The first country I visited in Europe was Portugal. We had just arrived in Lisbon from about 8 weeks of excitement in Africa and were ready for a slower paced itinerary. Our first full day sightseeing was spent just a short 15 minute or so metro ride to the west of Lisbon in Belem. Belem is Portuguese for Bethlehem. Along the way we passed this bridge. The bridge looks a lot like the Golden Gate Bridge. If you look to the right you can see a "cross" on the top of a statue. This is actually their version of Christ the Redeemer (National Sanctuary of Christ the King).

Our first stop was Jeronimos Monastery built in the 1500's. The line was ridiculous and we decided not to wait. We discovered later that the first Sunday of the month is free entry to most of the attractions in the area. This wasn't the first long line we encountered that day. This is a prime example of if you want to see something during the summer in Europe you have to get your tickets in advance.

Our next stop in that area was the Monument of Discoveries. The monument was designed to look like a ship sailing out to sea. You can see the "sails" and a clear boat shape.

Right next to the Monument of Discoveries was the Tower of Belem. This tower was also built in the 1500's as a defense tower. There were cannons and other artillery used to keep intruders from approaching by water.

We spent the next day in Sintra visiting the Moorish Castle (or Moopes if you are a Seinfeld fan) and the Palace of Pena. We took the metro to Sintra then hopped on the local bus that loops around to the main stops. Our first stop was the Moorish Castle.. We spent a few hours hiking and climbing over the rocks to the top. The views from all angles were epic.

Our next stop was the Pena Palace. This first picture is a view from the entrance looking up. Doesn't it look like a colorful Disney Palace?

The outside and inside had some of the prettiest tile work I have ever seen. The detail of the tile was incredible.

We spent a day just checking out the city of Lisbon. We rode a tram through town, saw the Santa Justa Lift (outdoor elevator connecting the city streets above), Topo (rooftop bar looking over the city), and checked out more statues then I can remember.

We also stopped in to try Ginginha at one of the oldest open bars in Portugal. Ginginha is a cherry liquor with pieces of the fruit served with it. This bar was super tiny with one gentleman working the counter and no place to sit. You ordered your drink and step outside to enjoy it with friends. It was both strong and super sweet. I wasn't drinking more than this one glass. Somehow we ended up with a small bottle of it for the apartment.

I also made a new friend: Pasteis de Nata. An egg and custard tart. I was addicted to them! Luckily, Manteigaria was right next door to our hotel and I could get them at all hours and they were always hot and fresh. I would give anything to have one right now. Thankfully, Tim didn't really care for them.....more for me!

Portugal was a great first European country to start with. The next time I visit Portugal will include the city of Porto in the northern part of the country.