Five Feet, Nine Inches Above Ground

A personal point of view…

Day 3 – A trip to Estoi

Friday morning was devoted to doing some grocery shopping for the weekend. There are similarities to a Canadian supermarché and there are differences. A display of whole salt cod next to the butcher’s counter was one of those differences. There was also a fine selection of wine, including porto – of course –  and scotch whiskey.

Shopping was followed by a trip to the town of Estoi for lunch at Anna’s café. Cuttlefish was the meal of the day and we booked two if them for Randy and myself. Marc opted for pizza. It was all delicious.

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Randy and Marc are well known in Estoi.
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Cuttlefish was the daily special at Anna’s restaurant in Estoi.
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Soaking up the sunshine during lunch.
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Gwen, a friend of Marc and Randy, joined us for lunch.
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The Pousada, formerly a private home, is now a hotel spa with much of the former palatial home open to the public. Randy gave me the grand tour.
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Ceiling in the reception area.
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Looking through the reception areas.
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High altar in what was the private chapel of the Pousada.
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A view from the loft at the back of the chapel.
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A player harmonium in the gallery over the main door.
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Altar to the Blessed Virgin.
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Dome above the main altar.
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Looking toward the main entrance of the chapel. I climbed the ladder to the gallery.
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Formal gardens of the Pousada.
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Formal reception room.
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Exterior of the Pousada.
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Fountain above the grotto.
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Grotto fountain with the Three Graces.
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One of the graces is on the move!
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Yet another fountain.
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A tiled wall in the garden.
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A folly walkway in the garden.
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The fruit of the Medronho tree is used to make a liqueur.
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Medronho fruit.
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A view of the Pousada garden.
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Dogs and cats are everywhere in Portugal. 
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Roses blooming in December
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Repurposed urinals.
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Anna’s café from the church porch.
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Estoi church bell tower.

fivefeetabovetheground

2 responses to “Day 3 – A trip to Estoi”

  1. Eileen Avatar
    Eileen

    Gorgeous! Looks like a lovely day. We experienced sunshine today, but at -10 c. Went for a ski around the farm. Can’t wait to soak up some sun in Portugal!

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  2. JoAnn Avatar
    JoAnn

    Beautiful pictures James! I hope you’re smiling hugely through it all.
    xoxoxox

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