Firstly need to say Happy Birthday to Jon's Mom. Happy Birthday Mom! Hope you got our "card" as it is on its way!
We had our first viewing trip today and got back about half an hour ago (about 4pm). We looked at three very different properties, and it certainly sets the mind cogs wheeling while we think about what we like and don't like. They were all local to Tabua.
Two of the three were potentials for us but for different reasons.
As a first experience it was quite enjoyable. More viewing on Sunday. And probably some more next week etc.
Now time for gin and tonic on the balcony to slake our thirst in these hot temperatures.
Friday, 25 September 2009
Thursday, 24 September 2009
Acts of Kindness
One of the things that we've found here is how helpful and kind some of the Portugese are.
There was the checkout girl in the supermarket who took us across Coja on foot, to show us where to buy sim cards.
Then, when we were out geocaching at the prehistoric burial mound, a gentleman slewed to a halt in his car, and though he couldn't speak a word of English, and we didn't have a clue what he was trying to tell us at first, he persisted and wrote down three other places he thought we might enjoy visiting in the local area.
In Lidl in Tabua, we bought some supplies and at the checkout the girl tried to explain to us in Portugese and sign language something about the carrots we had bought. Eventually, we understood that she was saying that we should swap the bag of carrots we had for the ones that were on offer for a bigger bag, at the same price.
These are a few examples of the kindness that we have experienced and it would be far easier for these people just not to bother. It's not that these people are not busy, because the shops both had customers waiting, and they were completely chilled.
Don't you think it's a sad indictment that these acts of kindness stood out to us, as being unusual?
News Flash: The cat is called Twig.
There was the checkout girl in the supermarket who took us across Coja on foot, to show us where to buy sim cards.
Then, when we were out geocaching at the prehistoric burial mound, a gentleman slewed to a halt in his car, and though he couldn't speak a word of English, and we didn't have a clue what he was trying to tell us at first, he persisted and wrote down three other places he thought we might enjoy visiting in the local area.
In Lidl in Tabua, we bought some supplies and at the checkout the girl tried to explain to us in Portugese and sign language something about the carrots we had bought. Eventually, we understood that she was saying that we should swap the bag of carrots we had for the ones that were on offer for a bigger bag, at the same price.
These are a few examples of the kindness that we have experienced and it would be far easier for these people just not to bother. It's not that these people are not busy, because the shops both had customers waiting, and they were completely chilled.
Don't you think it's a sad indictment that these acts of kindness stood out to us, as being unusual?
News Flash: The cat is called Twig.
Tuesday, 22 September 2009
Seaside
Figueira da Foz is the nearest coastline to us, approximately 80km away. As the holiday season is over and we don't enjoy crowds, we thought it would be a good time to venture over there to see the sea.
There are extensive golden sands at Figueira da Foz, and it puts you in mind of Weston Super Mare a little, as you have to walk for a few minutes to reach the edge of the sea. The pictures we took don't give justice to the size of the waves, it would have been a good belly boarding day if we'd brought equipment with us, or perhaps not, as the tide seemed to be on it's way out. Even at high tide it probably only reaches inland another 30 yards. There was a brisk wind blowing that kept us nice and cool.
The sands are very clean, and while at the beach we did a spot of geocaching. We enjoyed lunch in one of the seafront restaurants, and the food was very good and reasonably priced.
The TomTom led us into Figueira da Foz without any problems but on the way home it became confused as there were new roads that it didn't recognise, so we knew we were in for some fun. We had our first experience of toll roads as well, and for the first time ever when abroad, we managed to get into the proper line for the toll booth. The tolls were not very much money, some were manned, but the unmanned ones were really efficient as well.
Sunday night we wandered down the path to the mill that belongs to one of our neighbours. The access to the river is better here, and it would be really easy to swim or bathe in this part of the river as there is the weir and a small dam. Locals were fishing there, so we didn't launch ourselves in. In fact, while it's really hot, we are coping really well with the heat, and haven't yet felt the need to skinny dip (luckily for the rest of the population).
Last night we had a light tea, and were feeling quite tired from our jaunt to the seaside, so we cuddled up on the settee and watched a DVD on the laptop.
