Lisbonne

After a short flight, there we are in Portugal. That is the beauty of Europe - so much cultural diversity in such a small space. Lisbonne is a beautiful capital with imposing white buildings, big squares, large avenues and many statues symbolising all the country's heroes.
The vibe is relaxed and it is a pleasure to sit in the little restaurants and enjoy some local food, even if it looks funny at times.
Lisbonne is most of all well known for its glorious past and its position at the Western-most tip of Europe, facing America. One symbol is the Monument of Discoveries.
Further down the Tage river, there is the Belem Tower. If you happen to go there, remember to look for the sculpture of a rhinoceros on an outside wall of the tower. The architect was surprised to see such an animal brought back from Africa, especially since the animal was one of the few to make it to the shore, when the boat capsized in the bay.


In the neighbourhood, the most impressive building is the Monastery of Jeronimos. Of course, I am not saying that because it bears my name (actually, it was there before I was born, so I should say that I bear its name...). Indeed the construction began in 1502. It took 50 years to complete and was financed by taxes on the trade of spices.
Inside, it is filled with rich ornaments. The most spectacular one is the stone tomb of the great explorer Vasco de Gama. In the background, a painting with Saint Jerome.
It is a must to walk inside the church and the monastery. It is a two-storey cloister, which was a novelty at the time. It has a rich array of decorations: arches, windows, ornaments, gargoyles.


On a final note, it is there that was signed the Treaty of Lisbonne in 2007, giving birth to the latest European Union Treaty. Another reason to be proud of this building. And a sign that Portugal can project its glorious past into the present.