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Day 16 to 19 - June 7 to 10 - Figueira
Entry 15 of 17 | show all | print this entry |
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Before I make this entry, I have to note that I cannot remember hospitality of this measure. Ever since our arrival in Portugal, we have been served hand and foot. If I get up, two people jump to their feet to see what they can get for me. Nasser, Salima, Feba, Kaka Anil, Tia Rozy, Kaka Nawas, Kaki Nafeesa - they have dropped everything to be with us and make sure we are comfortable, surrounded and taken care of.
Salima had left for Africa on Friday, but everyone else above as well as Sameer and Anaisa were in Figueira for the next few days.
On Sat, our first day in Fig, Kaka took us to Battalha (a historic monument which marks the spot where the Portuguese launched a successful defense against Spain). The Battalha has the tomb of Joan I. We ate pregos outside Battalha. At the unfinished chappell, I suggested we buy a plot for me there under the bautiful arches. Sofia wasn't crazy about the idea.
Then, we went to Fatima - the church and cathedral where the Pope speaks every year to millions. We saw people walking on their knees and some people walking for many days to get to Fatima as a promise made in exchange for an event they had prayed for.
Next, we drove through Leiria and returned home in time to watch the first soccer match of the Euro Cup between Portugal and Turkey on TV (Portugal won 3-0).
At night, we watched our wedding video with everyone and retired.
Day 2, Sunday in Fig, we drove to Kaka´s hotel in Fig and had gelato at Emanha, a popular spot for gelato and coffee. Kaka's hotel is a nice bed and breakfast and he plans to re-open the restaurant downstairs. Sofia gave him some ideas about decor. Quite a few of the art work in the restaurant is from Sofia's mehndi.
Then we headed to Serra de Estrla (mountain top), and on the way, had lunch at Museo de Pao (Bread Museum). Museo de Pao is a beautiful restaurant with wood and glass floors, a wooden wagon wheel with water running through and a view to die for. The lunch was a buffet with fish, lamb, varieties of bread, salads, and amazing desserts. We took some fun pictures right outside the restaurant.
I tried to convince Sofia to ride the donkey, and she almost did but the thing began to move uncertainly so we gave that up. We also took pictures by a mini water-fall and Museo de Pao's old antique house and car. I considered stealing the car, but Sofia would not hear of it, specially since it didn't run on the cheaper diesel.
After, we headed to the top of the mountain where we walked on foot to some rocks and took pics. On foot, we would run and race each other. That night, we stopped at Kaka´s furniture store before heading home.
Day 3, we had a lazy start. After swimming (yes the house has a swimming pool), we went to Coimbre, where we took pictures, shopped a little and then headed home. After changing, we went to dinner at a hot spot for seafood in Figueira where we ate till we dropped. At the pier after dinner, we went on multiple rides, including bumper cars, and roller coaster. Luckily, even though everyone was stuffed, and the movement was not the best idea, no "incident" occured. Then, we walked to Emanha for gelato's, where Sofia insisted on coffee, while everyone else indulged in fine gelato. I had an "Exotic".
Day 4 in Fig, Tues, Kakush Nawas and Nafeesa drove back to Lisbon. The rest of us walked to a nearby spot for Bica late in the morning. Then we returned home and Kaka, Sameer, Nasser and I played soccer. Nasser hurt his jaw and Kaka scraped his knee, but I twisted my leg and foot, which I would pay for later. Kaka and I won 18-15 against Sameer and Nasser. We then swam in the pool, had strawberries and showered. In the evening, we drove to a nearby restaurant where I had the best Sea Bass (Rubalho). That night, Nasser, Feba and Anaisa drove back to Lisbon. Nasser and Anaisa had to work the next day and we were scheduled to go with them, but plans changed last minute and we decided to go to Porto the next day.
Where I stayed:
Kaka Anil's House
Latest Comments (1)
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Very cool! (reply)
Jun 16, 2008 11:31 EST by starlagurl
I'd love to hear more about the Euro Cup soccer game. Was it crazy? Did you take pictures?
Louise Brown
TravelPod Community Manager
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