Wales Trip 22-29 December 2007

Day 1 22 December

We left the house at 12:30, stopped over at the Barcelon residence and met up with Marc, Flor, Marliza and Rey arriving at Malaga around 3 pm. Tried out the GPS on the way for familiarization and was quite easy to follow. We planned on walking around downtown to pass the time since our flight was not until 20:10 but decided to just stay at the airport due to the heavy rain. Took pictures outside and of the Nativity scene inside. We got in line when the counter opened at 1800 and checked in without any hassle. Flight left on schedule and since this was a British airline (cute name: bmibaby) we were able to understand the announcements.

The flight was uneventful and we arrived at Cardiff International Airport 10 minutes early. After getting our luggage, I proceeded ahead to find the rental car office because I set up for a meet/greet due to our late arrival. I was directed by the information booth to the airport parking lot where a lady from the rental company was waiting. She was quite helpful and assisted in familiarizing me with the controls. She also had to spray de-icer on the windows and windshield to clear the layer of ice.

She was quite amused when she realized we had to fit six adults and seven pieces of luggage in the car which is about the size of a mini-station wagon. It definitely had room for 6 people but not for the amount of luggage that we have. We ended up folding one of the rear seats to accommodate the bigger suitcases and then placed the others on their laps. Marites, Marc and Flor had to squeeze together in the middle seat while Marliza had to hunker down in the back seat. I had to move my seat forward until my knees were against the steering column. A very, very tight fit but we were able to cram everything.

Now comes the fun part. Since the car is right-hand drive (plus stick-shift) and traffic is on the left side, I had to re-program myself to the Japan days and it was quite tough initially. It was very dark and with the windshield fogging up, it was hard to see my way out of the parking lot. I was also banging my knee on the steering column when shifting gears. When I finally found the exit, I stopped too far to reach the ticket booth. I tried to shift in reverse to come closer but we just kept on moving forward. After a couple of engine stalls, I finally realized that I had to pull up on a lever on the shifter to engage the reverse gear. By this time, the cars behind us had backed off and moved to the other gate.

Finally, we were out of the parking lot. I was able to program the GPS and just followed the directions. Made a couple of mistakes initially due to the confusing instructions in approaching and exiting the roundabouts. We're very thankful for the GPS though because we couldn't have found our way out to the freeway even with a map and printed directions. It was mainly rural winding roads without lights/markings and narrow just like Japan. Needless to say, we finally and safely made it to the freeway.

The freeway is wide and well-lit except in the rural areas but the markers and lines are reflective and very visible. There are roundabouts also which are the equivalent of the freeway interchange in the US. They are quite big and you have to really slow down on the approach and then wait for your turn to enter. You also have to be very watchful for your exit or you'll be heading out to a different direction. I think this is the main advantage over the interchange because you can always go around again if you miss it.

After one and a half hours of driving, the GPS guided us to the town of Laugharne but since the resort didn't have an specific street number, we had to drive down the main avenue a couple of times and then ask for directions from a couple that just stepped out of a bar. I guess we also got lucky because we were at the street corner leading up to the resort.

We just followed the signs and drove up to the reception building where we picked up the directions to our lodge according to prior arrangements with the resort due to our late arrival. It was a very welcome sight after a long day of traveling: the lights were on, the key was on the door and it was toasty hot inside. It was also a great relief for everyone getting out of the crammed car. After unloading everything and getting cleaned up, we all hit the sack. What a long day.

Setubal

Got up about 8:30 and had breakfast at the dining area. The place is actually called 'a residencial' which is a converted private residence/apartment building and has 24 rooms. The dining area is quite small and also includes a small lounge area. The other negative is that smoking is still allowed so we didn't stay long.

It was an overcast/foggy day so we decided to just walk around and look for a grocery store to buy some canned sardines and pate before checking out at noon. We went to the church nearby but it was closed so we just followed the winding alleys and found another one at the main town square. Went in for a quick prayer and walked across the main road to the public market.

We watched an old lady feeding the pigeons at the park infront of the market and decided to join the fun. Mom walked in the middle of the feeding frenzy to make them fly up but the pigeons just moved around her and continued eating.
















