Biblioteca Joaninha

Imagine standing before a library that has been in use for half a millennium.

This library in Coimbra, Portugal is the oldest library in Portugal, and (according to the Portuguese) the oldest library that has been in constant use in the world!

How does a library get to be over 500 years old and never be forgotten? By being part of the oldest university in Portugal!

In 1290, this university started in Lisbon. In 1536, the university moved to Coimbra and the library was built. The university has had a class every semester of every year for the past 729 years!

This is just mind blowing to me being from the United States, where our continent was discovered by Europeans only 527 years ago, and the United States came to exist only 243 years ago. Our ancient history is their recent past. I guess it’s all relative!

Time Out Market

In Lisbon, one of the must do places to see and eat at was the “Time Out Market” which at first looked like a glorified food court; but it was so much more.

There was no McDonalds or Burger King here! The booths were gourmet restaurants of famous chefs providing delicious options of seafood, tender beef, and amazing desserts.

Seating was a bit tricky as this popular spot attracts many people! As a couple, finding a pair of seats was doable, but as a large group, it could be considered impossible to sit together.

Lisbon Student Uniforms

Traveling to other countries exposes you to other cultures. In Lisbon, Portugal, the inspiration for the Hogwarts student’s uniforms was very apparent. Walking down the street were four girls in capes. The sight was a bit shocking as I had never seen anything like it before in real life.

The author of the Harry Potter series was living in Portugal when she was writing her novels and the student’s uniforms are credited as being her inspiration.

It was rather magical seeing those four girls walking down the street, their capes hanging in the darkness as they descended down the way.

Fairy Tale Castle in Lisbon

We are back in Portugal and our first stop is in Lisbon! When Disney was looking for inspiration for the Magic Kingdom, his people visited this castle in Sintra called the Pena Pallace.

Standing here on this fanciful turret looking out over the ocean we just crossed and down the coast we are about to sail made us stop and think about the choices we have made in our life to bring us to this very point.

What goid choices they have been!

On our way!

We had a great time visiting friend and family in Maryland but we are also excited to be getting back to Wisdom in Portugal so we can resume our voyaging journey!