“Happiness does not depend on outer things, but on the way we see them.” – Leo Tolstoy
With our tickets booked for our June visit to the land, I’ve done some research to see what we can expect temperature wise, especially as none of the future comforts and conveniences are yet in place. It seems we can expect summer days of around 27掳C, which should be pleasant to work in, and chilly nights of around 16掳C.
Michael made good use of the temporary shower in the barn during his cold November visit, but we hope that we will be able to use our outside shower during our stay. There is something about showering outside that feels like a special gift, but as the sun needs to heat up the water in the black pipe that snakes through our olive grove, we need to get our timing just right for the perfect shower.
At the end of July the perfect time to shower was either at 10 am or 6 pm. Earlier or later it was too cold, and in the hours in between too hot. Early June will require some experimentation first, as we both like a hot shower. Not tepid, or almost hot, but hot. It is a joy that requires a certain amount of effort. One I, although grateful for, eventually grumbled about at the end of our visit, when the long hours of physical labour started to take their toll.
With the effort long forgotten, I am rather looking forward to the joy of taking a shower outside again, hopefully being surrounded by the green of spring before it starts to fade into summer browns.
I’ve turned some video footage I shot during our July 2018 visit into a little video so that you can experience it with me.
Written by: Jolandi
That is some effort to take a shower … which I’m sure makes it all the more rewarding!
Indeed, Lexie! Another bonus after all that effort (apart from feeling clean and fresh) was the glass of Vino Verde that waited for me at the end of the day. I can think of worst ways to end a day. 馃檪 – Jolandi
I’ll appreciate my not-hot-enough shower more now. 馃檪
It is really easy to take the things we have for granted (or even grumbled about them), Manja. 馃檪 Even our temporary shower is luxurious compared to what a lot of people have, so I am definitely grateful for that. I can remember how at the beginning of our stay it felt wonderful – a special novelty – and how, at the end, the hard work and basic conditions got to me, and all I wanted to do was go home to “civilization” and all the conveniences I take for granted. Ah, the games the mind likes to play! – Jolandi
Ah, but won’t you really appreciate the plumbed-in shower when you eventually get it! Your long trek reminded me of camping at the foot of Ben Nevis in Scotland in the 70’s with my parents. The one toilet and cold-water shower was a long walk away which also entailed crossing a stream by stepping stones!
Oh my word, Clare, I think I have it easy compared to your camping memory, especially as I don’t do so well with cold showers. Ours is the equivalent of a five star hotel compared to your experience. 馃槈 It is so interesting, as I can manage hiking trips with conditions far more basics, where one’s toilet is the back of a dune or the only shower is a wet washcloth, yet, somehow, living a “normal” life with basic conditions feel much more challenging than that. Funnily enough, now, while sitting only a couple of steps away from an indoor bathroom, I am actually looking forward to using our outside shower again. That said, I think you are right, and I will definitely appreciate that plumbed-in shower a whole lot more, once our indoor bathroom is done. – Jolandi
I knew I was missing news about your move to Portugal. Now I’ve found you again. We just travelled through West Africa with 20 people including two from Portugal. I thought of you often. Look forward to scrolling back through all the posts here.
I always marvel at your and John’s adventures, Peggy. The places the two of you go! I still dream of the day you two can stop off at our place in Portugal for a visit. – Jolandi
Hello Jolandi,
Ah, yes it’s the things we take for granted! Especially for those of us fortunate to live in areas where “modern conveniences” are things we often don’t think twice about.
As always, it’s a real pleasure to learn more about your amazing journey 馃檪
So true, Takami. 馃檪