And last, but not least, here is the final picture. This is a strange but beautiful little convent outside of Sintra. The Convento dos Capuchos, a Franciscan convent of 8 Friars and one novice. It is about 10k outside of Sintra and it is a delight. After the giant piles of perfectly carved stone, this tiny, humble abode of 9 people dedicated to serving the medical needs of the poor was such a welcome relief.
The Franciscan friars were dedicated to poverty, and lived in silence within the living quarters of the convent (though allowed to speak in special areas and outside). They had to stoop down to enter their tiny cells; humbling themselves before God daily. There were no great stone-works here, only the dedicated labor of simple men to build something that might not be beautiful, but would suffice. They healed those in need, and fed whomever they could depending on how much food they had on any day.
This was a perfect ending to a wonderful trip. Our local guide (no unguided tours here) was an archeology student in Lisbon who was super enthusiastic and made this convent the wonder that it is.