Too many things happen today and it is almost 1 pm so I will try to be brief ( everyone is sleeping). Prakash Bhai was here bright and early and drove to Nazare ( resort town 1 hour north of Lisbon). Watched the locals watch water ( literally: hundreds of them just standing and watching the water..we were really confused because when some one does that at home it is usually because there are Whales of at least Dolphins) . Typical European beach town with little sun "huts" . Nazare is also a typical Portugal town with white houses, tile roofs, laundry hanging to dry in the Sun and people hanging out talking.
After that, it was time for serious religion. Fatima is one of a very important pilgrimage place for Catholics. It is where Mary have appeared to three kids in 1917, during World War One. It is interesting that , it always happens under a tree or bush for something like that in in hot summer sun. Anyways thousands come from all over the world in foot, on knees and on planes. The Fatima church is very impressively modern...
No vacation is complete without a visit to the caves. These caves were amazingly deep ( 400ft down). They even had water fountain features ( really!) It turns out , they took lot of liberty with nature and enhanced the formations. It is also interesting to note that there were no railings, minimal safety features and much less respect for the formations than we have in USA> ( may be we are too paranoid about the law suits).
One for the formations ( shown in the second picture) would qualify for a major pilgrimage sight for Indians because it resembles the symbol for Lord Shiva ( i am sure we can come up with a good story to go with it)
After that, it was time for serious religion. Fatima is one of a very important pilgrimage place for Catholics. It is where Mary have appeared to three kids in 1917, during World War One. It is interesting that , it always happens under a tree or bush for something like that in in hot summer sun. Anyways thousands come from all over the world in foot, on knees and on planes. The Fatima church is very impressively modern...
No vacation is complete without a visit to the caves. These caves were amazingly deep ( 400ft down). They even had water fountain features ( really!) It turns out , they took lot of liberty with nature and enhanced the formations. It is also interesting to note that there were no railings, minimal safety features and much less respect for the formations than we have in USA> ( may be we are too paranoid about the law suits).
One for the formations ( shown in the second picture) would qualify for a major pilgrimage sight for Indians because it resembles the symbol for Lord Shiva ( i am sure we can come up with a good story to go with it)
The day ended with the delicious dessert recommended by Smita. ( at a very historic cafe where the famous writer , francisco....wrote his work.
I will end with the last story ( no pictures) Mahender got robbed and no one noticed ( of course , otherwise she would not have been robbed) They took her fanny pack with credit cards, money, driver's license and other stuff. She is taking it well and everything is taken care of. May be there is a lesson in here somewhere.
Time to say good night. Will share more tomorrow.
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