WAGS S. Vicente Pt One 22.01.2020: Tributes from the East

Overture ((i.) Click to open link ( ii.) Bear with any ads. Can cancel))

"The Arrival of The Queen of Silves"

A fantasy Sketch in one (short) act.

Dramatis Personae

Queen Hazel of Silves: A strong firm ruler of outstanding beauty and grace.

King John of Esperanca - her faithful octogenarian consort and driver (still holding a licence)

Princess Geraldine of Edinburgh - The Queen's beloved daughter, and holder of the Royal Kindle

Lady Maria - Courtesan to the King and a woman of passion.

Squire Rod of Upper East Silves - an imbiber of fine wines, and connoisseur of TM's

Sultan Paul of Lagos - a Roue and swordsman par excellence famed for his appetite for TM's

Peasants, Yokels and elegantly attired WAGS milling around in the background

The Curtain Rises

The Scene: Early! The cobbled village square of Bishopsville. A stone is sent skittering across the square sending the stars to flight. The Sultan's turret is caught in a noose of light, as the Hunter's from the East, Squire Rod and Sultan Paul take up position in the main square.

An electric blue carriage draws into the square: King John leaps out and beats Squire Rod to open the door for the Queen of Silves, who dismounts elegantly, and waves at the assembled locals.
Princess Geraldine remains in the carriage, guarding the Royal Kindle. Lady Maria slithers from the rear seat and makes for Sultan Paul whom she greets with a winsome smile and a toss of the head.

The Queen: "How now Sir Rod. And is the Royal bedchamber in the Mira Palace prepared?"

Squire Rod: " Of course My Queen, the down pillows and Tempur mattress are even now being warmed for your Royal appreciation."

(He ignores the baggage and trappings being unloaded from the carriage by King John, and leads the Queen on his arm into the Hotel)

Sultan Paul: "And what would be your pleasure Lady Maria - shall I compare thee to a summer's day?"

Lady Maria: "The pleasure will be all yours Big Boy. Take me to my room and we can check out the facilities!"

Sultan Paul: "Of course Lady Maria - Come fill the cup and in the fire of Spring
Thy winter Garment of repentance Fling
The Bird of Time has but a little way
To Fly - and Myriam Lo is in another wing!"

King John: "Grateful if you would help forsooth with the Queen's accoutrements Princess Geraldine!"

Princess Geraldine: "Oh dad, - you are so demanding. Just let me finish this chapter!"

(King John tramps resignedly into the Palace, loaded down with luggage and stress)

The End

But of course Dear Reader, it wasn't like that at all. In truth, one of the aforementioned cast was not even there. Well, I feel I had better draw a veil over that for fear of legal reprisal.

Dramatis Personae: King John, Baron Terry and Baroness Jill, The Dragon Empress, Squire Rod, Sultan Paul, Countess Lindsey of Citrina, Count Andrew of Viveiros. Queen Hazel of Silves, (Front) Princess Geraldine of Edinburgh

Actually, this Blog is a two parter, because I failed to toe the mark on the second day, and therefore could not bear witness to those endeavours. John took advantage of the Official Burns Night 7 day Holiday, and precomposed his part of the Blog without waiting for Rod to recover and submit his notes.
Therefore I had the advantage of a preview of John's second day effort, and as he had characterised me as 'a mere idler and opportunist'! which could not be further from the truth, I appropriated his idea for the Prologue and embellished it. As Peter Quince had it:-

"If we offend, it is with our good will.

That you should think we come not to offend,

But with good will. "

We had gathered for yet another celebration of our Patron Saint - Sao Vicente's day. The format was to be the usual two WAGS criteria walks, punctuated by a dinner to include those that could not or would not join the walks, and an overnight stay for the walkers at Mira Sagres Hotel in Vila do Bispo. Extensive research had gone into the Dinner venue and options, so it was a little unnerving when having accorded the honour to Eira do Mel, we arrived for morning heart starter coffee at Convivio to have the lady proprietor demand why we hadn't pre-ordered our food yet! Rod solved this in his usual suave diplomatic way by referring her to an email he had sent earlier informing her that he couldn't accept their quote, though cheapest, because of a lingering unpleasant odour in the premises. Perhaps he didn't mention that last bit. Anyway we made it up to her by consuming copious amounts of coffee and TM's etc on the second day.

