Vocal Voices

Library first, lovely chat with Fatima, told her we're off to see her husband - who works in Finances, as we needed to tax the car.

She'd rung him and he had the details up when we got there.

Off to see Nelson, to get the acid for the pool, nope. Arriving later this afternoon, I'll drop it in - we're about 11 kms from Ourique, so we told him we'll come and pick it up later in the week.

Pingo next. The beer carton was badly damaged, so the young lad lifted up the manky one, and another lad got the box we wanted. The butcher wanted to know why I wasn't ordering anything

At the bar, Jose shook our hands, wanted to know where we'd been - back to England, as he hadn't seen us for a week. We got told off for not telling him we'd be without a car, as we could have borrowed one of his (John Deere tractor anyone? ) Odette came out with a letter from Evora Hospital for Grumpy and Jose wanted to know the health problem was. No problem, they just need his e-mail.

Bertalina and Asvedo, both in their 90's, who live few steps away, made the point of coming over to see us, kisses, shake hands, because they also hadn't seen us for a week. And they were worried about us

Love where I live

That's lovely Jan
My neighbour are good if I need them but other than that only see them in the summer I can go months with out speaking to a soul except the Iceland delivery man

Come and live in our "ruin", I'll do it up specially for you xx

That's lovely Jan, a real community

((((Saundra)))) xx

You do have an amazing community Jan - but then equally; you and Grumpy have made an effort to fit in, learn the language and adjust to the life style there and you help out where needed as well. x