Coimbra, Portugal May 24-25, 2008
Hello again,
After a great two days in Northern Portugal, I'm on my way south. I took the train from Porto to Coimbra, the old capital of Portugal before it was moved to Lisbon. Boy and what a train! Portugal's railway system is excellent. Beautiful new trains, and right on schedule. See picture of my cool fast train.
Coimbra is the home to most prestigious University in Portugal. Coimbra is a college town. Founded in 1290, the University is one of the first in Europe, opening up after the dark medieval days in Europe. I was here in time to see the university grads out on town celebrating. They wear a dressy black outfit, complete with a black cape. The also brandish their book ribbons, the traditional way books were bound to carry. The ribbons are burned in a ceremony celebrating their pending graduation. That was two weeks ago. It was fun to see them out after ceremonies with family and friends.
At the University I viewed an ancient library containing 250,000 leather bound books from the 18th century. Guilded bookshelfs, and large incredible hand crafted intricately decorated study tables. This was a trip back in time.
The University was built from an ancient castle. The Romans were here too, portions of an ancient aqueduct is still evident.
Coimbra is a beautiful little town, full of more red tile roof buildings, winding narrow streets and wonderful friendly people. Despite the rain now off and on since I arrived, its not keeping me from seeing this remarkable place. This is another city built on a river.
I'm off to Lisbon tomorrow on those real, rough old trains (somebody has to do it)
I'll see you in a few days!!
Yours in travel, - Bill
