So, I sit in the lap of luxury today, writing and drinking a delicious cup of coffee, and remembering yet another special day. We enjoyed a good and healthy breakfast prepared by James and Aasta at Colina Flora yesterday, then headed out on the walk to Sintra. Down, down the steep climb we made the previous two days, then up, up, up, as we looked off in the distance and saw where we were headed — to Monserrate, an incredible Moorish-designed mansion. The flowers we have seen along this walk have ranged from dandelions to poppies (which I recognize) to succulents to delicate yellow scents and purple foxgloves. The honeysuckle is not white and yellow, but reddish purple with yellow centers. The smells just fill the air, changing from one aroma to another, depending on what we are walking by. I’ve just never seen or smelled anything like it. And they change depending on where we are. Along the cliff tops by the ocean, the succulents run along the ground, with the large yellow and orange flowers just bursting out of them. Further inland, some type of squash or melon just runs wild, with the most vivid orange flowers. These are everywhere, as are lemon trees bursting with fruit. In the piney woods are delicate little purple bush flowers that grow low to the ground. Azaleas, rhododendrun and hydrangea are also present, and the camellias aren’t bushes — they are trees. Oh, and the trees. Huge eucalyptus line the paths, rustling so loudly it sounds like traffic. It’s truly beautiful. We were walking along the road, having finally made it to the top of yet another mountain, and back down again, and then I looked over and saw Monserrate, and it literally took my breath away. The grounds won the European garden award in 2014. Not sure exactly what that is, but I’m thinking it’s a pretty big deal since Europe has lots of palaces with some pretty fine gardens. Waterfalls, so many flowers, ponds with blooming water lilies, camellias ending, and rhododendrun beginning. Magical. The mansion itself is a piece of art, with incredible scrolled plasterwork and arches throughout. I’ve never seen anything like it. I cannot imagine actually calling this place home. And then… After another 3 kilometers of walking through peaceful woods and along the roadside to Sintra, we finally round the bend to see it. The Palacia, with its classic design and elegant gardens, gleaming in the afternoon sun, just waiting invitingly for us to walk through the door. Ah. Honey, I’m home! (For a couple of days, anyway…)
Along the ocean part of the walk
Daisies along the walk
These yellow flower tree/bushes are just everywhere and they smell amazing and are so pretty
Wildflowers and our waymark on the wall
Stone wall along a vineyard
More wildflowers
Plaster work like this was on all the walls. So detailed and beautiful
One of the domes with plaster and paint. It’s really incredible.
Not turned correctly, but this is the stone and plaster stairway
Upstairs in the main dome and these are the doors leading into the bedrooms, there were nine.
Maybe century plants? But look at the size of them!
Kim & Betsy 
Beautiful! But where exactly is this in Portugal?