Near Portalegre, Portugal - February 17, 2021

Sam exiting the property through the Sericaia Vineyard

O'Cabeco (name of the property) Main house (We are not staying in this house, just airing it out weekly)



Small house where we are staying

We arrived in Portugal 4 days ago. It was a touch and go situation to cross the border from Spain into Portugal. The first attempt the border was barricaded. We went to a second crossing place and after two police looked over our paperwork and much consideration, they allowed us to enter. To our great surprise a recent Covid test did not even come up in the discussion. I think the two officers were too busy deciding if we needed proof that the owner of the house actually owns the house where we were heading. On the Portugal side, we had about an hour to drive to our destination, and stopped to stock up on groceries. We enjoyed our lunch in gorgeous sunshine in SAM. 

We have spent our first few days settling back into our house sitting routine. Yoga in the morning, chores on the property, a little exploration to figure out where the local shops are located. 

This is a beautiful area backed up to the Serra Sao Mamaede Natural Park and the house is located smack in the middle of the Sericaia vineyards. We are in the region of Alentejo. There are wild boar that come through the 5 acre property and badgers have been known to get stuck in the empty swimming pool (there is now a special staircase made of wood blocks to help the badgers escape). Here is a link Sericaia to the regional dessert recipe which the Sericaia wine is named after. We have not had occasion to sample this dessert yet as everything is closed here. 

If you are interested in the 10 days of travel blog from Chivel to Portugal the story is in Polarsteps "Van Life in Spain":


Below is a description of the Sericaia wine:

Lusovini 2017 Sericaia Red (Alentejano)

The warmth and sun of the Alentejo comes out strongly in this ripe, full-bodied wine. Named after a spicy, creamy local dessert, the structure is a soft background to the generous fruitiness of this wine that is ready to drink. ROGER VOSS

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