How easy it is to get back to a routine, a routine that can only be possible here , on this island. The sun comes up so much later, actually it is dark till about 8 am, wonderful to someone who has been lacking sleep and trying to make up for it.
One of the best things about vacations and weekends as well is that although you do wake up at your usual time – in my case at 6 am. – after checking it on the iphone, you can turn onto your other side, snuggle deep into your comforter and close your eyes again with a smile on your face.
No need to rush, the day hasn’t even started yet.
I can hear Mish’s Dad already up, talking to his Mum, but even his usually loud arabic words don’t bother me. Old habits die hard, so in the end give up and come down.
Must buy a bathrobe. The mornings are unusually chilly up here. While sipping my capuccino recall fond memories of our first trip, just a little less than a year ago. Our first stay in the Pestana Grand, the incredible view we woke up to the first morning. We were hooked right there and then.
Still shivering, now wiping the rain drops off my camera, continue on with my coffee.
Love to take pictures of places of having my morning coffee. This terrace beats them all.
Lazy breakfast follows. Mishal refuses to finish his omelette with toast, his Dad bribes him with half an hour iPad time. Of course he finishes it. iPad problem is back, though we’ve progressed slightly, still not on the same page , but at least on the same chapter.
Progress is slow, but he understands my point of view.
Next is our so awaited levada walk, the Paradise valley one. Took a car us to Camacha where we start. It is a very easy one, quiet flat terrain, the levada lined by beautiful flowers. Sadly this time there isn’t much, the African Lilies finished flowering, however the eucalyptus forest is ever so great smelling, like an outdoor sauna. Halfway through chestnuts keep falling on our heads, some locals are collecting them, carrying plastic bags full of them.
Must have rained a lot lately, quite a few trees were uprooted, at some point half of the path is gone, very slippery, but we still enjoy it nevertheless.
Me taking loads of pictures, though I brought with me the wrong lens.
Father and son happily chatting away. To be honest it is Mish talking nonstop, and his Dad trying to squeeze in a question or two.
They don’t mind me lagging behind, when I get too close to them, Mish tries to slow me down by pointing at some plants to be photographed. How transparent.
It is fine by me. Good to have time to myself.
Stopped at that little bar we found last time, Moseis I think.It is full of other tourists on their walks as well, but also lots of locals. Love the atmosphere of these places.
Have coffee with milk and chestnut cake. Now I know why they have it. Still haven’t found the recipe for it. If anyone knows, please let me know!
Ended up being totally covered by mud, our pants, shoes, my beloved Helly Hensen shoes.
Walked straight into a mall in search of hiking shoes. Must have looked weird, did leave quite a bit of mess behind, but got ourselves some new ones.
Discovered a hotel we have never seen before, on top of the Dolce Vita mall, which has been by the way renamed, now called La Vie. Nice and stylish hotel , Divine, incredible views from the top where they have a restaurant and a bar. Just popped in, but quickly changed our mind and went for our usual Almirante.
We are a boring bunch,eating and drinking the same stuff mostly. Had Quinta do Carmo , our favourite red wine here. They keep it stocked for us now. Golden Espada, the delicious fish with banana, served with fried polenta and sweet potatoes. The only place I like to have it.
Conversation is much smoother, less and less uneasy silence in between. Slowly adjusting.
Happy to see son and father connecting.
Not so happy with my inability of taking pictures of buildings, views. Got so used to my foggy forest, my garden, that buildings, people seem strange to me, somehow haven’t managed to catch magical moments.
Trying hard , you be the judge of that.