Today we drove up from Portimao to Crato which was about 3.5 hours North and to the East a bit – not too far from the Spanish border. The drive was great and took us through many small villas. It seemed almost each one had some type of castle – what was that Eddie Izzard was talking about that everyone in Europe had a castle?

We also stopped near Evora to see a series of stones similar to Stonehenge, only these are the oldest known monuments to humankind – approx. 7000 years old – predating Stonehenge! Crazy! They were 2.5 miles off the main highway up a dirt road. There were fields and fields of cork trees all around. Maggie and I sacrificed a couple of goats and orphans, then planted crops to celebrate. Yay.
Seriously – 7K freakin’ years old! What was I saying about America versus everything in Europe?

This is the original wall to the city of Evora –

Just some of the streetscapes as we passed through the countryside.

Then we finally got to our destination: the Pousada Mosteriro Da Flor Da Rosa. We’ll get more photos and details, but it was originally constructed in the 1300’s (I think) with changes occurring through the years.

It’s quite swell. Basically, there are three suites that share the main tower, so essentially we have all this area to our selves. It’s difficult adapting to such a primitive lifestyle.

This area gives all the details about the structure. We just glanced at it as it was dinner time.

Front door –

Horrible view at dinner –

and the food was shipped from Krystals off Chapman Highway:

It really is like being a king or the owner of Vanderbilt – we have all the rooms for sitting, playing billiards, “resting”, or whatever. It’s quite decadent, but we’re adjusting.

Oh, here’s the bar:

Ta!