It was a typical 'mercado' selling fresh fruits and vegetables, meat and fish and was crowded but not smelly. Walked between the stalls to check out the variety and saw a lot of familiar items that are sold in our 'palengke'. I enjoyed visiting the fish stalls and tried to identify the different wishes. There were espadas, garopa, bacalao and plenty of small ones like galunggong, dilis and tamban (sardines). Plenty of squid and octopus also as well as shellfish. Took pictures of the fish and one of the stall owners reminded me to ask him first after he was surprised by the flash while cutting a big fish.












Didn't find any canned sardines there so we went outside and found a supermarket next door where they had a wide selection. Mom also bought some pate and wine and snacks for the trip. The sun finally came out but it was almost noon time so we just returned to the hotel and checked out.

The return trip was uneventful except when my fuel warning light lit up while we were still in the freeway just before we got to Jerez. Stopped over at the El Puerto Carrefour gas station for enough gas to get us home and to the base the next day. I guess its time to replace the spark plugs after the long trips.

Fatima/Lisboa

Father Walsh celebrated a mass in his room before breakfast and offered intentions for the reunion and the remainder of the trip. We had our final 'adios/sayonaras' infront of the hotel and had some group pictures.










Followed the bus along the freeway and honked them goodbye on their exit as we continued on to Lisboa enjoying the view along the way especially the Tagus River and the Vasco da Gama Bridge. Mom took some pictures as we approached and got on the bridge.



Getting to Setubal was easy but finding the hotel was a challenge because of the narrow one-way streets. It's a good thing that English is like the second language in Portugal and a cop was able to point us to the right direction. I still had to look for it on foot though because that section of town is like a promenade. The downtown area is just like a typical European place where there are a lot of alleys with small shops and people are just taking leisurely walks as they look at the shop windows.

Walked around to the tourist information office after checking in, got a map of the place and asked for the train schedule to Lisbon. It's only about an hour away and much more convenient to ride the train since we didn't have to deal with the traffic and finding places to park. Had a quick snack and then walked to the train station. The ticket seller was quite friendly and even reminded us to be aware of pickpockets. The boarding platform is open and nobody checked the tickets even on the train. The train is fairly new and comfortable and had a double-decker section (closed of course). We got on this one for a better view.

The train made a lot of stops along the way and we saw a castle on top of the mountain. Passed by the monument of Jesus Christ on top of a hill overlooking the Tagus River which is like the one in Rio de Janeiro. The view under the bridge as we crossed the river was breathtaking. It was such a clear day and there were small boats and ships crossing the river. Took some pictures as we got to the other side.

We got off at the Sete Rios Station and bought a 1-day pass for the metro/bus/electric cars. Great deal for 3.80 euros only. Again, the ticket seller was very helpful after we asked for advice. (BTW, she also adviced us on the 1-day pass). She gave us a map and clear directions on where to get off and things to see. Had a minor boo-boo going through the gates: fed my ticket into the machine which promptly ate it up. The staff came to our rescue and pointed out that the tickets are only passed over a scanner to open the gate after he got my ticket out of the machine.

Got off at the Baixa Chiado station and walked out to the main downtown promenade. Visited a church just outside the station and then walked over to the tourist information center a got a more detailed street map.

Walked along the promemade through the arch to the plaza outside and took some pictures. The sights were familiar and we remembered that the tour bus took us this way in 2003.

Once we got our bearings, we started walking up towards St. George's Castle stopping to visit several churches along the way. Climbed up to a view point to see the panoramic view across the Tagus River and continued up towards Alfama which is the oldest part of Lisbon. From this viewing point, the St. George's Castle can be seen with the surrounding buildings providing a very picturesque setting. Took some pictures and then waited for the electric tram for our downhill ride. We'll explore Alfama on our future trips.








Boarded one of the super-elongated electric buses and headed towards Belem. (I might add that we already got our moneys worth for the 1-day pass). It was about a 20-minute ride with several stops along the way and we passed under the Puente 25 de Abril bridge. This actually looked like the Golden Gate Bridge after seeing it from a distance. If you look closer to the right, you will see the statue of Jesus Christ with the outstretched arms.

We walked in the Avenida de Brasilia along the Tagus River waterfront and saw the Monument to the Discoveries which was built to commemorate the Portuguese Age of Discovery.

