Coimbra

Jesus speaking: ” I was hungry, and you gave me food. I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink. I was a stranger, and you took me in.” Matthew 25: 35

Coimbra is a riverfront city in central Portugal and the country’s former capital. It is 25 miles east of Figueira da Foz, where we visited in my last post.

Here, I will show a little of the botanical gardens, the university, and the old town streets.

I was trying to do an Etheree with the names of a tree I videoed. Here it is with the tree itself.

            Tree
           Tilia
          Hibrido
         Eoropean Lime
        Tilia cordate and
       Tilia platyphyllos
           (small
     and large leafed lime)
A natural occurring hybrid
Where the plant species
        are both native.
        Seen in Coimbra
           botanical
             garden.

The Lime tree in the University of Coimbra’s beautiful
‘ Jardim Botânico’.

Listen to the birds . It is morning, the sun is low still, and a few people are enjoying this space used for research, biodiversity, conservation, education, and science.

Let us appreciate some of the spaces.

Now, in a little more detail

Then through tall bamboo. It is cool and pleasant here.

I notice the softness of the morning light and wonder if there are flowers.

They have planted a sensory garden for touch see and smell. It is at a good height and well stocked.

We will leave the garden and see a student dressed in black with a cape. I stop and speak with her.

Today is a welcome day for new students. Only registered students who are already students have the privilege to dress like this. I soon see more.

The University of Coimbra started in Lisbon in 1290 and moved permanently to Coimbra in 1537. It is amongst the oldest in continuous use in the world. In 2013, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site noting its:

architecture

unique culture

tradition

historical role

Let us go through an arch. It is grand outside and inside. A dignified space of learning. The Chapel is silent even though the new students are singing and noisey when outside. Look at the carpet of blue tiles on the walls and the gold in bright contrast. They are quiet for a reason this will be their chapel soon.