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Final boat goes under the bridge
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We Flew from San
Francisco on WOW Airlines stopping in Iceland before we land in our destination of Amsterdam. Wearrive in Amsterdam with excitement in the air, not only for us to see our good friends, Michiel and Stefan, but Euro Pride 2016 is here. Michiel and Stefan are great friends that we see in person at least once a year and it is our turn to travel to Europe to see them.
We walked from the train station to the flat only 5 minute walk and have the best greeting. We decide on what we will do for the day and evening.
Saturday the energy is amazing in Amsterdam for Euro Pride, incredible with floats that cruise along the canals of the City and collapse to go under the bridges. Tons of music, commercial floats, floats for different interests within the LGBTQ community. The floats were colourful, extravagant, outrageous and fun. The crowds shouted from the canal docks, on top of house boats, windows in the nearby buildings and trees. What a fun time, beyond words. The pictures tell the story of this experience with good friends and their friends.
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| Amsterdam Canal Belt, parade route |
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| Wayne and Keith selfie as the festivities pass by on the canal |
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| Stefan, Michiel, Keith and me together watching all the floats past. |
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Stefan & Michiel
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We
We Spent a couple of days in Amsterdam at Stefan and Michiel's flat on the canal just relaxing and spending time together. We prepared to leave for Lisbon, Portugal on Monday, August 8th.
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| Schipol Airport |
Short flight to Lisbon then we arrive to the flat Michiel found on Airbnb in Praça das Flores in Principe Real. The place was not quite ready for us but the accommodations were comfortable and large. When we returned after dropping our luggage off and grabbing lunch the place was clean and welcoming.
Day One August 8th - Lisbon
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| Praça das Flores |
The Principe Real area is part of the gay district in Lisbon but offers this beautiful little oasis across the street from the flat. The park, Praça das Flores is a quiet garden with a small fountain in the center surrounded by benches and shaded by old trees. The local community gather here during the day, especially the elderly but at night the park comes alive with everyone meeting and chatting, small children playing. The old kiosk on the corner serves coffee and treats, restaurants line the square and more uphill.
We spent time for breakfast at Café Pão de Canela, dinner at other restaurants around the square and coffee at night watching the community come to life. This area is very hilly and at times we felt like goats, always climbing up the hill to either the local clubs or restaurants.
Streets here are quaint and very quiet during the day.
Day Two August 9th - Lisbon
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The graffiti was imaginative and unique.
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Praça dos Restauradores
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| Praça de D. Pedro IV |
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| Stefan, Michiel and Keith at the fountain in Praça de D. Pedro IV (Pedro IV Square) |
We leisurely stroll down Lisbon's main boulevards, Avenida da Libertade starting at the oval shaped square Praça dos Restauradores. We continue going in and out of shops along the way. Have a coffee and pastry for a snack then continue on towards one of the biggest squares in Europe, this stylish area in downtown Lisbon often displays beautiful works of art and sculpture. Praça do Comércio takes your breath away to imagine how much power and wealth were in Portugal during colonization.
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| Praça do Comércio |
Opening towards Augusta Street, which links the square with the other traditional Lisbon square, the Rossio, the original project by Eugénio dos Santos planned a triumphal arch, only realized in 1873. This arch, usually called the Arco da Rua Augusta, was designed by Veríssimo da Costa. It has a clock and statues of Glory, Ingenuity and Valor (by the French sculptor Calmels) and those of Viriatus, Nuno Álvares Pereira, Vasco da Gama and, of course, the Marquis of Pombal. The Arch opens toward the ocean and square where the statue of King José I (1775) is located.
We walk around the square while we wait to get on the red trolley to tour part of the City and get our barring's on where and what we want to see.
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Michiel and Wayne waiting for the Lisbon Hills Red Tramcar Tour
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The ‘ 7 Colinas’ (7 Hills) route goes through the oldest and most traditional districts. Mouraria, Alfama, Chiado, Sao Bento and Estrela are just some of the districts that can be seen in the tram. You really get a flavor and feel for the City's vast history, culture, religion and music. There a multiple languages spoken on the tram, put on the headphones and give a listen. You will pass the narrow and steep streets of the city’s traditional quarters. You get a feel for life in this cosmopolitan village called Lisbon as you pass, Alfama and Mouraria and reveal a sharp contrast to the elegant, noble buildings of Chiado and Lapa. You will pass the castle of São Jorge (Castle of Saint George). Fado is in your grasp, if you want to hear traditional Portuguese music from singers like Ana Rodrigues.