There are extensive golden sands at Figueira da Foz, and it puts you in mind of Weston Super Mare a little, as you have to walk for a few minutes to reach the edge of the sea. The pictures we took don't give justice to the size of the waves, it would have been a good belly boarding day if we'd brought equipment with us, or perhaps not, as the tide seemed to be on it's way out. Even at high tide it probably only reaches inland another 30 yards. There was a brisk wind blowing that kept us nice and cool.
The sands are very clean, and while at the beach we did a spot of geocaching. We enjoyed lunch in one of the seafront restaurants, and the food was very good and reasonably priced.The TomTom led us into Figueira da Foz without any problems but on the way home it became confused as there were new roads that it didn't recognise, so we knew we were in for some fun. We had our first experience of toll roads as well, and for the first time ever when abroad, we managed to get into the proper line for the toll booth. The tolls were not very much money, some were manned, but the unmanned ones were really efficient as well.
Sunday night we wandered down the path to the mill that belongs to one of our neighbours. The access to the river is better here, and it would be really easy to swim or bathe in this part of the river as there is the weir and a small dam. Locals were fishing there, so we didn't launch ourselves in. In fact, while it's really hot, we are coping really well with the heat, and haven't yet felt the need to skinny dip (luckily for the rest of the population).Last night we had a light tea, and were feeling quite tired from our jaunt to the seaside, so we cuddled up on the settee and watched a DVD on the laptop.
Sunday, 20 September 2009
Celery (and goat) soup
Yesterday the weather was a bit like the UK, overcast with sunny intervals, and for the first time since we arrived Jon was thinking of fishing out one of his "ganseys". I spent most of the day experimenting with the silk painting, trying different techniques. We did some shopping in the morning for a few bits and bobs, and for the first time we spotted celery, but unlike in England where you pay for the same price for every pack of celery, over here they weighed it leaves and all. So Jon felt compelled to make celery soup with all the leaf tops. And it was gorgeous, and we had enough for today as well, and tomorrow we'll eat the last of it.
We also tried the bread making again yesterday. Lots more successful this time, and nice to be eating bread that resembles what we are used to. Local bread is very dense but keeps for about a week if you wrap it up.
Today was back to mist that burned off by 09.30 hours, and then glorious sunshine. It's also car boot sale day (on the road between Tabua and Candosa on the EN528). The car boot is every two weeks up to September, and thereafter it takes place on the first Sunday in the month until Spring. It's not a big car boot by UK standards, but the stallholders are either English or Dutch. Some are selling books, mainly novels (English), some are selling bric a brac, homemade delights such as chutney, jams etc, and there is a stall that sells UK foods such as Branston pickle, Heinz baked beans, Cheddar cheese and other branded items that us Brits can't live without. We also managed to get Linda McCartney sausages from him.
When we returned we found two goats in the garden...gulp.
Jon chased them off, but they had had a good nibble at our baby cabbages. Hopefully the cabbages will survive. Chanfana (goat stew) suddenly sounds appealing!
We also tried the bread making again yesterday. Lots more successful this time, and nice to be eating bread that resembles what we are used to. Local bread is very dense but keeps for about a week if you wrap it up.
Today was back to mist that burned off by 09.30 hours, and then glorious sunshine. It's also car boot sale day (on the road between Tabua and Candosa on the EN528). The car boot is every two weeks up to September, and thereafter it takes place on the first Sunday in the month until Spring. It's not a big car boot by UK standards, but the stallholders are either English or Dutch. Some are selling books, mainly novels (English), some are selling bric a brac, homemade delights such as chutney, jams etc, and there is a stall that sells UK foods such as Branston pickle, Heinz baked beans, Cheddar cheese and other branded items that us Brits can't live without. We also managed to get Linda McCartney sausages from him.
When we returned we found two goats in the garden...gulp.
Jon chased them off, but they had had a good nibble at our baby cabbages. Hopefully the cabbages will survive. Chanfana (goat stew) suddenly sounds appealing!
Saturday, 19 September 2009
Quest for Contact Lens Cleaner
Yesterday we had that light rain that really wets you, until about 12.30 hours, then the sun appeared occasionally, but it remained pretty overcast most of the day. We went to Tabua to do some shopping, but the main mission was to find contact lens cleaner. We'd already tried a farmacia and were told that we would need to find an optician in one of the towns. Tabua seems to be the optician capital, as we spotted at least three different ones.
