No car. It was supposed to be today but it seems not. Now Wednesday. Damn, damn, damn. I haven’t even seen it except in pictures and I am excited.
On a happier note, it was overcast and cooler this morning so we went out and about. First to the amazing Chinese store that has much you need and much you probably don’t but kind of want because it’s so cheap. Then to coffee and breakfast at the cafe stand near the carousel (with the pig), my favorite place so far. We tried to get money from the “sanctioned by everyone” ATM but still can’t figure out how to use it – everything is in Portuguese and does not correspond to the online instructions in English. Getting down to coins now, we’ll have to sort this out soon but not today.
We explored a couple of alleys we hadn’t before and I’m quite certain this will be my go to restaurant and drinks place. Mark asked how the food was, I shrugged and pointed out the hideaway spot, charming awning and jazz.
*Tracey’s Dreams….not Mark’s…Mark’s still to be discovered.
When we eat there, I’ll tell you all about it.
So now we made our way home and met up with an American woman we had said hello to on our way out. That is a really nice thing here, you keep seeing people you’ve passed before. She stopped to make a fuss of River and to discuss our Americanness. She got stranded here in March and decided to make her plans of moving here immediate! She lives next door to our hotel and adores everything about Portugal. She’s also a social creature, had our phone numbers within five minutes, and we are now on the list of pop up events she and her friends have a couple of times a week. Her friends are both expats and Portuguese since she’s been coming for years – sounds perfect. Just what you want happen on a walk from your hotel. Lord, I feel lucky.
Ivy Lore 
Oh, I’m just envious that your life if filled with discovery!! I have a great life, in a beautiful place that’s not scary, have my cats that I adore and yet… I do feel rather hemmed in. Probably feel it more than it’s real, but not knowing who is and who isn’t honoring all the Covid rules and protocols makes going to other communities feel risky. It’s put a damper on my sense of adventure, for sure. I’m really enjoying your travels and discoveries vicariously!! Nice that you’ve met a good local ex-pat to socialize with. That should be fun! Love and hugs, Lesley
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We understand so well, Lesley, it was/is a calculation we take seriously. Portugal has handled the virus very well and its citizens wear masks – the tourists have changed that, schools are beginning and stricter protocols are taking place of as today. They crack down locally as needed and we are glad. That said,we won’t be going to restaurants much and will always eat outside if we do. Stores and government buildings are generally very strict/ no discretionary mask wearing here. We remind ourselves frequently that this is not a vacation and the pandemic is with us here too. It’s time to get to our little house as the country opens up.
We’re happy we can share our discoveries and that you’re enjoying them. We feel very privileged. We also respect the Portuguese that resent us as tourists. We haven’t felt that but it must be there so we are being very, very careful. We were resentful of tourists in The Woodlands… And it’s difficult, this is a tourist area and their livings depend on people coming and they are not rich. Taos must feel that terrible tug of war too. We want the people to know that we are not playing, we are here to stay and grateful to be a part of their world.
Just the sheer fact of not being able to explore beyond our particular cocoons feels so restricting, no matter how good our cocoon is. People’s reactions to the limitations are a giant case study in human processing! I love that you are in Taos with your cats and daughter, Lesley, living a life you love – I hope we find that vaccine soon and we can all walk outside our doors and dance! Love and hugs to you and Ivy, Tracey
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I’m loving all your adventures! The beach looked SO BEAUTIFUL!!! I’m so happy to get to enjoy it along with you. Thank you for sharing!
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And we’re so happy you’re reading the blog! It’s such fun and the more the merrier.
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