Political Paparazzi

Today was a day of wonderful excursions and unique experiences. We woke up today early - after only 3 hours of sleep to coffee and fresh baked roles. Our hotel in Lisbon is quaint and adds a colorful backdrop to our stay - especially the elevator that reminds me of a German horror film.

We were escorted promptly to the City Hall where we were greeted by a league of city officials and employees who were all eager to meet us. A short education on the workings of Portuguese politics was followed by a brief walk through the new "Music Park". Once a Football Stadium it is now a one year old modern park that joins the City Hall to a new arts facility elegantly adorned with the works of local Portuguese artists. Coffee and carrot cake with chocolate was the first of many delicious treats that would surprise us throughout the day.

The large group then proceeded to parade through the "old" sector of town. I have started to quantify "old" here in Portugal...I have a new appreciation for what "old" can mean to one community is not old to another. We all (25 + people) curved through the winding streets to find ourselves outside a Monastery build by Portugal's King D. Dinis. Shutterbugs were busily snapping photos throughout the elaborately decorated tile facades and gardens. The earthquake of 1755 nearly destroyed the entire structure - however our knowledgeable guide was able to identify the authentic remains vs. the "newer" architectural mendings.

Lunch - or feast as it should be called was an event. Our large group entered the "City Oven" known for their local cuisine and pastries. Vinho flowed freely and samples of both the Codfish and Traditional pork dishes were shared by all. I tried for the first time Sardine Pate, I am now a fan! Salads, potatoes drenched in garlic - olive oil - and onions, breads, cheese and several shades of Portuguese wines were had by all. Then the deserts and dessert wines.....feast, not lunch.

The rest of the afternoon was spent attending two vocational visits - one to the Malaposta Theatre and the other to the College for Technology and Health. All in all, a very busy day. A dinner and Rotary Meeting tonight - Then a well deserved good night's sleep.