Day trip to Loule market and beyond.

Saturday, March 5, 2016

My trip to Loulé, Alte and the Panorama of a Tibetan Monastery started early today. Miguel my driver was going to be here at 10 am, so I got up at 8 to get ready. Sure enough he was right on time. We got the scooter in the van. We got me in the van. We were off.  Of course, it was crazy busy in Loulé because it was market day (the reason we were going). Miguel drove round and round trying to find a parking spot for the van. Finally, after searching awhile, we found a spot. We got the scooter out and I had some death defying swerves and driving so not to get hit. We had to go on the road since the cut outs are somewhat random. I wasn’t worried. I was driving defensively.

 The market was huge. I didn’t bother going into the gypsy flea market. I wanted to go where the farmers and the fish market was. We only had so much time and some of that was taken up by the parking fiasco. I loved the locals. It was chaos, but a lot of fun. I got some produce and local ingredients. There were almonds, almond paste animals (marzipan), dates, honey, olives. The fresh fish was fantastic, but I only have limited things to cook with so I opted to buy the small clam like shellfish (Amȇijoas) that are common here. They were delicious, if somewhat salty. I think it was just how I cooked them.

                                              

After finding the van again, Miguel drove me to a lovely little town called Alte. I guess it is supposed to be the most Portuguese looking town, architecturally. Well, after Albufeira I can see why. It is idyllic and on season would be nice to hang out at. As it was, we are here off season and there wasn’t much open. It was nice to see something a little more authentic though.

                                                                                                                                               

                                     

                                         Walk along the promenade in Alte

Our last stop was to be a high ridge where some Tibetan monks set up a retreat. They picked it for its spiritual feeling and being able to charge one’s Karma. The view was spectacular. Miguel says that on a clearer day we could discern the ocean from the sandy beaches. As it was, I could see the outline on the horizon. Once again the damn wind was freezing. It was after all at an elevation of 600 meters.

                                   

A hazy panoramic...doesn't do it justice.

 You wouldn’t think 4 hours is long, but I am beat. I still have to cook my clams tonight. It will be all I can do not to drop off in my bowl of Amȇijoas and pasta…

A little snack and a nap before supper.