The organist librarian

15.9.17 Good breakfast including fried egg. Tour of Lisbon but guide talked too much. Belem watchtower, Navigators monument, Jeronimos monastery church very crowded. Tomb of Vasco da Gama and poet Luis de Camoes. Delicious Pasteis de Belem. To Cascais along the coast and tour of Palace of Quezal which has been well restored. Not a patch on Versailles or Schonbrunn or St Petersburg. Nce gardens but very few seats. Sardines and beer for lunch (very quick service) Santini icecream. View of farthest point West of European continent same latitude as New York! Lovely day but windy. To supermarket to get food and mateus rose wine. To hotel Don Pedro spa. 

14.9.17 2 hours in coach to reach Fatima one of the highlights of the trip. It is huge but impressive. Mass starting in the new basilica which has a wonderful golden design right above the sanctuary. Some good singing, sadly a digital organ. Not keen on wax candles and effigies being burnt in the flames but at least the wax is recycled. Original basilica has lovely stained glass and a pipe organ and stations about Mary and Jesus but not including the wedding at Cana! I missed the graves of the children who saw the appearances! I wondered why people were gathered there. Stations in the colonnades  are very fine. Chapel of Peace Mass in English. Liz went to communion and to her annoyance was told to receive on the tongue. Bought souvenirs. To Ovidos pretty and touristy had coffee and cake and finally got into the church which has amazing tiles. Arrived at Lisbon hotel hot and found pool closes at 7. To Cascais for a good fish dinner over the bridge - crab, fish lots of wine and good...