December 31;
Santarem has a rich history. It's commanding position on a hill top gives great views of the river Tejo, The town provided a major stronghold for the Romans and Julius Caesar chose it as the administrative centre of the region. When the Moors arrived it became a stronghold for Islam and was considered to be unassailable until the 1st King of Portugal Don Alfonso Henriques recaptured it in 1149.
I spent the morning visiting some of the historical places. There are also many beautiful churches and I was able to attend Mass at the main church.
In the afternoon I began the journey from Santarem to Golega, 31,2 kms. Because of time constraints I caught the train to Vale da Figueira and began my walk from there. It was still a long walk and it was getting dark when I finished. I did pass the town of Azinhaga, where Nobel Laurate Jose Saramugo was born in the college in 1922 and who died in 2010. He became the 1st Portuguese writer to win the Nobel Peace prize for literature in 1998 and his works have been published in over 30 languages,
Golega is known as the horse centre of Portugal and is famous both nationally and internationally for its horse fair in the 1st two weeks of November each year. Apart from the equestrian events the is also the 'Running of the Bulls' Portuguese style.
My accommodation this evening is a little away from the centre of the town so I not be seeing the town so will having a quiet night. See you next year!
Reflection; Gratefullness. Gratefullness for small acts of kindness done to me this day, and in fact all year. So often I take things for granted. Thank you for people's goodness to me.
Santarem has a rich history. It's commanding position on a hill top gives great views of the river Tejo, The town provided a major stronghold for the Romans and Julius Caesar chose it as the administrative centre of the region. When the Moors arrived it became a stronghold for Islam and was considered to be unassailable until the 1st King of Portugal Don Alfonso Henriques recaptured it in 1149.
I spent the morning visiting some of the historical places. There are also many beautiful churches and I was able to attend Mass at the main church.
In the afternoon I began the journey from Santarem to Golega, 31,2 kms. Because of time constraints I caught the train to Vale da Figueira and began my walk from there. It was still a long walk and it was getting dark when I finished. I did pass the town of Azinhaga, where Nobel Laurate Jose Saramugo was born in the college in 1922 and who died in 2010. He became the 1st Portuguese writer to win the Nobel Peace prize for literature in 1998 and his works have been published in over 30 languages,
Golega is known as the horse centre of Portugal and is famous both nationally and internationally for its horse fair in the 1st two weeks of November each year. Apart from the equestrian events the is also the 'Running of the Bulls' Portuguese style.
My accommodation this evening is a little away from the centre of the town so I not be seeing the town so will having a quiet night. See you next year!
Reflection; Gratefullness. Gratefullness for small acts of kindness done to me this day, and in fact all year. So often I take things for granted. Thank you for people's goodness to me.
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