Caldas da Rainha

26th March

We started the day by accompanying Teresa to the local markets where we bought fruit and vegetables.

After that we went to the nearby cheese shop where Teresa bought some white cheese. I was so excited I picked a cheese too! This shop also had a lovely bread selection.

Next it was time for a coffee. We sat at the cafe in the sunshine. Jay really liked the local coffee.

We carried the groceries home.

Teresa then drove us to Foz for Arelho to see the beautiful Óbidos lagoon  We had a snack while admiring the views. Teresa stayed there to work and Jay and I caught the bus back to town.

Then Jay and I caught the bus to the medieval walled town of Óbidos. After a short journey we'd arrived.

First we wandered the streets walking from one end of the town to the other.

Then we found the way to get up on top of the wall. We walked the whole way around. The views were lovely.

After an hour or two we headed back to Caldas da Rainha where Jay and I cooked pav bhaji for our host using the fresh vegetables we'd bought from the market in the morning.

27th March

Today we were very lucky because Teresa drove us to Salinas de rio maior where salt is made.

Unfortunately due to the rain in the past week we couldn't see the salt beds - too much water. However we wandered around the wooden shops and admired all the salt products.

Teresa then drove us to the nearby town of Alcobaca where we had cake and coffee. The Alcobaca Monastery was in the square where we were enjoying our morning tea so Jay and I went to see it. In the church there were the tombs of King Pedro and the woman he loved Ines. King Pedro's father had Ines killed because he didn't want Pedro to marry her and Pedro refused to marry anyone else. But in death they are in the same place as Pedro has her body moved to Alcobaca Monastery where he also built a tomb for the both of them.

Teresa then drove us to Sao martinho do porto  to show us the beautiful beaches. It was very windy especially when we were up high but the views were stunning.

After that we returned to the centre of Caldas da Rainha where we had a quiet afternoon. I had a very sore throat and was happy to rest.

Teresa's homemade Ginja that Jay loved.