On Schedule!
Being on schedule feels great. Today has worked out relatively perfectly so far. Woke up a little late, but needed the rest. Was on the bike and headed out of Beja by 8:30. Made a quick stop for water in Beja, and as I was paying, the man from the pizza place walked by. I stepped outside of the shop, and said hello to the man. Last night at his pizza spot, _________, I had mentioned that I was cycling around Portugal. He had noticed my bike this morning and wondered if it was me. We wished each other well, and went on our way. I’d like to take a moment to single this man out. His service at the pizza joint was above average. Someone who seemed to enjoy his work, and made it his mission to interact with all the customers. You could tell many people there were repeat customers.
A quick coffee outside the castle of Beja. The Keep of the castle is a beautiful one. I should put in some pictures below!
The ride out from Beja to Portel was simple and beautiful. Leaving Beja, the mountains were off in the distance. Dark clouds covered the sky in all directions, and I was sure rain was headed my way today. The relatively flat terrain for the first 2/3 of the ride were perfect. Allowing my muscles to get reacquainted with cycling again. The scenery was stunning. ‘Classic Alentejo’. I stayed off the main highway as much as possible, cycling through olive tree groves and vineyards. Harvest season is either starting or finishing, and I passed a tractor with a full load of grapes. A man from Cuba (Portugal) cycled behind me. He was retired and had knee surgery. He had the same scars as Nonno Gino. I led the way and carried the ride, hopefully it made cycling easier for him. We passed beautiful landscapes. Finally he gave me directions to Portel, on roads that would be better suited to cycling.
Portel is a beautiful quaint town. ________ is how Stephanie described it. I ate Feijoada for lunch at a perfectly Portuguese restaurant. Delicious, nutritious, and filling. 8.50, but I left a 10. After checking into the ‘hotel’, more of a B&B, I ventured up to the castle of Portel. One of the better castles I have come across. The castle was small, but the outer walls were in good condition, and some of the ruins inside have been preserved. Allowing us to see the areas where rooms/buildings would have stood. The views from the castle were stunning. Beautiful rolling hills, carefully manicured by humans, for olive oil and wine.
Now I am typing this on a cafe patio, enjoying a cold pedras. Time to try and make some Instagram video.