Duoro River Saturday 20 September

Another summer day cruising the Duoro. Breakfast out of the way, then time to do yesterday's blog. A cuppa in the lounge and relaxing reading time. Another lock to go through and lots of hills to pass. This was out fifth lock so the last of them heading up stream. Lots of different bird life around this area but as I'm not standing outside with my camera all the time, you just have to take my word that they are about as we head towards the Spanish coast.

Lunch is as usual, a buffet. Some passengers have never seen food before (mainly the men) so we now avoid being in the restaurant when it opens, and head in at least 10 minutes later. Today there is an entree of spaghetti and meat balls which is delicious and then from the menu(avoiding the buffet at all costs) I have the mixed seafood plate which is absolutely delicious!

We have now docked at Vega de Torron. The coach tour today takes us to the historical village of Castelo Rodrigo which, as a whole, is a genuine location of monuments preserving important medieval monuments. It is one of the 12 historic villages of Portugal cresting an isolated hill with splendid views from all sides over Spain. Vineyards and olive trees everywhere. The area is also well known for cork but we see very few cork trees.

Certainly can see where the wild fires have been. One little town we drive through, we are told the story of the stork that became a favourite of the village. Apparently 2 storks had brayed in the area and come the time for change of season and for them to fly off, only one flies off. They realise that the remaining one has a broken wing so the villages tend it and caree for it and soon name it Joanne. Having Joanne around makes everyone happy so they spoil it with food andensure it is cared for. Unfortunately one of the town dogs was very jealous of all the attending, food and care Joanne was getting so attacked it. The villages tried to save Joanne, but sadly she died. The local mortician offered to stuff Joanne so that the villagers would help remember herand be happy again. To everyone's surprise, whilst stuffing Joanne, the mortician realised that in fact Joanne was really a John but the villagers didn't care and continued to call her Joanne! As a memorial, there is a Joanne in the park. There's a few minutes of your life you aren't going to get back after hearing that story.

We finally arrive at our destination, Castelo Rodrigo. The lanes are very steep and cobble stoned. It is a pretty drive into the site with tiled walls spoofing the buildings. The ruins of the Cristóvão de Moura palace have their own story to tell. At one time the king decided to merge the area with Spain and 60 years later the local population stormed the palace and claimed the area back to Portugal, razing all the buildings as a lesson to anyone who might think about givingthe area to anyone else.

The pillory was not just a meeting place but where the baddies were actually bound to the pillory for their punishments.

The little 900 plus years medieval Church was lovely. None of the over the top gold and marble everywhere, although the little statue of poor St Ignatius was a bit of putting near the entrance inside the church. Mind you, Julie knocking over the heavy wooden donations box gave everyone a fright!

We then are guided through some more lanes to hear the history of the acceptance of both the Moors and Jews into this Christian community. Jesus (pronounced sh-zeus) our guide explained why the doors were not high. This forced anyone entering to have to either bow or come through the door on their knees!

There are now only about 50 people living here as the government insists that anything done to the buildings has to be in keeping with the original era and it has become easy too difficult for some to make any updates to make the places liveable.

Some of the remaining locals rely on their little shops to sell local wars. I am very impressed with the Pastel de nala wine! It tastes like liquid custard. there are also amazing views from hill top.

Although there are no clear borders a such between Spain and Portugal, they remain 2 very separate countries.

Mainly Spain in the photo above and mainly Portugal in the next.

Time to head back to the boat, and along the way a lovely photo stop of the valley. Also lots of bird life including vultures.

Lovely vista of olive trees everywhere as e had back to the boat.

Back on board and a we are docked here overnight and out cabin is against a wall, it is nice to see the water in the other side. Time for dinner and it is good but service was slow and once Julie complained, we were served quickly.

After dinner we head to the lounge room for a quiz night. We were the first ones in the lounge but all the little groups had already formed and as there had to be a group of 6-8 and no one sat with us, we left. Bloody poor way to organise an event. So back to our cabin, time to do the blog and then a bit of TV before lights out.