The Beginning of the “Last Things”

As happens with all our trips here in Portugal, there comes that pivotal moment when you do something and you suddenly realize it’s the last time you’re going to be able to do that particular thing again this trip as soon you will be heading home. Well today was the market in Estoi, which is the second Sunday of each month and our final “second Sunday of the month” being here. Sigh..sigh…sigh. We’ve done it enough to know that all good things must come to an end but I must confess, that never makes it any easier.

It’s a beautiful sunny day, still over 20° as I write this. The market wasn’t as busy as some however we totally enjoyed our time there and stocked up on a few things that we want to take home with us such as fresh oregano. I memorized as many sights, scents, and sounds as I could retain! LOL

What a wonderful part of our time here these markets have become over the years, especially the one here in Estoi as we simply wander down at will and stay as long as we want. Our friend, Andrée-Anne Villeneuve, was with us today and following the market and a relaxing bica in the square near our house we decided to head on to Moncarapacho for lunch on the main square. An excellent decision.

The small public square in Moncarapacho is not only home to a few restaurants and shops but also “home” to several people whom we see regularly while dining there. One elderly woman in particular, who owns a small cat that she lets out from time to time then ends up having to chase it to get it back in the house. She’s given us many smiles and chuckles during our times there as well as giggles and waves in our direction. Today she was leaning out her window and appeared to be tranquilly taking it all in. Her face tells a million stories.

I was looking out the kitchen window a moment ago and I was stuck with the fact that I am continually taking sunset photos from that vantage point yet I am not certain I have shared a day shot of the view………here it is……a view I frequently take in while daydreaming.

As we walked away from the Moncarapacho square today I stopped to enjoy the lovely manila plant. I thought it worthy of my closing shot, simply for the vibrancy of colour it provides.

And so ends another afternoon in our wonderful home away from home.