Douro Valley
We didn’t rush packing up the tent; we set off toward the Douro Valley at half past ten. One hundred and eighty-one kilometers, two hours and 21 minutes. But for me that was not enough, and anyway we could only check into our accommodation from 4 p.m., so we made a two-hundred-kilometer detour and visited the castle of the Baron of Bragança. Okay, I had a bit of confusion in my head, but we had time and we had fun.
Then, as we got closer to our destination, unfortunately it started to drizzle, but that didn’t deter me from jumping out of the car every half minute or just rolling down the window and taking photos. This Douro Valley is a natural and geographical wonder. Breathtaking depths and heights — people with a fear of heights shouldn’t want to work in the vineyards here — artistically shaped terraces. I couldn’t stop marveling at all the beauty. Luckily the dogs were very patient with me. It may be that they’re already used to it and know: this is an important part of our adventure.
Our accommodation is a one-room place converted from a garage + a mini kitchenette + a small bathroom, but somehow this doesn't doesn’t make me depressed like the apartment in Nazaré. The lighting and the ceiling height matter a lot — at least to me. Here the ceiling is high enough and the lamp light is warm, almost as if it were natural light. However, I’m not happy that they’re forecasting rain for tomorrow, because sitting inside all day wouldn’t be my dream. Let’s hope the weather gods show mercy.
We went for a little walk with the kids to explore our surroundings. A cute little village in a wonderful location. The apartment owner’s aunt works in the shop across the street; she handed me the apartment key. Very kind — she kept throwing kisses at me, and when I later went into the shop to buy olives and pears, she wouldn’t let me pay for the pears.
Not far away there’s a small café. When I parked and got out, the men standing in front of the place — drinking coffee and beer — stared a lot to see who this stranger was. I waved to them “bom dia” and they waved back “bom dia” (Good day!).
Cars pass right in front of our door, and the bus (!). Luckily not often, but at first I got a bit upset, because this isn’t how I imagined it all. It’s always a lottery what the accommodation will be like. On the plus side, I don’t have to pay extra for the dogs and for parking. I can handle these three nights. I think with earplugs I’ll be fine. And hopefully the days will make up for it and we’ll go hiking in lots of beautiful places with Panka and Gerbeaud.
