Loulé Market

We had saved today to head to Loulé for our first time this trip in hopes that it would be festive and fun.  We enjoyed wandering around the market itself but more so, to explore the Santa village and enjoy a walk around town.  It was certainly festive and the bright sunny day brought people out in droves.  The air was filled with energy, laughter and we loved watching the many encounters with folks, probably seeing each other for the first time in a while.

Just across the square from the Market building.

Looking down one of the avenues next to the market, you can see how busy it was. We both love the hustle and bustle of it all.

The main doors coming into the market building.

This fellow had an abundance of olives for sale and he was selling loads of them.

So many people greeting each other with calls of boas festas or feliz natal.

These four were having a great time posing and cavorting all around the market building, both inside and out.

As it was a very warm and sunny day the cafes were overflowing. We sat at the end of our wanderings to enjoy a bica before heading back to Estoi.

I love the colour of these fish. salmonete, I think we call them mullet.

Not as much fresh fish today for some reason, or maybe we were not there early enough.

A large bunch of piri piri peppers.

I made him pose for me!!!! He’s a good sport and humours me.

One of the many Santa’s in the children’s village.

I love that the wild boar showed up in the Christmas village!!

This large basket of chicken amused me.

He tried to get me to sit on his knee and tell him what I wanted for Christmas!!!!!

I wonder what they would do if it really snowed and they could make these out of the real stuff.

Stilt walkers. Very festive and willing to pose for one and all.

I couldn’t resist this shot of what I considered to be fairly ugly shoes.

I love the Christmas balls made of recycled products.

Another bright Christmas ball.

We had already pre-ordered lunch at Ana and  Simão’s, and were looking forward to it and so, we headed back to Estoi, stopped to gas up on the route and arrived at the square just before 13h00.  Turns out Marion and David plus Susie and Gus showed up as well so as per usual, loads of laughter and conversation.  We continually count our blessings.

Chicken and clams……delicious.

The clams are quite sweet and add such an element of flavour to the chicken. I had never had this dish before but it won’t be my last.

Today I actually ordered a piece of this apple dessert as I was craving apples. It wasn’t overly sweet, which I appreciated.

As we sat after lunch, nursing our bicas and gabbing, I happened to notice something slowly moving near the tables……it made some people uncomfortable but, it’s harmless, just large!!!

And that’s how our day unfolded.  We are pottering at home right now, a fire is lit, purely for ambiance although I love the warmth it provides  (pitfalls of medication….I’m always cool).  We have a “date” this evening for a porto or vino and until then, simple relaxation.