We boarded our motor coach at 8:00AM
for the trip north to Porto, where we would board the Emerald Radiance,
after a few stops along the way. Another beautiful day! Bright sun,
80 degrees....it was hot at times!
We drove on the A1 road, a
beautiful three lane highway. Better than what you find in the US! My only
complaint, throughout the day, was that anytime the highway was going through
anything resembling development, there was a high fence (much of it graffiti
covered)....for miles and miles! Like driving through a tunnel!
Our first stop was the famous
pilgrimage site of Fatima, “Our Lady of the Rosary” and the Basilica of Our
Lady of the Rosary. Its all based on an “apparition” witnessed by three
children in 1917, who were minding their flock, when they saw an unusual brilliant
light from the sun. The “Lady” told the three children they must pray each
month, on the 13th day, for the next six months, then to witness a
miracle.
Read more about the "Fatima Apparitions"
They were supposed to keep this a secret, but word got out and by the
six month, 70,000 people showed up to see the miracle! There never was a
miracle, but ever after this site has become an important pilgrimage for devout
Catholics. We saw pilgrims shuffling on their knees across the plaza (using kneepads) and carrying all sizes of candles toward the chapel.
The Basilica was started in 1928
and completed in 1953. There is also a very large, modern worship center and chapel. Note the modern style stained glass.
Of course, just off the parking
area there are lots and lots of souvenir shops, peddling all things Catholic.
Back on the coach, our next stop
was Coimbra, home of the oldest university in the Portugese world, dating back
to the 1500s. (Universidad D Coimbra).
Twenty Thousand students are in residence there. Before visiting the campus, which
is way up on top of a hill, we spent a little time in the charming village, and
had lunch at a little Italian place out on the plaza.
Up on the campus, we witnessed a
student group doing some kind of music ( Called “la Tuna”) celebration (a
wedding?). We'd witness that later again in Salamanca) We then visited St. Michael's Chapel which was absolutely
unbelievable; way “over the top”, with gold everywhere.....hard to describe!
From the 11th century; its actual configuration is from a renovation
in the 16th century, under King D. Manuel. The organ, built in 1733,
still plays today!!
From Coimbra we got back on A1 and
continued north to the city of Porto, the second largest city on Portugal, on
the Douro River. This city looks completely different from Lisbon; lots of
activity along the river, including the home base of lots of “River Cruise”
boats, including ours. There were may odd looking craft out in the river –
looked like party boats on a Saturday afternoon?
We checked into our cabin on the
boat and were settled in by 5:00. The crew gave us a tour and outlined the
rules. We found the “sun deck” (awesome), the bar, dining room, lounge and,
importantly, the coffee machine! Dinner was served by a very attentive staff
and we enjoyed Halibut and Chicken. We sat with a couple we had become acquainted
with from Rupert, ID. Fun conversations. There are 62 people on the boat, which
is only about 50% of its capacity....good for us, not so good for the company.
They have only recently resumed operations after the Covid shutdown.
Tomorrow, the captain reports that
we will shove off at 6:30am to spend the day sailing. We will be passing
through three locks, so it's bound to be interesting.
Our cabin is tiny but quite
comfortable. These ships don't have balconies, but the top half of the large
window slides down so you feel outside.
 |
| Can't see much |
 |
| Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary |
 |
| Modern chapel and event center |
 |
| Pilgrims taking candles into the chapel |
 |
| Pilgrims on their knees |
 |
| Kids who saw the apparition |
 |
| Wow! |
 |
| Typical souvenir shops |
 |
| Coimbra University |
 |
| Some Explorer |
 |
| St. Michael's Chapel |
 |
| 1733 Organ still used! |
 |
Our Cabin
|
 |
| A ship like ours |
