We visited Portugal for reasons different from why most people visit distant places. We had never been to Portugal and knew little about it. After we had made our travel arrangements only then did we start reading about sailing ships, the ages of discovery and colonization, and Portugal’s relationship to England and Spain. We consulted geographic treatises, travel books, and Bob made the mistake of reading Fernando Pessoa’s “novel” The Book of Disquiet written in five poorly identified fictional voices.

Travel writers had told us that Portugal was the poorest member of the E.U. (European Union). Our experience did not support this. We saw little or no poverty; houses, towns and infrastructure were well maintained, we shopped in well-stocked stores, and we could drink the tap water. The Portuguese are leaders in several types of agriculture, including two that warmed the hearts of Davis people, viticulture and enology. We visited castles and ancient churches, walked through vineyards and drank wine several times a day. Portugal is known for its port wine (note the semantic connect between port and Portugal). Our favorite wine was the younger and lighter Vino Verde. Pastries were excellent.

Our guide Helena, provided by Road Scholar, was terrific. Extremely knowledgeable, helpful, and well connected; she arranged talks with her friends who invited 22 people into their homes and served them wines and cakes, and in one case, an entire dinner. She was able to answer our questions and suggest other places to visit during our free time. The group was very friendly; the majority were teachers — that provided common interests for us. The European soccer championship games took place during our visit and we watched several games on TV.

Many of the drawings that follow were done quickly so as not to hold up the group (you will be able to tell). Everyone else used cameras — much faster than our drawing pens and water colors.

Adeus, Portugal
Bob & Barbara