Saturday 24 January

Sunshine and clouds again today – this seems to be the way of most days just now. Several times we’ve put on warmer clothes because it’s been quite cool up here, and by the time we get into town, it’s so warm, we have to take a layer off. So for any of you planning to come here, layers is definitely the answer – and a lightweight rucksack to carry around for all the spare bits!

We did the “chores” this morning (blog and the posting thereof, and the washing) and walked into town this afternoon to St Catherine’s garden, just on the west side of the main street. A pod from one of the Kapok trees had burst and spread it’s contents over one of the lawns – it must think it’s February already. Like everywhere else, the garden is built on a slope with wonderful views over the harbour, where there was yet another cruise ship in – the Costa Serena. After a perambulate round and an ice cream, we wandered all the way through town. As it’s Saturday, most of the shops close in the afternoon, but there was a craft market on in Avenue Arriaga, near the Palace of Sao Lourenco. There was lots of jewellery and sewn items but nothing we saw to make us buy. It was very peaceful to walk around unaccosted, although the accosting is nothing like we have experienced or hear of in other countries.

We had a chat to an old guy last night who was handing out cards for a café (the one we ate in) and he said that because the island is so dependant on tourism, with this being “low” season and the recession hitting pretty much everywhere, they are all fighting for custom. He said that for the older generation, the lack of jobs is not such a problem but for the youngsters, there’s not a lot to keep them on the island for the future. They also have a problem with immigrants from the newer EU members and also from Venezuela and Brazil.

A nice Pasteleria (cake shop to you) beckoned us in one of the precincts, so, having worked up an appetite on our garden walk, we sampled a couple, with coffee (Tom) and hot chocolate (me) while watching the locals and trying to work out what was written on a board in the café. We took a photo so that Amy can translate for us when we get home.

The courtesy coach brought us back here again at 6 o’clock. The washing’s almost dry and I’ve got my feet up on the chair while I write this as my ankles are swelling. We haven’t decided yet where to go for dinner – we’re so spoilt for choice round here – we even found an Indian restaurant just round the corner too. We’ve just watched the cruise ship sail away to who-knows-where, so I’ll finish for now and add the finishing touches later.

Evening

We ate at a little bar/restaurant just across the road and had the best steak we’ve had here – or at least, I did, as Tom had a shrimp salad, which turned out to be what we call king prawns! Anyway we were both delighted with our meals and will definitely be going back there.
An early-ish night was called on as we had to be up early for our half day trip to Curral das Freiras.