We arrived in Setủbal a little roundabout-worn but happy to be in the country.
Our villa is stunning and way more than we need; I feel fortunate to be here. We are on a hill overlooking wine country close to the area of Azeitão, famous for its vineyards, wine, cheeses, and apparently a pastry of some sort.
We are on a hill overlooking wine country close to the area of Azeitão, famous for its vineyards, wine, cheeses, and apparently a pastry of some sort (Photo by Sona Schmidt-Harris)
The front of our temporary home faces the Bay of Troia in the distance. And both the front and back face vineyards in the valleys. The back also faces the Lisbon Coast. Our home is also somehow situated in the Arrarbida Natural Park in the Sἂo Francisco Mountains.
Both the front and back of the villa face vineyards in the valleys.
We are carless for a few days and are probably the better for it. It was windy when we arrived with all the vegetation alive and speaking to us in a language somehow foreign to us. Most of the road to get here is unpaved except for a few, small patches. The houses are sparse.
The valley near Azeitão.
I sit her humbled because in a way it is a writer’s paradise—quietude, inspirational vistas, nature, and few distractions. It seems so long and far ago that I was working overtime in Manhattan or full time in Salt Lake City.
The road in front of the home is primarily used for recreation—biking, hiking, etc. On Sundays, the motorcycles appear.
I have had quite a bit of time for reflection, and I know that it is privileged time.
I will save my deeper reflections for the next blog.
Until then, adeus.
Looking out over the valley near Azeitão, famous for wine and world-class cheeses.