Saturday, January 11, 2020

Cabo da Roca Westernmost point in Europe



                           38.7804° N, 9.4989° W

These are the coordinates of the Lighthouse above for the Cabo da Roca. The Westernmost point of Western Europe facing the Atlantic Ocean.

As a place to visit, it offers grandiose views and steep sheer rocks into the stormy Atlantic Ocean below. It is cold, windy and basically apart from the scenic view, a pretty harsh environment for anyone to live let alone operate a business nearby. We were making our day trip as scenic and memorable as we could, so first stop out of Cascais was the Praia do Guicho surfer's beach. 

As the second stop, we went to the Westernmost part of Western Europe to see and experience for ourselves what it was like standing on the rocky cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. In one word, humbling. 



This cenotaph depicts the location as being the Westernmost part of Western Europe.Many tourists from all over the world know of this scenic spot, and we made our way their thanks to a good Portuguese friend and the utilities of Uber.  I am really glad we came as this trip was the first in a long while with our younger son.   




There were hordes of tourists at this spot, and while there were plenty of signs not to walk down the cliffs as there was the danger of tripping and falling, many people took no heed to the signs and walked right to the far end of the most distant cliff.

Darwin's theory of evolution sure was in fine exhibition that day ! 


Adopting a silly pose in front of a beautiful scene. 

As you can see behing me is the "No Go" zone but there are plenty of tourists attempting to go to the farthest and lowest parts of the rocky cliffs taking risks of falling or slipping into oblivion just for the sake of taking that most unique of selfies and risking their lives.

As I age, I get more and more Kiasi and Kiasu ! A trait only Singaporeans will identify ! 

Well at least I live to come back and write this blog post. 



Another wacky smile in front of the distant lighthouse. 

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