The Castle of Saint George was a true fortress, like the gated communities of today. It was my idea to see it, on our trip to Lisbon, and it proved a hit with my companions. So, very satisfying. There was a breeze, and the light was exquisite.
When I first learned that castles were primarily defensive structures, I was disappointed, and I guess that disappointment stayed with me. But the castles of Portugal were so beautiful and varied, and rich in stories, I'm back to crushing on castles.
I'm more guarded myself now, so I suppose I can forgive castles for being the same.
We climbed all around the wall walk and looked at the arrow loops and other defenses. It was a wonderfully secure castle, satisfying and invigorating to my paranoia. I took my camerado around the inner gatehouse, and showed him all the places where invaders could be murdered.
A pleasing thought! That feeling, in chess, when your bishop moves to attack the enemy rook, and the rook finds his avenues of escape patrolled by one of your knights. That feeling is war's cradle.
