The first part of the week passed slowly, probably due to the weather – strong winds and heavy showers and I didn’t feel like going out – not even in my garden, which is rare. I wrote a job list to try and motivate me out of my funk and then just looked at it. Meh … I forced myself to exercise (just) rather than vegetate and even set up the WiiFit. I did manage not to comfort eat, so that was a plus. AND I lost another 2 lbs in weight, so at least the wheels never fell off that wagon. YaY!
The first draft of Book 3 and the final book in The Promise series is now complete. But after living with the characters Sophia and Aaron for just over a year, it’s going to be tough to let them go and move on to a new book. They are like old friends. Probably the cause of the funk and not the weather. Yep. IT feels like saying goodbye to friends.
Wednesday life picked up pace with hubby’s birthday, so we went to lunch at the Micro Bistro near Carrapatieria and Bordeira. On the journey down, we were reminded of the devastation caused by the wildfires in 2023. We had several near us, but thank God we escaped. These blackened trees are already beginning to show signs of new life. Nature is amazing!
The Micro Bistro at Aldeia Carrapateiria is amazing!
This is the homemade Paris burger with walnut bread …or at least I think it contained walnuts. Topped with goat cheese and an onion relish. No, I never ate the chips I was saving myself for the dessert.
If you are going to hit pause on your diet, then I recommend this fig, almond and carob tart. OMG, it is delicious!
Friday we went for a mini-break and stayed overnight at The Pestana Viking clifftop hotel in Porches-Armação de Pêra This was the amazing view from our balcony!
We had a light lunch at the Vilarinho Beach restaurant at Praia da Sra da Rocha (Praia de Nossa Senhora da Rocha)
Mr. P’s Tunnel Adventure
After lunch, we ventured down onto the beach, and Mr Piglet discovered a tunnel in the rocks.
“Shall we see where it goes?”
“Um …No…” (does this face look stupid?)
“Bye, Mr. Piglet.” I sit on a rock and wait … and wait … and wait ….
He sends a photograph of his view back to where I am waiting and calls. “Are you sure you don’t want to come?”
After several minutes, now in the crouching position (he is 6 feet tall), he sees a welcome light at the end of the tunnel.
View of the tunnel opening from Praia Novo
After taking a picture of the secluded Praia Nova beach, he now has to crouch down and crawl back.
I am still waiting at the other end, watching the sea creep closer. Our next stop, and from where the photo above was taken, is the Forte e Capela de N. Sra da Rocha. More on that another time.
This is the entrance to the tunnel.
Magic Massage or Miracle?
Next back to the hotel for a magic massage described as:
Experience the benefits of a body exfoliation to relax and hydrate. Hydrate your body offering your skin the velvet effect of your dreams. Fight against cellulite and re-define your silhouette.
REDIFINE MY SILHOUETTE? Seriously – I’m SOLD. That would take more than magic that would take a flipping miracle!
But it was so relaxing. I’ve never had a ful body massage.
Next a relaxing SPA and swim – Nope the jacuzzi was packed with children and babies. Think: poop and pee? And there was no footbath or pool etiquette re hats and footwear.
Mr. P was going to use the gym while I was having my full body massage but the kids were using the equipment like climbing frames. Think ants on honey.
Next up Restaurant O Leão de Porches
Wow, what a gastronomic experience. I can see why it is listed as
A romantic, rural restaurant with plenty of charisma! Choose between the tasting menu and an internationally inspired à la carte with different influences (Portuguese, French, Italian, Asian etc).
in the Michelin guide.
We chose the tasting menu which I highly recommend. We are already looking forward to our next visit.
https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/faro-region/porches/restaurant/o-leao-de-porches
Porches Pottery
Once packed, we decided to leave the hotel early. We had intended to use the indoor pool and spa but after seeing it overrun by ants yesterday with little or no supervision, we abandoned that idea. A shame, but kids are kids and we are just grumpy LoL
A very busy week!
M thanks to Natalie for organising the Weekend Coffee Share
Piglet in Portugal 
Congrats on completing your book series! Your photos brought back memories of Portugal coastline. All the food look delicious. Thank you for your weekend coffee share.
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Waiting for my collab partner to finish the final tweaks before the book goes to the editor is nail biting.. Yes the south coast is so different to where we live. So many pretty coves.
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Congrats on your third book and series. I know the struggle of letting our beloved characters go so we can write new ones . . .
Great coffee post. Thanks for sharing.
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Yes, it’s tough to come to the end of the series and let the characters go. As authors we put so much of ourselves into a book … few people understand
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A fun post Mrs. Piglet, and Mr P was very brave to go down that tunnel! He’s been reading too much Alice in Wonderland
Always a worry when there are lots of kids in a pool
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