Adventures In Lisbon

Sunday morning's tour bus passed by many of the streets and sites we'd seen on the previous night's trip to the Alfama, for the fado show. Our goal was the Gulbenkian Foundation, begun by a famed early 20th century art collector. Highlights included an extensive collection of Islamic art, two Rembrandts, some fine Rubens portraits, a splendid Turner seascape (see photo,) Lalique jewelry, and works by Impressionists like Degas and Monet. Then we took our tour bus to the port, where we had a very authentic Portugese lunch of gambas (or langostinos,) cheese, octopus and wine. The last attraction of Lisbon was the unique Coach Museum, with the coach of Philip II of Spain (16th century,) and many Rococo and 19th century coaches as well. When we returned to the ship, Jim went to the "Splash" party poolside and Dan enjoyed watching the ship pass by the Jeronimos monastery, and Belem Tower on the way out to the ocean. - Dan