Our rooms here

I thought I'd give you all a bit of a rundown on our villa today and also on this area. The first picture at the top is the blue room where Sharon is sleeping, mine is the next one down....I have the master and a huge bathroom with a bathtub. Betty is in the twin room on the third level down and Val in the other twin room on third level. The house is sort of topsy turvey to what we are used to. Kitchen, dining room and livingroom are on the first floor....two double bed rooms on the second floor, one with ensuite, the other, mine with separate large family style bathroom, then on the bottom the other two bedrooms and bathrooms. There are wrap around patios on all floors as well as the patio with pool, barbecue and dining area. I forgot to mention we also have a fireplace in the livingroom which we have used daily!!! We've been educating ourselves on the use of appliances and plug ins. I purchased a separate special converter for my iPad and also have another adapter (Xmas gift from son) for other appliances such as curling iron and battery charger.

Now some socials study and history lessons.......This area of Portugal known as the Algarve has endured many ancient civilizations, no doubt brought here by the sea and it's ease of access. The Moors from northern Africa left their imprint on the region, including the name, a derivation from Al-Gharb, meaning....the west. Much of the architecture and the names of towns and villages stem from the Moorish influence along with the architecture, the agriculture, the lacework of balconies, roof terraces and roof chimneys. I will tey to get a photo of the chimneys....they are so unique. In the mid 13th century, the Algarve area was the last part of Portugal to be reconquered from Muslim rule. During that era the Arab presence In the Algarve was brought to an end and the region was joined to the kingdom of Portugal.

All along it's coastline, fishing has influenced the local diet. The local Pattisieres (bake shops) sweets are generally made from almonds, figs and carobs. Milk is sold here in a tetra pack. Fruits abound....oranges from the region are so sweet, large and juicy, lemons, apricots, chickpeas, pumpkin, beans and cabbage.

Inland the grape growing areas produce many wines now being exported around the world. We have certainly had no complaints with our choices of whites so far. There is also a particular type of brandy made in the Algarve from arbutus berries. Port is Portugals most famous liquid export! In Nova de Gaia, opposite Porto, it is available free of charge for tasting in the many shippers houses.

The Alentejo cork tree grows in forests here and is prized all over the world. Large tropical date palms, and other forms of plant life abound, including many succulents, cacti and flowering plants such as lantanas, poinsettia, bird of paradise, bougainvillea and so on.

There are not many birds around right now other than pigeons, seagulls, cormorants and the odd little sparrow looking brown bird. Imagine our surprise when we encountered some flamingos in one of the waterways! Fairly pale looking replicas of the pink we commonly associate with the species! We were told there colouring is to do with their diet!

From early days where its national character was shaped by history, geography, and centuries of warfare with Spain; today, Portugal is a modern state and a member of the European Union. I would say it could rival any modern day country and perhaps even surpass some with its technology and business acumen. I would certainly give it a high rating from the little I've seen!

Off to sit in the sun.......