Hi Hannah, (and all the crew),

I am glad that you are enjoying Cascais and Estoril. I have always loved being there and have many happy memories of it. Elizabeth and I were first there in 1942 when I was7. We had come (ON two separate Portuguese boats from New York) in the hope of quickly getting a sea plane to Poole Harbor in England. The Portuguese were very kind to us and we very much enjoyed staying at the Palatsio Hotel. I used to run the hotel lift. (On seeing me, most people decided to go up the stairs.)  Another strange story from these times. The Palatsio Hotel’s dining menu was very elaborate. An American spy folded it in half, put ribbons in its edge, and got the Portuguese customs to stamp it and using it as a passport got through France and into Germany.

In the Casino I saw my first feature film. It was black and white. It was ‘The 39 Steps’. Very scary! I was recently interviewed about my memories of the Palatsio. Someone is writing a book about it. I bet that the newsagents across the road were the same ones that were there when we were there. That’s where I would buy Toberone bars from.

Gabriel trousers were hurting him?? Are you sure that he just was fed up with walking and anxious to eat his sandwich??

  Your photos are great. The Casino is unaltered. I have many films of the hotel when Elizabeth were there for our honeymoon.

Adam, good to hear about the new autopilot. When will you test it?

We are all very well.

The weather is very good. No sign of Barrie. Charisse may move from Tobago due to extreme crime.

Lots of love.