. . . even more Aljezur

. . . an early start, porridge with Vince, whok is getting on the 9.05 bus to Lisbon, over to the cafe for a bica, and Paul is there, looking a little cold . . . having arrived on the bus from Lisbon last night at ten, set up his hammock by the river, found the rain uncomfortable, took shelter in the supermarket car park, slept hardly at all . . .

Paul is 27, born in Dinan, near St Malo, living in Lille, trained as a sound engineer, currently unemployed, taking a holiday from being unemployed in a cold climate, loving Portugal and easily persuaded to stay in the amazing Amizagh hostel, which is feeling rather like home for now . . . and having established a heart connection, I am easily persuaded to stay another day too . . .

. . . back at the hostel, Sina and Ed, from Holland, now based near Tavira, walking south on the Vicentina Way, are having breakfast before moving on . . . they seem to spend most of their time walking somewhere or other, which is nice . . .

Brita from Germany, teacher taking a break, is planning to take the bus to Odeceixe and walk back tomorrow . . . and is easily persuaded to walk with me and take the bus back for her 6pm shift at the hostel.

After mostly enjoying the solitude of solo walking, I have been reflecting on the need for relationship too, and Aljezur is bringing it . . .

After lunch Paul and I walk to the beach, doing philosophy along the way, then back for another shared meal, this time minus the Americans and the Scot, in Lisbon by now, and Mark, skyping home; and plus Dana from Italy (volunteering here, web designer from Turin, soul revolting against that life) and fellow Brit, Carl, made redundant after 33 years in the RAF, now living in northern Portugal . . . and Paul, who makes the pasta and sauce and maybe scores a lift to Portimao with Edwin and Indre . . . and my sweet tooth rewarded with a delicious dessert from Brita - ice cream with hot chocolate sauce.