Trying to learn from past mistakes, Roger and I decided to prepare for our trip to Spain by following the Map virtually to our new residence. We virtually drove from the airport to the address given. We also got a chip for Roger's phone so we could have Google maps available. Of course, we turn on his phone and the chip does not work in Portugal or Spain. It worked in Wales and claimed it would work in Spain, but no go.
So, we proceeded from the airport and get lost immediately. We fumbled our way around, and finally found the highway. Of course, we need to go north, so we end up going south, Finally, we get heading in the correct direction and are able to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Portugal. The closest airport to our Spain address was in Portugal.
So, to ensure no further mistakes, we purchase a map. We follow it only to find that we missed a road we were supposed to turn on. We "recalculated" our path and finally found the town for which we will be residing for the next 25 days. We recognize the place from our virtual driving and follow the directions we remembered only to find ourselves in a very narrow alley. We stop to ask this lovely lady who ends up does not speak a lick of English. This, of course, did not dissuade her in the least to have a lovely conversation with us. She leans into our car and proceeds to tell us....something. We kept saying, "No comprendo" but she continued to tell us whatever she had to say. We said adios several times before she decided to let us on our way. I wish we could understand what she was saying. She seemed very animated and determined we should know the information she was telling us.
We decide to go into town to see if Roger can find a chip that would work in the phone. While he is in the store, I discover that I can piggy back on someone's wifi, and am able to utilize the maps on my phone. We follow the maps to our new location only to find it telling us we have arrived, but we still do not know where we are supposed to go. We had hoped we would recognize it when we saw it. We go into a store that is located where we were directed, and low and behold, the owner speaks fluent English. Her husband is from San Diego!! We ask her where the address is we were attempting to find, and she goes out to find a lady who knows everyone in the area. She comes back to let us know that the address was right around the corner. Our new hosts were on the balcony watching out for us. Whew! We finally arrived to our new abode!!
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| This is our new home for the next 25 days! |
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| This is our balcony from which we get spectacular views of Portugal. |
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| Sunrise the next morning, Roger takes a picture of himself, well, his shadow! |
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| View from our kitchen. |
Views from our new home!
The area we are residing is known as Galicia. We are staying in Guarda.
It is quite beautiful here and very relaxing.
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| Having fun on the exercise equipment stationed in a park on the coast. |
We drove around our town and were captivated by the beauty!
We get to witness some beautiful sunsets and sunrises!!
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| That is Portugal on the other side of the river. |
We ventured into town and discovered a beautiful walking area!
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| Statue of a woman waiting for her fisherman to come home. |
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| This puppy found us and was sooo precious. |
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| He was too cute not to play with!! |
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| A Marine Museum |
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| Pretty ground cover! |
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| An interesting wall with shadows of people painted on it. |
More views from our apartment!
Every day we get to enjoy the sounds of bells chiming at least every hour, and a cute perrodito (puppy) has a lot to say to everyone around.
We are enjoying ourselves here, but think of those at home often. We hope all are well, happy and blessed!
Buenas Dias!
