Posted inPortugal Daily Life
Quatro Meses
We just finished our 4th month in Portugal. We are now stuck here until we receive a residency permit. But what a place to be stuck -- never get tired of these views.
Posted inPortugal Daily Life
O Carnaval em Algarve
The Carnaval festivities in the east Algarve region started around February 28th with children's parades and continued until March 5th. We saw parades in Tavira, Loulé and Moncarapacho!!
Posted inPortugal Daily Life
Pego do Inferno
We have been alternating between a few days of sunny weather and a few days of rainy weather. When it is sunny we do two things: laundry and exploring by bike or on foot.
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
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 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 Daily Life
Prazer, Fevereiro
Pleased to meet you, February! It has already have been 12 weeks since we arrived on that rainy day in November. With all the gelato places still closed, what is it we do all day? Here is our short list...
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.
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.
Posted inPortugal Culture
The Style of Tavira
Looking around Tavira, you will see the remains of a castle, crumbled walls, scissor roofs, lattice doors, hand-shaped door knockers, an old bridge spanning the river, and buildings in every architectural style imaginable. History tells the story of the evolving style of this region.