Where in the World is Sharon Daugherty2: Lisbon, Tuesday Day 6 (PICKPOCKET DAY)

Today was not the best day. Today I got my pocket picked at a church no less.

We had walked down into the Alfama district looking for a little tile shop that had a workshop where you could see artists making tiles. We planned to go to the Museum of Tiles afterwards. We found the shop, which was not open, so we headed back up the street to the Comercio Square to catch the bus and passed a church. As the door was open we decided to go in. There were some men standing there and one of them pushed the door open like he was going in and motioned for us to go ahead of him. Terry went in and I followed. Upon entering we noticed that there was a service going on and we didn't want to interrupt so we just quickly went back out. The guy had not followed us in and when we got back outside there was no one to be seen. I stuck my hand back in my pocket as usual and knew instantly that my little change purse I carry was not there. It had my credit card, a picture ID which was my military retired ID, a Lisbon transportation card and about a 100 Euro.

We walked back to the apartment so I could call my Bank of America credit card account and report the card stolen. Not sure what to do about the ID card as there is no place here to report it. Terry got the address of the police station where I needed to go and report the theft. After dealing with the credit card we walked up to Rossio Square where the police department is located. The one that deals with tourist's who have had their pockets picked. They speak English. And as Terry said to me later, you were not the only one there. It is a daily occurrence in Lisbon. I thought I was being careful, but believe me these guys are really slick. You feel nothing when they are relieving you of your purse. I gave my report to the policeman, who was sympathetic, but not encouraging. He says that sometimes somebody finds the cards and turns them into the police, but of course, never the money. The little change purse was so small that I doubt anyone would even take notice of it, if it were on the ground. Well, I guess it was bound to happen to one of us and I have made it 8 months without incident, so I will just be grateful and hope the thief enjoys his booty. He is in God's hands, not mine.

We went and replaced my transportation card and decided to go on to the Museum of Tiles. Took the bus about 15 minutes along the river, where the bus driver told us to get off. He pointed in the direction we should go and off we went.

The art of the azulejo

Tile Museum Despite its somewhat out-of-the-way location, this delightful museum is well worth a visit, presenting five centuries of decorative ceramic tiles or azulejos, tracing the history and production of the art form.

Its collection is the only of its kind in the world, and contains a splendid array of tiles from as early as the 15th century along with displays on how they're made. It is housed in the monastic buildings of the Madre de Deus Convent, which after renovation following the Great Earthquake had its interior turned into one of the most magnificent in the city. The pictures do no begin to cover all that is here. Lovely museum

The process of painting the tiles

Beautiful tiles and so much more

Was not expecting this in a tile museum.

The Chapter House - The splendor and opulence of the chapel dedicated to St. Anthony and the chapter house is particularly impressive. Noteworthy amid the rich decoration are panels in the ceiling with gilt frames set with paintings, including portraits of King João III and his queen, Catherine of Austria. Several other glorious paintings in the church depict the life of saints, and filling the main vault are scenes from the Life of the Virgin.