And off we go, a quick train ride to Belem and then cappuccinos by the Tagus River.
On to the National Coach Museum just across the street.
What’s the first thought that crosses your mind when you hear stuff like Coach Museum? Uh huh, be honest. Musty stables with disintegrating covered wagons? Wells Fargo Pony Express carts? Nah, these coaches are the real deal. Used by kings and queens and dukes and duchess’s and Cinderella.
Elaborately carved and gilded with gold leaf, tops covered with red velvet..fit for a queen.
Or Cinderella.
Eighteenth century models made use of thick leather straps to hold all the parts and pieces together. Until the Germans came along and created a thing called the chassis upon which everything sat. Starting to look more like a car.
And then the surprise. A small exhibition by Norberto Nunes. Another new-to-me artist.
From regal coaches to royal barges. We had planned on the Archeological Museum, but it was unexpectedly closed. Sitting with more cappuccinos, rethinking the day, there, across the courtyard was the Maritime Museum. Sure, why not. Its hot out so being inside is welcome.
A meal, a walk along the river front and then back to home base.
Natas and strawberries for dessert. It’s a sweet life. And Cinderella lived happily ever after.
If it’s such a sweet life, why is Grubb communing with his residual monk? Lighten up, dude! Smile!
I’ll convene a seance with his inner self and get back to you on that. If I escape alive.