Vroom Droom Adventures

  We have been using the Polarsteps App to share short posts with our route and a few pictures, if you are interested in following that story, here is the information: ‘Vantrip around Portugal’ Check out the full story at  https://www.polarsteps.com/ ElizabethVroom/3942839- vantrip-around-portugal/ 30488111-mafra?s=492389b7- f905-4668-b35b-386a513da336 We had a somewhat rainy day trip exploring Lisbon. It turns out that April is a reliable month for rain in this area. Riding bikes from the graffiti adorned campground located inside the walls of an old ammunition factory, we headed out early in the morning in a steady light drizzle of rain.  View over Lisbon Ammunition Factory turned campground and restaurant 3 km from the center of Lisbon There are numerous large squares and lovely cobbled walking streets throughout the city. Every side street opens a new adventure. King João's long reign of 48 years, the most extensive of all Portuguese monarchs, saw the beginning of Por...

 Chapel of Bones in Evora We happened upon this creepy place that it turns out is the second most visited site in Evora! The chapel was built in the first half of the seventeenth century and is dedicated to the cult of the souls of purgatory. The bones used to construct this chapel are believed to have come from the convent that used to be a part of this building. We are the bones that are waiting here for yours Bench and wall tiles at the entrance to the chapel The following poem is also at the entrance: Where are you going in such a hurry, traveller? Stop...do not proceed any further; You have no greater concern, Than this one: that on which you focus your sight. Recall how many have passed from this world, Reflect upon your similar end,  There is good reason to reflect,  If only all did the same Ponder, you so influenced by fate, Among the many concerns of the world,  So little do you reflect upon death; If by chance you glance at this place, Stop...for the sake o...

We recently learned that due to Covid, "wild" camping is no longer allowed and that there can be steep fines if you park for a night in an unregulated area. Another small hurdle to travelling by car or camper in Portugal is figuring out the toll system.  After some research, Herman was able to link a credit card to the toll system for 30 days, so we should be good to go. We tend to try and avoid the toll roads simply because they are generally less scenic, but also because the camper does not have that much power, so we cannot drive over 100 kph anyway.   We arrived to the outskirts of  Évora  around noon and easily found the municipal parking area for campers.  Évora  oozes history. This is the capital city of Portugal's south-central Alentejo region. There is a saying that if you kick a rock in  Évora , you may be unearthing an archaeological treasure. The historical center of the walled city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We walked through a ...

 T he travel restrictions between municipalities in Portugal were lifted at midnight and w e are departing from our comfortable house sitting situation to see more of this amazing country. We plan to be on the road for 5-6 weeks and travel the entire coastline starting in the southern region called the Algarve all the way to the most northern region. From there we hope to cross into Galicia area of Spain situated below the Pyrenees Mountains.  The following recipe is for a delicious pastry Pastela de Nata that is available in every pastelaria  (pastry shop) and many grocery stores. It is something we had never had before, but have to stop ourselves from buying every time we shop now that we have tasted them! Portuguese Pastry First Created By Monks

  It was such an amazingly windy day that we abandoned the idea of riding 20 km each way to explore the medieval town of Castelo de Vide. Instead we made sandwiches, washed the thick yellow layer of pollen off of SAM's windows and headed off for a 10 km circular walking route around this ancient town. We were quickly able to shed layers as the sun was quite hot and there was much less wind in the valley near to Castelo de Vide. This town and it's surroundings are stunning, even on a hazy spring day. The oldest part of town is charming, nestled within the 2 km ancient walls around the historic castle. Below the castle are a series of green spaces, beautifully restored buildings and several fancy hotels. A meandering walking route can take you to all of the 14 water fountains believed to possess healing properties. An interesting superstition about the fountain below; whoever drinks the water from the Fonte da Mealhada will someday return to Castelo de Vide to get married! https:...