We’ve been going to the Olhão market on Saturday mornings for a number of years now thanks to the introduction by our friend Gwen McCauley, who sadly passed away last June. I don’t think we will ever be able to go there without seeing her smiling face sitting in her favourite spot, butter running down her chin from her favourite “tostas” and a steaming “café com leite” to wash it all down.
Pre-pandemic this market was thriving. Three rows deep, shoulder to shoulder, vendors packed in, and a lively and boisterous atmosphere. Last year it was less (in every sense), and this year it appears that that seems to be the new norm. It’s still wonderful, and we truly enjoy our time there, however it, like many things have, has diminished post covid.
We picked up fresh shrimp, two different cheeses, olives, black figs, eggplant, artichokes, potatoes, tomatoes, oregano, parsley, zucchini, and carrots, all fresh, all local. Once done we found ourselves vying with everybody else for a place in the sun to enjoy a coffee. We finally found a place and had the cutest waiter!!
I’m always on the look out for something unusual to photograph and today I was presented with a wonderful opportunity. One of the vendors I visit a couple of times each trip sells all kinds of fresh dried beans, peas, and grains. Today he had a visitor, that he was not aware of until he saw me take the photo and laugh. He was eating as fast as he could, seeming to know he was going to get caught.
And my favourite shot of today………..I don’t know who was happier.
Marc and Randys Travel Adventures 
Lovely market especially as it is on the water! Portugal has so many great markets such a Loule and the Gypsy markets. I loved this market and the wonderful churros with sugar & cinnamon. Lovely picture of Gwen and the friendship we all had with her – she was one of a kind! I often think of her when I see the weather forecasts in the valley area here in Nova Scotia, which she loved.
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Yes, there is certainly no lack of markets for both the shopper and the browser. As for Gwen, she was such an integral part of our experiences here, Marc and I shared in so many adventures and basic shenanigans we can’t keep track. We miss her very much.
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