Thursday July 22, 2004 10:05pm Figueira da Foz, Portugal
Not sure why I kept a diary when I was younger – but now I certainly appreciate that I will never remember all the details of these journeys – hence the long entries! So here I am recording while the seniors and juniors play Bridge – Kyle is happy. George got the espresso maker working, so we are happy also. The weather today dictated that we do the tourist thing rather than beach. Off to the castle @ Montemor at the boys request. Not cost to enter – not even a donation box! It was in quite good condition. There was a section not very good that was the Princess residence – some walls standing. Again the views around were amazing -. The chapel was in quite good condition. Marucia found a grave marked Ribiero but no date. Others were from the 1600s, but hers looked older. The paintings were still visible but faded – but the statues were in quite good condition – only a finger missing on the expecting mother. (sip of wine .98E/bottle). The lower wall was added later (main section as early as 988AD, lower perhaps 1200s – they are not certain). I walked down to the gate @ the lower section – there were a couple of nails there – also saw lots of lizards; very quick movers. Kyle managed to grab a tail but too slippery. Amazing condition for something looked after and for no charge.
Next onto Condeixa for lunch for roast goat – cabral. Marucia & GL finally found us (walkie talkies came in handy – they now have quite a reputation for getting lost and taking a while to get turned around. I think not knowing the language has actually helped Mike and I. While waiting we had a cerveza and Kyle had a guarana – bought one for Pat also. Had lunch about 3:15pm – quite late so not lots left open 50E. Kyle had a omelette, GL pork; GL discovered Dao; very good.
Then to Conimbriga (7.5E) amazing Roman ruins, from 1000AD. The technology was most impressive – aqueducts and heated baths (3 temps – frio, tepid and hot). There were mosaics on most floors. Even indoor toilets with plumbing and heated rooms. The basement room used charcoal (not plain wood) and clay pipes were used for the central heating. There was also the main square in town with pieces of columns. We did not go to the coliseum, but the overview showed it also. All very Roman – amazing so few people, no active digging, and yet well preserved. Kyle found some mosaic tile pieces also. The museum had many artefacts all from the dig site here. Some pieces were from Italy. However brought with people or traded. Boys shared the digital camera. We will have to see what skill they have inherited. Mike is in his glory – so much to see and you can get so close, and hardly any people. And the cloudy day today likely made for better lighting (at least easier).
Tomorrow the boys want to hit the beach. Think we will head to perhaps Mira – supposed to be good sand dunes there. Mike will head south to some of the sites he wants to see.
Went back to grocery store – more Dao and cheese, guadana, fruit, yogurt. Total 47E. Boys are still bridging with M&GL. 10:45pm