A peaceful Friday, early evening, just after dinner. The boys are like five little sweethearts gaming at the big table: “Look out! He’s behind you! Foda-se! kill him! kill him! … Ah, now I’m dead …!” I’m at my post on the other side of the curtain because on Friday nights there are always guests […]
The Solar King on solar cooking Read More »
“Oh, I’m sorry…. Stop … just a moment! Wait…! “ I’m just in time because the camper is already moving slowly across the field on its way to the exit. “I’m the biggest dummy of all time” I gasp, “sorry for the last minute disruption, but I forgot to make a picture of you guys.
Returnees, passer-byers, and serious hikers Read More »
It arose spontaneously, and was much more successful than I had suspected! Nice to see all those reactions pouring in via all kinds of Facebook groups and by mail. Never thought that this contest would yield so many answers! Some people had the wrong contest picture in mind: I liked it so much that I
Result competition: what wás it, on that photo? Read More »
Let’s be honest, cycling just costs a lot of energy It’s very nice to spend your energy in an even rhythm, with your partner that you have been friends with all your life, knowing that everyone at home is doing well, you haven’t used up your whole bundle yet, your tire pressure is good and
Cycling along the Euro-Velo-1 in Portugal (*****) Read More »
Shepherd Dom Julio—that’s what I called him—was a very devoted father to his flock of sheep and goats. He stood in the field behind the bathhouse almost every afternoon, leaning on his stick, whistling a tune. He was one of those farmers who can whistle beautifully He did that at a time when you weren’t
Portuguese farmers can also do very remarkable things, you know Read More »
<< In barely a year, Portugal has more than quintupled its natural gas imports from Russia. Statistics from the Directorate General of Energy and Geology (DGEG) show that Russian gas only entered the package of gas purchases from abroad in November 2019.A still low value (2%) compared to imports from Nigeria, the US, Qatar, Algeria
When I turned 50, I thought it was time for a tea cozy. Fifty is a great age to introduce something like this into your household – the symbol of domestic swagger. Apparently others thought so too, because I got it for my birthday – with a lot of comment as well. He’s gone to
What’s missing? A portuguese apron! Read More »
“After this I’ll continue in the chicken meadow, will you do the office garden then?” I call after Broes, who, grunting, disappears, with a bottle of beer in his hand, because it’s around nine in the evening, clearly after working hours and one can exaggerate everything. The gardens of Termas da Azenha need attention and
The (hanging) gardens of Termas da Azenha Read More »
I hadn’t lived here that long, got on the phone, and if I had to say my name, I never got anything but a Portuguese sorrywhààà? – “Desculpe? Como? Poderia soletrar?” Can you spell that? Whilst Ellen really isn’t such a complicated name. Until the name change. I started calling myself Helena – never a
Name change, another name in another country Read More »
“Olá madame!” says an older man behind his mask. You can tell he’s smiling, even if you don’t see it. “Ah, olá!” I recognize him, “Como está? Tudo bem?” Yes, everything bem; it’s just that he received another letter about his portuguese pension from the Netherlands We know each other for years. He came years
Portuguese pension from the Netherlands Read More »
