Once again, the festive season arrived and passed into memory all too rapidly.
For 2024 we stayed at home for a quiet and relaxing Christmas.
Although, in 2023 we had a most enjoyable visit to families in back in UK, it was far from relaxing or quiet but we hope to make more time available for the next Christmas trip.
In Portugal it is traditional that the village holds a bonfire on Christmas Eve (Véspera de Natal) and this still happens here in Vale de Prazeres. The wood pile comprised of tree trunks, branches and plenty of other timbers. When we arrived at around 10:15pm the fire was already alight and going well, so well that the flames were licking up to the electricity and telecom cables crossing the plaza. After a few more minutes the organisers had unrolled a large hosepipe and were busy dowsing down the flames. It took some time to get the fire under some sort of control so that the flames were not so high.
We stayed for some time, drinking our hot, home made, mulled wine and enjoyed the warming fire before heading back home just before Christmas day to wait for Old Saint Nick.
Santa did not disappoint, and by the morning we had a nice pile of gifts under the tree.
After breakfast on the day we attacked the prezzies and just relaxed in front of the TV.
A traditional Christmas turkey dinner was cooked and enjoyed then we had to go for a reasonable walk to reverse the effects.
Once back home we were hungry again so Janet's home made Christmas Pudding was served up - fantastic.
As usual Janet had also made a Christmas cake and, equally as usual, it is excellent.
Boxing day was more of the same, TV and relaxation.
However, in a break from tradition, we had pizza. Not just any normal pizza, another of Janet's magic kitchen creations.
All the toppings were encased in the bread which was folded into the leaves.
Served with various pickles and cheese, it was very tasty.
On the next day we took a proper walk, up the Serra da Gardunha behind our house to the radio towers.
From the top we have a magnificent view across the valley below.
The village centre and it's iconic church tower.
And our house nestled next to the railway station. We never had this view previously but there has been some recent clearing of land on the side of the mountain and with the trees gone we can finally get to see our house. The images are a little blurry but it is impressive that they were taken with a hand held mobile phone from high above the area.
