Surfing the coast

I wanted to see the countryside, and so headed to Obidos, a charming medieval town with churches and ruins. I grabbed a FlixBus in Lisbon and journeyed past hillsides and giant windmills generating electric power. I was surprised and disappointed to find out that the entire town was booked! August 15th, Feast of the Assumption (of the Virgin Mary), is a national holiday when families vacation together in some of its most famous locations, like Obidos.

A handsome cab driver said he could whisk me away to the nearest community on the coast, Santa Cruz, almost an hour away! Since I basically had no other option, I took his expensive suggestion. Fortunately, he spoke perfect English, giving me a tour and background as we traveled.

Santa Rosa Beach House was not elegant, but it was two blocks from the beach and village where there was a plethora of restaurants and shops along the ocean front. Tourists came here, as well, enjoying the rocky cliffs and beach.

The ocean water is cold so almost no one was swimming without a wetsuit. Since I would spend almost three days there, I was in no hurry. Plus, I needed a rest.

I noticed so many children ages 3-5 that I began to wonder if they were a happy result of the Caronavirus? It is widely accepted that European nations are losing population, but it did not seem so in Santa Cruz!

My hostel mates, including Sylvie from Italy and Prika from Brazil, were taking surfing lessons at nearby beaches where the excellent surf is widely known. Students from around the world would take off early in the morning after breakfast to shoot the curls.

Though I envied them, my plans were more modest, including locating a pleasant place to read and eat lunch. Still, I found adventures!

I was surprised to run into a traditional Portuguese celebration, including oxen, parades, musicians, and dancers in costume. How about those skirts?