August has arrived with an influx of vacationers and elevated temperatures. It is also when we get alerts for potential river flooding, and increased fire risk. We have no choice but to take it in stride. We have learned the roads are a bit more treacherous with hurrying tourists and walking into town is a decidedly sweatier endeavor. It’s the season for two daily showers with at least one of them frigid cold (and loving it).
A Swimming Hole
Looking for a less crowded place to cool off, we headed to Praia Fluvial De Alcoutim (map) close to Alcoutim’s center. It has a laid-back riverbank atmosphere with a surprising number of conveniences — there’s a proper parking lot, a small restaurant just steps from the sand, and even a beach volleyball court for those with more energy than the average sunbather. Trees line the river offering shady spots to wade out to in this calm section of river.
Rooftop Gathering
We’re still trying to figure out the best way to host on our rooftop terrace. The space is nice but it does mean carrying everything up a flight of stairs (and then inevitably back down again). This week we had two good excuses to make it work: an evening of homemade Mexican food and a friend’s birthday. The warm night air and the accommodating sunset made it the rooftop feel welcoming and relaxing.
A Painted Room
We’ve been chipping away at a bit of interior design in the apartment. With great relief, Tom painted over the dull yellow hue in the middle bedroom — the one originally intended for yoga and relaxing but now firmly claimed by the cats. The walls are now a calm coastal blue-green, and somehow the whole room feels lighter. We also picked up another furniture piece for the dining room, and have a couple of art pieces being framed. Little by little, piece by piece, we are turning this little apartment into our own.
This Just In!
Midway through writing this post, the doorbell rang. On the other side: a delivery for Tom — his temporary two-year residency card! A huge relief, since our visas have expired and we haven’t been able to travel outside Portugal. Now he’s free to move throughout the Schengen zone without worry. Fingers crossed mine isn’t far behind.
More Portugal
Read more about daily life, the embarrassing moments, and the process for having a long stay in Portugal. If you are more of a picture person, follow me on Instagram.
Our Newsletter
We’ll send you a weekly email if there are new blog posts to see. That’s it!
