HK Independent Traveller Blog

20180507 After visiting the Palace of Mafra (Palacio Nacional de Mafra), we took the same bus further to Ericeira . The bus stop is located at the middle of a hill.  As our target destination was the sea, we descended towards the beach.  Dotted the path are many white houses. It was rare to bump into people during the non-peak season.  Quietness filled the space. Ericeira originated as a fishing town along the coastline with outstanding beaches.  With its constant powerful high waves it emerged as a surfing hub. Apart from being Portuguese heritage and outstanding surfing centre, Ericeira is also famous for delicious seafood . Visitors flood the town in summer months.  We had a shellfish platter .  It's too much for two persons.  My friend ate the majority of the prawns, crab paste and a bit other shellfish.  I had to work hard and long to clear the plate.  It seems that we will only have normal seafood such as fish, clam...

It was the second last day of our Lisbon trip. We went to places depending on the weather.  If it was a day of sunshine, we went to famous spots (e.g. Sintra ), the sea (e.g. Cascais , Setubal ).  Museum is the choice for rainy or cloudy days. The sun hid itself in the morning. It meant we could not go far but stay in Lisbon. We could finally visit the Palace of the Marqueesses of Fronteira which is famous for its fabulous tile works, second to the National Azulejo Museum .  The Fronteira Palace was built in 1640 for the first Marquis of Fronteira , Dom Joao de Mascarenhas (bestowed with the title of Marquis of Fronteira for his allegiance to King Pedro II).  It was served as hunting pavilion. Today, the Fronteira Palace is a privately owned property.  A few parts are opened to the public on a tight schedule. The palace is only opened in the morning and accessed through guided tour.  The beautiful garden can be visited wit...