How time flies! I can hardly believe that the nine days with my daughter are over already. After our relentless traveling and adventures, we opted to stay closer to home the last two days, basically because we were exhausted and second, the cats, especially Cherry, were disconcerted about our continuous disappearances. The schedule was not adhered to, and you know how cats are about schedules!
So we spent a day at home on Wednesday, enjoying the house and garden for a change. With the sweltering heat in the lowlands, it was such a treat to sit under the canopy of the fig tree and have a picnic there. Of course, we were in constant company of the cats, who provided ample entertainment. The highlight of the day was a sunset walk, with Xico as our ever loyal bodyguard! The Shire, as always, did not disappoint.
The beauty of having Maike around is that I finally got to visit places that have long been overdue but I never had the time for. One such item on that list was the weekly market in Malveira. I love markets, especially when they come in such colour and variety. Originally established at the Ox Fair in 1782, it was intended for cattle traders and butchers who supplied the Lisbon region. I certainly didn’t see any cattle that day, nor do I know whether there are still any being brought to the market, but you have an assortment birds, chickens, hamsters and rabbits. If you are aiming to buy fresh fish, you better be there early in the morning, before it gets too hot. Otherwise you can explore the fresh fruits and vegetables, olives, sausages, breads, and cheese from the local producers. It is a bit tricky to figure out the general layout of the place, as the plants, cut flowers, and, tools, household items and clothes are all jumbled up in there as well, along with some second hand knick knacks. It reminded me very much of the Baclaran or now defunct FTI market in Manila, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
As I write this, Maike is about to land in Stuttgart, and my time with her has come to an end for now. The house is silent again, my feet and knees ache, but it has been the most magical birthday week with her, savouring every moment, sight, scene, and meal. These precious moments are few and far between now, but I treasure them all in my heart.
FrogDiva Thoughts 