Portugal

We finally got to disembark in Lisbon on Saturday, June 21. Lisbon is a gorgeous city, perched on steep hills dotted with old homes and shops, a mixture of medieval, Moorish, and more contemporary architecture. The central square area was redesigned by the Marquis of Pombal following the devastating earthquake of 1755 (so powerful that it was felt in Madrid and beyond). Before we left, Professor Betsy Chunko (US Military Academy at West Point) gave a terrific talk on what we were about to see and experience.

I presented a powerpoint called "4 Things I Know About Portugal" (announced over the PA system as "4 Things Dean David Knows," which raised the level of expectation that was inevitably squashed!). Our first outing took us to the Ceramic Museum, situated in a restored convent about twenty minutes from the ship.

Then, lunch at a VERY local place, a real find: four people, lamb chops, feijoada (the traditional dish of beans and pig parts, delicious), salad, grilled beef, and grilled swordfish, french fries, wine, water, and orange soda. Total bill, 4 people: $31.00.

Dinner was the polar opposite. A Travessa is a fabulous, upscale Michelin-ready restaurant located in a converted 17th-century convent. We went with our friends from UVa, Dan Burke and Emilie Rissman (both biologists) and we reveled in the exquisite food, great service, historical surroundings, and memorable Portuguese wines.

Janna and I chose to take a "ship trip" to Alter do Chão, Portoalegre, and Marvão, with lunch at the Pousada do Crato (google it). After visiting the Flor da Rosa Monastery we ended up at the Pousada de Marvão for dinner (google it, too!). Overnight at a lovely hotel, and then on to Castelo de Vide, the Tapestry Museum, and back to the glorious ship. There were just 19 of us on the trip, with a very knowledgeable guide and amazing castles along the way. It was intense, but very worthwhile.