My last day in Lisbon was full of disasters. Starting early in the morning, I set off before breakfast to join a bus tour to Sintra. I had booked this previously while up at the castle. The sky was black, occasionally lit up by bolts of lightening accompanied by enormous claps of thunder. I arrived in plenty of time at the hotel named. After 15 minutes my spidey sense kicked in. I went inside and asked the concierge if they would kindly phone the number on my ticket. (Only data on my esim). I found out quickly that I had been booked the day before, but the wrong date was on my ticket.
It was suggested by now that I take an uber across town to see if I could catch the bus before it departed. I finally arrived at the correct place but watched all four buses leave. I stood at the roadside trying to wave them down, dripping wet. Beyond belief by now and hungry (hangry I should say) I went into the tour office. Anyway to finish off, the lovely girl in there booked me on another tour in the afternoon. I did lose some money but really did not have the patience or energy to trek back up to Sao Jorge Castle for a refund.
As wet as it was I had a good walk along the Avenue da Liberdade. This glorious boulevard is modeled after Champs-Elysees. Many luxury boutiques line this street along with five star hotels and restaurants.
So onto Sintra for an afternoon visit to the National Palace of Sintra. The tour was meant to include Cascais and Estoril, but due to the torrential rain we only had a brief stop in Cascais.
Looking up at the National Palace of Pena through the mist.
Capturing the reflections of the balustrade on the wet tiles.
I loved the ornate ceilings inside the Palace, each room had its own story to tell.
This ceiling dates from the 17th century and is within a geometric framework of wooden red and green beams.
The Swan Room ceiling, a masterpiece of gilded woodwork and painted panels. It is decorated with 27 painted swans. A number believed to be the age of the Infanta Isabel of Portugal when she became engaged. Each swan wears a crown around its neck.
The above two photos show the ceiling of the Magpie Room. There are 136 painted magpies, each holding a red rose in its claw, and a motto “Por bem” – For Honour in its beak. The magpies are said to represent the ladies-in-waiting of the court, gossiping about King John I kissing a lady-in-waiting. Source: Sintra Palace.
Just one example of the fabulous azulejo tiles on display in the palace. Such amazing scenes depicted throughout this room.
“Only the illustrious deserve to be painted” – Francisco de Hollanda
I thoroughly enjoyed my short time in Sintra. It is such a quaint town. Despite the rain I’m happy I managed to see some of it.
All’s well that ends well as the saying goes. And that is the end of my sojourn in Lisbon. More adventures await as we travel to Faro tomorrow.
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