Belem was next on my list of places to see. I caught a tram from the Praca do Comercio and started my 30 minute journey to Belem. The ride itself was uneventful. I was aware of the stops and could theoretically trace it on a map. I found my way to the impressed Jeronimos Monastery, a very ornate structure. I took plenty of photos of it and walked around until I found its entrance.
I had been in plenty of cathedrals before. I guess once you’ve seen the Sistine Chapel, all other cathedrals pale in comparison. This church was impressive with the stained glass.
When I was in 5th grade I remember studying the European explorers. We had tests where we had to remember where they explored. Being a geography buff I always enjoyed it. Little did I know that I would one day see Vasco da Gama’s grave within this church in the monastery. Before his big voyage he prayed in a small chapel where the current cathedral sits. Then he set sail to round the coast of Africa to confirm a sea route to India from Portugal. I took several photos of it.
Next was the courtyard of the church, the cloisters. Ironically you can see the church for free (more impressive) and have to pay 7 EUR to see the less impressive cloisters. The guidebook said to look for sculpted rain spouts shaped like a kitten, cricket and monkey. I only saw the one shaped like kitten. I tested out my Muvi clip on camera to film some footage. The footage itself was kinda grainy, but at $60 I wasn’t looking for some top level camera.
After getting plenty of pictures of Jeronimos Monastery, I decided to try to find the Belem Tower. I wandered around without much luck until I finally asked for directions. I was told to find an underpass near a garden as getting to the Tower involved going under a busy boulevard and train track. I found the Monument to Discoveries, and impressive giant sculpture. After taking several photos, I decided to try to find the Belem Tower. I wasn’t sure which direction it was, but I decided to head to the right of the monument further west.
The Belem Tower was the last thing the sailors saw before they left on their voyages and the first thing they say when they came back. It is truly a landmark in Portugal. I took several photos of the ornate structure and ornaments and decided to head home.
I spotted a McDonald’s (a rarity in Portugal) and decided it was a good time to get supper. As I entered two girls yelled at me (in Portuguese) to do something. I didn’t know what they meant and started walking to the order counter. As it turned out they wanted me to shut the door to keep the cold air out. I told them “sorry.”
It seemingly took forever for a Tram to arrive at the tram stop. I had just missed the tram after I ate at the Belem McDonald’s. The electronic sign kept flashing 1 minute until the tram arrived, but I listened to several songs before the tram arrived.
After a bit of shopping in central Lisbon I went back to my hotel room tired but fulfilled.