Our stay in Portugal will always be remembered fondly.  It is a long story for another time; suffice to say we met up with Jason’s uncle and family there –  relatives that we didn’t know existed until seven months ago.  Nor did they know that we existed. Nevertheless they welcomed us like old friends; with warmth and conviviality. Should everyone be so lucky!

We based ourselves in Covilha and visited the ‘relies’ in Soalheira, a sunny village in central east Portugal, where they moved from the UK a year ago. Lovely little village with, according to the relies, many eccentricities. Despite its small size and population (roughly 900 inhabitants – 903 when we move there 🙂 ), it is also the home of three cheese factories!

We also visited Monsanto, a town built on mountainous rock, which rises to about 750 metres above sea level. Breath-taking views from the top. Rykersaurus was running up the mountain!! Couldn’t believe his stamina. We shared the descent with a Portuguese motorcycle club, which was interesting. Although they didn’t ride right to the summit, they got pretty darn close – crazy stuff! Was impressed to see female members too.

On our last day, we went to Castelo Branco, a larger town almost reminiscent of Athens, with its large parks and civic spaces. A highlight was the Gardens of the Ancient Bishop’s Palace, which is a baroque garden of methodically arranged statues of saints, kings, zodiac signs and other symbology. Rykersaurus’ highlight was probably the children’s playground, which contained a fort, massive climbing frame (which terrified me) and swings.