not sure what it is about him but he has been 'propositioned' on more than one occasion for 'hash'.  One guy was following us down the street - telling us it was perfectly legal - we couldn't shake him.  He is waiting for a better 'proposition' - so he says.....  A pretty early night tonight - we have an early morning tomorrow - as we need to be to the train station by 8 but leave time to buy tickets and get organized.
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5025
5025 on Nov 15, 2007 at 07:51PM

Sintra
Looks like an interesting city or village. Dad says those are his kind of animals - no upkeep. Looks like a lot of walking - ugh.

Mom

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