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| The Conductor |
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| Wayne, Keith and Stefan listening to the tour guide |
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| Building in Anjos |
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Portuguese tile and wrought iron found on many of the buildings along the tour
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Graça
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São Vicente de Fora
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We are now in the area near the Church or Monastery of São Vicente de Fora; meaning "Monastery of St. Vincent Outside the Walls" is a 17th-century church and monastery. The narrows streets find many people walking or seeking shelter in the shade away from the sun.
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Santa Cruz narrow streets and hills
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| Maitires |
After our tram tour we walked around the Arco da Rua Augusto and found a small pastry and coffee shop. Out of the hot sun and rehydrating we sit down for famous pastries of Belem. These are more unique to Lisbon since they are carrot and other types of pastries. We wonder up the hill to some of the locations we found during the tour, taking in every minute.
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| Arco da Rua Augusta |
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Santa Justa Lift (The Elevador de Santa Justa), craftsman Gustave Eiffel on Rua Justa
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The Santa Justa Lift is a very large tourist attraction in Lisbon, which has incredible views of the City. This was on the list of things we wanted to do but we never made it up despite having bus tickets that would get us entry. The vistas around the City are amazing and beautiful. We did not miss out by not going up the lift.
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Igreja de Santa Maria Madelena (Church of St, Mary Magdalene)
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This beautiful Cathedral is located in Sé de Lisboa with the foundation being built in 1150. The original structure was destroyed by fire and finally destroyed by earthquake. The current structure was rebuilt in the 19th century. Religion is a very integral part of the Portuguese life and influenced so much in its culture.
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| View of the main façade of the Igreja de Santo António de Lisboa with the Cathedral in the background of the Alfama neighbourhood. |
When we finished the tour we came back this church and cathedral. Santo Antonio (known as Saint Anthony of Padua), revered as a matchmaker, protector of young brides, and patron of the lost and found, was actually born in Lisbon, on the site of this church. This site is where Saint Anthony was born in 1195. The Church was originally built in the 1400s, the current church dates from 1757, due to the post-1755 earthquake reconstruction. The façade combines the baroque and neoclassical styles, as does the interior, which also features paintings by 18th-century artist Pedro Alexandrino de Carvalho. Inside, the altar features an image of the Saint with Christ in his arms.
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| Originally built in the 1400s, destroyed by earthquake in 1755, the church was rebuilt in 1757 to a Baroque-Rococo design by architect Mateus Vicente de Oliveira. This is the current church. |
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| Statue of Santo António |
We walked toward the Lisbon Cathedral beyond Saint Anthony Church. The oldest church in the city is the see of the Archdiocese of Lisbon. Se de Lisboa (Cathedral of Saint Mary Major) construction starting in the year 1147 after Portuguese soldiers and crusaders of the Second Crusade took control of Lisbon from the Moors. Se de Lisboa is a classical style cathedral originally in Romanesque style then Gothic. Earthquake in 1755 devastated Lisbon and the cathedral. Lisbon cathedral is a Latin cross building with three aisles, a transept and a main chapel surrounded by an ambulatory. The church is connected with a cloister on the Eastern side. The façade appearance is from the Reconquista period, when the cathedral could be used as a base to attack the enemy during a siege.
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| Se de Lisboa (Igreja de Santa Maria Maior) |
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| Gothic architecture within the Cathedral |
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| Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara |
Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara is a scenic garden with a beautiful, expansive view across Lisboa, to the center of the city and beyond to St. George’s Castle. In the lower, geometrically designed garden, visitors can enjoy seeing the display of the busts of Minerva, Ulysses and various other gods and heroic figures from Greek and Roman mythology and legends. Located on Rua de São Pedro de Alcântara, this large, luxurious garden also has a tiled map that contains all the major buildings and structures of note within Lisbon and the surrounding area.
