Last day in Loule

Today was our last day in Loule, and we celebrated by making a repeat visit to one of our favourite restaurants out in the countryside. We ate dessert out on the patio, which is right in the village centre. As you can see, the temperature was conducive to sun worshipping! Spring has arrived here this past week. Though we are looking forward to getting home, the weather will be a hurdle!

Marvao in the sun, Feb. 24

Our wish for nice weather came true this morning, and we awoke to a clear but cool and windy day. After breakfast in our hotel we walked up to the castle. Every step presented a photo op - so much to see and appreciate in this beautiful little village. The castle is huge, and had been modified by each group that has controlled the area, though the castle defences have never been breached. The wall around the village is continuous-restoration and infrastructure and the millions spent to preserve the castle are mind-boggling. A few years ago the streets were torn up and Wifi was installed throughout the entire town.

Our time in Portugal is getting shorter - only a few days remain. Thursday we will go to a winery nearby Loule for a tour and tasting, then on Saturday drive to Lisbon, turn in our car, and get ready to fly on March 1. Hope to file one more "report" before we return.


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Marvao, Feb. 24, 2015

Evora & Marvao, Feb. 23

It's been a few days since I wrote....will try to catch up once we get home next week. In the meantime we have had an interesting day. It was raining when we left Loule this morning, and the showers continued for our drive to Evora, about 3hrs. North. Evora's Templo Romano in the Center of the old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Because it was Monday many things were not open. We had to resort to a McDonald's lunch, once we finally found it.

We drove on to Marvao, northeast of Evora, where the town is located about 2800 ft. above the valley, looking toward Spain. The village is inside the defensive walls, and along with the castle, dates from the 13th century. We are staying at a small hotel within the walls. Driving through the stone arched gate, we immediately felt as though we were back in medieval days. It was wet and foggy, but shortly after we checked in the valley began to clear, and a rainbow appeared. We rushed about taking photos but soon the fog moved in and the mysterious medieval mood returned. We are hoping for a clear day tomorrow so that we can visit the castle and museum here. This evening we'll have dinner at our hotel.

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Marvao, Feb. 23, 2015

Visit to Evora, Feb. 23

Visit to Gibraltar, Thursday, Feb. 19, 2015