Sunday Morning Stillness

One of the elements that I have always loved and enjoyed about being in Portugal is how Sunday unfolds.  It’s very much a family day here, actually family “day” starts at noon on Saturday and goes until Monday morning!  Sunday is usually very still and quiet for much longer in the morning than any other day.  Yes the roosters still crow and the birds still sing but, you don’t hear cars starting up or people walking down the street while calling out to each other.  It’s very different and quite lovely rhythm.

Because our day yesterday was so full, we had decided that today would be low-key with a little extra lay in, a lazier (is that possible) breakfast than usual and more than likely, moving at a snail’s pace.   Perfection!!

I decided to head out on a walk and make the square my destination for 12h30, where I would meet up with Marc for lunch.  Marc opted to stay at home and putter, something he loves to do…….it usually translates into a lovely compote being prepared, some preparation for the evening meal and progress on his art.

The scent of the nespera (louquat) is so intoxicating today you can literally taste it in the air.  Beautiful.  I noticed that all the trees are now in full bloom, which is not exceptionally pretty as the flowers are small and turn brownish quickly, but scent…spectacular.

I had stumbled across a small farm road a week or so ago and had promised myself that I would explore it on one of my many jaunts….today was the day and I was not disappointed.  As they say, all roads lead to Rome!!  Well now I know exactly where this one leads and Marc will be delighted as it’s a lovely loop, mostly off the main road and quite scenic.

The thistle buds on this plant, actually there were several along this old road, were gorgeous. I didn’t touch them for fear of reprisal but, they looked a bit thorny and the texture of a succulent.

This cute little face was pressed up against a window. She “chatted” at me for a moment or two!

Am inviting gate, the garden in the background quite pretty and well organized but the large dog in the yard didn’t want me coming any closer to have a look.

Decorative and creative. In the yard of a ceramics business.

The sunlight was making this bougainvillea shimmer with light.

An enormous yellow hibiscus in full bloom.

I was so enjoying my walk that I was suddenly surprised to hear the church bells sound the noon hour.  I was quite a distance from the square so hurried off to get there and stumbled on a flea market that I had not seen advertised.  A quick, and photoless visit then off to the square.  I still made it before Marc arrived.

Chicken legs baked in the oven.

Beats the heck out of Swiss Chalet double leg dinner. Absolutely delicious……..I licked my bones clean!!!

Marc opted for a special salad with chicken, shaved Parmesan, olives etc.. He was a happy human!

The restaurant was quite busy today, which is wonderful for Ana and Simão, and that meant that we didn’t linger as usual as we wanted to free up the table for prospective customers.  We took a circuitous route home as I wanted Marc to see a particular cactus that was in partial bloom.

This is to give you an idea of the height of the cactus and then the flowering part. Huge.

The branches will soon be completely covered in these beautiful flowers as they line each branch. They look to be a waxy texture and from the distance we have to view them, very beautiful in colour….variations of greens and faint yellow with a touch of white.

Can’t wait to see the plant in another four or five days as the constant sunshine is encouraging the opening of the blooms.

A perfectly wonderful day, just as we had envisioned.  We returned home and I curled up on the terrace with my book and ipod while Marc continued a piece of art he is currently creating…….amazing colours…….I do believe the Portugal sky is his current muse!

On our way back from our lunch we took a small side street that is off our normal route…..delighted to find the following.