Terena Town

Even more frost when we got up this morning, and then this clear bright winter sunshine melting it all.

Decided we'd go for a drive while we still could - Portugal is locking down again, as in March and April, to try to contain the virus; 156 deaths in the last 24 hours; vaccination has begun...

Wanted to drive slowly, looking and being prepared to stop for photos. Went a back way we'd never been, up north a bit to a small town called Terena, also on the border with Spain. We walked the almost deserted streets, you could feel the stillness. Just birds and goat bells. The castle was open, not another soul. A friendly dog. Slabs of marble (from the local quarries) with paintings of famous folk. And cats. We chatted to the artist; he runs a small hotel next to the castle (shut).

On the way up, my attention caught by this line of washing; never ceases to amaze me that people don't mind displaying their underwear for all to see - intrigued by the fancy pink pair. And then saw the owner (presumably) watching me, oh dear, but pretty sure she's not a Blipper...

Ended by walking round the reservoir below the town. The water absolutely still. Perfect reflections. The sun eventually disappearing, golden light across the water.

Can't resist; going to put a few extras, which I can delete later, but gotta show you...

Gratefuls:
- a willing partner in crime; really should have been doing other stuff, but we'll have plenty of time for that!
- utter beauty all day long
- a delicious very typical Alentejano lunch in a café closing tomorrow (as all of them are, except for takeaway)