Month: March 2018

It’s a terrific city, although we got lost in it literally and figuratively.  Eventually gave up and waved down a tuk tuk to take us up to the castle.  It would have been a tough walk anyway.

Fabulous views which showed off the beautiful old town in a wonderful situation right on the coast.

Yesterday we went to the main palace in Sintra.  Today was one of the grand houses nearby – Monserrate.

Most of the decor done when it was owned by an Englishman in 19th and 20th Century.

Wonderful gardens, high above sea level so cooler in summer.

Couldn’t get a vantage point for the whole house but this gives an idea.

As the heading says, no adventures, crises, getting lost etc.  Just the sort of day we had hoped for, but not expected in March.  Lunch on our terrace, followed by reading and enjoying the warmth (when the wind blows a bit less – it is the Atlantic coast after all).

A walk along the prom at the next little town – view from dinner.

Dessert on the beach …

Followed by a brilliant sunset- and looking at the forecast maybe even the last one this week.

Here’s a starter.  We have no idea what was going on.  Anyone come up with a witty caption.

Almost a halo …

If you’re going to watch a sunset from a cliff top, might as well do it from the comfort of your armchair!

Made a move in the afternoon.  Sintra was where the Royals made their palace (see below), and so loads of other nobles built palaces round about.  So narrow streets and an amazing number of palaces, houses, gardens to visit.  There is a whole industry of transport (including tuk tuks) to ferry visitors around but we stuck to the car.

Inside the palace.

View from the palace.

There then followed a couple of hours which we will be happy to share one day.  What could make more sense at 5.30 than to drive 20 minutes to a coastal resort and choose a nice restaurant?

1.  Getting out of Sintra.  A nightmare!  Incredibly narrow streets, ridiculous parking, and numerous wrong turns.  As we went round for the third time trapped in an endless loop and the streets seemingly getting even narrower, we gave up trying to get to the coast and just kept going out, regardless of the direction.

2.  Eventually get to the coast.  No restaurants.  No idea why.  Found one that was closed, but eventually struck gold.  Beautiful fish with added sunset.

Phew!

This is what you might call a pretty decent morning.

Sunrise ..

A walk to the beach and along the cliffs …

Followed by lunch at the house.  It’s a tough life!