How do you get a room in Portugal? I had foolishly assumed that you could go to some form of Pension, or perhaps take a private room. But no. There is a better way.
Arriving in Tavira, the pensions are pretty expensive, so a private room the only option then. This being offered by an elderly Portuguese lady who happened by on her bicycle (not the most aggressive tout iŽve ever met, but perhaps the most athletic). She proceeded to lead the way across town to her house (I assumed), which she entered by feeling around the front window for the "key on a string long enough to reach the front door" security device. This gave us access to the house, but the room was not suitable. So onward. I roughly translated her gestures and words as "I have another house across town", so well, ok. Fair enough. And we trudged across town.
I was beginning to have a little less faith that the next house was hers when she felt around for the key and couldnŽt find it, but luckily the door was unlocked so she pushed her way inside, ignoring the barking dog and examining the potential of this new place. There didnt seem to be any joy so she came out and led me onward. I was beginning to doubt that she even lived in this town. This doubt grew stronger at the next destination. Again, the key on a string trick didnt work, but this house had an open window. "Ah ha" i thought. "SheŽll probably just nip up through the window" I chuckled to myself, shortly before she grabbed the window frame with both hands, rested her foot on the wall, and heaved herself up and disappeared inside. Shortly after she appeared at the front door with what must have been Portuguese for "Ta Da!". Most impressive. The message is this : Lock your doors and windows people, or Natalinha will let your room for you. Whether you are there or not.
|
