For more photos of our trip see Photos - March 2013
We are just back from our latest Portuguese trip. Weatherwise we had one or two relatively dry days but mostly it was heavy, continuous rain, rain, rain. Apparently this is highly unusual for March but much like the UK's exceptionaly cold spell with snow and icy winds, the climate is different this year.
Some of the house refurbishment had been delayed due to the weather and Paulo took the opportunity of the few driest days we were there to have the parking area gates and the BBQ installed.
Although it was raining, the weather was not cold. Just one dry day was all that was needed to change the whole outlook.
Some of the house refurbishment had been delayed due to the weather and Paulo took the opportunity of the few driest days we were there to have the parking area gates and the BBQ installed.
Although it was raining, the weather was not cold. Just one dry day was all that was needed to change the whole outlook.
This photo shows the new parking area and the roofed terrace at the side of the house where we will have BBQs.
The parking area will take three cars and the gates are lockable. The walls have been constructed really well and are much more attractive than the previous rough mound and high garden. Steps have been set in the back wall for access to the lower terrace and the ruins.
The terrace has been fitted with tap and connected to the water so that a sink could be fitted. A lot of potential for development here.
The parking area will take three cars and the gates are lockable. The walls have been constructed really well and are much more attractive than the previous rough mound and high garden. Steps have been set in the back wall for access to the lower terrace and the ruins.
The terrace has been fitted with tap and connected to the water so that a sink could be fitted. A lot of potential for development here.
The 'orange' bedroom nearly completed. This is part of the converted loft space and has an en-suite toilet and shower plus a built-in cupboard and an integral large wardrobe area.
We didn't think that a double bed would fit in here but it just goes and allows for a full opening of the door. And there is plenty of room around the foot of the bed. Michelle (mentioned in blogs last year) came to the rescue yet again. Not only had she put us in touch with Val who was selling some furniture and who turned out to have exactly what we needed, when we couldn't find any means of transporting the goods, Michelle kindly sorted this out as well. Michelle, if you ever read this - you are a star!!!
Because this bedroom is in the old loft area and it will be very hot in the summer, we have also had an air conditioning unit installed on the wall behind the bed. This unit is also a heater - very handy in the winter months too!
We didn't think that a double bed would fit in here but it just goes and allows for a full opening of the door. And there is plenty of room around the foot of the bed. Michelle (mentioned in blogs last year) came to the rescue yet again. Not only had she put us in touch with Val who was selling some furniture and who turned out to have exactly what we needed, when we couldn't find any means of transporting the goods, Michelle kindly sorted this out as well. Michelle, if you ever read this - you are a star!!!
Because this bedroom is in the old loft area and it will be very hot in the summer, we have also had an air conditioning unit installed on the wall behind the bed. This unit is also a heater - very handy in the winter months too!
We were able to spend some time with our new friends, Barry & Julie. They have a property not far from ours and have taken to the Portuguese way of life and have truly integrated with their village community. They join in with all the community events, including the village 'olive oil' pressing from their own trees.
They have bought this unique quad bike to get about the area and it looks great fun.
We very much enjoyed their company and they were so helpful to us. We learnt a lot from them and it has greatly helped us move forward much quicker.
They have bought this unique quad bike to get about the area and it looks great fun.
We very much enjoyed their company and they were so helpful to us. We learnt a lot from them and it has greatly helped us move forward much quicker.
One day, in amongst the rain storms we visited a river beach, not too far from our house. A lot of steps lead down to the river beach at Aminishio near Alvares.
The road from the N2 at Alvares is quite narrow in places but the drive is worth it as the beach is wonderful, a real gem.
Had it been a warmer day we would have taken a dip as it was so inviting. Clear, clean water.
The small village area is quite interesting with the river running through it and lots of houses tucked away high in the hills.
All in all another satisfying stay in Portugal and we are moving on with the house renovation. We are already looking forward to our next visit.
The road from the N2 at Alvares is quite narrow in places but the drive is worth it as the beach is wonderful, a real gem.
Had it been a warmer day we would have taken a dip as it was so inviting. Clear, clean water.
The small village area is quite interesting with the river running through it and lots of houses tucked away high in the hills.
All in all another satisfying stay in Portugal and we are moving on with the house renovation. We are already looking forward to our next visit.
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