Week 2 brings weird weather to southern Portugal

 Recently,  we’ve been bemoaning the unusual weather in (usually) sunny Tavira.  Apparently a year ago the average temperature was in the low 20’s and brilliant sunshine everyday.  Last ‘week the temperature was about 16- 18 and dampish. But the strange part was around March 15th the murky sky seemed like we were surrounded by forest fires without the sparks or smell. When I looked at the forecast I discovered we were in the midst of a rare sand storm blowing across from the Sahara desert in North Africa.  It was especially bad in southern Spain , where people with respiratory issues were urged to stay indoors. Other than the brownish grey sky, didn’t seem so bad here but when we got up in the morning, every car in Tavira was covered in a fine film of sand.  Guess what? It was wonderful to have a supply of face masks with us. The first two pics were taken around noon on day 2 of the sand storm. The 3rd pic is what Tavira typically looks like on a sunny day, taken yesterday March 19 temps around 22 degrees.



Someone asked about our accommodations. We are in a modern 3 bedroom, 2 bath condo complex and it takes us about 10 minutes to walk to the town square and waterfront. Think I mentioned the tree lined and cobblestone streets, with cafes on every corner, so a very pleasant stroll. Each bedroom, the living room and kitchen all have balconies with a small table and 2 chairs each. We are fully equipped with all the modern conveniences and it is especially nice to have a washing machine this year. But no dryer as we have the sun and a drying rack…the theory goes!  We also have a private rooftop terrace with lovely views over an organic farm on one side and the salt pans and sea on the other. There is another large table there, some lounge chairs and a BBQ than neither of us know how it works. 

   


 Our large living room also has a table that sits 6, a huge screen TV (that we haven’t turned on yet), large comfy sofas and this is where we spend much of our at home time . This place costs 875 euros per month (just over 1200 CAD) but we do pay extra for utilities that we use, so we are hoping that will be reasonable🙏  This week my friend Sue arrived from Halifax, in time for the Saturday market and music in the churches..this week a fantastic duo on grand piano and violin. 


 




Sue has a lovely place and last night hosted J, John and I for the dinner and a fun game of rummy numbers. The highlight was a delicious calamari dinner prepared by John, accompanied by multiple Portuguese wines, salad, bread and great conversation.



 
A few photos attached FYI J picking flowers in the park, Joan and the orange tree, salt cod at grocery store (probably fished off NS), more flowers and signs of Spring.





  


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