Wednesday, April 5, 2017

April 2017 — Fun, Foundations, and a River Beach


One of the best river views on the property
With all of the tree clearing that Rory has been doing down on our Mimosa property over the last few weeks that I was away, I was pleasantly surprised with all the new pathways around. The ruin is looking a lot bigger too without the trees obstructing views of it, making it easier to envision our ideas even more clearly. The river is higher than when I left so it was flowing more fully, and ideas were flowing too during all the time we spent down at the Mimosa property. Hammocks suspended above the river, tree house structures along the river frontage, a viewing deck for the additional 3rd floor of the ruin, and a beach volley ball set up on the river beach to name a few.




















We had a really amazing week, both around Fiais and down on the property doing some work together. We made levels to set the foundation for a workshop and a kitchen area. Then, with the help of our new digger friend Paulo it was dug out to be level, and now ready for the next steps of building it. Paulo worked so quickly in the morning, that after lunch he had time to also dig out and clean up part of the river frontage area to make a river beach. It was so fun to watch the area transform, and the following day we rode our bikes ride down to the property and chilled out on the new beach area.


Prep work before the digger
After the digger



River beach in the making
Spring has really sprung around Fiais, and the willow tree outside our chalet has flowered making our home even more charming. It was also really fun getting to know new friends in the area. Ana and Hugo — our neighbors and owners of the chalet we’re staying in — couldn't be more sweet and helpful with getting our bearings around the area. After the Sunday morning market in Tábua we had a really nice afternoon over at their house cooking together and hanging out in their garden. Their 10 year old son practices his English with us, but it’s equally as helpful practicing our Portuguese with him. And speaking of learning Portuguese! Rory’s is getting better and better. We were also invited to dinner by a German couple that Rory takes Portuguese lessons with. They host retreats, and have a really beautiful set up. It was nice to exchange ideas and get to know them as well.

Jenga at one of the cafes in Tábua
Bike ride to the bridge going over the Rio Mondego

Views of the Rio Mondego
Harvey and Hugo have gone from being city dogs of San Francisco to being little Portuguese country bumpkins. The very first day I arrived we gave them a bath and a brush though, and they were looking back to their groomed city selves — still though with a rustic edge. They’re loving the freedom of leash-less walks and sniffing all the smells that the countryside has to offer. 

Who could blame them? We’re all falling in love with the place more and more all the time.