But First, Storks
Posted inPortugal Daily Life

But First, Storks

I have never given much thought about storks. I suppose like many other people, I conjure up an image of a lanky bird in flight with a bundle of joy in its its beak. Now I see storks on a regular basis -- their nests are enormous and their flight majestic to watch.
Posted inPortugal Daily Life
A Whole New World
Posted inPortugal Daily Life

A Whole New World

Our primary means of transportation has been a pé e de bicicleta. When we moved here, we thought the trains were more frequent but if you look at timetable, you'll see that there is often only one train every hour or two. What to do?
Posted inPortugal Daily Life
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!
Posted 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.
Posted 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).
Posted 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).
Posted inPortugal Culture