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| View from the Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara of the Tejo River |
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| Statue of Sao Vincent , Terrace Portas do Sol (Gates to the Sun) in the background São Vicente de Fora |
Located in between several highlights of Lisbon (like the viewpoint of Santa Luzia) , the Portas do Sol miradouro is the terrace overlook to Lisbon's medieval City. There are spectacular views of the old City and Tagus River from this vantage point.
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Beautiful rooftop views and São Vicente de Fora in the distance overlooking the City.
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| Stefan, Wayne, Keith and Michiel in Portas do Sol |
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| Keith and Wayne at Portas do Sol with the Tejo River in the background. |
Keith and Wayne continued to tour the City with the usual energy we have when touring a new City with a vast history. We walked to Castelo de São Jorge (Castle of Saint George). This Moorish castle occupies a commanding hilltop overlook to the city of Lisbon and the Tagus River. It is believed that the initial fortifications on this hilltop were constructed in the 1st century BC by the Romans and Visigoths. Later rebuilt by Muslim forces during the 10th century. Knights of the 2nd Crusade took control of the castle and the city from the Moors in the year 1147. Some of the best views of Lisboa and the Tagus River can be seen from the edges of the castle. The Castle is located in the Alfama district.
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| Cerca Velha Wall on Rua do Chão da Feira |
There is a pedestrian walk along the old Visigoth Wall and the Moorish Wall around the Castle going through Alfama, Castelo and Sé. There are markers along the route.
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| Statue of Saint George |
The English and Northern Europeans returning from the Christian Crusades assisted Portugal in the over through of the Moors and taking the Castle. The castle was named after Saint George, the patron saint of England. Hence the reason for the castles name Castelo de São Jorge (Castle of Saint George). The Kingdom of Portugal was then created after the defeat of the Moors by Afonso I.
The most magnificent views of the City are from the highest hilltop of the Alfama. The Castle sits on this hilltop with ancient ruins and interior Castle. Majestic and alluring this is by far the most desirable place to see the City of Lisbon.
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| Medieval City below the hilltop |
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| Tejo River and sprawling Lisbon |
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| Inside the walls of the fortress |
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| Keith taking a much needed break |
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| Inside the fortress below the Castle |
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| Castelo de São Jorge inside the fortress |
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| Castle walls with the flags of Lisbon and Portugal flying |
The flag of Lisbon is a gyronny of four parts of black and four of white with the coat of arms in the center.
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Keith and Wayne sit in a cannon turret with view of Sé Cathedral and Igreja de Santo António
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The Alfama district has numerous historical sites of interest as well as many inviting restaurants and Fado bars. Within the boundaries of Alfama are the parishes of São Miguel, Santo Estevão and São Vicente de Fora along with sections of the well-known streets, Rua do Barão and Rua São João da Praça.
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| Stairs within the fortress |
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Sunset over the rooftop views of Lisbon and São Vicente de Fora
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| Sunset from the fortress |
We started to make our way back to Principe Real to meet Stefan and Michiel for dinner. The end to our first day of touring this amazingly beautiful city.
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| We walked through the home to Fado (fate) music |
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| Night time perspective of Praça de D. Pedro IV (Pedro IV Square) |
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| Praça de D. Pedro IV (Pedro IV Square) |
We made it back to Praça das Flores and prepare to go to dinner. We are so excited about this restaurant we passed in the morning. So off we go, climb the hill back to the Botanical Gardens. Atalho Real is a meat-lovers paradise is located inside Embaixada. The old kitchen of the palace was transformed into a charming restaurant with a garden paradise overlooking Lisbon’s Botanical Garden. The food here was fantastic, top quality, great service and location was perfect for us after a long day plus the thoughts of hitting a club that evening.
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| Good friends, great food, amazing start to our vacation together |
Day Three, August 10th- Belém, Lisbon
We called an Uber to start our adventure towards the Western District of Lisbon, Belém. This area was established by the wealthy of Lisbon, who escaped the City interior. The weather was perfect to tour this beautiful area. The downside to vacationing in Europe in August is that all of Europe is vacationing in Europe. The line to the Tower of Belém was long and the wait would be exhausting in direct sun. We could see the best parts from along the Tagus River banks.