Anyway, you can imagine what it was like with our terrible Portugese and the girl behind the counter didn't speak English. We managed to indicate that we wanted cleaner for the contact lenses but there are different types of cleaner for different types of lenses. I was trying to tell her my lenses were hard, or "duro", and she was looking puzzled, wondering if they were flexible lenses (soft?). Jon rapped his knuckles on the counter, saying "hard...hard" and I don't know if it was that, or his charming smile, but eventually she smiled, and gave a gentle sway of the hips, as if the penny had dropped. On the box they are described as "rigidas permeaveis ao gas" so that should make it easier next time (sure). For a 120ml bottle that does everything like cleans, disinfects, neutralises etc, we paid 11 euros that is a lot more expensive than Asda's £4.99 jobby we normally buy.
Our neighbours have had babies...they're so cute leaping around the field like they're demented or being chased by wasps. There are two black lambs and two white ones. We tried to capture them on a short movie yesterday they were so hilarious, but unfortunately there was too much light, but we will persevere...
Mouse free zone here........for now. Cat asleep on balcony, as usual.
Anyway, you can imagine what it was like with our terrible Portugese and the girl behind the counter didn't speak English. We managed to indicate that we wanted cleaner for the contact lenses but there are different types of cleaner for different types of lenses. I was trying to tell her my lenses were hard, or "duro", and she was looking puzzled, wondering if they were flexible lenses (soft?). Jon rapped his knuckles on the counter, saying "hard...hard" and I don't know if it was that, or his charming smile, but eventually she smiled, and gave a gentle sway of the hips, as if the penny had dropped. On the box they are described as "rigidas permeaveis ao gas" so that should make it easier next time (sure). For a 120ml bottle that does everything like cleans, disinfects, neutralises etc, we paid 11 euros that is a lot more expensive than Asda's £4.99 jobby we normally buy.
Our neighbours have had babies...they're so cute leaping around the field like they're demented or being chased by wasps. There are two black lambs and two white ones. We tried to capture them on a short movie yesterday they were so hilarious, but unfortunately there was too much light, but we will persevere...
Mouse free zone here........for now. Cat asleep on balcony, as usual.
Friday, 18 September 2009
Bread Fiasco
Breadmaking...without weighing scales this was always going to be a bit of a gamble, and using an oven that we're not entirely used to would also be a challenge. All in all, we were sceptical about what the bread would turn out like. However, the bread dough was made and kneaded until silky smooth, then left to prove. After 1/2 hour it hadn't grown. After 1 hour had passed Jon was smelling a rat. He double checked the tin of yeast we had bought from Ecomarche a few days before and, after a quick check on the Portugese translation, realised that it was not yeast, but baking powder.
We could have waited all day and it would have just sat there like one of Lovecraft's slumbering monsters.
All was not lost, the dough became flavoured flatbreads, one was made into basil and tomato, another became cheese and Marmite, and the third became cheese and mustard. They're harder/denser but will do for emergencies if we freeze them. Though, in actual fact, the basil and tomato didn't last much past tea time.
During the bread fiasco Jon made lemon curd, and we'll be sampling this for breakfast.
We also made our first visit outside our cosy home after dark. It got dark about 8.30ish last night as it was quite overcast during late afternoon. While the nights are definitely drawing in, we usually have light until 9 pm.
Jon drove carefully up the dark curving lanes and we eventually arrived in Oliveira do Hospital, where we had arranged to meet fellow geocachers. Team Fafnir are prolific in this area, and while we were back in England we were in contact with them - they offered to buy us a drink when we came over. Nuno and Reta were absolutely lovely people, and we hope to meet up with them again in the near future. Nuno teaches information technology, so we had that in common as an interest, as well as being crazy geocachers.
Today we have a drop of wet stuff falling from the sky, that we remember as being "rain". It's a welcome sight now as the ground is thirsty. This time of year the water reserves are encouraged to build up to help support the hot summers - there are two large water butts here that capture the rain from the roof. We will be logging when it rains etc, as this will help us look back on this record next year and help with our long term plans. And besides, it wouldn't be English not to mention it!
We could have waited all day and it would have just sat there like one of Lovecraft's slumbering monsters.
All was not lost, the dough became flavoured flatbreads, one was made into basil and tomato, another became cheese and Marmite, and the third became cheese and mustard. They're harder/denser but will do for emergencies if we freeze them. Though, in actual fact, the basil and tomato didn't last much past tea time.
