Foreign Field Trip – Lisbon – 01 October to 05 October 2017
The Club’s 2017 Foreign Field Trip took place from Sunday, 01 October to Thursday, 05 October visiting Lisbon, Portugal. Participation in the Field Trip was open to members of the Artillery Club and their spouses, or partners. 28 individuals participated in the Field Trip.
On arrival in Lisbon, following a review of the coordinating instructions, the Group dined in a local restaurant. Availing of a rented bus and a tour guide, on Monday 02 October, the Group visited the National Palace and Gardens at Quelux , explored Sintra, took photographs at Cabo da Roca (Europe’s western point) and indulged in local ice-cream in Caiscas.
Under the auspices of the Combined Arms School, the Group were conducted on an informative tour of the Military Museum on Tuesday 03 October, which housed an impressive display of artillery weapons and equipment.
Availing of military transport kindly provided by the Combined Arms School, the Group deployed to Mafra on Wednesday 04 October. The Group was honoured to be accorded a formal reception on our arrival at the National Palace in the Scholar Acts Hall. A wide-ranging brief on the Combined Arms School’s impressive outputs supporting the Portuguese Armed Forces, provided the Group with a comprehensive understanding of the extensive activities of the School – “Se Mostrarão Nis Armas Singulares”.
The brief was followed by an impressive display of artillery equipment. Thereafter, the Group experienced Mafra’s impressive architectural and religious heritage by visiting Mafra’s National Palace, Convent and Basilica. The Group remains grateful to the School for hosting a most enjoyable lunch in the Archers Room and for facilitating the exchange of gifts in the Elliptic Hall.
On arrival back in Libson, a Hail and Farwell took place in the Cervejarta Trindade restaurant, marking the end of a most rewarding and enjoyable Foreign Field Trip encompassing the Combined Arms School, the Military Museum, and despite the 7 Hills of Lisbon, finding time to visit local attractions such as the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, Castelo de São Jorge, Oceanãrio, Praca do Comérico, and experience Tram 28.
