Last one

Who would have thought it - last post before I come home- with a broken arm!  Fell in street and dislicated left shoulder and broke the humerus so early departure vie London and Singapore.  Shame as I was playing ripper golf ( or is that a bit like the enormous trout that got away?)

Lisbon is a wonderful city
- so full of history and styles.  Streets are cobbled (drat that) with intricate black and white patterns.  The templar flag of black and white is the city's flag hence the colours of the mosaic.

1755 was a major turning point when an earthquake destroyed much of the city- the rebuild was in the neoclassical style on a grid pattern. The old Jewish quarter survived and also the stunning cathedral which had been built to commerate the driving out of the Moors. The crusaders travelling to the Holy land helped the king to expel them so they are revered here.
Even more revered and comemorated are the Portugese seaman and navigators particularly Vasco de Gama, who travelled and discovered the world- China, India, Brazil etc. The 16th century was the gokden age for Portugal. V de G's tomb is decorated with fresh flowers!

High on the hill above the city is a king's palace in ruins but with superb views.  Down on the water is the Tower of Belem  - a fortress, prison and impressive gateway to the city.

Also visited the spectacular church and convent dating to the 16th century.  All these dates rattled off by Sophia, our guide,  who made it seem like events happened yesterday.

We finishwd the day with special pastries  and returned to the hotel to dress for dinner.  Taking a taxi down town to the market place we walked along the cobbled street to a crossing where I caught my toe and down I went landing on my shoulder and face.  It could have been worse - hip? So much pain that I was taken to the hospital.

Hospital fantastic but as  surgery is needed I've opted to come home (no easy process even with travel insurance - a little hysteria goes a long way -stoic politeness is less effective) and with luck will be on the plane this afternoon.

This has been a fantastic experience, a trip of a lifetime and I am sad to leave, especially the great people on the tour, who have been amazing.  Dear Julie and Belinda have been wonderful dressing and showering me, and I am so glad to have Vicky, Les, Barb and Tim and all the Coota crew supporting me.  Terry the tour director is a champion.
So see you all soon - put Portugal on your bucket list.

Love to all-Lesley.