Thursday, Oct 10th, Coimbra, Portugal

Greetings!

What comes to your mind when I say "great university"?  I'll bet not one of you thought about the University of Coimbra?  Why are we nominating it to that class?

After spending all day wandering through many of the department buildings, museums, and it's very impressive library, I've chosen three criteria.  First, it's one of the oldest continually operating universities in the world (established in 1290).  Many great early scholars walked these hallways, and their work is presented well and understood by the visitor.

Second, the University has been both involved in exploring the world, and reporting back on what they found.  Remember, Portuguese navigators and Jesuits sailed throughout their empire for 300 years).

Lastly, the reforms undertaken by the University in the late 1700's challenged most of the traditional norms in science and biology in the world, and paved the way for new experimentation and views.

For all of these reasons (and for a really good all you can eat buffet for a low price with a great view in the Cafeteria), we think it's a top notch place to visit.

To see all of the photos taken today, click on: Thursday, Oct 10th, Coimbra, Portugal.