Da da da da da da today is my birthday!
Da da da da da da happy birthday to me!
This being away on my birthday is getting to be a habit – a good one. It was an absolutely spectacular day again today, with the temperature crawling up a little more. We normally eat in for breakfast, but today we went down to La Jacaranda for an English breakfast with fresh squeezed orange juice. The citrus harvest is just beginning here and everywhere there are signs with fresh squeezed OJ for sale. Following breakfast we headed out to two picturesque towns inland – Silves and Alte.
Silves is most noteworthy for its red sandstone castle dominating the skyline at the top of the town. At the present, the interior courtyard of the castle is a work in progress as a very expensive remodeling is taking place. You could, however, walk around the perimeter of the castle on the walls, which afforded great views in all directions.
Following our castle walk, we found a great picnic spot in town and soaked up the sun. For some reason, it’s difficult to beat a picnic in Europe.
Our next destination was Alte. This is a small town with winding streets and unique white houses. It reminded me a little of a small Greek village.
Below the main square, the river issues from the rocks at a place called Fonte Grande. This would be another great picnic spot if we hadn’t already had lunch. We did, however, rest a bit here for coffee and wine.
Back at Jardim do Vau, Dawn & Bill went for a walk along the cliffs in the other direction than our last walk. This direction has good paths but no fencing, so the unfettered beach and ocean views are ever more breathtaking. We try to imagine these beaches in the summer and are glad we’re here now, when at least there is some personal space.
For dinner this evening, Jim & Marjolein took us out for my birthday. What a treat! We ate for the first time at the restaurant in our complex and it ended up being the best meal we’ve had in Portugal, not that any have been bad. We are very impressed with the wonderful amenities of Jardim do Vau and the proximity.
I’m writing this on Tuesday the 25th. Today we plan a relaxing day in and around the Jardim do Vau. The biggest plan for the day is walking on the beach. So, because we’re heading out on an excursion to Seville, Tangiers and Gibraltar tomorrow, this will the last post until Saturday the 29th. See you then!
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