My grandson, Christopher, likes to tease me by telling me "Grampie, you're older than dirt!" I usually don't have much of a comeback - I grunt and pretend I'm angry that he said that. I thought of Chris when I saw this 500 year old cathedral in Funchal, on the Portuguese Madeira Islands.

Maybe not older than dirt, but getting up there.......this cathedral was dedicated in 1514. At that time, another Christopher.....Columbus, had just passed away at the young age of 54. Leonardo da Vinci was still kicking around painting and inventing!

I think this is what draws me to explore Europe - the thought of REALLY stepping back in time. Get a look at the Magna Carta from the 11th century, walk the Roman Colisseum from before the time of Christ, stand and wonder how the HECK they built Stonehenge.

I guess I'm a "history nerd", but I can't help myself....that's what it's all about for me. Tomorrow, it's the Monastery of Montserrat, which originated around the year 880! Whatta ya think of that Chris? Still not older than dirt, but almost!!