Tuesday, August 3, 2004 10:40pm Sintra
Ahhh, this is so idyllic. We arrived here yesterday at Diane & Carlos’ in the early afternoon. A bit tricky to get to given the coastline drive. But beautiful once you get here. The last little turn we could not find, but a local drove us to the driveway – as usual very friendly and helpful.
DIane & Carlos are marvelous hosts/hostesses. After settling in we headed to the beach. Quite a hike to get there, but well worth it. (diagram in notes – shows sheer cliffs with amazing formations, lots of lovely beach with big waves and surfers, a natural inland pool and a hotel at the end of the beach with a pool where the waves crash into the pool)
The scenery was very attractive and surfers were everywhere. With summer vacation for the locals in full swing the beach was packed. We returned and had drinks on the patio with Diane & Carlos – pop for the boys and scotch & soda for Mike & I.
They are a very interesting couple. She is from Rhodesia / Zimbabwe and he is Portuguese. He has travelled widely – something to do with the shipping industry. He and Mike compared stories of Russian experiences. He told of a young guide, Iran, who worked with him and was in tears when they parted.
The gardens are lovely with large pine trees. Apparently 2 types grow here, 1 gives pine nuts, the other more wild (the kind here). The cones are very large – 8-10 inches at least. They have 2 lovely dogs; one German Shepherd and the other a Malamute (like a husky but larger), along with 5 cats (haven’t seen them yet) and rabbits (wild) on the back lawn. The house is impressive – not many rooms apparently but all are quite large.
We went for dinner with only 40E in our pocket (still need to change our 500E bill!). Managed ok and then withdrew some money from and ATM machine. Got home about 11:30 and then to bed.
(oh yes – Kyle loves the sandwich maker and has gone partly vegetarian- just too much meat!)
Today started about 8:00am – breakfast was a lovely spread on the patio with warm croissants and breads and jams and cheeses and more. Then we drove to Cascais (ended up parking at an expensive spot for 12E). We took the train into Belem which was a lovely drive with views all along the coast. Unfortunately the train we took did not stop in Belem, so we went further in. We decided to try for the Brazilian cafes at the docks -but again no luck. So we walked around a bit till we found a very nice health food restaurant.
We ate well for 5E each all inclusive – even with beer and dessert. Mike & I had turkey rice, Kyle veggie meal and Pat had lombos de porco – all yummy (I ate Pat’s spinach!). It turned out that we were across the street from M&GL so we popped over and they had just arrived. we hooked up and headed to Belem finally. (we had rain for the first time!)
We first did the Musee Marinha which was quite impressive. There was lots of interesting art, statues, maps, models and stories of everything from fishing, exploring, warfare, trade routes and royal barges. (bought some souvenirs).
Next to the monument to the discoveries – the view from the top of Belem was very good – but it was quite foggy (more souvenirs). Finally to the Tower of Belem – which used to be in the middle of the rio – now is near the edge due to the landfilling over time. Once again the carvings in the rock were incredible. I can’t imagine how many people must have done that for a living. It was built in 1515 (-15xx) – the gargoyles and sentry post were very interesting also.
Then to dinner – I had wonderful smoked salmon and seafood bisque. Michael had a misto of pork and turkey. Kyle had a mushroom omelette and Pat had roast chicken. Boys had dessert – all was very good (55E). Next door for more dessert – great place with fresh custard tarts. The pace was very large and had lots of their own antiques – cash registers, fountains etc. all on display.
Then the train home & the now typical challenge to find our way home in the dark -but we always manage! So here I sit on the terrace sipping port in the cool evening breeze – oh I will miss this place. Time to head in…