Portugal Travels Part 3 - Sintra...Cascais...Cabo da Roca...

Palaces, Cliffs & the Edge of the Continent

 

After exploring the sacred towns and coastal wonders north of Lisbon, we set out again — this time toward Portugal’s fairytale hills and its wild Atlantic edge. If the previous day had been a tapestry of history and faith, today felt like stepping into a dream painted with bright colors, misty forests, and the endless sea.

Sintra — A Kingdom of Mist & Magic

As we approached Sintra, the landscape began to change. The air grew cooler, the hills rose in soft curves, and dense forests wrapped the roads like a green cloak. There is something undeniably mystical about Sintra — as if legends live quietly among the trees.

The town itself is charming, lined with cafés, pastel façades, and little shops selling ceramics and Ginjinha. But what truly makes Sintra unforgettable are its palaces perched high above the clouds.

Pena Palace — A Fairytale on a Mountaintop

Our destination was the spectacular Pena Palace, one of the most whimsical structures in all of Europe. Rising in vivid hues of yellow, red, and blue, it feels less like a palace and more like a page torn straight from a fantasy storybook.

As we walked across its courtyards, we admired the romantic architecture blending Neo-Gothic, Neo-Manueline, and Moorish influences. Every tower, every arch, every mosaic tile tells a story. From the terraces, Sintra’s hills unfurled in layers of green mist, occasionally revealing a glimpse of the royal gardens below. The royal kitchen, bedrooms, paintings are there with so much history.

As we walked across its courtyards, we admired the romantic architecture blending Neo-Gothic, Neo-Manueline, and Moorish influences. Every tower, every arch, every mosaic tile tells a story. From the terraces, Sintra’s hills unfurled in layers of green mist, occasionally revealing a glimpse of the royal gardens below.

Inside, the rooms preserved Portugal’s royal life as it once was — elegant, ornate, and echoing with memories. It was easy to imagine kings and queens standing at the windows, looking toward the Atlantic and dreaming of distant worlds.

Cascais — A Gentle, Breezy Coastal Retreat

From the cool forests of Sintra, we descended to the sunlit coast and reached Cascais, a seaside town where the Atlantic gently kisses the shore. Cascais is all about simple pleasures: a walk by the marina, colorful fishing boats bobbing lazily, charming cafes spilling onto cobblestones, and that unmistakable salty breeze.

 

We strolled along the waterfront, watching waves shimmer under the afternoon light. Somehow Cascais feels both luxurious and deeply comforting, like a beach town that has mastered the art of relaxation.

Cabo da Roca — The Westernmost Point of Europe

From Cascais, we drove to a place that felt truly symbolic — Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe.

Standing at the cliff’s edge, we felt the full force of the Atlantic wind, cold and wild, sweeping across the rugged landscape. The waves crashed far below, sending up white foam that sparkled in the winter sun. A stone marker declared proudly:

“Where the land ends and the sea begins.”

It is a place that makes you pause — not just to admire the view, but to reflect on the enormity of the ocean, the courage of explorers who once sailed into it, and your own small but meaningful place in a vast world.

Cabo da Roca felt like the perfect metaphor for our trip: spontaneous, bold, and quietly awe-inspiring.

 A Day Wrapped in Beauty

From palatial heights to seaside calm, from forested hills to Europe’s final western frontier — this day captured Portugal’s magic in all its diversity. It was a journey of color, history, and emotion, stitched together by warm people, scenic drives, and that unmistakable Atlantic spirit.

Bye Portugal

As our trip came to an end, we found ourselves reflecting on the many layers of Portugal we had experienced:

      Lisbon’s maritime pride, where centuries of exploration began

Belém’s monuments, whispering stories of daring voyages

Sintra’s palaces, where imagination takes architectural form

Cascais’ quiet shores, perfect for thoughtful pauses

Cabo da Roca, where the land makes peace with the sea - Western most point 

Fátima’s sacred stillness

Batalha’s solemn Gothic beauty

Nazaré’s roaring waves - Surfing capital

Óbidos’ Christmas magic - Medieval rampart and village

 

                                                     PEACE ON EARTH

All content copyright © by Sobana Iyengar.

