a report from Lisbon

My time is not my own here, so, I don't get to explore. However, bits & pieces about the city are coming to light. It has seemed almost deserted here the last few days due to the bank holiday of May 1 and the weekend. This is Monday, so, I will be interested to see the city at a regular business hum. I am most intrigued to learn that in the 15th and 16th centuries, it was the Portuguese (and Spanish) that explored most of the world; Brazil, Africa, India, even to Japan. And the English, French & Dutch were pirates, not going as far until later in time. Historical "spin"? Maybe. But, look at the map of discovery dates and compare with the other European nations. Lisbon has some museums that look terrific although I will not have a chance to see them; Military museum, Navy museum, cloisters and cathedrals. We did run in and out of a coach museum.... and I don't mean handbags! These carriages all from the 16th thru 19th centuries were stunning. What a great venue for a party! ( http://www.museudoscoches-ipmuseus.pt/ or http://www.muselius.com/portugal/lisbon/museu-nacional-dos-coches) We have had an ever so brief overview of the Jeronimo cathedral (http://www.mosteirojeronimos.pt/english/index.html) and the castle (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castle_of_Saint_George). I am interested to learn that this country was occupied by everyone from Romans or Muslims and a dictatorship up until the 80's when it joined the EU. There are stark contrasts here; some buildings are old and dilapidated, run down, falling down and graffiti everywhere and others that, even though old are well taken care of. No skyscrapers here, I think the tallest building is 20 something floors. It is hot, well into the 80's.... I think about 87 today. Time to find some more shade.