This tower was originally constructed as a lighthouse and a defensive fortress at the entrance of the River Tagus. It was then constructed on a small island off the river. A shift of the riverbank location has resulted to it standing on the mainland at present. Built on the northern bank of the Tagus between 1514 and 1520 as part of the Tagus estuary defense system, the Tower of Belém is one of the architectural jewels of the reign of Manuel I. He replaced the original ship with the tower.
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| Torré de Belém (Tower of Belém) |
We all did the tourist thing by having our photos taken near the Torré de Belém. What a spectacular historical, cultural and symbol of Portugal. Torré de Belém is an important piece of history. As a protector of Portuguese individuality and universality, the tower saw its role confirmed in 1983 when it was classified by UNESCO as "Cultural Heritage of Humanity".
The Praça do Império is a city square in Lisbon, Portugal is the largest square in the Iberian Peninsula and one of the largest in Europe. The Garden of The Empire was built near the Mosteiro dos Jeronimos in 1940.
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| Jardim da Praça do Império |
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| Mosteiro dos Jeronimos |
Mosteiro dos Jeronimos was declared a National Monument in 1907 and UNSECO site in 1983. The Monastery once sat on the banks of the river Tagus but with the shift of the river, it now is inland with the grand garden in front of it.
While wondering we stumbled across a Memorial for the 100th Anniversary of the War in Africa during the independence of Colonial African nations. Portugal desperately tried to retain those colonies and ultimately lost 9,000 soldiers from 1961 to 1974. Monumento aos Combatentes do Ultramar is the war memorial which remembers all of the Portuguese soldiers who died in Africa.
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| Monumento aos Combatentes do Ultramar |
We have a mission to get Pastéis de Nata at Pastéis de Belém.
You cannot visit Belem without trying these delicious pastries, served warm out of the oven. Pastel de Nata is a custard tart that is sprinkled with cinnamon. The chaotic café and bakery has been selling Pastel de Nata since 1837 and no trip to the Belem district is complete without a sampling one. We get into queue inside the bakery and wait less than 15 minutes before we order our pastry and coffee. My mouth is watering just remembering these delicious pastries while writing this blog.
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| warm custard tarts...delicious |
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| Pastéis de Nata at Pastéis de Belem |
The Pastéis de Nata is believed to have been first developed during the 18th century by Catholic nuns based in the Mosteiro dos Jeronimos, that stands across the road from the Pastéis de Belém. The nuns baked these sweet cakes as a method of raising extra funds for the upkeep of the monastery. The Pastéis de Belém bakery was the first place to master the recipe from the convent and started to sell the cakes to the public.
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| Belém Palace |
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| Two guards flanking the entrance to the Belém Palace |
The land where Belém Palace now sits was purchased in the 16th century by D. Manuel. The nobleman oversaw the construction of buildings on the site, among them various salons and atriums. Eventually, the land and the buildings were turned over to the Duke of Aveiras.
An earthquake in 1755 caused little damage to the palace. Nonetheless, a few improvement projects were undertaken after this time. Unlike most of Lisbon which sustained major destruction to buildings.
The 1910 revolution changed Portugal's form of monarchy to a republic, the palace became the president's residence as well as his office space. This is still true today, and it's possible to know when the president is in residence by the ceremonial hoisting of a green flag that features the national coat of arms.
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| Architecture on Rua de Belem |
Across the street from the Royal Palace on Rua de Belem is the Praça Afonso de Albuquerque. The square is named after the Second Governor of Portuguese India, Afonso de Albuquerque and offers the best views of Belém Palace. It has a beautiful monument, in neo-Manueline style, inaugurated in 1902. The monument carries a bronze statue of Afonso de Albuquerque and has interesting reliefs about his life.
The site of the square used to be a harbor, built in 1753. In 1807, Queen Mary I, Prince John VI and the royal family fled Lisbon from this harbor to Rio de Janeiro, in Brazil, to escape the Napoleonic troops which had invaded Portugal.
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| Praça Afonso de Albuquerque |
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| Bronze statue of Afonso de Albuquerque |
We returned to Principe Real for dinner at Honorato Hamburgueres Artesanais up the hill from the flat. Modern, comfortable restaurant with gourmet burgers. Finishing our evening for a coffee in the park.