Portugal Travels Part 2 - Fatima...Batalha...Nazare...Obidos...

The Sacred North & Seaside Wonders

The next morning, Lisbon awoke under a soft autumn sun. There was a crispness in the air — the kind that hints at the coming holidays — and the city’s gentle bustle felt wrapped in a festive glow. With hearts full and spirits light, we left the capital for a day trip that would carry us through Portugal’s spiritual heartlands and its dramatic Atlantic coast.

Fátima — A Sacred Stillness

Our first stop was Fátima, one of the most important Catholic pilgrimage sites in the world. Even for those outside the faith, the moment you step into the vast esplanade, a deep hush envelope you. There is something profoundly grounding here.

The Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary stood serene under a pale sky, its white façade almost glowing. We listened quietly as our guide recounted the story of the three shepherd children and the apparitions of 1917 — a tale that still draws millions each year.

Walking through Fátima, we felt an unexpected peace, as though time had momentarily slowed to allow reflection.

Batalha Monastery — A Gothic Masterpiece

From sacred silence, we moved to architectural grandeur.

The Batalha Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site, rises like a stone crown set against the countryside. Built to commemorate Portugal’s victory in the 1385 Battle of Aljubarrota, it is a tribute to resilience and national pride.

Inside, soaring pillars stretched toward the heavens, and stained-glass windows filtered the light into soft, jewel-toned hues.

The intricate stonework — lace carved from limestone — seemed almost impossible, as though crafted by hands with infinite patience.

Walking through the cloisters, we were struck by the quiet beauty of the unfinished chapels, open to the sky. There, history felt raw and tangible, the wind whispering through arches that never reached completion.

Nazaré — Where the Ocean Roars

The first local legend we heard was about the beautiful small chapel of Ermida da Memória, built by Dom Fuas Roupinho, who when chasing a deer and faced death was saved by Virgin Mary.

The second one is about the “Seven Skirts” the fisherwomen wore in Nazare. These are multi layered skirts which will keep them warm when waiting for their fishermen husbands to come back from the ocean. It is more a cultural feature, and we found some women wearing those skirts where the tourists throng.

Our journey then carried us westward, where the land meets the Atlantic in dramatic fashion.

Nazaré is a seaside town famous for its giant winter waves, some of the highest ever surfed. Even from the cliffs, we could sense the raw power of the ocean — a thunderous rhythm that seemed to shake the very air.

 

But beyond the thrill of the waves, Nazaré has a gentler side: narrow streets lined with whitewashed homes, fishing nets drying in the sun, and the salty scent of the sea lingering everywhere.

Standing by the lookout point, the vast horizon unfolded before us — endless blue meeting endless blue — and we felt wonderfully small in the best possible way.

4. Óbidos — A Storybook Village Preparing for Christmas       

 Our final stop felt like stepping into a fairy tale.

Perched on a hill and wrapped in medieval walls, Óbidos greeted us with cobbled lanes, blooming bougainvillea, and white houses trimmed with yellow and blue. But what made it even more magical was the festive transformation underway — the entire village preparing for Christmas.

Shops were hanging twinkling lights. Doorways were decorated with wreaths.

And the castle courtyard was being readied for its annual Christmas market.

There was a sense of joyful anticipation everywhere, like a village getting dressed for a grand celebration.

From the ramparts, the view was unforgettable: rolling hills, vineyards, distant farmhouses, and cliffs catching the afternoon light. Portugal’s countryside seemed to glow.

A Vegetarian Welcome Everywhere

One thing that truly touched us throughout the day — and indeed across Portugal — was how warmly restaurants accommodated our vegetarian needs. Even in small towns, chefs took extra effort to prepare fresh, flavorful meals for us. It felt like the hospitality from the heart, a sweetness that lingers long after the trip ends.

