Your Royal Bekiness' Portuguese Chronicles: On Sacred Shrines and Surfing Tides

Portugal, with its rich history, is more than just picturesque beaches and sizzling fado tunes. On the third leg of our journey, we ventured into the spiritual, historical, and adventurous depths of the country. So, let's get to it!

Our first stop was the world-renowned Fatima Shrine, an emblem of faith and pilgrimage for Catholics worldwide. The serenity and sheer magnitude of devotion one can feel here is unparalleled. This sacred place, where three shepherd children reported visions of the Virgin Mary in 1917, resonates with tales of hope, faith, and miracles. As I lit a candle and sent a prayer, the atmosphere, imbued with centuries of devoutness, was palpable.

A short drive led us to the magnificent Sanctuario Sr Nazare, which stands tall, overlooking the vast Atlantic. Legend has it that a statue of Our Lady of Nazaré saved the life of a Portuguese knight, and since then, the shrine has been a beacon of faith. The panoramic view of the ocean, combined with the tranquility of the sanctuary, offers a moment of reflection and gratitude.

From the sacred to the exhilarating - Nazare's surfing area is a stark contrast. Home to some of the world's biggest waves, it's a surfer's paradise. While I didn't brave the titanic waves myself, imagining the audacious surfers conquer the monstrous waves is a spectacle in itself. The sheer power of nature, juxtaposed against the human spirit, is awe-inspiring.

Another beacon of faith is the Chapel of the Miracle's Memory, a humbler, yet equally significant spiritual landmark. The chapel stands as proof to the divine intervention that saved the town from marauding pirates. It’s a poignant reminder of the faith and resilience of the local community.

The Batalha Monastery, a grandeur of Gothic architecture, with its intricate designs and towering spires. Built to commemorate Portugal's victory in the Battle of Aljubarrota in 1385, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a blend of history, art, and spirituality. Wandering through the cloisters, one can't help but marvel at the craftsmanship of yesteryears.

Ending the day, we meandered through the cobbled streets of Óbidos, a charming medieval town encircled by walls. With its whitewashed houses adorned with bougainvillea and geraniums, Óbidos feels like a page from a fairy tale. As I sipped on the local cherry liqueur, 'ginjinha', from a chocolate cup, I couldn't help but appreciate the magic of the moment.

This segment of our Portuguese sojourn was a harmonious blend of the spiritual and the adventurous, the ancient and the contemporary. Each destination, with its unique allure, added a different hue to our travel palette. Portugal continues to surprise and enchant, and I can't wait to share more tales from this mesmerizing land. Stay tuned...

Be well,

YRB