One thing that we noticed (and has been noted by Technomist) on our holiday was the number of blue and white ceramic tiles we saw in various places in Portugal. The colours were reminiscent of those used in Delft pottery. It seems to have been used in different centuries.
They were used at the main entrance to Óbidos. This part was obviously newer than the town walls and castle but must be a few centuries old.
This tile mural is at the public washhouse in Peniche. It was obviously built in the last century and to our surprise is still in use.
This set of tile murals with a monastic theme was seen walking down from the Sao Joao castle towards the Baixa in Lisbon.
Finally there are blue and white tiles as the backdrop to this fish counter in Peniche.
One day I will get to Portugal...glad you and your family enjoyed yourself. x