Six-Years Ago (20-September-2012) — Portugal

Gone to see Europe. Semester at Sea. Fall 2012 Semester Voyage on the MV Explorer. Day 28: Sintra, Portugal.

I joined a field trip to see the Pena National Palace and Castle in Sintra. The Pena Palace is on the top of a hill overlooking Sintra. The following panorama shows the palace. Is was really intrigued by the sculpture above the entrance  “Allegoric Gate to the creation of the World” or “Arch of the Triton.” It appears to be King Neptune sitting in a giant clam shell looking down.

Panorama from the Pena National Palace in Sintra, Portugal. Composite of 19 images taken with a Nikon D800 camera and 50 mm f/1.4 lens (ISO 100, 50 mm, f/11, 1/320 sec). (David J Mathre)
Panorama from the Pena National Palace in Sintra, Portugal. Composite of 19 images taken with a Nikon D800 camera and 50 mm f/1.4 lens (ISO 100, 50 mm, f/11, 1/320 sec). (David J Mathre)
“Allegoric Gate to the creation of the World” Arch of the Triton entryway to the Pena National Palace in Sintra, Portugal. Image taken with a Nikon D800 camera and 17-35 mm f/2.8 lens (ISO 100, 35 mm, f/11, 1/200 sec). (David J Mathre)
“Allegoric Gate to the creation of the World” Arch of the Triton entryway to the Pena National Palace in Sintra, Portugal. Image taken with a Nikon D800 camera and 17-35 mm f/2.8 lens (ISO 100, 35 mm, f/11, 1/200 sec). (David J Mathre)


Individual images in the slide show can be viewed here.

Author: David Mathre

I am a scientist by training (Eckerd College, BSc; Caltech, Ph.D.). I worked for 27 years as a Chemist in the Pharmaceutical Industry developing processes to manufacture medicines for human and animal health. I now spend my time as a photographer and world traveler. My interests include the natural world, wildlife, landscapes, sky, and seascapes, travel, and astrophotography. I look for unique ways of viewing the world and presenting my images. I have traveled to over 55 countries in six continents, often on Semester at Sea voyages. While at home in New Jersey, I spend time on home renovation and expansion of a wildflower garden/meadow.

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