Figueira da Foz

Weekend of the 17/18th June. What an action packed Saturday! Once Carl had said his farewells,
it was aboard the coach to take us to This was followed by a trip to the Cathedral. More gold leaf
than you can shake a stick at!! It was then onto a complementary lunch at the Observatory,
courtesy of the local tourist office. The next stop was a trip to Montemor –o-Velho. This is
a stunning hill top castle that rises above the surrounding area which is most cultivated,
largely with Paddy Fields!. Inside the castle walls are Frangipani trees with
livid blue flowers. There is also another church, this time dating from the 11th
Century. After a tour and a walk around the battlements, it was time for a
delicious ice cream in the castle café. The weather was sunny and warm, with a
gentle breeze. Ideal. We returned back to the marina for around 1800 hours and
then time for a quick beer, and diner. At 2230, we presented ourselves at the local Casino, for a cabaret
evening hosted by the town’s tourist department. This was a dramatic
show, of dancing and high wire artists all to an impressively high standard.
After the show we repaired to the bar where there was a live music and dancing.
There were around 20 of the crowd from the Rally still in there when it closed
at 3 o’clock in the morning. At the suggestion of the local tourist
officer we then tottered of to a nearby Mexican themed bar. This bar pours then
most deadly G&T’s known to man. A six inch high tumbler full of gin
with, (if you are lucky), 5ml of tonic. We finally got back to the boat at
around 5 o’clock this morning. Needless to say our start today was
somewhat delayed and very slow………. Despite a raging hangover, I was denied a “neurophen omelette” by the crew and
had to go the local market to buy fresh fish, meat and vegetables. This is a
large covered area in the centre of the town, near the coast, and was a scintillating
mixture of colours, noises and aromas. Just what I needed in my delicate condition.
What was particularily striking were the prices. For example we bought a fresh
Sea Bass weighing 0.8 of a kilo and it cost just 8 Euros!! Once back at the boat Jennie made a full brunch (1300 by
now). Fresh warm peaches, local cherry’s and the usual cereals and the
last of the bacon and eggs. All washed down with three large tumblers of fruit
juices. Spent the rest of the day doing boat maintenance and enjoying
a quiet Fathers day in the sun. Tomorrow morning we are off to Peniche. This is the largest
fishing port in |