But no sun this time. I wonder if the sun ever returns...
?
But it is not raining, at least something.
We have again a house to see, another one.
Close by, it is similar to our current home, also on the river, but with much more light, less humidity and a stunning view over the castles. The interior is old Portuguese style, with tiles and dark wood, but surprisingly big bedrooms. (ours par example, are no bigger than the beds)
There is a garage, which would be great news for our not-rainproof cars and in general, the house is in better condition.
But... only now we seem to realize, we have grown to love our problem-villa.
It may have ants, it may have mold growing on my sweaters, it may have moths eating my all-time favorite coat, it may have water coming up the bathtub and it may look a bit TIRED, but it has become home.
STRANGE beings, those humans, aren't we?
If we spend enough time with something (or someone), chances are we get used to it. We might even start liking or worst LOVING it. (it even has happened to kidnapping victims)
Guess it has happened to us. The idea of leaving our nest for something better, cleaner, brighter and more perfect, seems now totally out of question.
At least we learned that much from home-rental snooping!
Weekend also means veggie market. All day, Saturday and Sunday, the road to ALMOCAGEM is turned into a fresh produce fair. The local farmers are selling their goods, in the most rustic romantic way.
There is the very very old grandpa, who comes with his tractor, selling nothing but potatoes and onions, when he has not fallen asleep, that is. Some times I have to shake him a few minutes, till he returns from who knows where, sleepily blinking at me and smiling the biggest tooth free smile.
PATATAS?? Sim, Sim...
Then there is the jam and liquor girl, who loves wearing a Bavarian hat. (she had a German lover once)
She makes magic potions out of anything eatable or drinkable and I always end up with some suspicious brew, that is supposed to have healing powers. So far, not much to report on that!
I bought a second fridge, just to have enough space to keep all those healthy goodies for the long time of a week...
After so much basket filling, Prince's tummy is growling. HUNGRY!
We discover a tiny Adega (we followed our nose...what a smell), Adega meaning wine cellar and watch grandpa grilling all sorts of meats in the garden. It could be someone's home, as the little chubby lady, wearing curlers and a night gown, is just hanging up some cloth next to him. Those dresses must smell 'delicious' when dry.
The Adega seems to be a local favorite, as it is packed. Resembling something of a mountain chalet, I am beaming with happiness. It is soooo adorable! The lady of the house pushes us into the second room, where we find a tiny table, just for the 2 of us. Now all I am missing is the snow...
The starters arrive, cheese, olives and something baked, which disappears into Prince's mouth, before I even have a chance to nibble it. TYPICALLY!
The menu, of course, is anything from grandpa's grill.
Chicken for me and the famous black pork for Prince.
YUMMM.
Washed down with a bottle of house red (no, I don't forget my promise...I barely had a glass) and water. The perfect lunch!
"Let's take the dogs into the forest", Prince suggests.
"Of course! I love too."
Talking of Sintra forest... it is not just a forest. It is THE forest. A protected area, it is a lush and green fairy-haven, littered with giant boulders, as if, once upon a time, Sintra mountain was home to some very aggressive colossuses.
We take the veggie car home, unload the greens and reds and yellows, to load the furry ones and into the forest. Little did we know, that the QUEEN'S FART was out.
Queen's fart, is what the locals call the misty cloud, hovering over Sintra.
And boy, today she must have eaten badly. We don't even see 1 meter ahead of us. SCARY...
"But I can't see anything, are you sure you want to walk? ... if we loose the dogs..." I am trying, but not succeeding.
"Common, let's go" and with that, he is already gone, lost in the cloud...
Better to follow fast, before I am left all alone with my rioting fantasy just wakening up...
Yikes... Did I say monsters??? Ghosts? Hooked nose witches and other mean fable beings...
"PRINCE...wait for me...pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeeee...
Once I take hold of his hand, the riots in my head go back to sleep and I relax...
It is magic.
The light brushes through the mist, creating a steamy swirl. Lost rain drops keep falling gently, from overloaded leaves and everything is un-earthily quiet. Dreamlike.
I can smell the earth and the air is filled with the strong scent of mushrooms. They must be popping up in armies these days. Only, they don't look very eatable. Magic, might be the better description.
Since it is getting dark it is time to return to lower lands.
By by Queen...
Our night is quiet and homey. Doing nothing... Reading... googeling...and some time after midnight watching "The mutiny of the bounty" with Marlon Brando... Honestly, not many things (people) keep me up after midnight (true Cinderella style, because the carriage turns pumpkin, the dresses turn rags and who knows what else changes...), but Brando surely has a way...te here nei au
(Tahitian for I love you)
xxxx
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