Jose and Paula

It has been an incredible joy and privilege to spend time with a number of different people here in Portugal. I love how conversation and relationship pick up right where they left off! That is a gift.

Two people I have loved spending time with these last few days in particular, are Joe and Paula. If you don't know Joe and Paula you are truly missing out (although I am quickly discovering that Joe knows EVERYBODY). Joe and Paula make you laugh - their joy is contagious. They are those people who you can talk about anything with and I have loved spending these last couple of days with them catching up on friends, family, church, faith, missions, struggles and everything in between.

Our first day together we spent time sitting in a beautiful cafe and walking through the streets of Sintra. Sintra is another favourite spot of mine. It doesn't seem to matter how many times you go to Sintra, the beauty of the town never fails to capture me. 

This afternoon, Joe, Paula and I spent time in the beautiful coastal town of Ericeira. Nothing beats a lunch of fresh, grilled shrimp and octopus at the beach!

Morning at the Beach

"Days Off" around here mean coffee at the beach. There is nothing more soothing to the soul than hearing the sound of crashing waves while sipping a perfect cup of coffee. 

Have I mentioned how much I love these two???

Feira de Ladra

Last Saturday Otto, Marjorie and I spent the morning wandering around the Alfama area of Lisbon and making a stop at the Feira de Ladra (the Thieves Market - basically a large flea market). I could have spent hours at the feira sifting through all of the treasures. 

We ended off morning with lunch at this great little restaurant where I had some of the best grilled dorrada ever. 

Museu Nacional do Azulejo

I can't believe that it has already been a full week of me being here in Lisboa. The last seven days have been full of coffee dates, catching up on sleep, doing life with friends and crossing things off my list of "to do's". One of the items on my "to do" list was to visit Museu Nacional do Azulejo (The National Tile Museum) in Lisboa.

The unique tiles of Portugal can be found everywhere and that is no exaggeration. The tiles are found in homes all across the country - in homes - on floors, walls, kitchens, bathrooms - and in places like government buildings, churches and cafes. The colours and the patterns and the history behind each tile is incredible. The museum highlights the different tiles used throughout Portugal and the stories and history behind each of the tiles from the 16th Century to the contemporary era.

The museum occupies various rooms of the ancient monastery and Igreja Madre de Deus (Mother of God Church).

On each side of the church, there is a tile mural depicting the two roads one is expected to choose in life: a life of pleasure or a life of religion. 

As Marjorie and I entered the sanctuary of the church we were both incredibly struck by the beauty and the intentionality that was put into this place. Without thinking, one enters into a space of awe and contemplation. We both thought how it's too bad we don't often enter into our own churches with this same spirit of contemplation and sacredness. 

Love her.

This is where the tiles are fixed up, painted and worked on. I think that would be a pretty awesome job to have.

Early 16th Century Tile

Everyday tile that would be found in homes.

My favourite is the Dutch tile - meaning inspired by the Dutch in blue and white.

Tile in story form.

Modern day Lisbon in Tile

 On the top floor of the museum is a panorama panel which captures approximately 18 kms of Lisbon coastline as viewed from the Tagus River, which was painted before the Lisbon earthquake in 1755 that destroyed most of the city. Much of the view remains the same to this very day. Stunning!

Modern Day Design.