“Bom dia, bom dia, everyone!”

We were in Bucaco National Forest, in central Portugal, between the cities of Coimbra and Aveiro, as we gathered around for an orientation of the day’s activities. Bucaco Palace was first in the list. A palace in the middle of Bucaco National Forest that was architectually styled in the Neo-Manueline design.

We were anxious of swarms of mosquitoes while walking through the park. It was unfounded, though there were a few insects, as we didn’t encounter any swarm.

The palace used to be a convent of the Discalced Carmelite monks in the 17th century. It was abandoned following the dissolution of monasteries in Portugal in the early 19th century. It was later converted into a hotel but not before there was an attempt to make it into a royal residence.

The hotel did not allow tours by non patrons beyond the front desk. However, we did explore the surrounding garden and facade of the palace.

Random photographs of our travels. Memories found and captured in a photograph.

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Thank you!