The Birthplace of Portugal...

Monday, June 11. Sunny again.

We we away at 9:00 on a 40 minute jaunt to The Birthplace of Portugal, as we were told. Sometime around 1128 there was a battle here that effectively decided that Portugal was no longer under the rule of Spain.

The Portuguese that we have had communication are a very proud people, and they make no apologies for their firmness that they are not like the ['Lazy Spanish'].  They also tend to exaggerate somewhat their role in the modern world. They are rightfully proud of their early explorers and conquests. [Not so sure about those conquests being worthy of bragging rights.]

Today we were told that Portugueses is one of the most spoken language in the world. A Google search shows it is the seventh. More than Russian but less than Bengali. In spite of some bragging, they are most certainly some of the happiest and most gentle people we have encountered for sure.

After a very light lunch, Fellette packed us up for tomorrow's journey to Lisbon, hopefully by train, if not by bus.

After a very nice dinner with a bunch of Eastern Canadians and one American chap, the captain took us on a one hour illuminated ride up and down the river, to the Atlantic and back again to our safe mooring for the last night on the ship.

Wow, what a trip!

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Our delightful time in Guimaraes this morning...

Planting time in Portugal.

In Guimaraes, where Portugal became free of Spain in 1128.

Just like Hampton Court days.

Just to prove that I am still here.

The cruise director and a lady from Virginia with Fellette

Louis accompanies the tour, bringing up stragglers, like me/us, at the rear.

A bar 900 years ago and still a bar today.

16th century homes in the town.

These small Squares appear everywhere throughout the town.

Thinking of home perhaps?

Four Canadians enjoying a light lunch, only to be spoiled by the reading 

of the Trump debacle at the G-7.

The view of Old Porto from the ship.

Bags out tomorrow at 7:30!