Evora

Today we left Fatima and headed for Evora - the hottest city in Portugal. It lived up to its reputation - 40 degrees today! 

We walked around part of the city and looked at lots of handicraft shops. They have some nice ceramics but they are not cheap. 

We visited the main cathedral, another nice church. I enjoyed the remnants of some frescoes. The view from the tower was onteresting and you could see how dry the surrounding landscape is. 

Close by are ruins of a Roman Temple built in the first century. The kids and I sat and had an ice cream and me a sangria - we enjoyed the view. We talked about how the people of that time may have gone about building the temple and life at that time. 

By this time is is getting very hot. The chapel of the bones is not open the next two days so we head there. It is both morbid and beautiful. The chapel was built in the nineteenth century. It has a saying written above the main doors alluding to everyones mortality and awaiting our bones. 

The people whose bones are decorating the chapel were small. They look like bones from children. We are giants in comparison. 

Luckily our hotel is airconditioned and has two pools. Ed and the kids head straight for the pool. Joaquim, Teresa and I go to our rooms for a rest. On waling I too head for the pool. The water was lovely. It is still very hot but swimming is relaxing and reminds us of summer at home. 

We decide to head back to Evora for dinner. The restaurant we want to eat at is closed for holidays so we eat at one around the corner. It is pleasant eating outside. The heat had dissipated and there is a gentle breeze. Dinner is good and the nibblies we started with are delicious.

We check out Evora at night by car. Ed is brave heading up and down streets that were not designed for cars. 

We stop to look at the central plaza. I make Ed park as I can see musicians in a cafe. We sit and listen to a brass band play a few songs. It is unexpected and lovely. The cafe is an art cafe and they have a photography exhibition on display. Interesting images of interiors by a local artist. 

Mitchell notices a baby bat inside the gallery. He wants to pick it up but Ed and I discourage him. The bat is moving around a bit but is not ready to fly on his own yet. He is giving it his best shot. It is late and time for bed. 

Ed and I have a Singapore Sling at the bar and reflect on our holiday so far. Ahhhh! Good night.