Europe

Looking towards Alfama from the stairs to the tram station below Museu Arte de Antigua.

2009-02-12T09:49:42Z

bethanyjane
Looking towards Alfama from the stairs to the tram station below Museu Arte de Antigua.

Now with Bethany added!

2009-06-26T12:15:28Z

bethanyjane
Now with Bethany added!

After the marathon day at the Museu Arte de Antigua, we're finally back at the Hotel Botanica, where Ling has handily dressed to match the couch.

2009-06-26T12:25:18Z

bethanyjane
After the marathon day at the Museu Arte de Antigua, we're finally back at the Hotel Botanica, where Ling has handily dressed to match the couch.

Close up of Vasco da Gama's cenotaph in the Mosteiro dos Jeronimos.

2009-06-26T12:24:29Z

bethanyjane
Close up of Vasco da Gama's cenotaph in the Mosteiro dos Jeronimos.

Lion at the foot of Vasco da Gama's tomb.

2009-06-26T12:30:50Z

bethanyjane
Lion at the foot of Vasco da Gama's tomb.

An arcade of the cloisters next to the Mosteiro dos Jeronimos.

2009-06-26T12:22:39Z

bethanyjane
An arcade of the cloisters next to the Mosteiro dos Jeronimos.

A prettily decorated random chunk of stone in the cloisters.

2009-06-26T12:14:21Z

bethanyjane
A prettily decorated random chunk of stone in the cloisters.

In the choir of the Mosteiro dos Jeronimos we saw many paganish carvings that I found a bit naughty.

2009-06-26T12:23:07Z

bethanyjane
In the choir of the Mosteiro dos Jeronimos we saw many paganish carvings that I found a bit naughty.

In the choir of the Mosteiro dos Jeronimos we saw many paganish carvings that I found a bit naughty.

2009-06-26T12:22:31Z

bethanyjane
In the choir of the Mosteiro dos Jeronimos we saw many paganish carvings that I found a bit naughty.

The overall look of the choir.

2009-02-12T09:46:43Z

bethanyjane
The overall look of the choir.

As described.

2009-06-26T12:13:26Z

bethanyjane
As described.

I really dig the cheerily painted houses of Portugal. This is a view from Castle of São Jorge.

2009-06-26T12:21:27Z

bethanyjane
I really dig the cheerily painted houses of Portugal. This is a view from Castle of São Jorge.

Stairstepped detail of Castle of São Jorge and the built-up hillsides of Lisbon.

2009-06-26T12:21:16Z

bethanyjane
Stairstepped detail of Castle of São Jorge and the built-up hillsides of Lisbon.

Nice art deco woman with prominent nipples at the Castle of São Jorge.

2009-02-12T09:48:23Z

bethanyjane
Nice art deco woman with prominent nipples at the Castle of São Jorge.

At the Palacio Nacional de Sintra they displayed semi-bizarre cookie jars.

2009-06-26T12:14:46Z

bethanyjane
At the Palacio Nacional de Sintra they displayed semi-bizarre cookie jars.

A bench I liked at the Palace.

2009-06-26T12:10:07Z

bethanyjane
A bench I liked at the Palace.

The Palatine Chapel at the Palacio Nacional de Sintra, I enjoyed all of the different patterns and colors.

2009-02-12T09:47:30Z

bethanyjane
The Palatine Chapel at the Palacio Nacional de Sintra, I enjoyed all of the different patterns and colors.

Also in the Palatine Chapel at the Palace.

2009-02-12T09:46:23Z

bethanyjane
Also in the Palatine Chapel at the Palace.

I believe this was in the Arab room in the Palace, great mythological figures on this fountain set in the floor.

2009-06-26T12:16:22Z

bethanyjane
I believe this was in the Arab room in the Palace, great mythological figures on this fountain set in the floor.

Pretty impressive. What you can't see is the twin chimneys of the kitchen which stretch in cones about 100 feet above you.

2009-06-26T12:19:53Z

bethanyjane
Pretty impressive. What you can't see is the twin chimneys of the kitchen which stretch in cones about 100 feet above you.

In the foyer of the Palacio Nacional de Sintra we saw this fountain of this funny looking man.

2009-02-12T09:47:23Z

bethanyjane
In the foyer of the Palacio Nacional de Sintra we saw this fountain of this funny looking man.

The Museu de Arte Moderna had a special exhibit of Art Deco pieces and this one popped out at me.

