Although geographically quite small, Portugal was once a major global power. A country who's cultural influence is still felt throughout the world -- and yet, when I first read about this trip, I knew next to nothing about it.

So, I did a little research and found myself intrigued. Joe Englander was offering a photography tour of the Central and Southern areas of Portugal in June of 2002, and I decided to visit for myself and learn more about, what seemed to me to be, the most exotic of the western European nations.

And I'm so glad I went! It's an amazing country -- the wonderful city of Lisbon, the small mountain towns, the gorgeous countryside and the most beautiful cathedrals I've ever seen. When I first walked into Jeronimos Monastery my heart was almost literally in my throat. The town of Obidos alone was worth the trip.