Lisbon

We recently spent 5 days in Lisbon, Portugal. Chuck attended a conference there on the reduction of pollution in industrial processes -- Kathi chose to spend the days in other ways!

Lisbon is, of course, like so many European capitals, overflowing with history as well as beauty. It is also well-known for great shopping and delicious food. One of the almost-obligatory things to experience there is "fada" (Portuguese for "fate") singing, supposedly the ultimate expression of Lisbon's soul. We were invited to attend a dinner with fada singing at Lisbon's museum of the fada and it was a most enjoyable evening, featuring 3 different singers -- two women and a man.

We made the expected rounds of beautiful churches, monasteries, monuments and restaurants. One of the highlights was the Maritime Museum -- one of the largest we've seen -- and one which portrays Portugal's historic maritime exploits most creditably. The collection of ship models is extraordinary and, of course, Chuck was in his element. It's a terrible shame that Lisbon's tragic earthquake of 1755 not only destroyed most of the city, but many of the artefacts from the world-shaping voyages of Vasco da Gama, Magellan, Diaz and others. The monastery of San Jeronimo boasts a beautiful (and uniquely two-story) cloister with magnificant stonework.

Lisbon is filled with examples of beautiful tile work in (and on) hundreds of buildings, making the National Tile Museum, which has preserved large works in tile from many older buildings, an especially interesting stop. The decorative tile work from entire rooms of now-gone palaces, churches and public buildings is on display. The museum also contains many beautiful works in tile of more recent origins. Entry to the museum includes entry into the adjacent Church of Madre de Deus, which houses extremely elaborate, even overwhelming, decorations in gold.

Some Lisbon pictures are at: http://chuck.smugmug.com/gallery/818040