Our second attempt at Portugal was more successful.  We got past the gate and boarded. The flight departed Toronto at 9:45 PM and arrived in Lisbon at 8:45 the next morning.  We picked up our car and began the drive to Braga.  The drive was guided by GPS, an essential tool for travelling in Europe.…

After we arrived, we dropped our luggage in our room and walked around the city.  The hotel was located in the old town, within the city walls.  This area is largely a walking zone of cobblestone streets and passageways.  The hotel desk had given us a city map so we proceeded to the city centre.…

It is the time of year when the chestnuts are in season.  Walking by any one of these trees one will see the husks of fallen nuts covering the ground beneath.  On many streets and in the markets one see vendors selling barbecued nuts.  

It was a quiet, sunny Sunday afternoon in our first day in Braga. 

We walked by a little cafe with patrons chatting or reading.  

Near Braga is the town of Barcelos, well-known for its market.  Our guide said this was one of the older markets in the area.  He noted that malls were coming into play and were attracting many of the young people; older people tended to remain committed to markets, if only as a matter of routine.…

To reach the sanctuary at the top of the hill one must climb some 800 steps. The first series of steps traverses several landings where each one hosts a circular chapel. The second series of steps zigzag their way to the sanctuary. At each landing is a sculpture dedicated to one of the five senses.

Two colleagues stand at the exit of the Sanctuary.

Four wheelbarrows stand waiting for their next mission.

A house of possibilities.

While visiting Porto we took a river cruise along the Douro.

Porto is famous as the origination of Port, a fortified wine.

The village is built up against the citadel is made up of many winding cobblestone streets and passageways.

Sunlight through the stained glass leaves a colourful fingerprint.

Pondering the inner court yard containing a maze of sculptured bushes. Of the several monasteries we saw, this was the most impressive.  

Puts our house work into perspective.  

Located on the south coast of Portugal near Lagos. The footsteps are mine. 

From our Hotel balcony.

It was raining when we toured this Lisbon castle, but the sun peeked out and lit the tower and conjured up a rainbow.

We left the hotel early to drive to the airport. It was Saturday morning and there was very little traffic in the city.  I stopped on the side of the street and waited while Linda visited a bank machine.  As I waited and watched I witnessed a random act of chivalry.