Five Feet, Nine Inches Above Ground

Monday March 02, 2026

Dear readers, I must confess to something you probably have already surmised: I have been posting about my trip to Türkiye from the comfort of my apartment in Estoi, Portugal for about a week. Mahmood elected to stay in Istanbul rather than return to Tehran. As far as he knows, his family and friends are remain alive and well. He was more than ready fro the Iranian regime to change even with outside help. For me, Türkiye was magical, beautiful and i want to return and explore some more. However, returning to Portugal and my friends here is also wonderful and a great pleasure. The weather, until today, has been exceptionally sunny and warm giving me the opportunity to ride my bike everyday. My routine is to go out for approximately two hours following the same circuit through the valley around the mountain behind Estoi. It’s strength and confidence building all at the same time.

The orchids are beginning to show up along with lots of other wildflowers. There is a tiny valley that is home to a rushing millstream where there are large clumps of Paperwhite narcissus along the banks glowing in the morning sunlight. I caught their scent long before I saw them. It always reminds me of horses.

There have been Saturday morning trips to the market in Olhão – a ritual among my Portugal friends. It’s a great place to shop for fresh food as the market expands with outdoor vendors on Saturday that aren’t there the rest of the week. It’s also a wonderful spot for a bica (espresso) and a Pastel de nata (egg custard tart) while watching the crowds walk past.

There has also been beach time. Specifically, Praia do Barril, with its iconic rusting anchors and a seemingly endless expanse of sandy beach. I didn’t take any shots of the anchors or the train. Next time!

And then there is my all time favourite thing to do: wander around the village of Estoi. There is a family owned coffee and pastry shop that now provides meals including a daily special (while they last). the price is good and the quality top-notch with very friendly service.

And that dear readers, is a snap shot of my life since my return to Portugal. Not as exciting as visiting historic sites everyday or visiting places for the first time but they do fill me with extreme joy. I hope you enjoy them, too. Until next time.