Lisbon has done an evolution of the traffic light “squeegee bandit” to the “juggling bandit.” A Barnum-esque Peregrination entertainment at red lights after which you are asked for a contribution. I wonder if this flavour of tradition lasts back to Ancient Greek and Roman times.
Fabrico De Occolus signs are one of many that line the highway. They look like the TJ Eccleberg signs from Gatsby. (Imagine this on a big long billboard).
We arrived at Sintra, the Queen’s Palaces. The idea was that the Queens look after justice, internal affairs and work by influence. (They had six KPIs) The building is filled with subtle flourishes showing a woman’s sense of humour.
The castle building itself at Sintra is for official functions. Trinity and Hugh found this a bit strange, not wanting to live in a fancy home. I suggested it might be a bit hard to cool and heat, and you might like a nice cosy place next door. Trini felt this betrayed the ideal of needing to storm the council and being for defence. We agreed that it was a sort of Phantom Menace deception, when you think you have Natalie Portman you’ve actually got Keira Knightley.
We entered the Magpie room, which is a King’s council room. He sits (perched?) on his throne whilst his advisor stand. Seems like a good system to make a meeting run efficiently. The name of the room seems to have come from a building dominated by the Queens. (Later I discover this name is a Portugese convention.)
Princes wore short shorts, perhaps because of the heat. Hugh thinks they might be good for cross country running.
Portugal “regained its independence” (Iberian Brexit) in 1640 with Prince and then King Joao (Jono) IV.
We reached the Heraldic Hall, a symbolic room showing the interdependence of the King and royal houses – ultimately celebrating their nobility. The room is a Qubba (square on the bottom, round on top) symbolic of the meeting of earthly and heavenly powers (from Islamic architecture.) obviously the nobles have placed themselves in the heavens. Trinity satirises the room by placing each of Hugh’s friends as the names of the noble houses.
We enter a room being restored by giggling artists, the room symbolises development of ideas and scientific practices.
We enter a cozhina, a sixteenth century kitchen celebrating the spice trade, sugar production and a future confectionery enterprise. We also see 18C torueens shaped like animals, inspired by Chinese trade.
We wander back through tourist shops at the bustling Friday lunch – a sign offers croissants with Nutella and gelato. That could work.
We walk up to the Moorish castle – (think mountainous trek). This was conquered from the Moors in 1147 by peaceful siege when Lisbon was conquered by crusaders from England and Scandinavia.
There are lots of other ‘mini-Castles’ here. It seems that if you are negotiating to marry a Portugese Prince, you need to negotiate them building a Castle according your specifications. And if you are a tough negotiator, you ask for powers to tax the local populace. (Looking at you Isabel of Aragon).
Driving back there is a sign saying Rompo de Injusticeria – which appears to be a protest march with Russell Crowe.
We have dinner on the beach with Matt and Louise with the sunset.
We pause for a minute to view the city from the lookout at the top at night.
