Page 109 - Demo

Saturday 23rd - Estombar - Monchique - EvoraHot & sunny. Said farewell to John and promised to review his website for him when we return to Australia! Drove north through spectacular mountains to the town of Monchique. Dave would have loved the steep roads, sheer drops, no guardrails, narrow roads, and hairpin bends! Finally entered the lovely rolling hills of the Alenjento, full of cork trees, grassy fields and the occasional Don Quixote-type windmills. Arrived in Evora in the mid afternoon and booked into Pensao Residencial Policarpo, an old 17th century rambling guest house in the middle of the historic mediaeval area of this lovely town. They advertised a car park for guests, but even the tiny little Sprint cars (about the size of a Matchbox car) would have had trouble parking here. We parked on the street instead. Evora is about halfway between Lisbon to the west and the Spanish border to the east, and is World Heritage listed. No wonder, as it was stunning. Hundreds of tiny little streets and alleyways, reeking in history. Every turn demanded a photo. We would rate it up with Brugge and Quebec as one of the best places to visit. Walked the virtually empty streets, as most shops by this stage were closed. Stopped in the lovely town square for coffee. Walked more, visiting the Roman ruins, and decided to blow the budget on the town%u2019s one horse and buggy ride. Clip clopped through the quiet streets for half an hour. Teia absolutely loved it (as did we). Walked through the castle grounds and the old city walls to another excellent playground for Teia. Walked back down more lovely lanes and passages to the town square for a meal. Steve loved the place so much he went out later that night to get some more atmospheric night time photos. The town was lit up and glowed green.