Portugal 🇵🇹: Castles, Cafés, and Lots of Charm!
As I sit to share my tales from Portugal, and the comforting warmth of a morning well-begun with a hearty breakfast. Portugal is not just a place; it’s an experience with cultural threads, each telling its own story.
Ophelia
Amidst these explorations, My morning began at a cozy nook named Ophelia’s, a haven for breakfast lovers. I ordered fruits, richly toasted bread with a golden crown of scrambled eggs, and crisp bacon and a steaming cup of coffee – each bite a comforting hug to start my day. It's places like Ophelia’s to gather, and plan the day's adventures.
A Palette of Past and Present
First up, imagine a castle that looks like it's been painted with all the colors in the crayon box. That's the Pena Palace for you. It's like a giant, fun jigsaw puzzle set on a hill, with tiles that tell a tale of old times.
Its walls, adorned with traditional 'azulejos' (ceramic tiles), whisper tales of the past, resonating with the artistic spirit that Portugal is renowned for. A visit here is a step back in time, where the essence of the romanticist style of architecture envelops you, leaving behind a vibrant splash of reds, yellows, and blues in your memory.
Pena Palace
Finding my way to a castle through a green, leafy trail is all part of the adventure. And the best part? You can take it at your own pace, no rush, no fuss.
Jeronimos Monastery and Belem Tower
Walking around, you'll feel the buzz of folks exploring, taking selfies, or just sitting and soaking up the sun. It's this mix of history and everyday fun that makes these places so special. You can be a part of the crowd or find a quiet spot to take it all in. Either way, you're part of the story!
The monastery, with its cloisters carved like laced stonework, stands testament to the golden age of discovery, evoking the adventurous spirits of Vasco da Gama and Prince Henry the Navigator.
Lots of twists and twirls in stone, almost like fancy icing on a wedding cake.
These spots are not just for taking pictures (although you'll take tons); they're like gates to the past where brave sailors and explorers started their big journeys. It's pretty cool to walk where they walked, right?
Meanwhile, the Belem Tower, rising stoically at the mouth of the Tagus River, guards the memories of ships that once set sail to unknown worlds.
The rhythmic waves crashing against the Belem Tower – they all dance to the rhythm of a nation's heartbeat, pulsing with stories of conquests, creativity, and communities.
After a day of sightseeing
we went to the mall and bought some makeup for me. We witnessed a theft right there in the shop, which was a little scary. The shoplifters got away because the guard didn't do much except politely ask if he could see in their bag, but the shoplifter refused. It felt a bit like the shoplifters singled us out first, but luckily, everything turned out well. Afterward, the little one needed some playtime, so we stopped by a playpen in the mall.
Sweet, Simple Moments
Have you ever visited a place that felt like it was plucked straight from a fairy tale?