                                                      PEACE ON EARTH

All content copyright © by Sobana Iyengar.

Portugal Travels Part 1 - Lisbon...Belem....Alfama...

A Whimsical Journey to Portugal — Lisbon’s Living Tapestry

 Some trips are planned for months. Others are born from a simple spark — a whim, a feeling, a quiet tug that whispers, “Why not now?”

Our journey to Portugal belonged to that second category. With Spain and Gibraltar already etched in our memories, completing the Iberian Peninsula felt like a beautiful, spontaneous idea waiting to unfold.  We talked about our nostalgic journeys with our parents and brother.  And so, off we flew to Lisbon — a city that greets you with sunlight, sea breeze, and an old-world charm wrapped gently in modern elegance.

A Warm Welcome at the Sheraton Hotel & Spa

Our haven in Lisbon was the Sheraton Hotel & Spa, where hospitality isn’t just a service, but a deeply felt experience. Spacious rooms, soothing spa scents drifting through the lobby, and smiling staff — all of it made us feel instantly at home.

But the moment that touched us most came unexpectedly. For my sister’s birthday on November 23rd, the hotel surprised her with champagne and a delicious cake, delivered with heartfelt wishes. It wasn’t merely a gesture; it felt like a small celebration of our family woven into their daily rhythm.

And from the top floor of the hotel — oh, what a view! Lisbon’s panorama unfurled beneath us: terracotta rooftops, slender hills, the shimmering vein of the Tagus River, and the gentle hum of a city steeped in history.

Exploring Lisbon: A City of Light, Water & Stories

We began our sightseeing tour of Lisbon with a friendly guide who seemed to carry centuries of history in his voice. Every stop felt like opening a new chapter in a storybook written by explorers, monks, kings, and everyday people whose footsteps still echo through the cobblestones.

Sardine export was primary economic activity during the exploration phase. Paintings, old tin boxes, photos adorn the walls of the museum.

Belém — Where Voyages Began

Belém is the soul of Portuguese exploration, where great sailors once set out across unknown oceans. Standing there, with sea breeze brushing against us, we could almost imagine the caravels pushing away toward horizons no one had mapped yet. The Age of Discovery defines Portugal’s soul. Standing in Belém earlier on the trip, we had walked the same shores from which **Vasco da Gama** set sail to India in 1497. His landmark voyage connected continents and changed world history forever. These maritime explorations around the World resulted in wars, pillaging, destroying indigenous cultures and also paved way for the change to the modern era for good or bad!

Every monument, monastery, and museum seemed to carry a fragment of that era — from the Jerónimos Monastery built to honor his journey, his final resting place to the navigational instruments in museums, to the carvings of ships and sailors in the monuments across Lisbon.

Monument to the Discoveries

Majestic and almost sculptural in its storytelling, the Discovery Monument rises at the waterfront like a stone ship frozen in time. Princes, navigators, poets, and visionaries stand carved in noble procession, reminding us that Portugal’s history is inseparable from the sea.

Jerónimos Monastery — A Stone Symphony

The Jerónimos Monastery is where architecture becomes poetry. Its Manueline details — ropes, shells, botanical motifs — feel as though the ocean itself left its fingerprints on the stone. Walking through its cloisters, peace settles on you like a gentle wave. It’s no wonder Vasco da Gama once prayed here before setting out to India.

The Tagus River Estuary & the “Golden Gate” Bridge

The Tagus River widens gracefully into a shimmering estuary as if preparing itself to meet the Atlantic. Lisbon’s red suspension bridge — often compared to San Francisco’s Golden Gate — stretches boldly across the water, a modern reminder of the city’s enduring connection to distant places.

Cristo Rei — Watching Over the City

Across the river stands the Statue of Cristo Rei, arms extended in a gesture of welcome. Inspired by Rio’s Christ the Redeemer, it offers a breathtaking view of Lisbon’s rooftops and the sweep of the river below. Looking up at the statue, one can’t help but feel a quiet reassurance, as though the city is held in protective hands.

