Henry the Navigator

This is one of my favourite images from Lisbon - this monument at the water's edge dedicated to Henry the Navigator. Born at the end of the 14th century, Prince Henrique was the third son of the King of Portugal; he established a school for navigation that led to the creation of the caravel, a lighter vessel that could travel faster and further. He is most famous for organizing and financing voyages of discovery that included the rounding of Africa and establishment of sea routes to the Indies.

I can only imagine how exciting it must have been to be a participant in the discovery of new lands and cultures and all the possibilities engendered.