By Donna
Glorious Spring 2023 has arrived!!!
All of nature is rejoicing in this fact and we had to be out and about to capture some of it’s defining moments! This month our wordproaction filming took us to beautiful “Alto Alentejo”,”Upper Alentejo” that is, to the east of Lisbon.Together with “Baixo Alentejo” to the south, Alentejo is the largest province in Portugal and an important agriculture center. We set out in direction of the Alqueva Dam which is the largest dam and artificial lake in Western Europe. In course of our journey we stopped in various places one of which was Monsaraz,on the margin of the Guadiana River near its border with Spain. It is one of the oldest settlements of southern Portugal, occupied before written history, reorganized during Roman occupation and eventually occupied by the Visigoths, Arabs, Mozerarabs, Jews, and later Christians after the Reconquista. Monsaraz is a walled medieval city on a hilltop with a strategic castle, various churches and museums where one can learn of the fascinating history of this ancient city.
The vast mass of water and small inlets of the Alqueva Dam provide a beautiful backdrop to the natural landscape of the city. The dam not only is a power source but mainly a water source to irrigate the entire Alentejo region. As you can see in the pictures it is a beautiful green region abundant with olive trees, vineyards, cork trees and endless fruit trees!
We discovered some lovely glamping spots! Eco-camping is all the rage as people are eager to get in touch with nature. It also is very quiet at this time of the year as the tourist season has not begun as of yet.! Coming soon to a location near us!
A major surprise occured on Father’s Day, celebrated on March 19th in Portugal.. As we arrived for lunch at Cristy and Nunu’s place, dear Joana popped out of the kitchen as a special delivery for the occasion! It was surreal She came purposely for work engagements but kept it all a secret from us! We spent a lovely afternoon together and were thankful to meet with Joana a few times before her short stay came to an end!
Dear Julie celebrated another year of life this month! It has been allmost a year since we were together with Julie and family and we do miss them dearly!
Anticipating this Holy week, that just started, we hope and pray you all enjoy a beautiful Easter, meaningful and deep, remembering the Sacrifice of Jesus our Lord on the Cross and His marvelous, Miraculous Resuscitation. Happy Easter.
Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?
– John 11:25-26