Commerce Square & Rua Augusta — Lisbon’s Living Heart

At Praça do Comércio, sunlight dances across the vast yellow facades framing the square. Once the royal entrance to Lisbon from the river, today it’s vibrant, open, and full of life. From there, Rua Augusta leads you forward — a pedestrian artery buzzing with cafés, street performers, and the irresistible aroma of pastries.

Alfama — Lisbon’s Old Soul

Alfama is a maze you don’t want to escape from. Narrow alleys, tiled houses, laundry fluttering like flags of daily life — it’s Lisbon at its most authentic. This is where Fado was born, where melancholic music spills into the night like liquid emotion. Walking here feels intimate, like being invited into someone’s memory.

Eduardo VII Park — A Green Pause

We ended our tour at Eduardo VII Park, the city stretching below us like a live painting. The geometric gardens, the open lawns, and the gentle descent toward the river create a rare moment of quiet in a bustling capital. It’s the kind of place where you pause, breathe deeply, and let your journey settle in your heart.

Everywhere we went, Christmas preparations were underway. Lights were being strung across streets, store windows featured ornaments and snow-dusted displays, and even small cafés decorated with garlands and tiny stars.

There was a gentle charm to it all — understated, elegant, and full of joy. Portugal’s way of welcoming the season felt thoughtful, not rushed.

                                                    PEACE ON EARTH

All content copyright © by Sobana Iyengar.

Japan Travels Part 5 - Kamakura....Great Buddha....Enoshima....

A Day of Spirit and Sea

After our serene journey through Nikko’s mountains and waterfalls, we traveled south toward the coastal town of Kamakura, a city where Japan’s samurai history, spirituality, and seaside beauty meet in perfect balance. Located just an hour from Tokyo, Kamakura was once the political heart of Japan during the Kamakura Shogunate (1185–1333), and today it remains a place of quiet reflection and timeless grace.

Kamakura – The First Samurai Capital

In the late 12th century, Kamakura became the seat of Japan’s first military government under Minamoto no Yoritomo, the founder of the Kamakura Shogunate. This period marked the rise of the samurai class and a major shift in Japanese history — from imperial rule to warrior governance.

Beyond politics, Kamakura became the cradle of Zen Buddhism in Japan. Monks who traveled to China brought back teachings that deeply influenced samurai philosophy — discipline, mindfulness, and the pursuit of inner calm. That spiritual foundation still echoes through Kamakura’s temples and gardens, where every sound, every still moment, feels connected to centuries of reflection.

The Great Buddha of Kamakura – Daibutsu of Kotoku-in

Our first stop was the majestic Great Buddha of Kamakura, known locally as Kamakura Daibutsu. The statue sits peacefully at the Kotoku-in Temple, surrounded by greenery and open skies. Cast in bronze in the mid-13th century, this statue of Amida Buddha stands 13.35 meters tall and weighs over 120 tons — a breathtaking symbol of strength and serenity.

As we approached, the first thing that struck us was the Buddha’s expression — calm, compassionate, and timeless. His half-closed eyes seemed to gaze inward, embodying the stillness of enlightenment. The statue originally sat inside a large wooden hall, but after powerful tsunamis in the 15th century destroyed the structure, the Buddha has remained outdoors — serene and unshaken through centuries of wind and rain.

Standing before it, we could feel an indescribable sense of peace. The rustle of pines, the faint tolling of temple bells, and the quiet reverence of visitors created an atmosphere of spiritual stillness.

 

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine – The Heart of Kamakura

Our next stop was the grand Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, dedicated to Hachiman, the god of warriors. Founded in the 11th century, it became the spiritual heart of the samurai government. The shrine, standing proudly on a hilltop, is reached by a broad stone staircase lined with cherry trees and lanterns.

