The road to Rosario - Sun

Sun 3rd Aug 2014

Packed up Priscilla and left the beautiful village of Monsaraz and drove down the bottom to see the Ermida de Santa Catarina (built by The Knights Templars) then saw the Convento da Orada and the Cromlech of Xerez and the Menhir of Belhoa. We then drove to the next national monument which we believe is also situated on energy lines - they are found all over Europe and people come here to worship from all over the world (especially people in Motorhomes) yes you are right Lidl supermarket !!! We even bought cat food to feed the locals! David said have we got more money than sense! But I think he really enjoys doing it. Then we headed to a campsite in Rosario that had been recommended by Lin & Lyndsay the Australian couple we met months ago in Cordova.  Stopped on the side of the road outside Terena for a coffee with a view of another castle. Arrived at camping Rosario and parked on a terraced pitch with a view of a lake which is part of the biggest  lake in Europe (which supplies 200,000 homes and even supplies water to irrigate Spain's western agriculture). Very hot here. Sat around the main farmhouse table outside reception and caught up with the internet over a beer or two with the owners Endrika (Italian) and Ernst (Dutch). Had a quick swim to cool off then cooked chicken on the BBQ with pasta and homemade garlic bread washed down with a local bottle of very good red (1.95 euro). Will explore tomorrow (David's birthday 54!) 

Monsaraz - Sat

Sat 2nd Aug 2014

Great sleep and woke to magnificent views and backdrop. Both had showers in Priscilla which is a long time since we've had to. Walked up into the walled town again and glad I took photos yesterday as very overcast today. First went in the museum but unfortunately was all in Portuguese but it had a slide show that we could follow with wonderful old and present day photos. There was a book for sale on there that had a connection with Monsaraz and Melbourne but the lady couldn't help us as to why? We then went into the church and again no photos allowed - shame as it was very special. We lit candles for all our family members. Wandered around the village then headed back to Priscilla for lunch. We have decided to eat in the village tonight to plough some money into it as we haven't spent anything yet as everything is free!!! Really do not know how they keep it so well looked after and preserved? Had a lazy afternoon reading our books and admiring the views while watching a few more motorhomes arrive. We are parked under almond  trees so we crack a few. Had a walk around the outside of the walled village then found a restaurant with a terrace to watch the sun go down and enjoy a lovely meal. Had a bottle of the local wine and it was Very good.  

Now that's what you call old! - Fri

Fri 1st Aug 2014

Left the campsite at Evora and headed to Valverde and Guadalupe to see some Neolithic standing stones. The road to get the ones at the first site was too tough so we turned back. We had to go through some old Roman arches and I had to get out as I wasn't sure if we would get under them or not! The next site was still up a 4km rough track but we managed it ok these stones date back to the year 7000bc. There are about 150 similar sites in this area and are some of the oldest historical monuments in the world. We soon found out that it had been a rough track when David went to the toilet and opened the cupboard door and my best pot of face cream fell out and went straight down into the toilet cassette! Lucky he had cleaned it out this morning so it only had the one wee on it ! I made him get it out! Then we drove on past Evora for about 70 km towards the Spanish boarder passing through areas of vineyards /olives and tomatoes but still quite flat open countryside. Arriving at Monsaraz which we could see in the distance as it was on the only high ground in the area. Up a very steep and cobbled road to the car park to what must be the best view in Portugal. The car park is at the base of a walled village with a castle behind us (which according to David's book was built by The Knights Templars and is on 2 bisecting earth energy lines) so he cannot wait to get to the museum tomorrow ! Then at the front of us we are overlooking the largest lake in Europe! Lake Alqueva. So all in all a fantastic spot and it's free!!! Had a walk up onto the village and castle - we think it is one of the best we have seen so far! It is so well looked after - clean tidy and NO graffiti! Maybe as only about 30 people live here (mainly older ones). All the little shops were so tasteful and not tacky. David got chatting to all the shopkeepers as they all speak very good English. Walked back down to Priscilla to find a gorgeous cat and dog under her. So of course we had to share our BBQ dinner while looking at a million dollar view.