A grand day for both of us with the arrival, and reconnection, with friends we only ever get to see while here in Portugal. We both treasure all these new friendships we’ve made over the years and look forward (every year) to seeing these people again and more or less picking up where we left off. It’s easy.
Aus and Sue, and don’t they both look incredibly mischievous in this photo??? Hailing from the UK and, like us, delighted to be back in Portugal for a few months. We look forward to many get togethers while here. This morning we enjoyed a visit and beverage sitting in the old church square in Estoi. Favourite haunts for all of us with many wonderful memories.
On the way back from Estoi I stopped the car to take a photo I’ve been wanting for a while now…..
Where I had stopped there was a small road tucked into the side of the mountain that I’d never noticed before. As I looked at it I thought….hmmmmm, I wonder if Marc would be game. As I opened the car to get in Marc looked at me, pointed at the road and said, “wanna go explore”!!!!! Up, up, and up we went with beautiful views out over the opposite mountains and eventually, off in the distance we could see a house. As we were at an ideal place to turn the car around, I did so, then hopped out to take a few photos.
A couple of moments passed and suddenly I could hear a car horn going. I assumed it was my car and it was telling us we’d left both doors opened, and so I ignored it!! It went again and I walked back only to discover that it was in fact another car wanting to turn up it’s driveway, which I was blocking. When they saw the looks on our faces they started laughing at us and were quite generous with their waves, opening of their windows, and chatting with us about the lovely view. These small encounters are always so very pleasant.
The day, weatherwise, turned out much nicer than we had anticipated based on the local weather forecast and I had been in touch with other friends who had arrived recently, wanting to organize a walk. As soon as I arrived home I sent off a note. Instant response, yes, so off I went. Marc stayed home to continue his writing.
Fred and Debbie from London, Ontario. We met them about nine years ago and have stayed in touch. They are actually our “neighbours” as they are living in São Brás. We enjoyed a delightful walk across the salt flats from Arrotia to Fuzeta, a relaxing bica and great conversation, then throughout the village and finally, heading back “home”. More folks we hope to see lots of during our time here. They, like me, love to hike and walk…….can’t wait.
It’s now 17h30, I’m not long home . A lovely fire, melodious music, and a happy man were all waiting for me as I walked in the door. Time now to head into the cozinha para preparar o jantar
Ciao for now
I assume supper was good! Always happy to read your posts!
Merci mona amie, yes it was delicious. We were both ravenous and that always makes food taste wonderful.!
Sounds like you’ve had a delightful day. You could have at least translated the sign about the cat to those of us who have absolutely no idea what it said. LOL and yes that picture of your friends does have them looking rather mischievous. LOL so you just stop your car in the middle of The road, Blocking people’s driveways just so you can get out and have a look around take some pictures? LMAO you silly people. It’s a good thing you were down there in Portugal and not in the states, you could be killed for less than that. It’s a milder day here today and now and again you see a flake or two of snow drifting down but we’ve been very lucky here in the Woodstock area, even though we did get a rather large storm about a month ago, we did miss out on all those storms that went through the area in the past week or so. Thank goodness because I’ve had friends that have sent me photos of where they live in Toronto or down east and around here in Ontario and oh my goodness, they don’t even know where to put the snow anymore. Of course everyone was going on yesterday about the groundhogs here not seen their Shadow so apparently that means an early spring and you know you can count on those groundhogs for sure. Lol! Enjoy your evening, love and hugs from me.
Stopping here, whenever and wherever you want is a Portuguese custom that we love to follow!!! People here do not get upset about those kinds of things, they always wait patiently, smile, wave, call out. It’s wonderful to be on the receiving end of that……so unlike what we experience in North America!
Now if it dries out a bit and you can venture on some of those wonderful trails. Enjoy. Walking through snow and clamouring over mounds at crosswalks, really! I hear there’s much snow in our drive back home~40cm.lol. A small bump in the road. Take care and carry on having a time.
No chance of that for a few days yet. This morning we received a notification of Storm Leonardo, who hit us last night and is staying around till February 8th. Strong winds, rain, and possibly snow in the north!!! You ought to see the trees this morning, they are trying to touch their toes!!!!
Great to re-connect with friends, especially hikers! You will be inundated with offers to go walking/ hiking shortly!
I recognized the salt flats instantly and Fuseta in the background. A great walk!
Sitting here, watching the ravenous birds gobbling up the birdseed, pushing each other to make room. The snow is gently falling, there is a calm and a beauty in all of it. Peaceful on Elmwood Place…
Enjoy the moments!
We are in the midst of a huge storm and continually loosing our electricity! Taking advantage of being online between those events! Enjoy your tranquility