Yesterday evening I visited the tapestry museum, on the recommendation of Jose, and met Helder, guiding me round the exhibits . . . we recognised each other immediately, the way the frequencies align, and had a very interesting chat on things philosophical between finding out how the tapestries were made . . .
Joao and Jose sorted out the route to Serta, then mentioned the pilgrims who walk from Portalegre to Fatima in four stages along the River Tagus, walking in groups at night and resting during the day . . .
This morning's plan was to catch the bus to Marvao, look around, walk the 20km back . . . and before that managed a tour round the castle and a fun art exhibition, and a guided tour of the old monastery . . . it's a military school these days and the very friendly guide is from the Guarda Nacional Republicana . . . he is Joao and his son, Daniel, is in London, taking football coaching qualifications, following in the footsteps of one of the most well known living Portuguese people, Jose Mourinho . . .
The bus took 40 minutes on winding roads to the beautiful mountain town, with a stunning castle, with views to Spain . . . the walk back was four and a half hours, a gentle afternoon stroll in warm sunshine.
So, a combination of education, culture, fresh air and exercise on my last day in Portalegre . . .
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