Thursday 25 January 2018

Montesinho

Montesinho

Montesinho is a lovely hamlet based in North East Portugal set on top of a mountain and within walking distance of the Spanish border.

If you ever get a chance to visit Portugal I recommend to visit Montesinho.

They say, and you know, I love a picture, that a picture says a thousand words, so let the pictures speak!





Mountain Top View

Spanish Border

Sweeping Skyline

Stables near Franca

The Borders of Portugal and Spain

Waterfall near Franca

Montesinho House
Street of Montesinho


Town Square Montesinho

Franca from Montesinho

River Walk near Franca

River of Franca

Border walk 

Disused house made out of natural stone from the mountain on the border of Span and Portugal.





Typical Afternoon in Montesinho Land!


Monday 6 March 2017

Tomar To Lisbon via Train

Tomar To Lisbon via Train


To get from Tomar to Lisbon via train is easy, quick(ish) and very economical. The length of the journey is two hours and roughly 135km. As of yet I have not experienced a delay. If by chance you are planning a visit then here is a link that takes you directly to the train companies website. Click Here.

The train itself whilst not the most plush comfortable experience it is not uncomfortable in any way. There have always been seats, which are clean. There are also toilets which once again are clean. 

There is a guard on the train who comes and checks your ticket and reassuringly checks the length of the train at stops along the way to make sure all is safe. If by chance you fail to buy your ticket at the station the guard will sell you one. But do expect to be ticked off by them. Though they do this with a smile! If your Portuguese is not up to much (like mine was) then do not expect the guard to speak English nor the ticket office. Lisbon spoken in Portuguese is pronounced Lishboa. Here is a the good old Google Translate tool. Click here.

Enough of my words about the journey, lets look at some views along the way...


Oriente Station
Oriente Station

Sidings

Storage

Station
Out of nowhere pet food factory

Station












Oriente Station
Oriente Station


Oriente Station
Oriente Station

Oriente Station
Oriente Station



Sunday 5 March 2017

Fatima Central Portugal


Way back in 1917 it is reported that the Virgin Mary made an appearance here to some three young children. 

My wife and I were not aware of this, we are not religious people by any stretch of the imagination. We do though appreciate stunning architecture. Below are some shots of the Church in Fatima and I am sure you agree is somewhat breathtaking. 

The Main Church

The Square

Shot from different angle of The Square

Shot from different angle of The Square

Could not make out if this statue was giving the finger

The Church Steeple

The Square from the preachers viewpoint 

Modern Jesus

Looking up from the square

The beautiful wife


There was a great Oak tree where the Virgin Mary had appeared. That tree was stripped by earlier pilgrims and this one has replaced the original.




Inside the Church