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| Michiel & Stefan looking down the hill towards the flat and restaurant |
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| Quiet evening in this oasis in the middle of Lisbon |
Day Four, August 11th- Sintra, Lisbon
Grabbed breakfast and off we went to Sintra by train. The train departs from Rossio train station in central Lisbon. The tourists flocked to Sintra on this day, tons of traffic jams and people. We tried to get an Uber to one of the castles but the normally short ride would take an hour with traffic at a dead stop.
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| Town Hall of Sintra |
The spire of the Sintra town hall is glazed with reflective green and white tiles displaying motifs of the Portuguese coat of arms. The Camara Municipal de Sintra was constructed on the site of the old Chapel of Sao Sebastião and completed in 1910. Constructed in the Manueline style of architecture which includes false battlements and arched Neo-Manueline windows.
Sintra is a UNESCO World Heritage site because of the wealth of parks and gardens which influenced landscape architecture in Europe. The center of European Romantic architecture with the use of Gothic, Egyptian, Moorish and Renaissance elements and in the creation of a park blending local and exotic species of trees. Surprises around every corner with amazing architecture and beautiful landscapes.
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| Sintra Town Palace |
As we walk towards the National Palace (Palácio Nacional de Sintra) we note a sign for Museu Anjos Teixeira.
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| Looking back at Sintra Town Hall and Museu Anjos Teixeira |
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| The National Palace (Palácio Nacional de Sintra) |
The thousand-year-old history of the Palace of the Town of Sintra, also known as The National Palace began during the Muslim occupation of the Iberian Peninsula. Mentioned in texts from the 11th century, the original Moorish Palace became the property of the Portuguese Crown after the conquest of the city of Lisbon by Afonso Henriques, the first King of Portugal, in 1147. This building is beautiful and blends in with the terrene, renovated during the 13th and 16th centuries giving us the present day Palace.
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| Charming cobblestone alleys with tourist shops and restaurants. |
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| Unique building displays mixed with wrought iron and colorful buildings. |
Before we leave Sintra, we stop for ice cream and cool off. The City is too crowded and traffic is not moving. Our Uber driver said the 15 minute drive may take an hour or more from where we are in standing traffic. We grab the next train back to Lisbon.
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| Keith anticipating his Mango Gelato |
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| Michiel looking for wifi |
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| Walk back to the train station |
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| Roadside Drinking Fountain on Hills of Sintra with Moorish Design |
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| Roman aqueducts |
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| Rossio Station |
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| Praça de D. Pedro IV (Pedro IV Square) |
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| Ascensor da Glória or Elevator da Glória |
Ascensor da Gloria is the second oldest funicular in Lisbon from 1882. This funicular railway line in the civil parish of Santo António. It connects the Pombaline downtown (at the Restauradores Square) with the Bairro Alto (Garden/ Overlook of São Pedro de Alcântara).
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| Our ride up in the Funicular |
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| Looking back to where we started at São Pedro de Alcântara |
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| Last stop at the top |
Connecting the Pombaline downtown (at the Restauradores Square) Avenida da Liberdade with the Bairro Alto (Garden/ Overlook of São Pedro de Alcântara). We walked to Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara and relaxed under the shade of the trees having coffee and listening to live music. The views of the City are terrific here, you can see São Jorge Castle, Lisbon Cathedral, in the hills the southwest, Igreja da Graça, and the symmetrical tours of São Vicente de Fora.
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| Keith at Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara |
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| Overlook from Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara |
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| Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara |
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| Keith and Wayne at the Cafe' Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara |
We start walking back to the flat to change and shower before we go out to dinner. We walked through Jardim Botânico da Universidade de Lisboa. Really nice small park area with older locals sitting around chatting and others playing checkers.
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| Jardim Botânico da Universidade de Lisboa |
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| Our normal walk back down this hill then the next right to the flat |
Day Five, August 12th- Costa da Caparica, Praia 19
We called an Uber first thing in the morning following breakfast and off we got to Praia 19 and the beach. The driver knew where to take us since he and his girlfriend have gone to this beach area and dropped us at Praia 17 (Praia da Bela Vista).
