First stop was Carmo Convent and archaeological museum. This place seemed to prove my theory that monasteries look best when ruinous. There were exhibits related to the site, but also various other artefacts from elsewhere in Portugal.
We then went in search of lunch. The big tourist restaurants on Commerce Square were convenient but their service was abysmally slow so we found a hamburger joint with awesome food. We had hamburgers without the bread and with plenty of salad.
Next door was the church with a half hour organ recital. We enjoyed this. I was struck by some questions. How many churches and cathedrals have I been in? All have organs. Why do you never hear them?
After the concert we walked in search of an ATM. I found some sculpture.
We took a taxi to Jerónimos Monastery and the archaeological museum. Lyn decided it was time to demonstrate how much archaeology she had learned. She took me on a tour, pointing out numerous artefacts and identifying them with considerable accuracy. I was impressed.
The monastery disproved my theory that monasteries are at their best ruined. This place is spectacular.
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Another taxi ride took us to the Belém Tower. As he drove, our driver pointed out the memorial to the fallen in the “colonial wars”. These conflicts, along with with the dictatorship, obviously still weigh heavily on Portugal. As with Spain, this country has a recent history that is still raw.
There is a monument to a tranatlantic flight and the Belém tower itself which has guarded the mouth of the Tagus for over 600 years. A cruise liner was passing by. We admired the enormous explorers monument from afar. I had a Cher moment and Lyn had the camera.
It only remained to get to our airport transfer and board the first of our 3 flights home.
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