Portugal's Fatima Sanctuary and Cape Roca

The bus ride from Spain to Portugal offered views of numerous cork trees. Interestingly, many Portuguese souvenirs are made from cork. Fatima Sanctuary in Portugal is a renowned pilgrimage site famous for the apparition of the Virgin Mary. It features a vast square and is frequently visited by devotees on their spiritual journeys. From Lisbon, a bus ride of about 30 to 40 minutes along beautiful European-style houses and coastal scenery leads to Cape Roca, the westernmost point of the Eurasian continent. Sailors once referred to this place as the "Rock of Lisbon." At the edge of the cliff stands the red-roofed Cabo da Roca lighthouse. Before the discovery that the Earth is round, people believed this was the end of the world. The dramatic cliffs meeting the ocean create a breathtaking view. While in Lisbon, I queued at a famous egg tart shop to savor the treat and explored the flea market on market day. Portugal, with its charming houses and serene landscapes, was a delightful experience.