This morning I didn’t have to walk the dogs, because Ingrid, Brenda and I took the whole day off and D’Arcy was on dog duty. He loves this task.
We set off in the same direction as yesterday; our destination was a cork factory in the countryside. We stopped several times to take photos; we really enjoyed the sight of the many storks on the power poles and in the wet floodplains. The sun was shining beautifully. We also stopped at a market; we bought very tasty pastries, mangoes, potatoes, olives, smoked sausage (next week, on our last evening, I’ll make layered potatoes as a farewell dinner).
We stopped for lunch at a place where there wasn’t a single tourist, only locals sitting at tables covered with red-and-white checkered tablecloths. You could choose from three different menus; we asked for the thick fish soup (or thin fish stew). The waitress spoke English very sweetly; her mother was cooking in the kitchen, and her husband was at the counter. A very kind, smiling family, and everything was very delicious.
After a bit of wandering and hundreds of bends and turns, we arrived at our destination. We missed the last guided tour of the day, but they showed us a film about how they strip the bark from the trees, how they straighten it, how they process it. Amazing! And how many things can be made from it! Of course I couldn’t resist buying a bag that you wear cross-body but you carry in front, so I can keep an eye on it. It’s waterproof, light, pretty, and I’m supporting the Portuguese economy. And I also bought a glasses case, because I accidentally threw out the old one when I was packing up the house back home.
Unfortunately I caught D’Arcy’s “cold”: I’m sneezing, my nose is running. Oh, I really didn’t need this!!!
I have to eat to boost my immune system. Luckily I have a good appetite here, and either Ingrid cooks (she loves cooking, Hallelujah!!!) or we go to a great little restaurant. I’ve lost so much weight lately that I can only lie on my back. Lying on my side hurts; the bed presses on my hip bone. But I feel that here I’ll be able to pull myself together and put 4–5 kilos back on. That would be enough.
What I’ve seen of Portugal so far, I really like! Of course there are run-down parts and houses here too, but the landscape is beautiful, the people are very kind, the food is very tasty and has a big variety. And the general atmosphere is great. A real refreshment!
We got home after half past four, I fed the kids, then it was free time. So free that I don’t even remember what I did anymore. It must have been good.
For dinner we had sausages grilled over embers and pork belly, the latter baked nice and crispy, with delicious potatoes and grilled eggplant. Then of course we played Rummy Cub. My self-confidence has been completely smashed to pieces; I haven’t managed to win a single game since I’ve been here. Good thing I enjoy playing even without self-confidence.