The Day Before We Leave Casa Vela

Yes, it’s my last but one morning on this wonderful balcony and tomorrow morning won’t be relaxed like this. I’m sad to leave but eager for our new place, our little den in the pines – pines, by the way, like none I have ever seen (picture to come). I’m a bit worried about River and another upheaval but the narrow steep staircase to our new bedroom may enchant her enough to mask the confusion. I think we’re both looking forward to some individual space and setting up our internet properly. Many guests are teleworking at Casa Vela so even the best wifi gets strained. I’m particularly looking forward to setting up a new kitchen. It needs to be simple because my energy is very low but simple can be good as long as it’s organized. That will be the hard part. We are going to the new place today at 2:30 to see what is there and that’s exciting.

Last night we finally went to a tiny out of the way pizza and beer place Mark passes every night when he walks River for the last pee of the day. He mentions it every time we pass together. It was quiet last night because it was Tuesday and a bit drizzly at times and we were alone until a group of slightly rowdy 20 somethings arrived for a quick beer, piling out of a car and motorcycle. This was obviously their local and they were really friendly and talkative with us. The pie turned out to be Turkish pizza, delish by the way, and we were given a card with access to row of beer pour handles. You try and drink as you will, as much or as little of whatever strikes your fancy, and the card keeps track of your tab, very cool. This may be typical but a first for us! We had a meat pizza first because the proprietor makes the filling herself and we didn’t regret it. It wasn’t terribly picturesque so no pic worked out well and we didn’t think to take one of the cheese pizza which was photogenic, shaped like a boat with soft and slightly crispy folded crust.

We drank White Ghost and then Mark tried Sagres, the typical Portuguese brew people drink. I stuck with the White Ghost.

Having breakfast now. Mark brings me a plate each morning. About 10, he takes his book down to the little restaurant where breakfast is served and comes back half an hour or so later with an overflowing selection of fruit, cheese, ham, croissant and a custard tart if there is one left to be found. The roster changes a bit, scrambled eggs, bacon, pancakes occasionally, but it’s the fruit, croissant and cheese that are the winners. We will miss this.

The ATM conundrum has been solved. Turns out if the machine has no cash, the word we were told to expect is not there! Simple but who knew? That really is how most things are, simple but you have to know the question to ask. What we will do without Nadia, the manager here, I’ve no idea. She and Mark are fast buddies and she loves being a guide. I bet he has her number!

So I suppose I must get to packing again…