Why's it called sight-seeing?  The simple term so obviously neglects even other basic senses.  Why is it deemed perfectly normal to squeeze in some sight-seeing before dinner, but odd to go do some sound-hearing?

And maybe it's actually about something more abstract anyway.  Culture-immersing?  Wonder-marvelling?  Heritage-embracing?  Experience-collecting?  Routine-escaping?  Sublime-approaching?

Sometimes a term is just a convenient, often simplified, cue for something deeper.  But we should take care to guard against a simplified vocabulary constraining our ideas.

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We’ve visited three of Portugal’s major historic monasteries: Jeronimos on Sunday, Tomar and Batalha yesterday.  They offer equally beautiful sights, but are not equal in other respects.

Jeronimos, being in Lisbon, is the busiest of the three.  For that reason I’m glad we saw it first, before being spoiled by Tomar’s amazing seclusion and atmosphere.

Jeronimos

It’s common to come across empty cloisters at Tomar, and you can allow the stillness and quiet to envelope you.  You can also take a contemplative walk through the gardens or along the ramparts.

A small, secluded cloisters at Tomar

Tomar gardens

Jeronimos and Batalha are artful, but Tomar comes closest to offering a glimpse of what the life of a medieval monk may have been like.

Tomar

Tomar

Batalha