It's good to be green (...and the sponge!)

There is a certain Britishness that has grown in us over the last few days. Let me explain. Spain (so far...return journey yet to come) has been a place of vast open spaces, fantastic cities and towns, searing heat, but also lots of rock, browns and yellows, sun bleached grasses,deserted buildings, graffiti and tired villages. We have liked Spain, but the British part of us has yearned for some green. A good earthy rich green with a moisture about it. So as we descended off the Spanish plains, down the valley beyond Lumbrales, there was an almost tangible awe in the vehicle. Excitement rose as the greenery became increasingly lush, the olive groves multiplied, the vineyards on their terraces contoured around the hills and the rivers swelled to become a full, deep flowing affair. 

We crossed the river and this was the entry point to Portugal. Up the other side of the valley. Another wheezy and panting drive for Hugo. He was rewarded with a rest under a tree at the top, whilst we took photos of the valley from where we had come. It was at this moment that a very smart BMW 5 series rocked up behind the van. We continued taking photos as this couple got out. Now our languages are getting a bit mixed up at the moment, our first point of contact was a natural (but wrong) "bonjour" which we swiftly turned into and "hola" once we had spotted the number plate. From then on, we got involved in a delightful conversation with Jose and Maria. They were such lovely people who gave us a good 20-25mins of their time to explain about the best places to go. They were obviously well travelled, but spoke with such passion about the places to go. Maps came out, things were circled and emails exchanged. They spent so much time, that from the viewpoint we were all parked in, they had forgotten to have a proper look or take a photograph of the valleys below. (We have subsequently emailed a photo of the thing that they missed because of us!) Muchos Gracias. 

Onwards then into Portugal. An optimism filled the air, and we were all enjoying the journey. To top it off, we have landed up on a municipal campsite in Meda.

€15 for all brand new facilities, a slick space for the recovering Hugo, free use of the fantastic municipal swimming pool, free wifi, free views of the descending valleys of above, etc. 

So we are happy people.

Onwards into Portugal. 

Incidentally, and completely useless additional information, I have bought a sponge for Hugo. He'll be having a bath soon. He deserves it.

Ed