March 13
We arrived safely in Lisbon this afternoon to beautiful sunshine and 60-degree weather.
The view from my hotel window provides a wonderful glimpse of the gray-stone aqueducts utilized in years past to provide water for the city.

Our bus drove up and down the streets of Lisbon for views of the downtown and the River Tejo.  From there we headed to Jerinomos Monastery and a rush to Pasteis de Belem (famous custard shop), followed by visits to the Tower of Belem and then the Discovery Monument.  We finished our first day at the Rossio in downtown Lisbon for dinner where the group could experience the nightlife during the dinner hour.  I ate bachalau abras, delicious codfish baked with onions and potatoes. So filling I could not eat it all.

Sunday, March 14
Today is Sunday and some of us attended the Lisbon Church of the Nazarene.  This afternoon, our first business visit was to a local tile factory to view the creation and beauty of hand painted tiles.  Later we were off to Sintra and then a tour of the coast.  We visited Cabo da Rocha, the western-most point of Europe (continental Europe) where several of the group purchased certificates indicating “I went to the end of the world.”  From this point along the coast, we drove “in traffic” to Boca do Inferno (mouth of hell), again along the coast near Cascais. I understand that people used to lean over to take pictures of the water rushing up…………..and when they did, it came in geyser form and tossed them into the water, where they perished.  Our day also included views of the Palacio de Pena (pictured) and the National Palace in Sintra.

March 15
We visited the Viuva Lamego Tile Factory (now known as Aleleuia Ceramica) near Sintra. The plant, founded 100 years ago, produces white body ceramic wall and floor tiles.  Students were intrigued at the manual labor detail in creating the tiles, glazing processes, and painting the tiles by hand for each detail.

The next stop was Obidos, surrounded by a 14th-century wall. Driving into town you see the aqueducts connecting to the city. Some of us lunched in a little cafe nestled inside the wall, and ate “toasta mista” (toasted ham and cheese sandwich) with a salad of lettuce, tomatoes, and carrots.  Others in the group ate at a different restaurant, also ordering “toasta mistas,” but there was no “mista”……….only cheese.  At least it provided laughter at their table and later throughout the bus.  Touring today included Nazare, a fishing village on the Atlantic Ocean coast where fishermen row their boats out to sea for the daily catches.

We were to spend the night in Nazare, and as we drove into town to Hotel Miramar, something was actually going on. When I called the hotel earlier in the afternoon, I was told we needed to arrive before 6:00 pm. Otherwise our bus could not get in. Fact was, there was a “festa” at the Catholic Church last night, so the streets were closed nearby. However, Ruis, the bus driver, managed to get permission to park the bus in the church parking lot for an hour or so………….we bumped our luggage (on wheels) down the cobblestone street to the hotel, not sure what we were in for.

However, to discover the view from everyone’s windows was quite a treat or perhaps even a re-treat. Even at this moment on Tuesday morning, the palm tree leaves are bristling in the cool breeze with the brown tile rooftops gleaming in the sun and the ocean blue facade. Wow…………wonder what God was thinking when he created the earth to provide such a dramatic backdrop.

March 16
Today we continued to Marinha Grande to visit the Alegre Crystal Factory, which provided insight into manual labor.  Our tour guide was Fernando (Magellan – in English).  His family has owned the company since the 1940s or 50s. His father started the business, so Fernando talked about two hours regarding company history, exporting to US, Australia, and other parts of Europe. He was fascinating.  He no longer is officially employed there at 72 years of age but said he comes in about every day. So then he gave the group the tour of the factory and was certainly in his element.

From there we traveled to Coimbra to visit the University of Coimbra Library, one of the oldest in Europe.  We toured the ornate 18th century Joanine Library and the Chapel of St. Michael.

March 17
This was a day of travel and visiting the 19th century Palacio da Bolsa (Stock Exchange Palace) in Porto.  The merchanges of the city began building the Palacio in 1842 as the seat of the Commerical Association for business interests in the area.

March 18-20
Flight to Madrid, Spain for individual exploration, and then return to the United States.

The itinerary includes a visit to the Golden Triangle region of northern India: the cities of Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra.  The tour will start in Delhi, sometimes referred to as the “Showcase of India”.  Delhi is one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world and offers a unique blend of ancient fortresses and historic ruins alongside skyscrapers and well-planned townships.  Jaipur was the first planned city in India.  Built of pink stucco in imitation of sandstone, the city is remarkable among pre-modern Indian cities for the width and regularity of its streets.  Lastly, the group will visit the town of Agra which is situated on the banks of the Yamuna River and home of the world famous Taj Mahal. 

Other cultural and historical venues which may be visited include the Dhobi Ghat open air laundry, beautiful Jain temple, ancient emperor tombs, an 18th century open-air astronomical observatory, and the world famous Fort Agra.

In addition to cultural and historical sites, participants will have the opportunity to tour local and international businesses to learn about India’s place in the global economy as well as understand the business environment and challenges that Indian companies face.

Participants will also have the opportunity to travel to Kathmandu, Nepal for an optional overnight stay.  Nepal is a short flight from Delhi and offers in incredible array of cultural, religious, and scenic venues.  Kathmandu is situated in the heart of the Himalaya mountain range and is considered by some to be among the most beautiful cities in the world.

Before returning home, the NNU group will spend a day taking in the sights and sounds of Frankfurt, Germany which boasts Germany’s most spectacular skyline.  Frankfurt is also the country’s most international town; more than a quarter of its citizens are foreign.

Interested students or alumni are encouraged to contact the School of Business for more information or to sign up to participate on this or future trips.  Inquiries should be directed to Lynette Kingsmore at 208/467-8107 or lkingsmore@nnu.edu.

- Lynette Kingsmore