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| Costa da Caparica, Praia 19 |
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| Trans Praia Train |
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| Michiel & Stefan |
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| Keith & Wayne |
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| End of the line from Praia 19 to the beginning of the rail |
The Transpraia Train runs from June to September for a nominal fee along 9 kilometers of beach. The trains became a part of the landscape in 1960 and continue to this day taking passengers from the Boardwalk to the beaches and back.
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| View of the beach from Beachbar Da Wave on Costa de Caparica |
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| Stefan, Keith and Michiel get a cold drink at Beachbar Da Wave on Costa de Caparica |
We were successful in getting an Uber back to the flat, showered, relaxed and changed to have dinner. We had an fantastic dinner and when you see the size of the steaks, you will know why! Perfectly cooked and delicious or is it because we were starving from being at the beach all day. After dinner off to Bar TR3S local hangout for local gay community.
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| Wayne and Stefan before dinner was served, Selfie |
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| Michiel and Keith, looks like dinner |
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| Dinner is served. Wayne, Stefan, Keith and Michiel. look at Keith's steak! |
Day Six, August 13th - Costa da Caparica, Praia 19
We are just having the most incredible time with Michiel and Stefan on our first Portuguese holiday. The weather is hot but best spent at the beach with calm breezes, comfortable water to swim in, many walks along the beach and around. So much fun and many laughs.
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Praia 19 mixed beach of gay men and women
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| Keith and Wayne just relaxing in the sun |
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| Another beach day comes to an end and we grab the train |
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| Waiting for the train at Station 19 |
We get on the train towards the Boardwalk and closest area for us to grab an Uber.
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| Small beach cottages on the way, along the rails of the train |
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| Another station stop with a bar |
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| Stefan relaxing with an ice cream |
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| Beautiful scenes of fishing boats left for the day |
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| Wayne, Michiel and Stefan in the backseat heading to Principe Real |
We have dinner close to the square and plan to have a drink afterwards at Bar TR3S before the evening is over. Keith and Wayne stop for a coffee and sit in the square before calling it a night, while Michiel and Stefan go to a local club.
Day Seven, August 14th - Cascais
We are up and ready for a new day of exploring and have brunch at Pão de Canela before we head off by rail to Cascais.We take the funicular (Ascensor da Gloria) to the bottom of the hill then walk to Rosario Station.
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| Buffet fit for a kingdom |
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| Michiel takes a selfie of us all |
The tickets for one way from Lisbon to Cascais is only €2.15 and takes 1 hour and 18 minutes to travel there. The trip takes you past Belem and Oeiras. This is a scenic trip along the coastline and Tejo River and opening to the Atlantic Ocean.
Cascais is located on the west coast of Portugal, right on the edge of mainland Europe and only 20 kilometers from Lisbon. Cascais has enticing seaside esplanades, unspoiled nature, grand vistas of the ocean, sand dunes and beautiful beaches. The town is rich with history and was a favorite with the Portuguese nobility. Today the town is an elegant blend of grand 19th century architecture and traditional Portuguese charm.
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| Approaching Cascais in the distance |
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| Picturesque City on the Atlantic |
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| Beautiful courtyard |
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| Wayne and Stefan at A Bijou de Cascais |
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| A Bijou de Cascais |
A must stop for a sweet and coffee in Cascais is A Bijou de Cascais. Convenient for breakfast or just coffee. Reasonable prices and delicious pastry, very good coffee.
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| Had to take this photo with family surname on it. |
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| Church of Our Lady of Navigators |
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| Centre of Cascais, Dom Pedro I statue, Church of Our Lady of Navigator |
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| Cascais Town Hall |
The Cascais Town Hall was built in the 18th century, before the big earthquake of 1755. Interestingly the date engraved above the door; 1821, is misleading as this was the date it was fully restored. The Town Hall sports an ornate façade of azulejos (Portuguese tiles) depicting various catholic saints.
This are makes up, Câmara Municipal de Cascais with Our Lady of Navigators, Dom Pedro I statue and Cascais Town Hall.
