Thursday 5 March 2015

Coimbra and Graca

Since the bus to Graca was at 13.30, the morning was free for tourism . . . including the university, a UNESCO world heritage site; the new cathedral, a surprising modern building in the style of the old ones, though less impressive; and the city museum, an amazing experience, with Roman catacombs at the base and priceless sculptures and other treasures, mostly religious, bringing to mind a quote from Pope Leo X in the 16th century, found this morning in the novel picked up at the car boot sale, The Last Templar: "It has served us well, this myth of Christ". The whole drama is well illustrated in the museum, with the most incredibly ornate carvings depicting the cast.

After the culture, a stroll to the bus station and a brief conversation with the driver, who worked in Hartlepool some years ago and was still amused by the monkey story. Hartlepool folk play along with it, even electing the football team mascot "Hangus" as mayor. I hear he did quite a good job . . .
Back to Figuero dos Vinhos and the return stroll to Grace . . . one more day and it's just me and the dogs, cats, guinea pigs and chickens . . . more pics to come . . . for now here's Suki, who is a cutie . . .

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