Belem

Belem is a beautiful and historic neighbourhood at the mouth of the Tegus River. 

Here we find a monument to a pilot who first flew to Peru.

 Belém Tower is actually a former military station which protected the river mouth. Apparently there are other stations all along the coast, but the others actually look like boxes.

This one looks like a castle.

Of course it is now a tourist attraction, complete with a violinist.

As in Thailand, you can ride in a tuktuk.

We get to ride in this beautiful and comfortable bus.

This is the Monument to the Discoveries, looking out over the water.

The Portuguese were amazing navigators.

A large map in the square demonstrates the extent of Portuguese exploration.

Portugal is recognized as the oldest country in Europe, having been founded more than eight hundred years ago.

Portuguese colonies dotted the globe. They were founded in very many surprising places: Africa, Madagascar, Goa in India, Malacca in Malaysia, Canton (Guangzhou) and Macau in China, Terra Nova in Canada, and many more. This exploration all happened before Spain even became a country.

At this point I decided that the primary souvenir that would come home with me would commemorate the navigators of Portugal.

Navigational tools, such as this astrolabe, made it possible for the Portuguese to
explore the world.

Next we are going to a church.