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.

A Star is Born

While crossing the border from Spain into Portugal (yes, there is a border crossing as security is tightened for the Papal visit) a Spanish TV crew interviewed Fernando, one of our fellow pilgrims for tonight's news.

Blessed Interception

Weather played a role in our day. 

While on the bus or in the Monestary, it drizzled, rained and poured - just pick the moment. At those times when we exited the bus, the rain stopped and the sun greeted us. 

Listening to the rain pound on the roof while in the Monestary we were aware that a big storm had passed.  The evidence was still in the skies as we returned to our bus. 

The Black Madonna

Royal Monastery of Santa Maria de Guadelupe

Founded in the late 13th century, when a shepherd found a statue of the Virgin Mary in the mud, this monastery sits in a valley surrounded by high mountains. The legend maintains that the Black Madonna was created by St. Luke and buried in 714 by local Christians fearing an attack by Muslims. 

This gem is a UNESCO world heritage site and hosts centuries of religious art. The monks closely guard these religious pieces ensuring that no photos are taken. 

Serene, the garden area fills the soul. 

Bus Parking only

In Madrid, buses bringing tourists to the house of the president have preferred parking.

As special exit off of one of the city's tunnels brings you to a special parking lot designed to pack busses in like sardines. Getting in and out is also a tight fit. 

The Bull Stops Here

Banned in Barcelona, bullfighting is still a regular event in Madrid. In fact, in May, bullfighting matches occur daily and there are line ups for tickets.

However, it would appear that not everyone is a fan.  Many sculptures outside the stadium were defaced recently.

Madrid

Founded in the 9th century, Madrid is now home to 3.2 million people. Examples of various architectural styles pay homage to the city's past.

Madrid's monuments mark special moments in its distant and more recent past. 

Portraying Don Quixote, this monument takes note of one of Madrid's most famous fictional characters.

While this monument remembers the 191 lives lost in the train terror attacks of March 11, 2004.

Nine fountians create magnificent displays at major intersections in Madrid.

Catedral Primada Santa Maria de Toledo

Construction on this cathedral began in 1226 and was completed almost 300 years later in 1493.

Changing architectural styles is evident in the various facades of this building and in the remarkable interior.

Above the front entrance sit Jesus and his disciples from the Laast Supper.

Inside, this Monstrace of silver and gold is encased in glass except on special occasions when it is parade through the streets.  Weighing over 200 kg, moving it must be quite the task.

The smiling vigil, with her hand over Jesus' heart is a unique statue in this church.

Equally interesting is the image of the Virgin Mary and Mary Magdeline standing at the cross of Jesus. In most images they are kneeling at the foot of the cross.

 

Holy Toledo

Another walled city also captured our imaginations. Recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site for the co-existance of Catholic, Muslim and Jewish faiths,Toledo was founded in the third century BC along the Targus River and has a history of occupation by Cathigenians, Moors and Romans.  

Influences of these cultures and historical architectural preferences dominate the skyline. Above is Alcazar which was built by the Romans as a stone fortification at the highest point in Toledo.

And the Roman bridge of San Marten.

Avila

Our day began with a visit to Avila an walled city dating to the third century BC.

The main gate to the city was part of its defence.

House were built within the walls of this city.

It's most famous residents were St. Theresa of Avila and her confessor, St. John of the Cross. 

Both are honoured in the city.

St. Theresa Church was build over the site of the place where she was born. In the church decorations illustrate her Holy life.

While a statue beside the church honours St. John of the Cross.

Added Adventure

Our stay for the night was Hotel Dona Brigida just outside Salamanca. Perched high on a hill it was easy to spot.  

However, the main roads leading to this hotel were blocked. Using his GPS the bus driver drove over 12 km to find an alternative entrance, until the GPS indicated that we were to drive up a hill where there was only a dirt road. After many turn arounds, the driver called the hotel and found us a safe way to get there.

Some Light Entertainment

In the main square of Salamanca, a performer demonstrated his skill with marionettes.

Here a magician grows a flower by adding just water.

The Shell House

Everyone wants their house to stand out. In the right light, the shadows of the shells will connect forming a diamond pattern.

Find the Frog

Can you find the frog in this picture ?

Yes the frog is on the skull to the left.  This challenge is presented to university students. 

If they find the frog it is said they will pass their exams. 

It is also suggested that the frog was meant to warn students not to be distracted from their studies by women.

It is also said that the frog represents Dr. Parra, a physician who tried to save the life of a young prince Juan who died before the age of 20 in 1497.  The skull represents the prince while the frog, the doctor.

Thus frogs are found everywhere in Salamanca.

A Varied History

Founded in the 3rd century BC by the Carthiginians, Salamanca was ruled by the Romans and then the Moors in the 11th centuries.  Each culture has influence the growth of this city.

Note the Moorish influence in the stained glass.

And the Baroque and Renaissance influences here.