Ahhh...Evora

 We left Lisbon this morning after packing our bags & sipping a venti Starbucks. We took a taxi to Siete Rois (7 Rivers) bus station to catch a bus to Evora, a little under two hours away. The ride was relaxing, a beautiful bus traveled through little Sunday traffic through very green rolling fields of olive & cork trees, grape vineyards & cows grazing in early spring pastures.

 

Evora is located in the province called Alentejo, which is typically arid & sunny. Unfortunately the clouds we had avoided for the most part in Lisbon followed us south and we experienced periods of soft rain. Of course sun is always preferred; besides providing warmth it enhances the photographs!

Evora is an historical town. It dates back to early Roman times. Moors ruled until the Christians took over and built their cathedral atop the temples of the past.

Our hotel in Evora was very nice, we were offered two rooms rather than sharing and we took them happily. Very centrally located it was an easy walk to the center.

We enjoyed the afternoon walking up and down the very narrow, curving streets spotting architecture of each era.

As we waited for a Palm Sunday procession to appear in the early evening, Keith peeked inside an older woman’s home which appeared to be stuffed with antiques. After asking if this was an antique store or her home, and professing, upon being questioned, that he was Catholic, we were invited inside. The home was museum quality, stuffed with more valuables than the palace we had visited the day before. The women bragged that her home spanned the city block and had over 40 rooms. Unfortunately before we were able to visit many, the procession appeared in front of the open door. We bid goodbye as we joined the crowd making their way to the Cathedral.

Evora is another special place where memories were made today.