Maybe a bad idea to go swimming (!). Swimming pool in Ponta Delgado, Azores Islands.
Questionable Writing Skills
If you read the bottom row of this sign, it appears to have been written by a Jamaican. Azores Islands.
Not a Good Day
This is King's View, the most famous spot in the Azores Islands - on a good day. This was not a good day. We were up on the edge of a volcano, looking down on the lakes at the bottom.
The Ultimate
Yes, that's right. A hamburger vending machine. All of my dreams have been answered. Azores Islands.
The Best Views are in the Rain
Chapel in the rain in Lousa, Portugal. Not many tourists, since the rain had washed out the road below us; we cheated and hiked in.
Best Hiking Day of the Trip
When it's pouring rain, the obvious choice is to go for a hike. Lousa, Portugal.
Oops!
This is why you should always look down when walking. Castelo de Monsanto, Portugal.
A Surplus of Gold
Perhaps a trifle gaudy. That's the back end of a royal carriage, in Lisbon's Carriage Museum.
Jocks Everywhere
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: