Foto by Alfons Puertas
I left Portugal last Tuesday very early and got home at lunchtime. It was a long trip as usual but I needed to go to the hospital for my regular allergy shot and have been making many purchases for the farm in Portugal. The plan is to drive back tomorrow, leaving early in the morning to be there at lunchtime. I missed my hometown fest, as it was during the past weekend, but I was able to see the final fireworks on Tuesday at 10 pm.
I've been away for almost a month and had a mix of sensations. First I missed my wife and son, he finally graduated on Tuesday and will join me in Portugal sometime in July. I also got to see my sister for a few hours as she lives in the USA and was visiting for a few days. That was all the great moments. On the other hand, I experienced again the traffic jams in the big city while I was dealing with all the purchases for me and some of the neighbors in Portugal who are lending me tools for the renovation.
I live outside of Barcelona, in a small (20K inhabitants) village, it is way better than living in town, but there is a huge difference with the calm you breathe every day at the farm in Portugal. On the positive side, I got to see and "feel" the ocean as our house is only 500 mts away from it. I do not like going to the beach so much, but I love having the ocean next to me.
Today I will be having my regular allergy shot and then I will try to get a door from a local construction store to bring it with me to Portugal. There are several construction stores in Castelo Branco, the big city near the farm village, but most of the products are slightly more expensive and there is not too much to choose from so I will purchase the exterior door here and bring it back with me tomorrow.
I have also purchased a wifi camera with a solar panel and battery to have some security at the farm. There have never been any robberies in the area but having an extra degree of security is always a good policy.
Also, a new generator, as the old one I brought with me is giving me many problems, and several other minor products I have been purchasing.
I am also getting a Ledger for a good friend I have introduced into crypto and who is lending me some tools as the mixer and generator as well as taking care of my friend's needs while I am away.
And finally, a 95º pure drinkable Alcohol bottle as some other friends want to produce some homemade Limoncello and that is the only ingredient they can't find in Portugal, so I found one for them.
It's been sort of a scavenger hunt for two full days, I still need to do a couple of things this afternoon but I got most of what I wanted to do, all I need to do is drive back to Portugal tomorrow and taste that Limoncello homemade liquor once my friends get it ready!