It’s been yet another few whirlwind days and I haven’t any explanation as to why I haven’t posted a blog! The days seem to get gobbled up and of course, time along with that!
We had a couple of days of very cool windy weather and with that, we decided to lay low in the mornings and enjoy our leisure time at home….each of us engrossed in one project or another and then do something later in the day, once it’s warmed up as much as it’s going to.
Let’s see………
Fabulous Bacalhau a Bras compliments of Ana and Simão
Our crew of the day……Ken, Bonnie, Pat, Marc, Gary and moi!! We don’t let wind keep us at home.
For those of you that have followed my blogs from other years, you’ll know who I mean when I say “Gwen and Diane”…….well, they arrived in Fuzeta along with Jan, Carol and Karen……….I hate to admit it but I had my camera on the wrong setting yesterday so you’re going to have to wait to meet some of them.
Carol appreciating the lemons we picked off our tree for her. That woman loves her gin and tonic!!
Marc and Diane……..devilish grins!
Me and Miss Diane……….how many photos do we have of our travels together???!!
Diane, Marc and Gwen……..just look at those faces…..somebody said or did something.
Diane, myself and Gwen…….back in Portugal together.
It’s so wonderful to have the Canadian “east coast” crew here. We look forward to many grand adventures over the next five weeks!!
Today we headed into Estoi to attend the monthly “Gypsy” market. Always a wonderful fun experience. We managed to convince Bonnie and Ken to join us.
Bougainvillia and almond blossoms married in wonderful colour
All kinds of plants for sale at the mercado
These boots are made for walking!!
Cow, sheep or goats bells…..or I suppose you could put them on a loved one so you know where they are in the house.
All kinds of curtains for sale.
People are starting to dress up a bit because of Carnivale
Marc’s new hat. 100% recycled paper.
Look at the two trouble makers when they don’t know they are being observed
So many olives to chose from. Thank goodness they let you taste test!
All kinds of chorizo.
I love watching the old boys watching everyone else
Another Carnivale goer
Lovely colourful ceramics.
One of several “rows” within the mercado.i
Right now in Portugal it’s time for Carnivale. What is Carnival? Historically, during the six weeks of Lent, one was expected to be conservative in their behaviour, which meant no dancing, no late night debauchery and most certainly no savoury meats, fatty dairy, or sugar-laden sweets. But with so many enticing goods around the house, it’s almost impossible to “follow the rules”. Hence, the grand tradition of basking in pure, unadulterated gluttony, to prepare for weeks of humble piety. And here, it all starts with parades and celebrations galore.
Revellers. Looking like Mummers from Newfoundland
Our Motley Crew
An overview of part of the square we occupied
Taking a break and enjoying a beverage
Patof one of the floats. This man was a riot of fun.
Cuteness personified
Love her joie de vivre.
Love all the old ladies sitting and taking it all in.
Another of our Motley Crew….with one out and one in!!!
Look at these three……anticipating the next float.
Having a grand time on a unicycle and using stilts to drive!!
How cute is this??
Costumes galore.
Dancing girls to help keep some of the folks warm!!!
Part of the parade
??Love the fake moustache….or wait…..maybe it’s real..
This fellow really looked the part of a pirate.
Not sure what the Egyptian theme was all about but they were having fun.
This woman lived high above the main street and literally had a birds eye view.
Lots of spectators wore masks
People arriving to celebrate
He was making balloons for the kids
I happened to like this perspective which was near us!
This enormous inflated elephant was quite spectacular.
Two old fella hanging out waiting for the dancing girls!
Great fun had by all and it’s not even the main event. Wait till Tuesday.
And of course, there are always a few shots that are simply taken for their loveliness……..
Love love love this colour.
Love love love this design
Happy door with wonderful whimsical door knockers
Saw this happy critter being fed and thought the entire perspective of what fell into my view was just lovely.
Osteospermums are popping up everywhere, in every colour. One of my favourites.
And so time flies by………adventures occur…………and all is good in the world.
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Marc and Randys Travel Adventures 
Rand…love all the people and moments you captured. It leaves me so envious of your camera skills. It was a grand day…Carnival on Tuesday should be a riot of colour and activity. Thanks so much for the blog.
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Gives me great pleasure……..thanks honey!
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Great photos of the market and carnival parade. Nice to see pics of Gwen & Diane enjoying Portugal. Hope Gary gets to see painted ladies on Tuesday …ha’
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I think he might see one or two…………we’re bringing a paper bag in the event of hyper ventilation!!
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Oh my goodness, what a fabulous blog and what a carnival I would have loved! Bad knee and all! You have captured the spirit, the festivities, colours, people, old and young, and the fun so well! And to think I have 6 weeks of no debauchery or frivolity prior to Lent as well for a different reason. What a wonderful experience you’ve all had…your faces speak volumes!
Can’t decide on a favourite pic after reading the blog three times! Loved every one of them as I look out into the mountains of snow in my back yard! Ha!Ha!
Glad Gwen, Diane et al all arrived safely and are already experiencing the beauty and joys of Portugal! Such an enviable adventure!
Really looking forward to at least some debauchery! Keep up the good work! xoxo
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You would only be entitled to three weeks…you’d have to make up for all the other years of misbehaving!!
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I love all the colour in these photos! You do have quite the eye for finding the perfect shot Randy! My favourite shot is the one of the women, sitting and watching everything, not a smile on any of their faces! Hope Tuesday brings not only dancing girls but dancing men also to get a smile or two!
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Merci Michèle. Great to be here during Carnivale………stay tuned for tomorrows photos!! I’ll see what I can do for you in the area of dancing men!!
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