Despite the threat of rain yesterday we decided to head into Olhão and spend some time wandering around this gorgeous authentic fishing town. Much of Olhão’s architecture has been influenced by North Africa, particularly the square-shaped white houses and flat roof terraces. Outdoor staircases lead to rooftop viewpoints where, if you had access, you’d be able to gaze across the town and its neighborhoods, which date back to the 1800s. I love this town for it’s bustling Saturday market but during the week, when it’s really just the locals, it’s a real gem and worth exploring.
Patricia had made plans to spend a day with Pat and Gary and we saw her off the same way you’d send your child off to their first day of kindergarten!!! Note the photobomber in the background.
On arrival in Olhão we parked in a section of town we had yet to visit and started out on foot from there. Never one to fail, we enjoyed seeing many new winding streets, tiled houses, local characters and enjoyed every moment.
Always colour and always detail.
Such an elegant old edifice. I’d love to have a half an hour to explore the interior.
This enormous decorated ball, which I’m certain has another name, was glistening in the sun.
Look out John Travolta!!!!
There is something about blue and white that instantly instills a sense of calm and tranquility.
Green….my very favourite colour.
This one wall is what is left to a large old building that is being gutted
The jacaranda is starting to flower.
The storks continue to be busy as the babies have arrived and feeding time seems to be never ending.
Jacaranda up close. In another week the trees will all be blue.
One of the older churches, which is usually closed, was open today and we wandered in to have a look around.
I think this little fellow looks either ticked off or grumpy.
Both sides of the altar were being supported by cherubic faces!
The other side of the altar
St. Anthony…….for P!
The exterior dome of the church
We walked for quite some time exploring many dead-end, winding and circuitous streets and alleys. Happily for us, we did not see a single drop of rain the entire day which was a bonus.
This reminds me of a wedding cake!
High up on a wall was this lovely old tilework. I have a suspicion that once upon a time the entire exterior wall was covered in this same tile.
The ever amusing Henry…….I’m ready for my close up!
Any time is a good time for a yoga pose! The ever smiling Chloe.
These adult swallows were teaching the babies to fly.
Another section of tile from an old house…..I would love to have seen the elegance of this place when it was completely covered in this pattern.
My happy man agreeably posing for me yet again.
The market when the Saturday vendors are not present. Another world.
Of course, all this walking built up an appetite and we wanted to be outside so as not to miss out on the sunshine. As we were close to the market building we decided to head to a destination we had been introduced to by our friends Harald and Bela….Restaurante O Horta, not at all disappointing.
Xerém de amêijoas….I had always wanted to try this and today was my day. FABULOUS. It’s a corn meal dish, this one cooked in a fish broth and filled with clams, shrimp and croutons. I simply can’t describe how delicious it was despite how it looks.
Chloe loved her Bacalhau Cozido com Grão…boiled salted cod with chick peas. She had to bring half of it home.
Henry and Marc both hadentrecosto no forno…pork ribs in the oven. They DID NOT bring half home!!!
As always, a good walk after a lunch like this one is a necessity. We decided to poke our noses in a few places we had seen along the way, meander at a slower pace and simply relish the feel of the sun on our faces. Still many things to see and we truly hardly made a dent on the old quarters. The debate was whether or not I could get us back to the car without getting lost…………and I did!!! get us back….not lost!!!!
A decorated street with an ocean theme.
The light here captured my attention and demanded to be photographed.
Again, light and texture caught my eye.
This has been designed to cover a current renovation project.
Colour, shape and light.
Simple and beautiful to the eye, both the colour and the design.
We arrived home happy and pooped and just in time for a fabulous cinq a sept with our neighbours as well as our friends Ana and Simão. A perfect end to a perfect day.
Marc and Randys Travel Adventures 