The gracious lady on the right took us to lunch yesterday in her beach side town. Christy and Annie know each other through common friends, geocaching and Caminos.
Christy is a lawyer and a perennial go-getter, who with her husband Aaron, moved to Portugal a couple of years ago. After we enjoyed lunch (maybe one of the best meals on the trip) and visiting, she took us on a tour of her home which sits on a mountainside overlooking the ocean AND the beach where her hubby likes to surf.
I easily feel like I've met a new friend and can say that with confidence because I've enjoyed all the new friends we've met with Annie over the years.
Thank you, Christy. You are a gem and a fun one at that.
After saying good bye to Christy, we headed on south toward Lisbon. The trip involved more visits to beaches, including one near where we are staying.
It was an amazing sunset experience, centered around a lighthouse where our apartment host Antonio told us that it's the closest point to America in Portugal.
BTW: today we'll visit the westernmost point of Continental Europe.
The sunset experience around the lighthouse rival most any we've ever experienced except for maybe a few in Maui.
The place is carpeted with colorful succulents, many of which were promoting some gorgeous blooms.
Bill and Annie did some geocaching while I had a great time taking photos.
We also visited an area touting the world's biggest waves and stood in an area overlooking a gorgeous beach below where we watched what appeared to be a surfing class.
We ate here at our more than spacious apartment last night. Antonio left us a bottle of red wine, so we went to the grocery store and purchased our individual preferences for dinner and breakfast.
My bag of groceries, costing $8.47, included two packs of cheese slices, three bottles of water, tortilla chips and a breakfast croissant. I was amazed when all that cost less than ten dollars.
We'll move on to Lisbon today and stay the night before flying out tomorrow for Dublin. Bill says that since we left Ireland and are coming back, this will count for my tenth and his ninth trip to Ireland.
Looking forward to another day of sight seeing on this fabulous sampler of Portugal: a truly beautiful country with wonderful peeps.
We are also happy this morning to learn that our power at home was restored last night after the bizarre and damaging storm.
And, Debbie went to the pet hotel to see our beloved Foster and Bridie. She was pretty amazed with their excitement at seeing her.
Soon, they'll be able to do some quality visits with Joe and Bailey, the Young Love pups. And, the Young Loves will be coming this way to spend some time with us in Ireland.
It will be sad to say good bye to Annie tomorrow as she heads back to Seattle and returns to work at Groundspeak after her sabbatical. She has covered every detail in assuring Ma and Pa Love a memorable and fun experience.
Happy Saturday. Enjoy the photos.
P.S.: a few observations so far.
When in Porto or any place with cobblestone-type walking areas, beware of wet surfaces. Shoes slip when you least suspect it.
2. We paid 50 cents each to go to the bathroom at one of the beach towns.
If there were anything I'd suggest for these countries, it would be considerable more access to WC's, restrooms, whatever you wish to call them.
For folks like me, battling plumbing issues, situations can be intimidating.
3. Pretty much everywhere we have stayed has included nationwide consistencies--showers, commodes, light switches, etc.
4. The highway systems in both Spain and Portugal are impressive.
When you hike out to see a glorious sunset, be sure to bring along your red wine.
A couple of views from our casa in Peniche, Portugal, on this Saturday morning. It's been a lovely stay here.
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