In an effort to take a break from my studies, I have found time and internet to update about my trip to Portugal last weekend! Portugal is that part of what looks to be spain...but it actually is another country with a completely differnet language and culture.
Friday
On Friday we got up really early and went to Coimbra, an old famous university town with little winding cobblestone streets and a river. It was super cute!
After exploring Coimbra and being yelled at in Portuguese by a stranger...we ended up at Bathala Monestary, built because the portuguese won a battle against the spainiards and praised God for thanks!
After getting in a minor bus accident on the way to Lisbon, which was apparently the talk-of-the-town, we settled in and rested up for a BIG day of sight seeing.
Saturday
We woke up really early and headed to Sintra to see the old Royal Palace. The palace, not such a big deal. The character of the town, on the other hand, was prescious. It looked like it could have been plucked out of Busch Gardens Europe. So cute.
From Sintra, we went to Boca de Infierno, or the Mouth of Hell, which was in fact quite beautiful!
After spending some time near the beach, we all crammed back in the bus and headed back to the Monasteria de los Jeronimas in Lisboa.
Sunday
Our last day in Portugal, we packed up the bus and headed to Fatima, where the virgin mary showed three visions to three children in the campo. Well, it is no longer a campo, but it is still very pretty.
Lucky for us we were there just in time for the end of mass.
Everyone loves el Papa Juan Pablo II (Pope John Paul II)
All and all, portugal was amazing and fun. Even through the spotty rain, we all had a great time. Now I am wrestling with finals and saying good-bye to Salamanca. Only a week and a half left of Salamanca, then I take a great adventure to Barcelona with Aunt Jodi. I'll keep you updated as internet permits!
Besitos y Abrazos,
Ashley
