Toledo to Castelo de Vide

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Espana to Portugal
Toledo to Castelo de Vide

It was a long drive, 300 kilometers or so, not all on highways, some farm roads and ancient narrow cobblestone streets. Castelo de Vide is in the middle of...... nowhere. This is our first town in Portugal. The town was conquered from the Moors in 1138. The Portuguese language is a source of pride, but extremely difficult to grab hold of. Something like: "Oh bree gah dah" meaning "thank you" can be very useful. So when all else fails say "Oh bree gah dah" ...and people smile. They know you are trying... even if it is foolish.
The town sits, on yet another hillside and has lovely white buildings with red tile roofs. It is not an "up and running" tourist town, YET... but there are signs. We climbed up to the medieval fortress and were impressed with great vistas. It is free to the public, for now.
We walked around the ancient cobblestone streets back to the town square, and eventually found a quiet spot for the night. One thing to remember in Europe--- is stores close mid-day on Saturday and do not open until Monday morning. Well, Friday was a holiday in Spain, and everything closes on holidays, so we have not shopped for a long time. I am beginning to create meals with very little, it is like the "the fishes and the loaves", somehow we have plenty!?

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Comments

[Diane]

castle gate
The short castle wall reminded me of "The eye of the Needle gate" in ancient Jerusalem. I wonder if the height was designed for protection. Anyway I just want to tell you how much fun I am having following your trip. Fondly, Diane