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| Sand art on the beach (Praia da Ribeira de Cascais) from the esplanade |
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| Cascais-Estoril promenade |
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| Praia da Ribeira de Cascais |
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| Keith & Wayne on the esplanade above Praia da Ribeira de Cascais |
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| Praia da Ribeira de Cascais |
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| Santa Marta Lighthouse and Santa Maria House (Casa de Santa Maria) |
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| Torre de São Sebastião |
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| Casa de Santa Maria (House of Santa Maria) |
Casa Santa Maria was built in 1902, designed by architect Raul Lino. The Tower of Saint Sebastian was first built then Casa Santa Maria. The house is made of many compartments, built in three stages the last and final stage being in 1918. Overlooking the sea one of the main attractions is the 17th century tile panels which came from the Quinta da Ramada in Frielas. The wooden ceiling in the dining room is adorned with beautiful oil painting panels.
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| Entry courtyard to Casa de Santa Maria (House of Santa Maria) |
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| Perimeter of the courtyard |
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| Museu Condes de Castro Guimarães |
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| Museu Condes de Castro Guimarães |
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| Portuguese tile |
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| Narrow street in old part of Cascais |
We left here and walked the local streets in Cascais then making our way to Boca do Inferno (Hell's Mouth) cliffs chiseled out a small cave, which subsequently collapsed forming a small bay and natural arch.
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| Boca do Inferno |
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| Wayne & Keith at Boca do Inferno |
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| Rocky coast of Cascais |
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| View back towards Santa Maria Lighthouse and Casa Santa Maria |
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| Casa de Santa Maria and Tower of São Sebastião |
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| Casa de Santa Maria and Tower of São Sebastião at sunset |
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| View of Cascais from the harbor |
As the sun starts to prepare to set, Keith and Wayne get back on the train to Lisbon. We take a different route to the flat causally walking a looking at new areas. The stairs we climb to return to the flat are crazy steep. This is our last night in Portugal, we meet Stefan and Michiel to go for dinner then to a club tonight.
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| Steps leading to flat |
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| Praça das Flores |
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| Street to the side of the flat and entrance |
Completely enjoyed our trip to Lisbon. We look forward to returning to Portugal one day to spend more time.
August 16th - Amsterdam
We are back in Amsterdam and rented an electric boat for 4 hours to tour the canals. We have a couple bottles of wine and snacks for the trip.
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| Captain Michiel gets a kiss from Stefan |
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| Michiel takes the lead on our tour of Amsterdam from the Canals |
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| Keith enjoying the canal tour on Amstelkanaal |
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| Snacks for a 4 hour boat tour |
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| Amstel canal area |
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| Seventeenth Century Canal Ring |
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| Seventeenth Century Canal Ring |
The Seventeenth-century canal ring area of Amsterdam inside the Singelgracht is a network of canals that were made to extend the medieval city center. The ring of canals is half-moon shaped. The city was expanded several times in history, but at the most in the 17th century when Amsterdam had become a wealthy trade metropolis. The nucleus of the nomination lies along the Singel, Keizersgracht, Herengracht and Prinsengracht. This area of Amsterdam is a World Heritage site (UNESCO).
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| Amsterdam Centraal -Train Station |
Amsterdam Centraal was built in 1889 in Gothic-Renaissance style, designed by Pierre Cuypers. Ferry and bus terminal are now connecting to Amsterdam Centraal, new shops in the rear.
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| Sea Palace floating chinese restaurant |
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| Wayne and Michiel, boating by the Ship Museum and Amstel |
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| Amstel - Replica of the Amsterdam sailing ship at the National Maritime Museum |
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| The Nieuwe Vaart canal and the Gooyer windmill of 1725 |
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| Wayne and Michiel enjoying the boat tour |
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| Plantage Muidergracht canal area |
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| 7 Bridges, you can see 7 bridges from this location |
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| Michiel & Stefan enjoying our tour and the weather |
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| Selfie by Michiel, Stefan, Wayne and Keith |
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| The flat from the canal perspective |
We rented an electric boat for 4 hours to tour Amsterdam at our own leisure from Boaty (http://www.amsterdamrentaboat.com). We piloted the boat where ever we wanted and took our time getting around the City. We managed to have a picnic on the boat with wine, cheese, fruit and crackers. We laughed and even stopped at the flat for a brief break. What a great time together, building so many more memories.
