Lisbon, Portugal

Our luck couldn't last forever and although the sun was shining upon our arrival in Lisbon the rain started to pour down as we began our tour. Still, the city tour was very interesting and we were able to admire the many lovely buildings, colourful homes and mosaic-lined sidewalks. Luckily the rain didn't last long and by the time we reached our first stop at the Maritime Museum it was only drizzling lightly. The museum was full of models of ships used in Portugal since the 15^th century, historical paintings and navigational items, and we had a nice wander around. The museum is located in part of the magnificent Jeronimos Monastery which we visited next. Built in the early 16^th century the monastery houses the tomb of navigator Vasco da Gama. With its gothic archways and the deteriorating faces on some of the statues it was a bit spooky inside! Next up was a stop at Belem Tower which sits on the shore of the Tagus River and was commissioned as part of a defence system of said river. While many rushed off to shop at nearby stores, mum and I took a stroll through the park and as the rain had finally stopped completely we found a quiet bench away from the crowds and just enjoyed the atmosphere. Our drive back to the port took us past the Monument to the Discoveries, and from the pier we had a good view of the enormous Cristo-Rei statue which stands across the river from Lisbon and was inspired by the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro. I wish we'd been able to cross the bridge and see it up close, but alas there was no time. Our sail-away took us past the Monument to the Discoveries and I was able to get a good look at the front of it – much more impressive than the view from the bus!