Saudades

Decided to spend another day helping Dan and Mireille set up in their new house in Luz.

Luz , the village, carries a melancholy air. In 2001, the original village was demolished as the waters of the Lake rose behind the dam, and the villagers (including those buried in the cemetery) had to move to the new village built for them on higher ground. The old village is under the waters in front of that higher pine tree. The new village, so far, hasn't been a huge success - most of the folk remaining are older and seem consumed by saudades.

Not helped by the artwork on the main square of the old village (extra), and the bitter wind and rain today.

We are hoping that our friends can bring some joy and hope and be part of a new beginning for the village. Which is objectively attractive, with good housing, wide, orange tree lined streets, and right on the edge of the Lake.

Gratefuls:
- Mireille having a working kitchen again
- being able to help our friends
- getting a few jobs done before we left for Luz