After weeks of cloudy weather, the sun has started to finally peak through more often. With rising temperatures, mid March onwards is the best time to be here on the Costa Blanca. Although, there are not many blossoming trees to admire close to the sea, there are many walks away from the coast with almond blossoms, which we've heard are pretty spectacular.
Whenever I visit a new place, I always wonder how do the local people live, how do they spend their time, what do they eat, so I look for charming homes and gardens, which are often filled with history of the past.
This is how I discovered this little paradise, hidden in the north-eastern France, in Thonnance-Lès-Joinville, called Les Jardins de Mon Moulin (The Gardens of My Mill).
Since we left Troyes, we stayed overnight in a house with a French lady and her son, where we rented two rooms. There were two cats, chickens, eggs, tomatoes, Buddha statues, bicycle and flowers. She greeted us warmly, introduced us to her house and garden, including the garden tomatoes and eggs.
The next day was Saturday, and that meant - market day! Off we went led by a map. It was about 10 minutes walk from the apartment we rented in ChΓ’lons-en-Champagne.
On the way we admired the style of homes, with typical of the region burgundy shutters. Many homes have the medieval look, which is nothing unusual, when just 1 hour away lies the ancient city Troyes.
We left Laon behind, and drove towards ChΓ’lons-en-Champagne, were we booked a one night's stay.
It was very hot, but still, the weather was changing from cloudy, rainy, to sunny and finally very sunny with almost clear sky. We passed some sunflower fields as we drove, but sadly this year they have all dried up due to the heat. I was looking forward to rows and rows of grapes. Suddenly, as soon as we crossed into the Champagne-Ardenne region (which comprised regions of Marne, Haute-Marne, Ardennes and Aube since 1956) they were all around us. The grape fields were absolutely gorgeous and all I could think of were markets full of them in early Autumn.
It was already late when we arrived, but we could see this amazing medieval town, with its cathedral and five towers in the distance. Laon, with its rich history, was the medieval capital of the Carolingian kings, before it was moved to Paris by Hugh Capet, who became king in 987.
Quinta in Portuguese means - farm, villa, estate.. and once you visit one you will find that it is exactly that - a rural property, often with historic manors and palaces, hidden behind large, impressive gates, high wall. From its Portuguese and Spanish origins - quinta parte, meaning - fifth part, or quintus in Latin - was referring to the amount of a farms's produce paid in rent, hence they became known as quintas. The property itself is surrounded by vineyards, olive groves, fruit trees, flowers, sometimes animals. You may find there a little fountain, a restaurant with a banquet hall, often hired for weddings and special events.
In the north of the country, at the Lima river estuary, between the Atlantic ocean and the verdant Minho region hills, lies the charming town of Viana do Castelo.
In 1258, King Afonso III of Portugal, issued a foral, naming the area of Viana. Fast forward few centuries, Viana, one of Portuguese significant ports, became involved in the Age of Discovery. The sailing ships were built here and set sail to explore and return with worldly treasures. Viana do Castelo expanded into a thriving trade centre through its commerce with Northern Europe and later with Brazil.
Ponte de Lima, the oldest town in Portugal, was established and developed by the Romans in 1125. It lies in the heart of the Minho region, which is now renowned for its green wine (Vinho Verde), famous for its uniqueness particular to the region, as well as green broth (Cardo Verde), a popular soup in Portuguese cuisine.
ApΓΊlia, near Esposende is a small fishing village, known for it's dunes, wide, sandy beach and mills, which resemble the little, white houses in Apulia, Italy. According to Wikipedia, the two towns may be related, through possible migration from Italy, during the Roman Empire.
We visited ApΓΊlia, out of season on a cold, windy day. If you are in the area and would like to come here to enjoy the beach, summer would be a much better choice.
Lili & Companha Gourmet is a family owned place, where you can enjoy a homemade soup of the day (eg fish, pumpkin or broccoli), a nice salad with vegetables for lunch, and depending on the season, also a warm or cold drink and a dessert. Everything is freshly made on the premisses and you can have your cake at Lili's or have it packed to go.
Things that grow in the north of Portugal, to name a few are, kiwis, lemons, oranges, avocados, cherries, plums, melons and figs. The latter are so tasty, that there are simply no words to describe them. It was in Portugal, that we first ate them whole, together with their skins, just raw and fresh.. straight from the tree, sliced on our breads with butter, in salads, jams, cakes and compotes.
As far as accommodation go, living in Portugal is comfortable. The homes are big and spacious, the gardens are quite small but flowers, fruit trees and vegetables are lovingly planted, garden ornaments add charm and enhance entrances.
This time, we will take a different route, and then meet where we have left off in Part 1. Last time, we passed the marina and children's playground on the right, then crossed the road on the left. This time we will continue straight ahead, passing the marina on the right and then the roundabout on the left.
