Not only did my father and I want to travel to this very famous religious spot, Fatima. But, we also got many requests from my mom and grandma as well, asking us to send them home some holy water. (The package has been sent, so look for it in the mail!)

Click here to read the story of the lady of Fatima.

It took us an hour and a half to get from Lisbon, to Fatima and when we got off the bus, we didn't know where to go. We followed all the people who exited our bus and like we were on a pilgrimage, we all walked together until the courtyard opened up before us and the gilded church shot up through the sky.

Along the sides of the church, there were beautiful plaques for the twelve stations of the cross, and the three graves for each of the shepherds.

At the front, Our Lady of Fatima stood modest in front of her many admirers. A large painting and beautiful carving looming behind her.

After the church, we walked to the fountain in the middle of the courtyard and filled up our water bottle with the healing water of Fatima. In the courtyard there was a large gathering of people chanting and singing the rosary, so we joined them. When we were all finished we purchased a candle and lit one for our loved ones and offered prayers for health and a safe trip.

Budget for the day (in Euros)

Hostel ------------------------ 22,00
Ice cream --------------------- 3,60
Wine --------------------------- 3,00
Water/Fruit ------------------- 0,86
Journal ------------------------ 6,95

Total -------------------------- 36,41

Our Lady of Fatima

Today we wanted to just relax by the beach, jet lag is still getting the better of us. We were recommended by the staff at Home hostel to try Cascais beach. On our walk over to the metro we saw something very familiar... Are you sure we're in Portugal?

Turns out this bridge was designed by the same guy who designed the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. They look identical except for some minor differences. In Portugal, between the towers, it is more of a square shape rather than triangles, and there is a train that runs along the bottom.

Once in Cascais, we walked onto the overly populated beach where they charge you to sit in the shade provided spots. Walking across the sand was torture it was SO hot! Immediately burning your feet, we had to hurry to set down our towels, and then run into the ice cold water. We also had to take turns with who got to go on into the water so that someone could always keep an eye on our day packs. The water was so refreshing, especially since today it was well into the 100 degree range.

After we were there for an hour or so, Natasha kept wanting to leave so as not to get too much sun. I kept saying that maybe she could put on another layer of sunblock. I really wanted to stay to enjoy the beach, but in the end, she was right... and I got a little sun burned.

Walking through the little town of Cascais, we spotted a father-son duo performing on the street.

Happy Fourth of July!

To all those back home in America, Happy Fourth! I am missing you all and wishing I could be back home, BBQ'ing and enjoying the fireworks!

I've only been gone a short while, but there are already many things and people I miss. We are lucky we live in such an active state such as California, with so many activities, sports, and restaurants to frequent. I often wonder what the locals do for fun, but if you're not touring like me, there isn't much else to do besides get drunk, it seems.

What is the one thing you would miss if you left your home town?

Budget for the day (in Euros)

Hostel ------------------------ 16,00
Ice cream --------------------- 1,30
Lunch -------------------------- 1,75
Bus to Cascais -------------- 4,30
Post Card --------------------- 0,40
Dinner ------------------------- 6,50

Total -------------------------- 30,25

Beach Day!

Today, we left with the intention of going to the beach but ended up taking a very welcome detour. Taking the bus in Sintra we discovered there was the Mouros Castle and Pena Palace to explore so of course we had to go!

Castelo dos Mouros

Castle of the Moors (Portuguese: Castelo dos Mouros) is a hilltop medieval castle. We couldn't afford to see both Pena Palace and Moros Castle, but we were able to walk a little ways up to the entrance where they collect tickets. The path was paved in dark slick stones and you had to be cautious not to slip. All around it was so lush and green, it was like a scene right out of Lord of the Rings. Moss and ferns covered all the surfaces and the trees shaded us from way up above. A cool breeze swept through giving us respite from the increasingly hot temperatures of the day.

Towards the end I spotted a small lookout point with a skull and crossbones! I thought that was super interesting to find in such an old place. Sometimes with more common motifs, you forget they have been used hundreds of years ago.

Lisbon, lost in Translation...

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