Pinky Promises
Posted inPortugal Daily Life

Pinky Promises

Portugal really treats you as an adult by trusting you with rather large things. Road work with a big open trench? They put up a tiny barrier trust you not to fall in. There's a lesson to learn here - I pinky promise!
March 18, 2025Posted inPortugal Daily Life
Caminho dos Pombais
Posted inPortugal Daily Life

Caminho dos Pombais

I didn't know the path we were walking on had a name. Turning back, I saw a sign reading Caminho dos Pombais (Path of the Dovecotes). Having just passed such a structure and having marveled at the flock flying in dramatic circles above it, I felt oddly pleased at the apt naming.
February 25, 2025Posted inPortugal Daily Life
Três Meses
Posted inPortugal Daily Life

Três Meses

Nos foi aqui para três meses e estamos apenas na unidade seis de Português (We have been here 3 months and we are only on unit 6 of Portuguese). Portuguese is a tough language, but I am accelerating at pão e doce (breads and pastries).
February 17, 2025Posted inPortugal Daily Life
No Church For You
Posted inPortugal Culture

No Church For You

Tavira is said to have 37 churches but I cannot locate this many! Even Tavira's Guide to Churches and Chapels lists 21. Perhaps the classification (church vs chapel ), the century built, or the parish where it resides explains the discrepancy. What I do know is that not all are open to the public (hence the name of this post).
February 12, 2025Posted inPortugal Culture
O Castelo de Tavira
Posted inPortugal Culture

O Castelo de Tavira

O Castelo de Tavira (the castle of Tavira) dates back to the 11th century when the region was under Moorish rule. Through its history, the castle sustained significant damage especially during the 1755 earthquake. Substantial parts of it remain today.
February 6, 2025Posted inPortugal Culture
Chuva e Museus
Posted inPortugal Culture

Chuva e Museus

Rain and museums seem to go together. We recently had over a week of heavy rain and decided to take in two museums on a rainy Tuesday in January. For 3€, we went to both Núcleo Islâmico and Palácio da Galeria.
January 28, 2025Posted inPortugal Culture