Day 15 - Lisboa: Full Day Tour to Óbidos, Alcobaça, Batalha, Nazaré, Fâtima

Today was my full day tour that I had signed up for to get me to some of the surrounding sites near Lisboa - particularly the city of Nazaré.

Our first stop was the walled city of Óbidos. We got a whole 45 minutes there. Enough time to take in the whole main street and then inadvertently end up walking a whole section of the wall. Beautiful views, worth the adrenaline rush of being that high up with no guardrails or smooth walking surface.

On the brisk walk back once I found a way off the wall I stopped and got a one Euro shot of ginginha that they sell right there on the street. The city is apparently famous for it. One shot of the cherry liqueur in the edible chocolate cup and i was on my way back to the bus, and the next town.

Next stop was the city of Alcobaça, with the 13th century monastery and tombs of Portuguese prince Pedro and and his mistress/second wife Ines. Crazy sad AND crazy story about the two of them. Long story short, they ended up being together after the death of Pedro's first wife (against the will of Pedro's father, then king of Portugal). She was ordered to be murdered and was (in front of their children). Pedro was crushed. Pedro then ended up digging up her dead body, dressing her as queen and presenting her as his wife. He made everyone kiss her decomposing hand. He died 5 years later, everyone said of a broken heart.

So, Nazaré was next. I had signed up for the lunch, so we went from the bus straight to the restaurant. Bacalhau, soup, rice and salad were all served. With white wine to drink. A good meal, and a chance to chat with fellow travelers from Brazil and Switzerland. 

Made it out in time to get down to the water and get my feet wet. The waves were huge and you could tell that the undertow has to be crazy strong. I was excited to see Nazaré because I had heard about and seen pictures of the legendary 100 foot waves.

Feet wet and pictures taken, I got back to the bus just in time for departure to the next destination.

The two final stops were Batalha and Fátima. At Fátima, where it was said that the Virgin Mary had appeared, one was able to buy candles (velas), light them and place them at the site. I bought two, lit and placed accordingly.

All in all it was a good, long day. It was an hour and a half back to Lisboa from Fátima, so I didn't get back into town until almost 8pm. Did a quick fast food dinner and went Back To The Hotel to pack and get read for the marathon day/night/day for leaving Lisbon and heading back to Spain.