Touring by Taxi from Lisbon in 1964 - post 8

Queluz

Versailles in the Pink

Throne room

African woman tile

Venetian glass chandler

Three graces plate in Queluz

Queens bed with embroidered cover

Music room

Ballroom

Dear Mother

Yesterday we tried to rent a car, but they were all taken so we got a taxi for 340$ escudos for the day (about $12.00) A car with a driver would have cost another $8.00 anyway plus a tip. This way we could both look and take pictures.

We went to Queluz (which is a little Versailles and my sister said reminded her of a grandmother's house) Sintra -- 2 castles to tour and the ruins of a Moorish ??, the monastery lined in cork, the Peniona chapel (where you can see 20 miles along the coast in each direction), the lighthouse which is the westernmost point of Europe, Calehair and Estoicil. It was a beautiful day -- cool and windy. It was so windy Weds. that my pocketbook flap flew open and the wind lifted my pocketbook away from my body.

We also ate in a Fado restaurant where my sister had squid and we saw a very good floor show. The rest of the time we have been shopping for things and eating in our hotel room.

We got your letter which was most welcome and I don't know where we'll be that you can write again. I'm dying to know when things get to there and also how my pictures turn out and I can't even mail them until I get to Valencia (via Bob on the ship). I am really enjoying Portugal. You must come some time.

A rented car, incidentally, would have cost $3.50 plus 4 cents a km (another 3.00 anyway) and insurance and also the cost of gas, so I don't think we got off too badly after all. We had the cab for 8 hours.

Lots of Love

PS tell the children I miss them.

Queluz postcard - card of Don Quixote Hall modeled after Versailles

Dear D.

We went to 3 palaces including this one today and had a glorious time. There were no cars to rent so we hired a taxi for the day for less than a car and driver would have cost. We conversed in French because he knew no Eng. His French was no better than ours. Most people here are willing to make an effort in a language other than their own. They are very jolly people. Your cousin had fun too. We wrapped her in a quilt and took her out on the westernmost point of land. It was windy and cool. The weather is very bracing here in Lisbon. We have mailed some packages to you. I have been shopping for everyone.

Love,
Mummy