WE ARE now sailing up the Tagus to Lisbon, the capital of Portugal. We sail under the 25th of April bridge. It looks familiar like the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco and it is, the same company built both.
Lisbon is a city steeped in history. Two thirds of the city was destroyed in the 1755 earthquake and was rebuilt in the new Gothic revival style, but the original Alfama Quarter thankfully survived. This is the old quarter and features stunning Moorish architecture and its narrow streets and alleyways are charming, dotted with little cafés.
History abounds from the 16th century Belem Tower, which was built as a fortress to defend the city and an extensive maritime museum with items dating from the Middle Ages; the monument to the discoveries on the banks of the Tagus looks like the prow of a boat celebrating Portugal’s seafarers.
Outside the city lies Sintra with its 14th century palace of the kings and along the coast is Fatima with its Basilica where it is said the Virgin Mary appeared to three young sheppards in 1917. It has become the focal point for thousands of pilgrims who flock here each year.
We are only here for a short time so it’s impossible to see everything but for a few Euros you can make a good fist of it on the hop-on-hop-off bus. There are lots of them and they are all busy as there are three cruise ships in town today.
Next we are sailing the Bay of Biscayne on our way to France. The bay is notorious for rough seas. There is a big swell and white caps but not too bad; our ship handles it well. Another night at sea and we are in port at Le Havre.
It was here in 1944 the allied forces attacked on the beaches of Normandy. An estimated 7,000 ships and 12,000 planes took part and the port of Le Havre was almost destroyed.
Today the city and port look untouched. This is the port for Paris and many are heading to the City of Light.
Notre Dame, Eiffel Tower, Champs-Elysees, Versailles to mention just a few of the attractions in Paris but it’s a three hour drive both ways so a very short time in Paris itself. Closer to the port you have Honfleur the old city, Rouen with its cathedral and memorial to Joan of Arch.
But many are heading to the D-Day beaches of Normandy to honour those fighting men who gave all for their country.
Our holiday is nearing its end as we sail into our last port of call Southampton England. Time to say goodbye to our home for the past 27 days, the cruise ship Sapphire Princess, a wonderful experience.
It’s an hour and a half drive to London. We have packed for the occasion with warm clothes after all it was snowing here last week, but it seems the warm weather we have experienced along the way has come with us. It’s a mini heat wave.
Walking through Hyde Park there are hundreds of people in tee shirts and shorts sunning on deck chairs, boating on the lake. It’s 26 degrees with high humidity, and it’s going to stay this way for the next four or five days.
There is a buzz in the air as the big wedding is coming up, Big Ben stands silent with work on restoration still under way, the houses of Parliament, London Eye and the bridge stand proud and at the changing of the guard there is barely standing room, with the hot weather tourists and locals alike are out in force.
The hop-on-hop-off bus seems the best option. The museums are a big drawcard. I visit the Natural History Museum with Darwin’s statue holding court. The building itself is so fascinating let alone its contents.
London has so much to offer it’s impossible to see it all but we try. Harrods, Kensington Palace, Royal Albert Hall, Leicester Square, the list goes on, but time is running short so we will have to come back again to Old London Town.
I now have a 25 hour journey by plane and airports to get back to ‘Aussie land.’ I envy the Europeans with their short haul flights to see their side of the world, but it’s good to be back and still call Australia home.
Until next time,
Safe Travel’n,
Geoff Vallance.
