A peaceful corner of the old town.

I heard some very sad news this morning.  I stayed in familiar places, and travelled high up to Monte on the bus.

The church, high high up, is beautiful and was especially quiet and peaceful. I spent quite a time in there. 

Monte itself was quiet. Usually there are lots of tourists who’ve headed up on the cable car and try out the famous wickerwork toboggan. There were very few.

My usual place for a mint tea (made from mint from their garden) is the Quinta do Monte. It was closed. The toboggan men weren’t sure if it was permanent and neither was the charming waiter at the refurbished cafe near the bus stop.

It’s not just the mint I will miss. I’ve spent so much quiet time in their gardens. I could see that it was getting overgrown. I hope it’s just a temporary pause.

Back down on the number 22 bus. It’s usually crazy but today was even wilder, as he only just missed a car on a tricky corner !

Returning to the old town, I sat in my favourite bar - the perfect place for people watching, with waiters who know me, and then I headed down to a familiar restaurant for comfort food………