2009-06-26T12:17:07Z

bethanyjane
The Museu de Arte Moderna had a special exhibit of Art Deco pieces and this one popped out at me.

One of a series of self-portraits I attempt w/ mirrors. Still at the museum.

2009-06-26T12:14:58Z

bethanyjane
One of a series of self-portraits I attempt w/ mirrors. Still at the museum.

Art Deco dog and table that I liked.

2009-02-12T09:49:06Z

bethanyjane
Art Deco dog and table that I liked.

I like this rendition of Sisyphus' struggle.

2009-06-26T12:13:47Z

bethanyjane
I like this rendition of Sisyphus' struggle.

Classicly art deco wall art (20 feet across or so?).

2009-06-26T12:15:03Z

bethanyjane
Classicly art deco wall art (20 feet across or so?).

This statue titillated and confused me. Is she masturbating? Why does she have a mask on her breast?

2009-02-12T09:47:16Z

bethanyjane
This statue titillated and confused me. Is she masturbating? Why does she have a mask on her breast?

I thought this travel poster was way fun! (Plus, secret extra self-portrait.)

2009-02-12T09:48:36Z

bethanyjane
I thought this travel poster was way fun! (Plus, secret extra self-portrait.)

"You are safe buying from the corporation" ? What exactly is this poster about? I have no idea.

2009-06-26T12:15:49Z

bethanyjane
"You are safe buying from the corporation" ? What exactly is this poster about? I have no idea.

In Batalha we stayed at the Residencial Casa do Outeiro, where they provided this smirky cow butter, which I had to take a picture of.

2009-06-26T12:21:44Z

bethanyjane
In Batalha we stayed at the Residencial Casa do Outeiro, where they provided this smirky cow butter, which I had to take a picture of.

Cows were a theme for us, as we had bought and drank a Portuguese wine decorated by a drawing of a cow by the maker's daughter.

2009-06-26T12:20:38Z

bethanyjane
Cows were a theme for us, as we had bought and drank a Portuguese wine decorated by a drawing of a cow by the maker's daughter.

Batalha's attraction: the Mosteiro de Santa Maria da Vitoria. As it was Sunday the bells were tolling and townspeople were strolling to church.

2009-06-26T12:22:06Z

bethanyjane
Batalha's attraction: the Mosteiro de Santa Maria da Vitoria. As it was Sunday the bells were tolling and townspeople were strolling to church.

My camera can scarcely take in the magnificence of the Mosteiro de Santa Maria da Vitoria.

2009-06-26T12:15:25Z

bethanyjane
My camera can scarcely take in the magnificence of the Mosteiro de Santa Maria da Vitoria.

I like the Doh! expression on this gargoyle.

2009-06-26T12:20:35Z

bethanyjane
I like the Doh! expression on this gargoyle.

I'm not sure why, but there are black weepy marks on the outside of some of the Mosteiro de Santa Maria da Vitoria.

2009-02-12T09:47:52Z

bethanyjane
I'm not sure why, but there are black weepy marks on the outside of some of the Mosteiro de Santa Maria da Vitoria.

I try to photograph Ling but she quickly hides behind her fancy camera.

2009-02-12T09:49:09Z

bethanyjane
I try to photograph Ling but she quickly hides behind her fancy camera.

The best part of the Mosteiro are the Capelas Imperfeitas aka Unfinished Chapels. Close up of some of the incredible stonework.

2009-02-12T09:46:01Z

bethanyjane
The best part of the Mosteiro are the Capelas Imperfeitas aka Unfinished Chapels. Close up of some of the incredible stonework.

I really dug how the light through the stained glass windows fell on their tomb.

2009-06-26T12:21:47Z

bethanyjane
I really dug how the light through the stained glass windows fell on their tomb.

Fifteen meter entrance arch. The dome was never completed on the Capelas Imperfeitas and all the better for it as the work is open to the sun and sky which were a welcome change for me than ...

2009-02-12T09:48:49Z

bethanyjane
Fifteen meter entrance arch. The dome was never completed on the Capelas Imperfeitas and all the better for it as the work is open to the sun and sky which were a welcome change for me than ...

A snail detail in the Manueline work of the archway. Is there religious significance or is it just cool?

2009-06-26T12:09:28Z

bethanyjane
A snail detail in the Manueline work of the archway. Is there religious significance or is it just cool?

