As the finer details of the trip to San Diego fade, what still echoes is curiosity—namely, people asking about our plans and us offering only vague answers. We truly aren’t being difficult. We truly don’t know. Perhaps the absence of a plan is our plan now. And after a lifetime of planning, letting go of plans sounds like a great plan to me.
Lisbon to Tavira
We flew the Los Angeles to Lisbon route, slept and then continued to the Algarve. These representative pictures tell the story better than my words can, but I will offer some explanation.
Between Lisbon and the Algarve are open fields and expansive skies.
This is the Algarve sign where tourists pull over to snap a selfie.
We followed a farmer on the small road leading into our neighborhood. The blue arrow is our turn, and the farmer most likely continued into the nearby farmland.
Unpacked
We unpacked the items we brought back with us, and of course Maisy and Melody had to help.
The hand-painted Snoopy picture I got from my son is placed. Maisy was thrilled to be reunited with her old toys. And we attended a couple more EA Cleanup events before summer break.
Feiras de Verão
On July 1st it started. I’m not quite sure the jet lag had worn off yet but we meandered down into town to see what the Cenas na Rua event was all about. A gigantic dragon went over the middle bridge, along the river, over the old bridge and into the main square. Then there were fireworks. A normal night indeed. Here’s the video 💎
Small Town Eating
Dinner with friends at O Bar Bara in the tiny town of Santa Bárbara de Nexe.
It’s sardine season, so one must partake (at least once), at Encontro d’Amigos in Castro Marim.
Life is Rich
“Let’s drive to poor man’s for the sunset,” he said. If this is poor, I feel rich. Sailboats moored near Tavira Island. Marsh of the Ria Formosa. Pink salt in the salt pan made more dramatic by the sky. A little poem I wrote about the salt: if it is pink, it stink.
Water Days
We have been frequenting a stretch of the beach, that I nicknamed Gilligan’s Island. It really is the western part of Ilha de Cabanas, a barrier island. It is not packed with people because it requires a water crossing. But it is easy to get to if you have a paddleboard.
To get there, we launch our paddleboards from Poor Man’s Beach. Even on a windy day, it is a pretty easy paddle.
When we get there, we drag our paddleboards up onto the sand, especially if the tide is rising.
Or we carry them to the other side. It is an easy and short trail.
One time, we came back during low tide and our boards were covered with sticky mud. So we needed to wash the car.
One of our favorite places to swim is in Odeleite, about a 35-minute drive.
Not a fan of beaches in July & August — they are packed! This is a beach called Manta Rota. In the summer, vendors install palapas in neat lines. You can rent lounge chairs and a spot for the day.
When the beach is too busy, I can use my water lounger on the deck.
Celebration
Our rooftop was the venue for our favorite 92-year-old’s birthday party. We set it up to have 4 seating areas, some tall cocktail tables, and lots of shade. We were only in charge of setting up the venue, but doesn’t the food look fabulous?
There Goes the Neighborhood
My brother moved to Tavira. That hat is his signature hat. I’m beginning to suspect it’s part of the residency requirements.
Recently Captured
When roaming around the back roads, a multitude of blue sheep caught my eye (I’m perceptive like that). We had stumbled upon an art installation in what felt to us like the middle of nowhere. And this is how we learned about Blauhaus Garden in Santa Catarina da Fonte do Bispo. It was absolutely charming. The sheep placard reads: “These blue sheep stand for peace & tolerance.” Great—now I’m in love.
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.
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