Chestnuts Roasting Over an Open Fire

Yes, that's right, chestnuts!  In November, Portugal celebrates "O Dia de São Martinho". The day's name comes from an old legend about a Roman soldier.  He came across a poor beggar dressed in rags on a drizzly, cold and miserable day.  He took pity on him and used his dagger to cut his own cloak in two, sharing with the man in need.  Legend has it that God saw the actions of São Martinho and the next day was sunny and warm.  From that day on, every November, Portugal has had O Verão (the summer) de São Martinho, a time when the days become warm again and everyone enjoys the pleasure of being outside before winter settles in.  

(Diego after Saturday's open air organic market in the Botanical Gardens 

- located next to the old aqueducts)

Now it's a day set aside to celebrate all things autumn and to enjoy a time of togetherness in your community.  Through the city and out into the countryside, chestnut venders abound.  

A euro or two bought me more than I could eat.  (To be honest I wasn't really fond of them but I am in love with the smokey smell and the romance surrounding it).  Huge, beautiful baskets of chestnuts and walnuts decorate every market - oh, the overwhelmingly fall feel of it all!  It's been a pleasure to walk around the "Baixa" (downtown) during class breaks (my "college" schedule includes three hours off midday) or on my way back and forth from one of the boys' schools. My concept of a long walk has drastically changed since we first got here - I look forward to my now "short walks".  Last week I snapped a few shots from around town to share.  I tried to get the real picture and not just the prettiest parts... Enjoy the look and feel of Portugal in November!

(Wow, I wonder who did that awesome parallel parking job?! ;) 

The street Lucas' school is on.)

(The usual daily walk.)

(Headed down to the old district - yes, cars navigate these streets!)

(Remind me to tell you the legend of the rooster sometime.)

(Life in unexpected places - roof of a church sidedoor.)

(Old medieval building... see how each level extends further out?  

That was done on both sides of the street to keep off the street below.  

It worked well, but is one reason disease could spread so easily.)

(A church in the Baixa with street venders... go up a long ways to get back to classes.)

(We love experiencing the city during the day, while still being able to go home on the outskirts of town where it is peaceful!)

We were so excited to be invited over to an American family's home for Thanksgiving dinner.  The spread felt like home, with one "Portuguese" concession added to the menu - soup, of course!  There were six families gathered together, giving thanks and enjoying some oh-so-delightfully-easy-to-understand English conversation!  By the night's end, Diego was in his element.

(The edges of the main square between the University & Lucas' school)

(I really need to learn to knit or crochet...it looks so fun!)

(A family stroll in the Baixa after school... it gets dark by 6 now)

(Lucas' school)

Fall is winding down here with Christmas decorations already up throughout the public arenas (much like the US).  I noticed a Christmas nativity scene hanging outside the mall just last week.  We're trying to soak up the sun and warm afternoons while we can.

 (A street I walk frequently between Lucas' school and the University.  Note the colorful graffiti on the cantina wall mixed in with the fall leaves and cobblestones.)

(Still not a fan of the 125 steps up to campus!) 

(Part of campus - I have some classes in the Physics building 

and some in the one directly behind the bus) 

(Some days it feels a bit like living in a Harry Potter scene... 

traditional student uniform is worn often and includes a black, floor length cape!)

 (Sunset view at the Patio das Escolas - 

on the far right is the old library...where books and bats coexist.)

Thanks for praying - please keep them coming!  We can't seem to keep sickness at bay and school drop-offs are still a struggle for Diego.  Send us a line and let us know how you are and how we can pray for you too.

(Our favorite fruit stand at the market - the owner isn't in the picture because I chickened out on asking her to be, but she knows both boys by name, even when they aren't with us, and remembers all our favorites.)

(The market is a great place to practice Portuguese.  It's also a huge piece of eye candy!)

Happy Late Thanksgiving to each of you.