Lisbon’s linear tomato and corn fields are replaced by random planting of olive trees. This haphazard planting brings charm to the orchards. Olive leaves turn and twist silently in the breeze. I strain to listen to the rustling of leaves but it’s absolutely silent.
Fátima and Portugal are synonymous. Following in the footsteps of Pope John Paul II, we went to Fátima. In 1917 the Virgin Mary appeared to three shepherd children. Three Secrets were revealed to to them. Fátima has become a major pilgrimage center.
Fátima Basilica
Today’s lovelies.
Cork is a major export for Portugal. The bark is stripped from the tree.
The Templars fought in the crusades and made a fortune. They became suppressed by the Pope. Many were killed by Philip of France on Friday 13th. Survivors fled to Portugal and were given sanctuary by Don Dinis. He rebranded the Templars as the Order of Christ. Their new insignia had a white band which symbolized purity. This satisfied the Vatican.
Today is Queen Elizabeth’s funeral. The world grieves. When asked “When did you walk the Camino?” My reply will be, “The year Queen Elizabeth died.”
As rain drops freshen blooms, I do not complain when I walk in the rain.
Olive trees can be so broad they can’t be circled with your arms. The trunks are rough and gnarly. Hollow center trees thrive. Some aged trees look as if the tops have been completely severed; yet, new limbs miraculously sprout bringing life. Trunks and limbs are disproportionate. Olive trees simply defy death. Olives simply taste delicious.
Today we purchased 1/4 pound of local olives for less than a dollar.
Plant figs for yourself, grapes for your children, and olives for your grandchildren…a bit of wisdom from CJ.
Grapes for your children.
September sun is low on the horizon making it brutally hot. With this intense heat, I expect ears of corn to shower popcorn any minute.
Linda Scandore 