On the Train
Presently on a high speed train heading to Porto for the second half of Portuguese Adventure leg one. Since I planned for the wrong train station, the morning commute to the train was exhilarating. It turns out that you can’t always trust the directions on a train ticket. So noted.
The city of Lisbon is a clash of new and old architecture, but all beautifully symmetrical which appeals to my need for order. But the gargoyles, cheery yellows, and soft pink facades create a fantastical and yet welcoming experience. After the earthquake of 1755 which crushed the entire city and beyond, the entire area was rebuilt with more order and to withstand a quake, a tsunami, and city-engulfing fires.
Note: not hotel fires.
About 40 minutes away lies beautiful Sintra, an ancient village and the more modern Palace of King Ferdinand. Claire and I visited yesterday, taking a tuk tuk—small golf cart like car—to the base palace path. Winding around and around we clutched the cart sides while the driver jokingly claimed that it was his first day on the job.
The palace made me feel right at home, as palaces usually do. My inner princess has turned into queen recently along with the prestige and privilege. Claire was so lovely and gracious as we strolled across the court.
King Ferdinand and his family enjoyed gorgeous views of ocean, his city of Sintra, and the surrounding mountains. A modest palace it was in my estimation as compared to other European castles—but ever so grand in its carved edifices. The walls inside and out were adorned with tiles of every color and canine gargoyles jetted out of the turrets. In short, there was something unique to see on every surface.
After our epic Sintra palace adventure, we had lunch at a small cafe in the village. Half-way through the meal—the phone rang and Dan shared that the hotel next to ours was burning down and that ours was full of smoke. Evacuation was in progress!
We gulped down our last bites, paid the bill, and head to the train station—which was not readily marked.
Once in the train, we waited to hear from Dan that he had indeed awoke Kath from her siesta!
Claire and I arrived back in Lisbon to fire trucks, burnt out windows, closed streets, and police everywhere. Sirens, water hoses, and blue lights created a chaotic scene, as well as herds of media and journalists crowding the streets.
We were never so glad to see our significant others waving to us from across the street!