By complete coincidence, we came across the start of one of the main Ironman events in Europe. This was the evening before the race, and Lisbon was full of pro athletes, mostly about 6' 2", 165 pounds, and apparently German.
Impractical Fortifications
One of the multitude of oddball castles in Sintra, Portugal. Not practical, but it sure is pretty. I think they added the lightning rods later.
Dig it, and They Will Come
A Portuguese millionaire decided to "build" the inverse of a middle-ages tower, using a hole in the ground. Sintra, Portugal.
No!
There's a chain of stores in Portugal that sells nothing but nicely-packaged cans of sardines. What do we need this!?
Arouca Suspension Bridge
Another view of the Arouca suspension bridge in Portugal. What you cannot see is the burned-out forest just to one side. We saw forest fire damage all over the country.
Do Not Drop Your Phone
The Arouca suspension bridge in Portugal is the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the world, at 1,600 feet. Access is tightly controlled, where people are sent across in groups just a few times a day, with a guide. Bit of a drop, too (almost 600 feet).
A Venice Look-Alike?
Venice? No. Try Aveiro, Portugal. But it is stuffed with tourists, just like Venice.
Ancient Marshmallows?
Where Stay Puft marshamallows go to retire.
Okay, it's actually a winery that produces port.
Aggressive Waiter?
Is he a server, or is he trying to push the diners down the hill? 😊
Outdoor dining on a hilly street in Porto, Portugal.
Kill Those Birds
The Yeatman Hotel in Porto, Portugal employs a falconer to kill any birds that approach the diners on its outdoor patio. And yes, the falconer is currently standing in the midst of the diners on the patio. Nothing like a bird kill to enhance your appetite.
Imperial McDonald's
This is a very unusual McDonald's in Porto, Portugal. I've highlighted the key item. Imperial McDonald's!?
Perhaps the Worlds' Most Famous Bookstore
The Livraria Lello (in Porto, Portugal) may be the most famous bookstore in the world, partly due to its amazing wooden staircase, and partially due to the rumor that Hogwarts was based on it (possibly not true). You actually have to buy a ticket and reserve a time to get in. Here is the view from the front door:
Bad Hair Day
It's tough to be a juvenile penguin, especially when you're molting. From a penguin colony south of Cape Town.
Chill Dude
There were four of these male lions hanging out by a river bank, completely ignoring the Land Cruiser full of tasty treats sitting right next to them.
Free Milk
That baby probably weighs a few hundred pounds, and is still bugging mom.
Common, But Pretty
The oddly named Grey Go-Away Bird. We saw a lot of these throughout southern Africa.
Yet Another Cool Beak
Southern Yellow-Billed Hornbill, Botswana.
Big Boy
Monster white rhino. Our Land Cruiser nearly ran into it. It was so impressed by us that it rolled over and fell asleep.
Awkward Moment
I don't think giraffes can do a full split. This is as close as they get.
The Pure Awesomeness of Dirt
Let's face it, some babies just want to get dirty. Chobe National Park, Botswana.
