A visit

A good friend came for a visit. We first met Tyrone while living in State College. He moved to Australia a year and a half ago. Coincidentally, he was in Europe for a wedding and so he decided to “pop over” to Portugal for a few days.

Introducing Tyrone to the Tras-os-Montes region of Portugal was great fun. It provided me with a good dose of perspective as well. His observations were interesting and insightful and helped me see some of the things I sometimes take for granted. It was also good for me to have another person with whom to speak English.

We enjoyed full days of exploration. We traveled to small villages, high mountains, and to castles. We ate tapas in Spain and philosophized the meaning of travel and the privilege to do so. Duarte’s mother provided us with abundant meals as always and the kids enjoyed it all with us.

The weather has changed from chilly to warm. The sun is bright and strong. It seems the best place to escape the afternoon heat is the swimming pool at Quinta da Mata. A plunge in the spring water pool is most refreshing! A cold pitcher of beer and lunch were served while we sunbathed and played in the crystal, clear water.

Duarte has just left with Tyrone to go to the airport in Porto which is an hour and a half away. The kids are playing on the back patio in their swimsuits while I recline in the shade with little to do for the remainder of the afternoon.