flea market

Sunday, January 12

Posted on by Susan

We drove to the beautiful old fishing village of Ferragudo today, about an hour from where we are staying. On the second Sunday of the month they have a massive flea market along the river. Literally anything can be found there, from clothing to toasters, to ceramics. Handmade rugs, jewelry, and many one-of-a-kind items are sold there and it’s fun to walk along and see all the people and all the wares. I bought a nice leather purse and we got a few kitchen items for the apartment where we are staying.

We had lunch and drove back, having spent most of the morning and early afternoon there.

Wednesday, January 8

Posted on by Susan

We have had some nice sunny days although it is raining now. I walked to the Wednesday “gypsy” market this morning – a nice chilly and windy early jaunt. When I arrived, they were just setting up and seemed to be in no rush. I guess the crowds show up later in the morning and not at the 8am opening, as I did. I got some nice warm sweatpants for 5€.

I’ve been swimming every day which is wonderful. The facility is nice and the pool is top-notch. I feel lucky it’s so close to where we are staying.

I also feel lucky that this city is so walkable. I don’t count my steps, but they’re certainly over 10,000/day.

[view from my walk earlier]

[ Christmas village is packed away]

Sunday: Pecs

Posted on by Susan

Our plan had been to go to the Pecs flea market this morning, so after breakfast we headed there – about a 15 minute drive. Although the tourist office assured us the market was held every Sunday, as it turned out the webpage I read was more accurate. Markets are the first Sunday of the month. I guess it really didn’t matter since we were able to see a part of the city we would not have otherwise visited.

Fortunately, some restaurants and cafes are open here on Sunday and after lunch we walked to the giant Mosque of Pasha Gazi Kassim – a church that dates back to the 13th century. In 1766, the mosque was converted to a Catholic church.

The artwork is what makes the building so interesting. Frescos were painted in the late 1880s and are fantastic huge paintings.

We had coffee and dessert at our favorite coffee shop then enjoyed the rest of the sunny afternoon.


photos: Me seriously enjoying an Apertol spritzer; the ceiling in the mosque; our favorite coffee shop/bakery