We might have found paradise. At least that’s my first impression. The air is dry and breezy, and the seemingly endless sky is blue, then it is dotted with white billowy clouds; moments later it’s clear blue again. Temperatures are perfect, cool in the mornings and evenings and warm and sunny in the daytime. No air conditioning is needed, even at night.
The landscape is hilly with green spaces here and there and California golden in other areas. White houses and buildings with red-tiled roofs on the hills make a sharp but pleasing contrast to the skies and land. Lining the ocean’s edge is a rough, dark cliff of craggy stone but all along the coastline tucked away in its coves are beautiful sandy beaches where people sun and surf in wetsuits. Brave ones with surely no tactile nerve endings swim in the icy turquoise water.
We started this journey in San Francisco after spending a few days celebrating Tessa’s graduation from high school on Friday morning. What a wonderful event! All our family was there. We ate together — over and over, and laughed, cried, and cheered. Tessa, we wish you all good things, and to you and the rest of the family, I am ever so happy you are mine.
We arrived at our apartment in Ericeira Sunday morning. Wonky is not the word for our condition. We’d been awake for over 24 hours. After a quick indoctrination to our apartment by the owner, we realized we were literally sleepwalking and collapsed in bed.
The next morning, still wonky, we left the apartment for some exploration. Just a short walk downhill is the beach. Wow! That beautiful sight woke us up! Oh! The sea and the air and the colors! There was nothing to do but to see more and take in all we could. We walked along the coastline northward as far as the next little town then returned to the town center for a late lunch. There’s some great food here!
With so much to see and learn here, it will be an exciting challenge to absorb as much as we can. Our apartment is about 25 miles from Lisbon (pronounced Leez-boa here) but there is a bus that provides frequent trips there. We are also several miles from Sintra, another coastal Portuguese town that is said to be scenic and filled with magical sites like a Moorish castle, a pine forest, and palaces. I’m excited!
For now, we are content with getting to know every part of Ericeira and making this place our home even if just for one month.
We love Portugal enjoy! Maybe we see each other now you’re on this side of the pond. We’re still in Bali until Saturday. Enjoy Europa!
Barry! Hello! Although it seems close, we will still be a long way from Basel, but let’s work on making a visit happen. Why not?? I’d love to see you, and I think the four of us would have a riotous time laughing and power-chatting about all our travels and our thoughts on the world.
So good to read about your wonderful travels and experiences…love to be with you guys. We are doing ok here in del Webb the woodlands Texas . Dayna had successful back surgery and I am staying busy working on the Montgomery county
Appraisal review board . Still play occasional golf with either son or son-in-law. However, am recovering from second case of Covid after all injection including 2boosters. One mor day and back to work. Getting well takes longer at 83. Stay safe and keep up the wonderful journals. Tell Stan hello. Gary
Gary Savage – I read your note to Stan. We are very happy to hear from you. Eighty-three? Well, that’s nothing. I will be 75 in August. Whoa! Time simply evaporates, doesn’t it? I’m glad you are still walking and talking and enjoying life! These are things I am blessed to have too. I hope you will stay with us on this trip. I think it’s going to be completely different from our past trips but amazing just the same. Hugs to you and to Dayna. Tell that girl to keep well and keep dancing!
your pictures are gorgeous as is your narrative, Janie. i may be able to give up my nightly fix International House Hunters. stay safe
Judy, I will try my best to find the best photos and my best stories to send your way.
Janie . . . it’s so nice to catch up with you two gypsies! Love the photos (and, of course, the narrative)! We’re taking notes, as we plan to get to Portugal soon. Stay safe and vigilant, my dear friend! Xo
Gail! Thank you! I hope to send you great info about great places. Hugs and kisses to you1
We loved it there and also Sintra! Actually we loved all of Portugal, but especially the Algarve area. Enjoy!
Hello Karen, actually all we know right now is this particular area. We plan to embark on hikes and day trips to Lisbon and nearby cities soon. The Algarve region seems to be far south of us but it looks like a 2-day trip we should not miss. Thank you for the info. I hope you and Bob are well and happy.