Eucalyptus everywhere

I am writing this from a Franciscan Convent. No, I have not signed up to become a Nun! Our hotel, in fact a "Quinta" (Portuguese Manor House), was a convent, until confiscated by the secular government some time ago now. It is in the most beautiful setting in a eucalyptus forest, at the base of a hill with another Convent on top, dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary.

View from the top of the hill above our convent

The road up the hill was interesting, with very large stone crosses lining the road at intervals, and lighted candles placed at their base. We have seen many wayside shrines, and even tiles on houses, depicting Our Lady of Fatima, or Madonna and Child, for example.

View from my window at the Quinta do Convento da Franqueira

Arriving at such a beautiful place at the end of a hard day in the heat was very welcome. We took a wrong turning at San Pedro de Rates, so we must have covered at least 9 miles today, with at least 12.5 to cover tomorrow. We have all suffered in the heat, and I fear I already have a blister under the precautionary blister plaster on my right foot. So much for the theory that you can't get blisters if you wear liner socks!

Although involving a detour, Rates was worth the extra effort. In the centre there is a complex of church

School children crossing the square at Rates

buildings surrounding a former C11th Benedictine Abbey.

Inside the Abbey at Rates

My most vivid memory of today, is the wonderful smell of the eucalyptus trees. It is like pine, crossed with menthol, and the smell is heavy in the air. Tractors were darting about everywhere , getting in the harvest of mainly corn. Lemons, kiwi, pumpkins, and, of course, grapes are plentiful in this mainly agricultural area.

It is going to be one of our toughest days tomorrow, so an early start is essential. I will therefore leave you with the following photograph, as the sky is so crystal clear and beautiful.

Chapel of the Convent of Our Lady of the Rosary

Love

Rina