Tourists in the hedges of the Claustro Real (Royal Cloisters) at the Mosteiro.

2009-02-12T09:45:58Z

bethanyjane
Tourists in the hedges of the Claustro Real (Royal Cloisters) at the Mosteiro.

Arty pic of a dripping fountain in the Claustro Real of the Mosteiro.

2009-02-12T09:49:45Z

bethanyjane
Arty pic of a dripping fountain in the Claustro Real of the Mosteiro.

Every hour they change the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown soldier. It was super interesting.

2009-02-12T09:47:21Z

bethanyjane
Every hour they change the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown soldier. It was super interesting.

After the services were done, Ling and I viewed the interior of the church, which was much less impressive. But it had stained glass light!

2009-02-12T09:47:17Z

bethanyjane
After the services were done, Ling and I viewed the interior of the church, which was much less impressive. But it had stained glass light!

Also in the church: a tomb decorated with skulls.

2009-06-26T12:21:04Z

bethanyjane
Also in the church: a tomb decorated with skulls.

Roman road at Conimbriga.

2009-02-12T09:47:17Z

bethanyjane
Roman road at Conimbriga.

Roman homes abandoned when they built a wall to keep out the invaders.

2009-06-26T12:18:19Z

bethanyjane
Roman homes abandoned when they built a wall to keep out the invaders.

Another abandoned Roman house.

2009-06-26T12:22:07Z

bethanyjane
Another abandoned Roman house.

Really! Look at the mosaic tile.

2009-02-12T09:49:14Z

bethanyjane
Really! Look at the mosaic tile.

Roman house with the wall to keep out the invaders behind it.

2009-06-26T12:25:43Z

bethanyjane
Roman house with the wall to keep out the invaders behind it.

Roman hot tub. Mmmm, I can just imagine the parties.

2009-06-26T12:22:11Z

bethanyjane
Roman hot tub. Mmmm, I can just imagine the parties.

More of the heating system for the Roman baths. I assume the tile beneath the bricks looks black because it was heated and cooled so often.

2009-06-26T12:14:41Z

bethanyjane
More of the heating system for the Roman baths. I assume the tile beneath the bricks looks black because it was heated and cooled so often.

S * M * O * K * I * N * G :)

2009-02-12T09:46:18Z

bethanyjane
S * M * O * K * I * N * G :)

I believe this was part of their aqueduct system.

2009-02-12T09:47:31Z

bethanyjane
I believe this was part of their aqueduct system.

More Roman baths which the Conimbriga archaeologists seem to have converted into a stage. I'm standing on some bleachers.

2009-06-26T12:24:46Z

bethanyjane
More Roman baths which the Conimbriga archaeologists seem to have converted into a stage. I'm standing on some bleachers.

Another pic of the fountains.

2009-06-26T12:07:34Z

bethanyjane
Another pic of the fountains.

I like these flowers.

2009-06-26T12:20:46Z

bethanyjane
I like these flowers.

Being from the West Coast, I'm fascinated by ancient arches. One of many in the college town Coimbra, PT.

2009-02-12T09:47:51Z

bethanyjane
Being from the West Coast, I'm fascinated by ancient arches. One of many in the college town Coimbra, PT.

I sorta dug these broken windows on the old cathedral.

2009-06-26T12:22:34Z

bethanyjane
I sorta dug these broken windows on the old cathedral.

Super cool library at the University of Coimbra that I wasn't supposed to take pictures of. Oops! It's got two meter thick walls, solid crazy teak doors and bats living there which cuts do ...

2009-02-12T09:49:25Z

bethanyjane
Super cool library at the University of Coimbra that I wasn't supposed to take pictures of. Oops! It's got two meter thick walls, solid crazy teak doors and bats living there which cuts do ...

Some of the boys in capes (students at the University). The capes mean something that I will look up later. Cutiepies, eh?

2009-06-26T12:11:00Z

bethanyjane
Some of the boys in capes (students at the University). The capes mean something that I will look up later. Cutiepies, eh?

The Seussian ceiling of one of the University buildings (I forgot which one!).

2009-06-26T12:21:50Z

bethanyjane
The Seussian ceiling of one of the University buildings (I forgot which one!).

One of the amazing things about the Iberian Peninsula was the crazy amount of construction & renovation happening. Here you can see the crane, bulldozer and historic-looking buildings.

