Obidos and Nazaré

It's been a long time since my last blog, but here we are in Portugal on a bus trip northwards from Lisbon.

First stop is the beautiful village of Obidos.

It's very unusual as the village is completely surrounded by a huge castle wall.

There is only one way in and out, guarded by a Brazilian busker who is there every day, and has chosen the busiest and most picturesque spot imaginable.

Our guide had told us that Obidos is famous for it's cherry liqueur, and that it is served in little cups made of chocolate.

Within seconds of arriving we had located a stall and paid a euro each for a piece of heaven. I was in such a rush that I forgot to take a photo. I think that I am out of practice with my blogging, or that's my excuse anyway, and I will do better next time.

Then we headed straight up towards the city wall.

Our guide had warned us that the wall was dangerous as it is very high and that there was no barriers on the inside.

She wasn't joking, although the views were well worth it, but it wasn't a relaxing stroll. We also didn't see anyone else from our tour group up there.

After a quick jaunt around the shops we just had time for another chocolate cherry drink and then back to the bus.

Onwards to Nazaré, a seaside town with a huge beach and lots of bars and cafes.

Just as we arrived we received a very alarming email about our potential house sale. So we didn't explore the town at all, but instead spent the whole time in a beach bar in the sunshine, drinking wine and working out how to answer lots of complicated and unnecessary questions.

The tiny red cross shows our location, it was a lovely spot, and by the time we left our problems didn't seem nearly as bad.

Then to what I had hoped would be the highlight of the whole holiday, although it was always going to be a gamble.

In the right weather conditions, Nazaré has some of the biggest surfing waves in the whole world. In fact our tour guide told us that the world record for the biggest wave ever surfed is 26 metres, and it happened here.

We walked through the giant arch towards the viewing area, and I did a surfing pose even though I have never actually surfed in my whole life.

We passed an interesting statue,

and then down towards the lighthouse where the crowds gather. Although not today.

I already knew the disappointing truth, that the surf wasn't up for us.

However, it was a lovely view, and the waves close to the shore were still pretty good.