Pure Air and Water

An excellent night's sleep in Rita's stone house, and then a morning in bed, catching up with stuff. Extra of view into village from the window, so different to the Alentejo.

Took them to lunch at a place they recommended, ArPuro, which was superb, though we had to ask for a doggy bag - won't have to cook much when we get home, bonus. Sat in the beautiful gardens, drinking a martini while we waited for them. Xavier had great fun splashing in the cold water.

(links for my benefit, to remember, but if you're ever in this area, thoroughly recommend both house and restaurant)

And then an afternoon nap, and now, sitting before the fire, blipping, while Mike heats up leftover pizza from last night.

Just what the doctor ordered.

Gratefuls:
- Rita and Miguel's generosity
- the utter silence of this place
- this restorative and unexpected break

And this - The best writing I have read in a long time, two parts and quite long, but if you want encouragement on how to be in these dark times, worth setting aside some quiet time to read, glass or mug in hand:
Part One - The War of Beauty
Part Two - Keeping the Feast
Every joy a spear against the dark, every love a shield, every thank you holding in itself more of reality than the massed deaths of all of history.