Artist's impression of our favourite Saint.

Leader's notes, self-titled as "my usual very tardy load of bollocks".

St Vincent`s Walk 22-23 Jan 2020

We did him proud once again although we were but few who did. Even if St Vincent´s Day (January 22^nd for those who have already forgotten!) is celebrated with a Public Holiday in the Vila do Bispo concelho, festivities seemed curiously muted. We did arrive there at about 9.30 however and the annual procession bearing his statue and remains was scheduled for a later hour.

In any event we loyal few, Paul & Myriam, Terry & Jill, John, Hazel & Geraldine, Andrew & Lindsey and Rod, met up at the Café Convivio for a coffee before departing by car for the Praia de Beliche between Sagres and the Cape. From there we set off towards the Cape along the assorted paths that more or less follow the road but nearer the cliff edge and with splendid views.

Portrait of a leader....

....with his faithful acolytes.

Is that America just behind me now?

Upon arrival at the Cape we inspected the now fading but still clearly visible cistus flower…the emblem of the original Algarve Way /Via Algarviana, painted on the outer wall and unsullied by any latter day Banksies. Then into the lighthouse precincts where, for lack of any other memorial, we doffed our hats to the gleaming aluminium apparition which stands in stark contrast to the thousand and more years of history surrounding it.

Standing near this, was a group of folk who Rod happened to know well. One of the couples who are second if not third generation residents of Portugal, admittedly from far off Porto, were totally unaware that it was indeed St. Vincent´s Day.

Homage to the Saint

The going was rough

From there we headed north up along the West Coast. The path was one we had trodden many times before but now seems to get rougher and harder on the feet and ankles each passing year, at least judging from the assorted moans and groans becoming louder each time! ("Nevermore!" quoth the Raven)

Some fell upon stony ground!

By the time we reached the top of the ravine leading down to the Praia de Telheiro ( and to think we had once upon a time scrambled down the near vertical descent to the beach itself!) Paul´s back had had enough and he circled round the top path to find his own way back. (and he was very pleased he did too!)

The rest braved the long path down and the sharp ascent the other side. Shortly after that exercise, Hazel and Geraldine decided enough was enough and they too headed along the direct track back.

That will do it!

The now somewhat diminished party continued on the their merry way toward the pinetree covered rising land to the east. This was a sandy track amongst the pines and in complete contrast to the outward journey along the rough limestone cliff tops….an area many times traversed years ago during RTC walks,

More Pilgrims on their way to the Cape - Processionary Caterpillars

You can see the line of caterpillars in front of Rod.

We happened to arrive back at the café at the same time as Hazel and Geraldine, whereas Paul was already on his second or third tosta and 0 alc beer.

That's what I call a Tosta Mista!

Subliminal Advertising!!

The Café Vigia, an old haunt of ours which always looks on the point of shutting just before we arrive lived up to form but in the event she seemed delighted to see us, unsurprisingly since we probably quadrupled her revenue for the day.

A meaty bifana.

Paul's 'Excuse Me!' Track day 1/

and stats

Main Group Track Day 1.

....and Stats

And so back to the Hotel Mira Sagres, a most adequate, friendly and reasonable place which we have used now for several years, where we all repaired for a snooze and hot shower. Well all except Paul that is, who having had the shortest walk drew the shortest straw for room selection. The heating didn´t work! Rough justice?

Yes despite going for an early TM, I felt honour was satisfied and S. Vicente could rest peacefully in his grave where at least part of him is reckoned to be, in Lisbon Cathedral.

The Evening Feast in Honour of S. Vicente

The assembled company in Eira do Mel Lower Private Room

Refreshed, even Paul eventually, we had a beer or two in the Hotel bar before repairing to the Eira do Mel Restaurant, selected after much research by Paul, Myriam and Rod. An inspired choice, naturally, as it happened!. We were joined by Mike and Jyll, Chris and Antje and Andy, (their official long term House and Dog sitter), and with great pleasure, by Marguerite Scott.

Some candid shots of diners.

A delicious birthday cake.

A most convivial evening, in warm and welcoming surroundings, a menu to include something for everyone , plentiful wine and everyone in relaxed and jovial form.

A Surprise Birthday cake was produced for John, who had recently received his Official Octogenarian Award. I couldn't resist a short vid of the presentation and speech by Rod.

It can be seen HERE

THE FOOD