Maritime expassion

In the background of this photo of Ana and Joana we see the the "Monument to the Discoveries" which was inaugurated in 1960 during celebrations of the 500 year anniversary of the death of the Infant D. Henrique (Henry the Navigator) in Portugal. It evoques the maritime expansion and is designed in the shape of a caravel, showing Henry the Navigator at the prow holding a small caravel, as well as many relevant heroes of Portuguese history (Vasco da Gama, Pedro Álvares Cabral - discoverer of Brazil - Fernão Magalhães - who crossed the Pacific in1520 -, the writer Camões and many others).

Seen from the huge mariners compass this monument fascinates visitors with its impressiveness and its 50 metres height. It is visited by millions of people each year. Cut into the paving stone, the compass (see panel above) was a present from the Republic of South Africa in 1960 and it's best seen from the top of the Monument to the Discoveries, that you can access by elevator located inside the building. The central map, depicting galleons and mermaids, shows the routes of the discoverers in the 15th and 16th centuries.

It is located in Belém, on the bank of the River Tagus, in an unique monumental area and looks particularly dramatic in the light of the late afternoon sun.

Comments

Something worth reflecting once more

Decisions are a big are part of life, we make so many in the course of our journey and so often, small ones and big ones! Because all of them have implications for us, learning to make decisions... I should say wise and inspired decisions is a something that is worth reflecting once more. A decision enters in the wise category when we devote careful consideration to the alternatives available to us and it becomes inspired when we prayerfully take what we consider the best option and counsel with the Lord in prayer before we take a final route. Here is a good link to a scripture that helps in this reflection: Doctrine and Convenants 9:7-9

"We hope your dreams take you to the corners of your smiles"

During the Brigham Young University luncheon for the honors students a quote from an unknown author was mentioned: Your schooling may be over, but remember that your education still continues . Miguel starts his Doctors program next week in the School of Medicine of the University of Utah in that sense education continues, but also life itself is a great school from which we never cease learning. As we reflect upon the experience we as family had during Miguel's graduation we make our words the words of another unknown author: "We hope your dreams take you to the corners of your smiles, to the highest of your hopes, to the windows of your opportunities, and to the most special places your heart has ever known" Related links: Graduation Slide Show

Each time a unique experience!

Bad Homburg with exquisite Baroque-influenced architecture and the huge Kurpark (spa garden) is a destination for a family walk every year after Christmas, we have done this many years and each time is a unique experience. Located at the foot of the Taunus mountains , this place is an extremely popular spot for a walk. For centuries Bad Homburg has been home to celebrity visitors, princes, kings and queens, writers and czars, all looking for a bit of relaxation and recuperation in its amazing natural springs, it is one place we seem never to be tired of in Germany.

Family Snippets

Search This Blog