Fairy Tale Castles, Stolen Gate from India, Garden of Peace, Cobble stone streets of a walled town and more

Narrow streets of Sitra, a town north of Lisbon. Sitra has castles of all sizes and shapes.

Best one is the Fairy Tale castle ( not a real name). This was a monetary before and got converted into a palace in 1500's . Kings and families lived here till 1900's. It is colorful, very ornate and just pretty to look at and walk through. We were trying to figure out the logistics of kitchen and serving food in dinning rooms which are several levels and miles away. Same goes for lack of bathrooms...but that is why there were hundreds of common people for one noble person.

This rusting Iron gate was stolen from India after the failed independence fight of 1857. There were many precious things "taken" to Europe and Portuge got this one. It may have had valuable embedded in it.

Another Castle in the same area. This was more influenced by the Indian design style and was funded by an English man. ( from the money stolen from India)

Greenie and Don Enjoying Sangria in the walled city of Obidos. It is a very beautiful complete with narrow cobble stone streets that are turned into tourist traps and a castle.

This book store in Obidos had all the books shelved on the empty fruit crates that were left as garbage after the fruits were sold He sells fruits and books. I have seen coffee shops with books but this is healthy, eco friendly and very creative.

The Garden of Budhha and Peace. It is heart warming to see this sanctuary of of peace and beauty. The owner wanted to do something after Afganistan/Talliban and created this Buddha ( and other symbols of peace and art) on this huge garden property. The statues are replicas of many famous ones.

Vasco DeGamma monuments: I talked about him in the last post. He made Portugal rich and famous by navigating and finding riches from India and other Asian nations. On the 500 th anniversary of his voyage, the government thanked him by building this beautiful monument. The area around it a beautiful, has fountains, wave tiles, bridge, river, museum and a great PASTRY and coffee shop..everything one needs for making some place perfect.

So, Very action packed day with Prakakh Bhai. I forgot to mention that he not only came 15 minutes before the appointed time ( 8:30 am) but also brought us great pastries...if you ever need a trip helper in Portugal , please ask me....good night.