August 17th - Zandvoort-aan-Zee / Amsterdam
We had breakfast and grabbed the bicycles to take with us to the train and travel to Zandvoort-aan-Zee for the day to enjoy another leisurely day at the beach. We would rent one bike in Zandvoort-aan-Zee, Stefan would run and three of us would ride bicycles to the beach, about 45 minutes walk from the train station.
The train from Amsterdam Central to Zaandvoort-aan-Zee takes just under 30 minutes and stops at Amsterdam Sloterdijk, Haarlem and Overveen. The service is half-hourly and a return ticket costs €11 (2nd class) or €18.80 (1st class).
We get to the beach, find a place to put our towels and head for the small restaurant for coffee and croissant. There is a breeze in the air, flags blowing and sun is shining. The water is refreshing, the small lagoon areas are like baths.
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| Keith having coffee on Zandvoort Beach |
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| Zandvoort-aan-Zee beach |
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| beach was so relaxing, weather was perfect |
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| Zandvoort in the distance looking over the dunes |
After spending most of the day at the beach we decide to head back to Amsterdam to have dinner. So excited that we are going to have dinner at a former Pirate Radio Station Building that was in the North Sea.
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| Could not resist taking a photo of Amsterdam Centraal on a clear day |
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| Views on our walk to the flat |
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| Houthaven is the home of REM Eiland |
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| REM Eiland |
REM Island was a pirate radio station. Built in Cork during the early 1960s, the platform was towed across the North Sea and anchored in cement six miles off Noordwijk. From there, safely outside Dutch territorial waters, REM Island began to pirate broadcast Radio and TV Noordzee. Now located in Houthaven this platform has a 360 degree view of the City. Listed in Urban Ghosts and 10 of the most unusual places to dine. You can dine 22 meters above the water in this former Pirate Radio Station.
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| REM Eiland in Houthaven |
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| Veiw of Amsterdam Centraal |
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| View of Amsterdam |
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| Sun setting and moon rising over Amsterdam |
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| Stefan, Michiel and Keith at our table while Wayne takes 360 view photos |
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| Moon rising over Amsterdam |
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| Keith and Wayne out on the deck, Amsterdam in the background |
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| Stefan, Michiel, Wayne and Keith |
Not only was the sunset and moon rising amazing the food was delicious, service outstanding and very attentive. We had a lovely day at the beach then dining out made it fantastic. Spending our vacation with Stefan and Michiel is so much fun, really good friends who are more like family.
August 18th - Zandvoort-aan-Zee / Amsterdam
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| Zandvoort-aan Zee we rental chairs this time |
This is a very popular North Sea beach resort about 30 kilometers due west of Amsterdam, making it the closest to the city by far. This is part of what is sometimes known as the “Dutch Riviera” and the main beaches are lined with restaurants, hotels, and tourist-oriented shops. About 2 kilometers to the south of the main beach you’ll come to the official nudist/natural beach, stretching between poles 68 and 71. Here you’ll find 7 different beach pavilions that serve drinks and food, a few of which tolerate nudity while dining, though others don’t allow that. It’s all clearly spelled out on signs in the area. Although this is the most popular nudist beach in Holland, it's never hard to find a quiet spot and the only peeping Toms in the surrounding dunes are birds and small mammals.
August 19th - Düsseldorf
We head to Düsseldorf to finish our European vacation. Nice to be back in the Alstadt, looking over the Rhine River.
August 20th - Cologne (Köln)
Gamescom was taking place in Köln, as well as other events in the city. There was a gay block party taking place by some of the clubs. Keith and Wayne traveled in with Stefan to get haircuts and beard trim at Sal's. What another experience, Wayne got a shampoo, neck and shoulder massage then a haircut, Stefan had his beard groomed, trimmed and pampered then Keith had his head buzzed and all this cost €33.
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Wayne and Stefan freshly coiffed
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We spend the rest of the day relaxing in Köln then head back to Düsseldorf to pack, since we leave to either go back to San Francisco or Paris for work.
August 21st - Germany
Michiel and Keith take Wayne to get the train from Venlo, Netherlands to Schiphol Airport. Keith will be flying to Paris. Always so good to spend time with Michiel and Stefan. Cannot wait to see them again.
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| Hoofddorp aerial view, from Wayne's perspective |
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| Nieuw Vennep |
