Foz do Arelho and Óbidos

We took the train from Coimbra to see our friends for a couple of days.

It was foggy for 3 days and this building on the hill looked like it might have been out of a movie.  I can imagine a lovely woman watching the sea waiting for a beautiful sunset.

Story Ember and Sun Wukong

On the way back to the house we passed a fence with dogs and I said, "Hi Doggies!"  The next thing we knew they were happily walking with us up the hill.

It looks like we are on another planet

A local house

This is a hotel or resort

The inner courtyard entrance to Óbidos 

He was singing with a high pitched opera voice which was quite a surprise

University of Coimbra and Old Science

The University of Coimbra on the top of the hill.  It was established in Lisbon  727 years ago and has been at its current location for 480 years.

The seal at the entrance to the University.  Some say that by walking on it you will gain wisdom.

The large courtyard looking at the River Mondego.  

Drawings of the courtyard when there were rose gardens and trees.  Legend says that the Queen at the time found out that the King was picking roses to give to his lover....oops!  The Queen had the gardens removed!  

The famous library Biblioteca Joanina where J.K. Rowling got her inspiration for the library in her Harry Potter books and the students here have been wearing long black capes for over a hundred years. 

The view from the courtyard across the river toward our apartment

Oh, I'm sure you don't need this bit.

The Science Museum was facinating

This is a class room still used today

Another class room still used.  Behind the seating there were cushions to take to your spot.

This is a Narwhal Horn made into a walking stick. They are not extinct yet and live near Greenland and Russia.

Sawfish  saw are currently critically endangered. They were common off the Atlantic near West Africa.

Insect nest

Interior courtyard