Overnight the wind howled, the rain pounded, and this morning we had an email from the Canadian Government (we always register when we travel) telling us that there is a “state of emergency” for all of Portugal from today until February 08th due to the arrival of Leonardo.
Apparently in the north and central Portugal things are pretty serious, we’ve seen a few things on the news, but here it remains mostly wind and rain, for which we are grateful.
Our day was designed to be an easy one. Relax at home for the morning then head off to have lunch at the “home” of our friends Carole and André, who had arrive in Portugal on Sunday morning but only here in the Algarve late Tuesday. Carole is a professional chef therefore any opportunity to dine with them at home is never declined, that plus she is as cute as can be!
We did have a couple of “errands” to preform while en route, the weather making both of them a little challenging as getting out of the car meant a quick soaking and driving meant competing with the winds. We survived it all.
Rejeane (cousin of Carole and André) plus Carole, Marc, et André. (C&A are brother and sister). We’ve been friends for many years and have enjoyed many visits here in Portugal and at each others homes in Canada. We are thrilled to have them for a couple of months.
Their property is eclectic, cozy, very tranquil (because of location) and comes with two cats!
Felix is very happy with this new situation however the other, Pedra, opted to stay outside. I think it’s marvelous that the place comes with a live in critter. How civilized.
I personally thoroughly enjoyed our time together as I am the only anglophone therefore it was all in French which allows me to dust off the cobwebs and dive in. I am grateful to my many years in the civil services which allowed me the opportunity to learn a second language.
Carole prepared a succulent fish stew with fish, clams, cuttle fish, shrimp, onions, peppers, garlic, and a little potato accompanied by a seasoned rice dish. That was after chorizo, presunto, and other munchies, and was followed by cheeses. By the time we had to leave, as it was starting to get dark outside, we were stuffed and quite sated. We look forward to many more visits and adventures together.
I’m not certain who was happier.
I absolutely love their home away from home! It is certainly very quaint and cozy looking. I love that it comes with their own pets. LOL your lunch sounded wonderful. It’s gearing up now and more and more friends are arriving and of course that means more and more adventures and interesting Tales of how you two spend your days.
Yes, there property is quite quaint and interesting. And I too love that it comes with a cat.
Every day I wonder if I prefer the pictures or the stories, it’s such a joy to read your adventures!
Merci Sylvie….we do live a good life here and enjoy each and every moment. Hoping all is well with you.
Very nice…so wonderful to hang out with friends.
It sure is. we had a grand day,
Well Storm Leonardo did not keep you from having a super »kitchen » party! What a wonderful, joyful day you all had!
We certainly did enjoy the day. It’s always a wonder to us that so many friends still come here to hang out. Our social lives here far exceed our social lives at home!
Happy to know you got pass the storm unscathed. As chief to cater! What more could you ask? Enjoy my friend
Storm Leonardo still swirls around us, for at least three more days!!! The winds are incredible and coming from NL, I know winds!!! LOL But you’re right, what more could we ask for…….we love our lives here.
My gosh that house is so cute and the cats are definitely a bonus! Loving your blogs Randy. Xo
Thanks Brig, won’t be long and you’ll be in one or two!!!
Carpe diem! A pretty wonderful day enjoyed by all, including the kitty! I hope Storm Leonardo does not cause too much damage and passes more quickly than expected.
André and Carole’s home is fabulous, a great kitchen for cooking and convening! Enjoy each other’s company!
Storm Leonardo is doing quite a bit of damage, luckily for us, not in this area. That said, the winds are up and last night we lost our electricity about 15 times……..the breakers all flip everything off and we have to wait a bit to put it back on. Was a challenge for Marc’s Cpap but we made it through the night.
What a unique property and lunch looks fabulous, lucky guys. I think a resident critter is an excellent idea.
Truly huh, a little critter to come home to at the end of a day of wandering in the Algarve!