It was a festive day — the Shichi-Go-San celebration, where children aged three, five, and seven are blessed for health and happiness. Families filled the shrine grounds in colorful kimonos. The rhythmic beat of drums, the ringing of bells, and the soft chanting of priests filled the air, blending devotion with joy. Watching parents gently guide their children to bow and pray was heartwarming — a glimpse of Japan’s enduring family traditions.

From the top, we gazed down at Kamakura’s streets stretching toward the shimmering sea, a view that seemed to bridge centuries.

Maruyama Inari Shrine – The Fox Guardians

Our next visit was to the Maruyama Inari Shrine, dedicated to the goddess of agriculture and prosperity. The entrance, lined with brilliant vermilion torii gates, led to a tranquil courtyard guarded by two fox statues — the messengers of the deity Inari. The foxes, holding scrolls and keys, symbolize wisdom and abundance.

We offered a small prayer and rang the shrine bell, its clear chime echoing softly in the forest air. It was a quiet, contemplative stop — one that reminded us of the deep harmony between faith and daily life in Japan.

Hase-dera Temple – The Goddess of Mercy

Not far from the Great Buddha lies the serene Hase-dera Temple, dedicated to Kannon, the goddess of mercy. Built along a wooded hillside overlooking the ocean, this temple is famous for its towering eleven-headed statue of Kannon, carved from a single block of camphor wood in the 8th century.

Inside, the fragrance of incense and the soft sound of chanting filled the hall. Each of Kannon’s heads represents a different form of compassion, offering blessings to all who seek peace and protection. 

Outside, the temple gardens bloomed with hydrangeas, koi ponds reflected the afternoon light, and from the upper terrace, we admired a breathtaking view of the Pacific coastline — a perfect blend of nature and spirituality.

 Enoshima Island – Where the Sea Meets Spirit

By late afternoon, we crossed the bridge to Enoshima Island, a small, enchanting island in Sagami Bay. Known for its shrines, ocean views, and romantic sunsets, Enoshima is both a pilgrimage site and a beloved seaside escape.

We climbed narrow, bustling streets filled with cozy cafés and souvenir shops, the scent of grilled seafood and roasted chestnuts wafting through the air. At the top stood the Enoshima Shrine, dedicated to Benzaiten, the goddess of music, beauty, and the arts.

From the Samuel Cocking Garden and observation tower, we took in sweeping views of the coastline — and, in the distance, the faint outline of Mount Fuji emerging through the mist. As the sun dipped low, the sky turned gold and rose, and the sea shimmered like liquid light. It was one of those rare, quiet moments when time seems to pause.

The Legend of Benzaiten – Goddess of Enoshima

According to legend, long ago a five-headed dragon terrorized the area around Enoshima. The compassionate goddess Benzaiten, descended from the heavens and caused the island to rise from the sea. Struck by her kindness and beauty, the dragon repented and vowed to protect the people.

Benzaiten, originally a Hindu goddess (Saraswati), was brought to Japan through Buddhism and became the only female among the traditional Seven Lucky Gods. She is worshipped as the patron of music, wisdom, beauty, and love, and travelers visit Enoshima to pray for artistic inspiration and harmonious relationships. Even today, her presence seems to float in the sea breeze, blessing the island with a gentle, joyful energy.

Reflection – Kamakura’s Eternal Calm

Kamakura is more than a city of temples; it is a living prayer.

Here, stone Buddhas and wooden shrines breathe the same sea air, and the echoes of drums, waves, and footsteps blend into one gentle rhythm.

In the gaze of the Great Buddha, in the smile of a child dressed for blessings, we found what Japan teaches so beautifully — that peace is not found, it is felt.

And as the sun set over Enoshima’s horizon, the sea carried our hearts with it — serene, light, and full of wonder.

Sayonara, Japan

Until we meet again - in the rustle of bamboo, the call of temple bells, and the quiet stillness of Fuji San watching over the beautiful land and its traditions.

                                            PEACE ON EARTH

ll content copyright © by Sobana Iyengar.