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University of Coimbra: We were dropped off at the top of the city which is at the Uni. It's a very prestigous uni and was summer break so very quiet. Cobblestone Streets and very hilly lanes/streets throughout. Back in the day the University was like a town itself so it even had its own small jail cells.
Main street of Coimbra: We wandered through the uni down to the main pedestrian street lined with shops. It was all cobblestone and 3-4 story buildings. Nice little city that wasnt too busy (but only probably cos uni hols!)
Batalha: Short stop here to visit Monestry of Santa Maria de Vitoria. The outside was quite spectacular but thats about all.
Fatima (Sanctuary of Fatima): Fátima is one of the most important shrines of the world dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Pope has visited many times and pilgrams on foot from far to visit here. This is where the 3 miracles occured - the 1st one was to do with 3 kids??, the 2nd was the sait or virgin mary parted the clouds and stopped it raining and the 3rd was recent in the 2000's to do with Pope John Paul. I wasnt overly interested (lack of facts!). There wer people crawling along on their knees down the path to the church to pray. Apparently this is the most serious way to pray. the area was a massive concrete square with a cathedral (you could see where the Pope and Preists would stand and address everyone), 3 other buildings, one with services every half hour or so and one you can light candles in.
Wine and Port tasting in Fatima: Just a very quick stop after the basilical. Tasted various wines and ports. Really nice almond liqour.
Lisbon: First night in 'Lisboa' we opted in for the option dinner and Fado performance. The restaurant was obviously set up for tour groups and we were squashed to one side which was a bit of a shame. The settings were tiny, food was good and show was Ok. Cass really liked it but i liked the Flamenco better. Fado is signing with guitars and you have no idea what they are singing about but its all in the emotion. The audience are meant to be silent to appreciate but unforntunatelty we had lots of people talking and one singer was getting really pissed off about the noise. They also did some traditional dancing in the traditional costume. Cass and I got pulled up onto stage to dance around in a circle holding a large arch things. Was good night, good company and good wine!
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