During the bread fiasco Jon made lemon curd, and we'll be sampling this for breakfast.
We also made our first visit outside our cosy home after dark. It got dark about 8.30ish last night as it was quite overcast during late afternoon. While the nights are definitely drawing in, we usually have light until 9 pm.
Jon drove carefully up the dark curving lanes and we eventually arrived in Oliveira do Hospital, where we had arranged to meet fellow geocachers. Team Fafnir are prolific in this area, and while we were back in England we were in contact with them - they offered to buy us a drink when we came over. Nuno and Reta were absolutely lovely people, and we hope to meet up with them again in the near future. Nuno teaches information technology, so we had that in common as an interest, as well as being crazy geocachers.
Today we have a drop of wet stuff falling from the sky, that we remember as being "rain". It's a welcome sight now as the ground is thirsty. This time of year the water reserves are encouraged to build up to help support the hot summers - there are two large water butts here that capture the rain from the roof. We will be logging when it rains etc, as this will help us look back on this record next year and help with our long term plans. And besides, it wouldn't be English not to mention it!
Thursday, 17 September 2009
Tremocos
The tremocos were sort of nutty in texture and slightly salty, though ours did come in brine, so that might have something to do with it! Not sure if they only ever come in brine. They must be far healthier than peanuts though. Nice with a Super Bock!
The baking of bread never happened yesterday and will most likely happen today instead. We never did see any rain though we heard it pitter pattering for about 5 minutes during the night. Instead we went geocaching and bagged four in one day. The caching took us to some interesting archaeological sites such as a burial chamber, Roman ampitheatre and remains of a forum, also what is thought to be a Roman font, and a mystery cache over at Oliveira do Hospital (OdH) that led us to explore a bit more of the town.
Whilst in OdH we were feeling rather peckish we took a deep breath and went into a cafe to try and order something to eat. Suze ordered cheese toasties, or at least she thought she did. When they came they were magnificent, but were ham and cheese toasties. The poor waitress looked horrifed when we tried to explain that we were vegetarians. Anyway, we did what most vegetarians would NOT do, and pulled the ham off and ate the rest. We snaffled the ham to bring home for the cat (Mouser Extraordinaire). The toasties were good value. We learned perhaps to be a bit more specific, to say queijo somente (hopefully this means 'cheese only').
The geocaching took us most of the day and by the time we arrived home we caught up on a few chores like watering the vegetable patch (that seems to have developed molehills). The veggies we put in are coming along well, especially the green leafies like lettuce, cabbage and broccoli. The beetroot are okay but slow going. The carrots are looking a bit sorry for themselves.
We have a glut of ripe tomatoes and there are really only the two of us to try and eat them. We don't have enough jars to make chutney, so we are on a mission to try and come up with some delicious recipes to use some up. Fortunately Jon is a great cook, not so good for the waistline though.
The baking of bread never happened yesterday and will most likely happen today instead. We never did see any rain though we heard it pitter pattering for about 5 minutes during the night. Instead we went geocaching and bagged four in one day. The caching took us to some interesting archaeological sites such as a burial chamber, Roman ampitheatre and remains of a forum, also what is thought to be a Roman font, and a mystery cache over at Oliveira do Hospital (OdH) that led us to explore a bit more of the town.
Whilst in OdH we were feeling rather peckish we took a deep breath and went into a cafe to try and order something to eat. Suze ordered cheese toasties, or at least she thought she did. When they came they were magnificent, but were ham and cheese toasties. The poor waitress looked horrifed when we tried to explain that we were vegetarians. Anyway, we did what most vegetarians would NOT do, and pulled the ham off and ate the rest. We snaffled the ham to bring home for the cat (Mouser Extraordinaire). The toasties were good value. We learned perhaps to be a bit more specific, to say queijo somente (hopefully this means 'cheese only').
The geocaching took us most of the day and by the time we arrived home we caught up on a few chores like watering the vegetable patch (that seems to have developed molehills). The veggies we put in are coming along well, especially the green leafies like lettuce, cabbage and broccoli. The beetroot are okay but slow going. The carrots are looking a bit sorry for themselves.
We have a glut of ripe tomatoes and there are really only the two of us to try and eat them. We don't have enough jars to make chutney, so we are on a mission to try and come up with some delicious recipes to use some up. Fortunately Jon is a great cook, not so good for the waistline though.
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