May 21st

Awoke and knew our lunch plans, so just had digestives (they are like graham crackers, but thinner and less sweet and they dunk well in coffee/tea). As we were getting around Jeff had great idea to look up a local church service we could attend. He found one – Tivira Christian Centre International. It's a nondenominational church for all Christian faiths. It was a small congregation, but very welcoming. They were also greatly praiseful and worship led. The message was refreshing and thought provoking. Jeff and I enjoyed the whole service, and sharing God with other believers in Portugal was “good and pleasant”.

After we left, we went back to our place to obtain raingear and then to lunch. The rain held out, thankfully, and we arrived at Tres Palmeiras. It was crowded with people standing, waiting. We saw the sign-in board. Placed our name: waited and waited and waited… one full hour's worth!!! We sat and the waitress came speaking in Portuguese, of course. Jeff said he wanted the mixed fish. The waitress paused then said, “no, drinks.” Jeff told her and she left. Then we realized everyone gets the same food… So I'm going to backup. This place is mostly outside seating with a two manned grill/pit. These two guys churn out fish and toasted bread like crazy. We were able to see this part of the process while we waited to be seated. Now back to our food. The waitress next brought out boiled potatoes, a salad and some olives and bread. We were about halfway through the salad only, when she brought the main: five whole fish and two big toasted bread slices slathered with olive oil, tomato sauce with garlic chunks. OH MY!!! They have simple menu but they have perfected it. Of the five fish, we were told there were four kinds. I am not for sure the different kinds, but I know sea bass and sea bream were two of them. Anyway, to say we had enough is an understatement – felt like the loaves and fishes – seemed to keep multiplying!

When we finally finished, we went to a Hypermart for very light supper and breakfast items. As we started out noticed the much promised rain had finally come. So put on rain gear and headed home, and just in time for our zoom meeting with our local church family. Will enjoy our light supper and sign off! 🙂