Lisbon, Portugal...

Lisbon (Lisboa), capital of Portugal is quite simply charming and fascinating.  A dear mate of mine said it reminded him of San Francisco and I would quite agree.  No complaints here.  People appear to be stress free, too and genuinely happy to make your acquintance.  Nice all around...

 Temps are getting a tad bit cooler.  Tinto and I are used to extremely hot weather in Australia and one of the purposes of this journey was to follow the SUN.  We have headed back to coast now, but will leave you to the fabulous experience of visiting Belem Tower or the Tower of St. Vincent.  The Belem Tower is a World Heritage listed site and was commissioned by King John II.  It was to be part of a defence system AND a grand, ceremonial gateway to Lisbon.  It is definitely that.  It is referred to as an 'architectural jewel'.  I do not know who coined this phrase, but it is positively perfect; intricate and divine throughout.  We do hope you get a chance one day to see it with your own eyes.
Tinto practising flying skills.

This place would be packed in Summer.  Small wading pools surround tower now and are roped off for children.
Dramatic ceilings to a grand entrance.
The higher you go...the darker the stairs become.
Odd-looking cannon to me!  Smallish!?!
View from interior window.
Dungeons give me the creeps...
We think these hooks hold poles for ramming cannons, but we could not swear!!!
Bending over before entering...
Intricate workmanship inside AND out.

Soooo much to see...

Beautiful.
Oh MY!
Many floors to explore.  Someone stated 93 steps to top.
Well-managed.  Stairwell deep AND dark; only allow small groups in...
Fabulous floor...
A well...ropes have made indentions inside.

Lovely.
Every corner you turned; every space you entered had a 'WOW' factor.
Highest point...looking down.

Fireplace, too!
I would not mind a ceiling like this; not at all!
Tip-top of Tower
Container ship gliding by...
Happiest when walking back through time.
Tiny tourist boat.  We were glad to be in the Tower instead of cruising by!
One floor was a place for worship.  The pews against the stone floor were exquisite.
A window to another window!
No sunshine, clouds looming all day threatening rain...I really like this last shot, though. Cheers!

We adore Lisboa.
We hope you enjoyed this small tour, too.
Tinto & Blanco
Further Roaming Ahead.
Posting with enormous gratitude.

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