Added Treat

We received a surprise greeting at the airport by our daughters who brought messages of welcome and Mother's Day wishes. Thank you Girls!  

Leaving its Mark

While a monument was erected to mark this special occassion, the mark this celebration left in our hearts is even bigger. 

Rock Star

To chants of "Papa, Papa", Pope Francis greated his people from the 'Pope Mobile' following the celebrations .

Special Day

As the sun rose on a new day, pilgrims from around the world gathered for 100th Anniversary celebrations of the First Apparation at Fatima.

Anticipation grew the procession with the statue of the Virgin Mary neared the outdoor chapel.

Then as Mass, led by Pope Francis, began, we were privileged to witness the canonization of two children, Jacinta and Fransisco Marto, 100 years after the event that brought them fame. While St. Jacinta and St. Fransisco were only 9 and 10 years old respectively at the time of their deaths, their faith has inspired many.

Mosaic Streets

Honouring its ancient history of Roman rule, mosaics in various and intricate patterns create sidewalks and squares.

Ceramic Tiles, Everywhere

Lisbon is known for ceramic tiles that line its walls. The effect is spectacular.

Lisboa

Boasting a population of 1.2 million Lisboa is both Portugal's Capital and its biggest city.  It's history predates Roman rule and it became a city in the 13th century.

The Targus River (the same river as at Toledo Spain) empties into the Atlantic Ocean at Lisbon. To ease traffic congestion crossing the Targus, the Vasco de Gama bridge was built in 1998.  Measuring 17 km, it was Europe's longest bridge.

We were greeted with Jacaranda tree lined streets. It was magical to see the trees in full bloom.