The idea of picking a fresh orange from a tree has become a novelty for many visitors to the Algarve, and goodness knows I’ve picked, and eaten, enough of them myself, however. oranges from the area of Silves are considered the best of the best and as it’s a way from us, we don’t get to pick them there so what better way to get a big bag for next to nothing than to go to their annual orange festival.
The Mostra Silves Capital da Laranja (Silves Capital of the Orange Fair) (what a name huh?) That was our destination on this beautiful Sunday. We collected Debbie and Fred, meanwhile André and Carole followed me, and off we headed.
Here’s a fun fact I learned today….. that the word “orange” is derived from the name “Portugal” in several languages around the world? These include Greek – Portokali, Turkish – Portakal and Romanian – Portocala, to name a few. I thought that was cool.
We were lucky enough to enjoy a wide selection of local and regional products, wines, cuisine, sweets, and handicrafts, with a strong emphasis on Silves Oranges. I didn’t take a lot of photos of vendors as it was packed and basically you’d simply see a photo full of heads so…..
I truly love these kinds of things and get a real kick out of watching people enjoying themselves. Today oozed happiness and pleasure.
Then I had my great adventure of the day. I discovered I had lost my cell phone!!! I think that when I pulled a cloth bag from my satchel the phone must have slipped out. In truth, I’ll never know. What I do know is I reached for it to look something up and realized I no longer had it! Be still my heart.
As we were just leaving the festival and walking to the core of the old town I turned and went back to the car thinking maybe I had left it there. Nope, I searched every nook and even got on my belly and looked under the car. Resigned to having lost it, I headed back to my group and as I got closer André came walking towards me and exclaimed, I found your phone. When I didn’t return to the group in a short time, he assumed I wasn’t finding it and on a whim he called me on WhatsApp. A man answered……. André said, Randy?????? The man replied, “I’m not Randy but I have his phone” I was the police!!!!! Some good Samaritan had found my phone and gave it to a police officer who took it to the main office. André and I walked over to the police station, about 5 minutes away and voilà, my phone and I were reunited. There are good people out there in this crazy world we live in. Obrigado
A grand feast after all our walking and the stress of my lost phone. Of course afterwards we had to walk to try and digest and burn just a little off.
Then, just when we were heading back down from the castle I heard a familiar laugh. I knew immediately who it was and therefore was not at all surprised when I rounded the corner and there were Marc’s cousins and spouses. Line has a very distinctive (and wonderful) laugh.
Obviously a tiny bit of chitchat and catching up took place…..enough that Debbie, Fred, and I headed off for a short walk and when we returned, they hadn’t moved. Again, laughter and happiness abounds.
And finally, a couple of favourite shots of mine from today……….
Marc was in his glory with his role as videographer and with that knowledge, sit back and enjoy this wonderful outcome from his wanderings. You’ll feel as if you’re there.
Wow, what decor for the festival and so many oranges used!! Beautiful sun! Can you send us some? And wow what hair! Way longer than mine! Hope the sun stays!
I’d love to be able to send you some sun………hopefully soon.
This was fun blog. I had to laugh at the two ladies who said you could take their picture. God help us if we ever get to see their resting bitch face. LMAO
It certainly looked like a fun day with the exception of you losing your phone! Oh my goodness I Can Only Imagine the Panic of that. How absolutely wonderful that some good samaritan found it and handed it to the police. You are very lucky man.
I very much enjoyed Marc’s video, especially the last part where the festival was going on outside with the music and the costumes. Just wonderful to see.
Love and hugs from me.
If you look closely at those two old ladies, you will see a tiny glint in her eye. She did smile when she blew me a kiss. And my phone, yes, I’m so grateful there is good in the world.
Was that the first time to the Orange Festival for you guys? Looks like fun. I was drooling over the calamari and the veggie platter looked yummy as well. Think I would’ve bought one of those baskets…next year. Hugs.
No, we’ve gone almost every year since they’ve been having it…..this was number 10 and it sure has grown. Food was amazing and the restaurant in now on our list of places to go back to. Very Moroccan in flavors.
We are indeed right there with you!
I thought I saw you in the crowd today!!!!
Glad you found your phone ..do you have the locator app on your watch? I’ve used it when I’ve misplaced my phone. Think I need a granny pouch for it! Enjoy your week.
Nope, no locator app. Might be an idea after today. I saw my life flash before my eyes in that everything I need, use, do, etc. is on that phone. Thank goodness for good people. When I went to the police station he told me, somebody is looking down on your as people rarely turn these kinds of things in.
Thanks for sharing, Lots of food pics! I’m going to get something to eat now! A Canadian tourist probably picked up your phone. lol.
LOL, whoever it was, I’m so grateful. They didn’t identify themselves to the police, only that they had found it at the Orange Festival. I’m one lucky fella!!
Well, suffering from insomnia, I re-read your blog that I had read very quickly. It looks like we both had an experience of goodness, honesty and kindness, you with your phone and me with my wallet! I am so happy that honesty is still in so many people all over!
Yes, we both sure did didn’t we? It’s always a happy reminder that there are still good people out there in the world. I hope you’re having a great time with Sebastian et al. Please say hello from me and continue to enjoy each moment.
A+ for a terrific, fun filled blog! So much creativity, whimsy, mouth-watering, unique craftsmanship and joyous activities! I loved the floral-fruit arrangements, great combinations! Marc’s video certainly gave your readers a chance to join in the fun!
My heart jumped at the thought of you losing your phone as I know the feeling somewhat of loss. My wallet was stolen in Germany years ago. Instant panic! I am curious if St.Anthony was even a thought in its recovery? So glad kindness reigned and you safely retrieved it…kudos to André!
Those oranges you purchased will be mighty tasty! Enjoy!
We had oranges with our breakfast and both required two napkins to capture the juice that flowed down our chinny chin chins and hands. What a delicious mess. As for St. Anthony, no, we gave him a break. He gets enough activity from you.