Cut Off From the World!!!!

Well, us “boys” are slowly recuperating from two days without internet!!!!   Imagine, we had to read books and actually talk to each other!!  Obviously we are back online now and the house has fallen silent yet again………of course I’m kidding.

Yesterday James enjoyed a tour of the cork factory,  Novacortica in Sao Bras de Alportel.  He thoroughly enjoyed it, a small tour with only three of them and the other two were a journalist team from Sweden so they got along quite well.  He’s managing to take it all in in bits and pieces and is loving his time here in the Algarve.

Today was a cool one and we all three bundled up and headed off to the Loulé market.  The market is quite famous around these parts and takes place every Saturday.  It’s a bit more touristy than Olhão but still enjoyable and hey, you have to have a comparison right?

There was a group of musicians entertaining us in the market. Not sure what they were celebrating but it was joyous and fun.

Love the crabs……..

Razor Clams…..delicious.

These were pretty ugly fish but people were buying them up.

We wandered down the main street and took in a few side streets as well.  The sun was shining but the temperature cool.  We had bundled up for it and simply enjoyed being out and about with the hustle and bustle of the day.

I love this yellow….it makes me happy just to see it.

Recycled materials used in the town decorations…..this year Bells.

Recycled materials used in the town decorations…..this year Bells.

Recycled materials used in the town decorations…..this year Bells.

This enormous nativity scene was upstairs in the loft of a small chapel. Quite detailed with all kinds of working parts.

Detail of the creche.

A paper mache rooster outside a lovely art shop.

This simply called out to be photographed.

Last year the streets of Loulé were lined with Christmas trees decorated with all kinds of recycled hand made decorations.  This year they had large Christmas bells, all hand made, all from recycled products.  Very clever and a brilliant idea.

We had a great time wandering and checking it all out.  Most of the seasonal decorations were still up and the atmosphere felt festive as people wandered about shopping, taking coffee on patios, enjoying the market , and simly hanging out with friends and family.

Carrying all our purchases of the day……all edible.

Crocodile Dundee lives!!!!!

Having a moment of reprieve from all the walking.

We decided to wind our way back to Estoi and enjoy lunch on the patio at Ana’s and Simão’s.

And last but not least……Carol N……..I found a place just for you…….had your name written all over it.