Five Feet, Nine Inches Above Ground

The village or parish of  Estoi isn’t large  – it has a population of approximately 4,000 people and that reduces in number, in all likelihood, in the off season, which is now. This is the second year in a row that it has served as home base for exploring the Algarve. Thursday, January 9, was an opportunity to reacquaint myself with some of its hidden and not so hidden treasures.

Lunch happened at midday at the little restaurant on the square in front of the church with my friends Marc and Randy. The daily special was sold out so we had to choose from the menu. I copied Randy’s choice, a traditional Portuguese pork dish that includes a fried egg on top. It was delicious!

The day started out sunny and warm with a quick shopping trip to the Olhao market while the lads went to the gym. Once we returned home, the sky clouded over and the breeze was quite sharp. It didn’t rain, however.

Lunch!

A view from the Estoi Pousada, now a luxury hotel.

There are mating storks clacking away on that nest.

A short cut through the Pousada gardens.

Pousada side entrance.

Another angle on the storks.

The Pousada gardens

An up close look…

The Pousada is currently under renovation .

Recently restored mosaic.

The secret exit…

The full circle.