Thursday, July 29, 2004 9:55pm Sousel, Portugal
Just came back from dinner, having some more almond liqueur – very nice. Michael had goat jaw for dinner, I had the lamb again – back in Estremoz to the same restaurant. I had meant to order the grilled but got the “o forno” – think it is baked in the oven slowly, still good. Had some olives tonight also very salty and fresh. We had to putter around a fair bit til 7:30 when dinner was served.
To start at the beginning … back to buffet breakfast. Another good breakfast. Next off to the pool for tan and swim and relax. I was a bit of a chicken and took me awhile to get in – but eventually got there and did beat Mike in – so who’s the real chicken? The view from here is very unique, top of a hill surrounded by olive groves. Very peaceful. We are both surprised how few english speaking people are around. Mostly Portuguese even at the Pousada.
Around noon we finally headed out to Vila Vicosa. Got to the local castle just as it was closing. But we managed to look around outside. Cool moat and wall outside. So we went for lunch. I had a ½ serving of grilled chicken, Mike had calamari. Both quite good with a bottle of wine. I think it came to 13E. Michael thinks 17E. At any rate it was very reasonable. After lunch we headed to the Palace. Met our first (or at least one of the few) other English speakers – from US. I think the entire tour was in Portuguese – got small pieces of it. Lots of painting portraits of Dukes and Queens and Kings. Some Japanese influence as well as strong Moorish. The paintings on the ceilings were of mediocre quality – but the furniture and tapestries were outstanding. The kitchen was very impressive also with hundreds of copper pots. From the size to bathe in down to individual serving molds. Would not like to do dish duty.
The bedrooms were also interesting. The Queen’s rooms had two small vestibules for the baby and young children. I would have expected them to be cared for by the nurses – not in with the royalty. The tour ended rather suddenly and we were off. Next to Estremoz – been there for dinner but not to tour. Arrived latish (4:30) expecting everything to be closed – but we caught a museum open. Again religious – opened on to the bell tower with a great view from the rooftop.
Back down for a beer and water. Then walked around – ended up at the Pousada da Rainha Santa Isabel. The church was open – so Mike went back down for his camera while I puttered around. Only ½ of (or less) the building is restored for the Pousada it appears, but the gardens and pool look quite nice – and the menu looked better than our Pousada – but who knows what it tastes like – can be deceiving. Finally back down and cruised around killing time til 7:30pm. still have not found any earrings – not sure I’ve convinced Mike that I need them. If not soon, then in Lisboa!
Story of Saint Isabel – she used to go out to the peasants and give them food by hiding it in her dress folds. When the king tried to check, she opened up her folds, and it was full of roses – so all the statues of her have a lap full of roses.
Think thats it for today. Oh just remembered Michael asking about the restaurant in Estremoz – used to be a winemaking shop. The arches are very large and strong. Waiter explained that wine used to be stored in much larger vessels than today – so they needed a much larger space. Boa Noute 10:30pm