Continued farther on and took pictures of the Tore de Belem. It is one of Lisbon’s most photographed landmarks because its exterior walls are adorned with a stone-carved rope and beautiful openwork balconies, along with Moorish watchtowers and battlements shaped like shields. It was built in the 16th century to serve as a fortress in the middle of the River Tagus.

It's been a long but enjoyable walk but we still have to see the Mosteiro dos Jeronimos on the way back so we hopped on an older tram car and got off three stops later. The sun has already started to set so we were not able to completely view the monastery.

Just took some quick photos outside, grabbed a tourist to take our picture and then went inside the chapel. Admired the artwork and the decorations and took a picture of the sarchopagus for Vasco da Gama.

Took the bus this time to the main train station at Areeiro for the ride back to Setubal. The train was more crowded this time but we were there early and able to get the window seats. Enjoyed the night lights on the way back and saw the illuminated statue of Jesus Christ on the hill. Walked back to the hotel after stopping at a corner cafe for a quick snack.

Fatima Reunion Day 2

Father Walsh was scheduled for a concelebrated mass at 8:30 at the Chapel of the Apparitions so we all got up at 6:30 and then had breakfast at the hotel at 7:30. I went over to the square to take pictures of the basilica with the sunrise behind it and then joined everyone at the breakfast table. Father Walsh joined us later on but left earlier to prepare for the mass.



We got to the chapel just before the first mass finished and situated myself to the front to take some pictures. Terry and Shirley managed to get seats in front with the group from PI while the rest had to stand by the wall.

It was a routine mass with the exception of the number of priests concelebrating with an Irish bishop as the main celebrant. The pictures came out a bit overexposed though because the sun was very bright and reflected off the white vestments so I had to touch it up.









Took some pictures with the PI group afterwards and visited the basilica.

Met up with Lucio at the hotel after church and then went to the hill for the stations of the cross. There were several groups there already including a teen sports club (right photo) from Naples a couple of families from China. Father Walsh led the prayers and we meditated on the mysteries in between the stations.




















We paid our respects to the Blessed Virgin Mary and also visited the site where the angel appeared to the three children. We finished the prayers at the village where we met up with Lucio.



Had lunch at the tourist rest stop afterwards and then proceeded to Santarem to visit the Church of the Holy Miracles. This has been recognized by the Vatican and the brief story is described in the picture on the right.


This must have been a special day with Somebody up there coordinating our schedule because a mass in English was just starting when we got there. It was quite solemn with everyone joining in the prayers and songs. Lucio got us all together right after mass and led the way to the exposition behind the altar. The host is placed inside a munstrance above the altar and an access ladder was installed to allow the people to pay their respects. I guess this is a regular stop for the pilgrims because the tour guides were taking their turns at the podium relating the history to their groups.

Returned to the hotel afterwards for some free time until the rosary/procession at 9:30. Rene and Rely helped me load the stuff to be shipped on the 'Lladro Express' (am still surprised how it all fit!) while the ladies went to the basilica. Found out later that they were not able to enter because there was a mass in progress so they did the 2nd best thing: shop some more. At least they're buying religious articles!!! Caught up with them later on and had a group shot infront of the basilica.

Met up at the lobby at 8:00 pm and went to the restaurant next door for dinner because the hotel only had buffet to offer.

The food and service were good and the waiters even gave Lucio a special treat since it was his birthday. The young waiter also gave Kitsy special treatment which she greatly enjoyed as evidenced by her Mona Lisa smile.

We went to the Chapel of the Apparitions afterwards and joined the crowd for the evening rosary and mass. The crowd was much bigger this time and had staked their positions along the path of the procession. We stayed closer to the middle lane and joined the group from the Philippines. Just like last time, it was quite an experience praying the rosary with pilgrims from all over the world and answering together as one in each other's language.

The procession was held after the rosary and the statue was brought to the altar in front of the basilica. It was a very solemn and moving sight with everyone raising up their candles while singing the Ave Maria.

The mass was celebrated in front of the basilica by the bishop along with numerous priests from different countries. We all felt very blessed today since this was our 3rd mass and the 3rd time receiving the Holy Eucharist. We also stayed for the procession returning the statue to the Chapel of the apparitions.

A truly blessed day.