Lisbon, Portugal

As we get off the ship in Lisbon, Portugal, we see these mini-taxis all over the place. As you can see, most are really decorated.

We have decided to take a wine tasting excursion because we have enjoyed them so much in the past in France and Italy. Of course, we have to go through the town to get to the vineyard. As you can see, the downtown area is very beautiful.

Lisbon is built on seven hills, just like Rome and Cincinnati. At one time, they had seven different elevators to take people up the hills. Now, only three are left. This one was built by a student of Eiffel, of Eiffel Tower Fame.

As we are leaving town, we see the old Roman Viaduct that was built to bring water to the town.

A little further on, we see the wall of an old Roman fort.

We soon get to the winery. While it was an interesting place, none of us liked the wine. We tasted a red, white, and a port. Supposedly, because they are grown in sandy soil they are considered the best wines in Portugal. Not to us.

The barrel room where they aged the wines was extremely interesting. The wines are ages in oak barrels, with the largest barrel holding 6,387 liters of wine.

After leaving the Colares Winery, we finally saw a vineyard. We understand that these vines are all cultivated in small vineyards and worked manually.,

This wine tasting was nothing like our previous wine tastings. It was interesting, but not great.

Next, we head to Cape Roca which is the westernmost point of Portugal and continental Europe. In old, old times this point was considered the end of the earth. It was extremely windy here.

There were hundreds of bikers out at this point. Apparently, it is a Sunday thing to ride your bike out here. 

Not sure if this was the reason, but the police presence was very impressive with some armed to the teeth.

After this, we drive back to our ship. On our way, we pass under Lisbon's Golden Gate bridge, which is very similar to our Golden Gate Bridge as it was built by the same iron works company.

I spied this sign as we neared the ship. Not sure what would make that water closet the sexiest on earth, but they are boasting that it is. None of us could even guess what gimmick they could be boasting about.

We had looked all day for a mailbox to add to my collection, but to no avail. However, as I was reviewing the photos, guess what I found. Yes, I found my mailbox and didn't even know I had taken a picture of one. All is right with the world.

Tomorrow, Vigo, Spain.
I must be off!