More churches?

The Portuguese tourism industry are very proud of all their religious institutions and every Tourismo gives a list of churches, basilicas, convents and monasteries that you must visit.
Today I did visit the Templar church in Tomar and what a simple inspiring place it was. 
The story of the Templars in Portugal is a real lesson on obeying the letter of the law. When instructed by the Pope to disband the Knights Templar in Portugal the King did just that and confiscated all their lands and wealth which the following day was all given to the Knights of the Order of Christ which funnily enough were the self same chaps under a different name, outstanding. 

The Templar Castle and Convent of Christ

I had to have early lunch today when I found a barbecue chicken shop in Tomar, it took me back to my first trip to Portugal when I went to Albufeira in 1984, it was also interesting to see that a litre of house wine was available for just 3 euros. 

Heaven.

One of the places I had to see according to the hotel receptionist was the monastery in Batalha but I did notice a museum close by and what a find that was, it was an interpretation   centre for the battle of Aljubarrota. I had never heard of it but it was the decisive battle between Castile and Portugal in 1385, a two hour fascinating visit and it was also enlightening to know that there was a large company of English archers on the Portuguese side.

Rocky.

I booked a Peugeot 206 with the car hire company and I was looking forward to trying out Edith's young petite sister but I ended up with Rocky, a Mitsubishi Space Star. I called him Rocky because he rocks and rolls all over the place, that combined with the automatic gear box, keyless ignition, stop/start system, auto wipers and lights most of the time I don't know what's going on.
Last exploring day tomorrow, I am heading for the coast.