2009-06-26T12:18:55Z

bethanyjane
One of the amazing things about the Iberian Peninsula was the crazy amount of construction & renovation happening. Here you can see the crane, bulldozer and historic-looking buildings.

I believe this was a sign in support of one of the student organizations. But what does Reactiva Ned mean???

2009-02-12T09:49:56Z

bethanyjane
I believe this was a sign in support of one of the student organizations. But what does Reactiva Ned mean???

Series of shots of me having fun with the macro setting my camera. Roses with the architecturally interesting Cloisters in the background.

2009-02-12T09:50:12Z

bethanyjane
Series of shots of me having fun with the macro setting my camera. Roses with the architecturally interesting Cloisters in the background.

Is it one animal? Two? Bird? Dog? Lion? Wow.

2009-06-26T12:17:45Z

bethanyjane
Is it one animal? Two? Bird? Dog? Lion? Wow.

Series of shots of me having fun with the macro setting my camera. Roses with the architecturally interesting Cloisters in the background.

2009-02-12T09:45:56Z

bethanyjane
Series of shots of me having fun with the macro setting my camera. Roses with the architecturally interesting Cloisters in the background.

In my effort to have Ling and I take at least one shot of each other a day, we found these columns for her to lean against.

2009-02-12T09:47:08Z

bethanyjane
In my effort to have Ling and I take at least one shot of each other a day, we found these columns for her to lean against.

A student couple having a conversation in the square of the University and I'm rude enough to photograph it. Needs to be cropped.

2009-02-12T09:46:53Z

bethanyjane
A student couple having a conversation in the square of the University and I'm rude enough to photograph it. Needs to be cropped.

I like how this little girl is offering her mom something. Should be cropped.

2009-06-26T12:18:37Z

bethanyjane
I like how this little girl is offering her mom something. Should be cropped.

College student checking herself out after lunch. Should be cropped. This is me attempting to take more "interesting" pictures.

2009-02-12T09:46:18Z

bethanyjane
College student checking herself out after lunch. Should be cropped. This is me attempting to take more "interesting" pictures.

What does it say about me that I'm calling these college students, who are at least drinking age in Europe, if not in America, kids?

2009-06-26T12:10:09Z

bethanyjane
What does it say about me that I'm calling these college students, who are at least drinking age in Europe, if not in America, kids?

Adorable little girl puppy and her owners.

2009-06-26T12:23:13Z

bethanyjane
Adorable little girl puppy and her owners.

Yes, I'm a sucker for animals. Ling's hands and puppy.

2009-06-26T12:13:04Z

bethanyjane
Yes, I'm a sucker for animals. Ling's hands and puppy.

After waking up early on my first day alone (!) I wandered about town. First stop, the main plaza in Salamanca, Plaza Mayor.

2009-06-26T12:20:32Z

bethanyjane
After waking up early on my first day alone (!) I wandered about town. First stop, the main plaza in Salamanca, Plaza Mayor.

What this representation of a huge ham hock is doing in the middle of the square, I don't know.

2009-06-26T12:20:19Z

bethanyjane
What this representation of a huge ham hock is doing in the middle of the square, I don't know.

Wow, the dome disappeared and the woman with the head scarf appeared! I'm easily amused by the abilities of the camera.

2009-06-26T12:18:22Z

bethanyjane
Wow, the dome disappeared and the woman with the head scarf appeared! I'm easily amused by the abilities of the camera.

I reduced the bajillion photos of the kitty to just this one. I do have restraint!

2009-06-26T12:15:10Z

bethanyjane
I reduced the bajillion photos of the kitty to just this one. I do have restraint!

A student studying (or sketching?) in this back patio of the cathedral.

2009-02-12T09:46:45Z

bethanyjane
A student studying (or sketching?) in this back patio of the cathedral.

More fun grafitti!

2009-02-12T09:47:46Z

bethanyjane
More fun grafitti!

Front of the old cathedral? The new cathedral? Was there just one in this town????

2009-02-12T09:50:01Z

bethanyjane
Front of the old cathedral? The new cathedral? Was there just one in this town????

Walking each other to school.

2009-02-12T09:48:52Z

bethanyjane
Walking each other to school.

Three nesting pairs of storks working hard for springtime in the bell tower of the university. I managed to reduce the quintillion photos I took of these to three.

2009-06-26T12:11:52Z

bethanyjane
Three nesting pairs of storks working hard for springtime in the bell tower of the university. I managed to reduce the quintillion photos I took of these to three.

