Oi (Hi) from sunny Alcoutim Portugal. I arrived yesterday after a long journey, from Louisville to Charlotte (ran for the next flight) to Madrid (3 hour lay-over) to Fero Portugal. It looked like we were landing in the ocean. I thought my luggage had not arrived so I went to lost and found. I heard the Iberia rep tell the man in front of me that if they found his suitcase in Madrid, it wouldn't be in Faro for two days. I assume that meant that there was not another flight that day or the next. ARROW prayers. God must had heard me because just then I saw a man pulling my suitcase and three others to the lost and found. Whew! I was thinking can I hike with no supplies and in my sneakers? My pack was pretty heavy because I was carrying my iPad, phone, iPod and tablet in it. Nothing useful for hiking AND I didn't have the information for each night with me. Double whew. Then I had an hour plus ride to Alcoutim. I can only imagine how difficult it would be to have my suitcase catch up with me.
They say a picture is worth a thousand words. This described Alcoutim from one o'clock to four o'clock.
I saw these crocheted tree protectors out side an old folks home. They were made of a nylony type of yarn.
Alcoutim is a beautiful village. It is located on the Portuguese side of the Guadiana River, which separates Portugal from Spain. In the photo above, you can see the Spanish town of Sanlúcar de Guadiana.
A closeup shot of the windmills of Sanluca, on the Spanish side.
Charming sailboats are parked along the river.
All of the houses are whitewashed and have red tile roofs. This town reminds me of my hike of the Sicilian volcanoes several years ago.
If you look closely, you can see purple grapes hanging from he center of this arbor.
The town church was built in the 13th century.
The main altar
What I really loved were these hand-painted altars near the main altar.
I decided to walk up to the old Castle and this was thre gate looking out. I thought the wroght iron was impressive.
Look at these birds. I don't know for sure what they are but they ounded like humans llaughing. He He he he he.
My lunch, overlooking the river. Goat cheese topped with a local honey and rosemary. It was served over freshly baked bread. Even if yu wanted to fly over here. you would be too late. I polished the whole thing off, over looking the river and a sea of bicycling men in tight shorts. Whoo hoo.
The flag of either the town or the castle. It was flying proud. Today was beautiful, strong winds, sunshine and about 70 degrees.
If you are geographically challenged, like me the link will show you where Portugal is. It sits beside the Southwestern side of Spain.
So until tomorrow...Buen Camino!
Have fun & be safe
ReplyDelete