Lisbon March 01 & 02 2026

March 01

Today we took a tour to Fatima with other stops on the way back.

Alberto our driver and guide.

There  was only one other person on the tour. So almost private. The other passenger born in Palestine, University in Germany and then to the USA. Now planning on moving to Portugal. He also has the same eye problem as Dave. Nystagmus. 

First stop in Fatima is a Catholic holy place where three young children, shepards, were visited by Mary, the mother of Jesus. May 13, 1917. And then on the 13th of the month for 6 months. People now gather here to pray for peace. 

The place is huge.

There are churches at either end of this square. The square has held up 450,000 at a time. Glad we are here at the off season.

The church you can see in this photo has the graves of the young shepard. Two of them died at 10 and 9 years old. The other one at 97. 

Lots of stained glass windows

This above 2 of the tombs.

The other tomb.

Back out on the square this very modern  crucifix caught my attention.

The next stop was at a church/monastery built to honor the England for  helping the Portugues.

Making it the longest standing alliance between two countries.

This shows both the Spanish coat of arms and the British.

Then we drove to Nazare for lunch and an amazing view of the coast.

The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazarth. I forget what I was told about this but I took  picture so I will share it.

For lunch I had fish stew and Dave had fish soup and we drank green wine.

After lunch we took in the views.

This beach is well known for surfing with waves up to 30 meters.

Next stop Obidos a medieval fortress walled city where we tried Ginjinha,  sour cherries infused with alcohol making a sweet liquor. So so good!

Walled city. 

Enter here.

Seems they thought safety first in the olden days.

 

Inside  everything up hill and narrow streets.

Lots of souvenier shops and small restaurants. 

We had a marvelous tour. And because of the small number we had interesting conversations comparing the three countries. Healthcare, price of secondary studies, price of houseing and the woes of being landlords.

March 02

 A  recovery day. We walked down the hill to find a store I spotted the other day. Found it but it was not whatI thought. But did find a Spanish fashion store.

Three floors of men but mostly womens fashions and one of childrens.

Each level was a big as four stores in any mall. Change rooms on the 3rd floor.

Dave waited for mr outside by a large fountain. He spent his time hanging out with the panhandlers.

I bought an outfit each piece from a different floors.

Matched with my other purchases I think I nailed it.

Then rest rest and more rest.

                 🍷🥂🍷