It’s truly amazing to both of us how rapidly we adapt to being here and how effortless it is to fall into our state of Portuguese zen! This morning, after a wonderful breakfast, I headed into Olhão to organize our Portuguese phones. I swear, within 15 minutes we had new sim cards, new phone numbers and I was on my way home. We hit a great deal of 19,80 euros for the two phones!!! This is for the first month then 12 euros for each month thereafter. Makes us happy with our decision not to stay with our North American plan this go round.
Marc stayed at home to make a pot of soup as our friends Bela and Harald, from Germany, arrive early evening and we wanted to ensure they had something warm and hearty awaiting them after a day of travel.
Once home we headed off to the square for lunch…….what a day……….
Simão, Ana and Marc….so much pleasure in each others company.
Ana and Marc……the smiles say it all!
Don’t we look content and happy?
Marion all wrapped up feeling the chill of the Brexit vote this afternoon!!!
David, his brother Alan and Marion.l
David
Gus
Susie
Elsa
These two women are here each day and always have a ready smile and something silly to say to us…..in Portuguese.
The camaraderie, the banter, the fun that we all share in. It’s truly heart-warming and one of the things that keeps pulling us back to this marvelous town. Lunch was amazing, as always.
Cozido à portuguesa é um cozido tradicional português. A traditional boiled Portuguese dinner. Very reminiscent of a Jigg’s Dinner from Newfoundland but not as salty.
Marc enjoyed a Caprese salad
The “regualr” menu at Snack Bar Com Tradiçoes, Estoi
Today was sunny and very warm, around 23 degrees. After lunch Marc and I headed back to the quinta, he opted to stay at home and read while I decided to change into my hiking shoes and head off for a lovely jaunt all around the village. I was chomping at the bit to explore and see what might be new, what had remained the same and of course, check out the flora and fauna. I was not disappointed at all.
This tiny square is so different with the jacaranda trees in full leaf. We’ve missed the flowers by two weeks or so.
Our rental car for the next six months. A Citroën. Got a great deal from the same company We’ve used this past three trips.
I love seeing all the olive trees bending with fruit and the different coloured olives on the same branch.
This lovely old vineyard just down the lane behind us is past it’s prime. the grapes have all been picked but the colour is gorgeous.
I love the lantena…….such rich colour.
This glorious bloom is all over town.
The bamboo is in full form with these lovely wispy blooms dancing in the breeze.
This hedge of lantana is about 20 feet long and six feet tall.
More lantana detail
Lazing in the sun.
This is some form of succulent. The flowers are scentless but beautiful.
Very waxy and robust.
A quince tree. Covered in fruit that I could touch but each quince was too large to pull through the wire fence protecting it. I walked home empty handed!!
More quince.
These avocado are about the size of ping pong balls.
Miss Curiosity. She watched me for quite some time.
Bougainvillea.
A bush I was told named, Buddleja. I think it’s sort of like our North American butterfly bush.
Close up.
The formal gardens at the Pousada
The formal gardens at the Pousada
A tiled floor decoration I happened to like.
I love the colours and the layers.
A solid yellow lantana in a great setting.
Inside the pousada gardens.
This is our driveway……curves at the bend then slightly uphill, bends again then home sweet home!
Despite having been here many times I truly find new things to see, to photograph and certainly, to enjoy and share.
Susie wrapped me up in her scarf at lunch time!
Marc sitting in a huge pot of Papiro….Papyrus, right outside our living room door.
An enjoyable day to say the least………I have only one thing to say in closing…….
Beware the Boogy Man
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Marc and Randys Travel Adventures 
The flowers are gorgeous. I especially love the Lantanas.
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So much beautiful colour here right now. This is the earliest we have come to Portugal and consequently, are seeing some things we have never seen before.
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Excellent photos. The familiarity of many made me smile.
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Beautiful photos! I don’t think I will ever tire of the sights, sounds and smells of Portugal. You two truly are blessed 😉
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That we are!!! It’s amazing to be back here and to continue to have the opportunity to explore this area in more depth. Something new every day.
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Love your blog, it is so rich in colour, not only in the flora but in the comments as well. My attempt at growing lantana this past summer pales sadly to your lovely photos! If you haven’t already, please give Ana and Simao a hug from me….I am counting the days until I arrive! I am salivating already, so many delicious dishes! A trip to a Portuguese bakery today in Hamilton had a pasteis de nata save me! Ha!Ha!
xoxo
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I can see you here now……we’re probably going to have to drag you on the plane to go home by May 17th!!!
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Great photos and love the picture of the goat!
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