Three nesting pairs of storks working hard for springtime in the bell tower of the university.

2009-02-12T09:46:49Z

bethanyjane
Three nesting pairs of storks working hard for springtime in the bell tower of the university.

Oooh, a mirror! An opportunity to prove that I exist. I like that there are 3 of me in this pic.

2009-06-26T12:15:47Z

bethanyjane
Oooh, a mirror! An opportunity to prove that I exist. I like that there are 3 of me in this pic.

The Plateresque entrance to the university, plus an industrious postcard seller.

2009-02-12T09:47:30Z

bethanyjane
The Plateresque entrance to the university, plus an industrious postcard seller.

They used this neato looking font all over town. And all of their walls were made of this cool sandstone looking stuff. It was a super stylish town. I highly recommend going there and che ...

2009-06-26T12:27:02Z

bethanyjane
They used this neato looking font all over town. And all of their walls were made of this cool sandstone looking stuff. It was a super stylish town. I highly recommend going there and che ...

I think this is the lower schools entrance, and accordingly, a field trip of high schoolers appears to be traversing it.

2009-02-12T09:45:47Z

bethanyjane
I think this is the lower schools entrance, and accordingly, a field trip of high schoolers appears to be traversing it.

Neato constellation dome art.

2009-02-12T09:44:50Z

bethanyjane
Neato constellation dome art.

From my halting conversation with the hotel guy, it appears they are tearing down the old hotel in Salamanca to build apartments in its place. :/

2009-02-12T09:48:51Z

bethanyjane
From my halting conversation with the hotel guy, it appears they are tearing down the old hotel in Salamanca to build apartments in its place. :/

Tearing down oldest hotel in Salamanca to build apartments in its place. The townspeople seemed to be very interested and kept stopping to watch.

2009-02-12T09:46:56Z

bethanyjane
Tearing down oldest hotel in Salamanca to build apartments in its place. The townspeople seemed to be very interested and kept stopping to watch.

Not only does Jesus appear to be painted, but he's also on a purple background and a green ground (grass?) accented by skulls and bones. Topped all off by a cheery bouquet of red and white ...

2009-02-12T09:48:18Z

bethanyjane
Not only does Jesus appear to be painted, but he's also on a purple background and a green ground (grass?) accented by skulls and bones. Topped all off by a cheery bouquet of red and white ...

Not only did this cathedral let you pay to light candles, you could also pay to light these electronic "candle" offerings. I wonder how long they stay on.

2009-06-26T12:14:38Z

bethanyjane
Not only did this cathedral let you pay to light candles, you could also pay to light these electronic "candle" offerings. I wonder how long they stay on.

That night there appears to be some sort of jamon party in the plaza, but I'm too wiped/intimidated to really go investigate. It appeared to be something you needed an invitation for. But ...

2009-06-26T12:19:07Z

bethanyjane
That night there appears to be some sort of jamon party in the plaza, but I'm too wiped/intimidated to really go investigate. It appeared to be something you needed an invitation for. But ...

Now you do see the people!!

2009-06-26T12:14:40Z

bethanyjane
Now you do see the people!!

A side entrance to the plaza, in fact the one I took back to my hotel (block away).

2009-02-12T09:48:42Z

bethanyjane
A side entrance to the plaza, in fact the one I took back to my hotel (block away).

Plaza Mayor, Madrid. Not only does it have naked ladies painted on it (yay Europe!), but the city got to vote on what color it was painted! (They had a choice of three, which were painted o ...

2009-02-12T09:49:00Z

bethanyjane
Plaza Mayor, Madrid. Not only does it have naked ladies painted on it (yay Europe!), but the city got to vote on what color it was painted! (They had a choice of three, which were painted o ...

More tapas at Torre del Oro Bar Andalú. These are baby squid.

2009-06-26T12:18:19Z

bethanyjane
More tapas at Torre del Oro Bar Andalú. These are baby squid.

Decorations of Torre del Oro Bar Andalú.

2009-06-26T12:14:23Z

bethanyjane
Decorations of Torre del Oro Bar Andalú.

The courtyard of the Palacio Real (Royal Palace, rarely used now) in Madrid.

2009-02-12T09:48:19Z

bethanyjane
The courtyard of the Palacio Real (Royal Palace, rarely used now) in Madrid.