April 12th, 2010
Algarve versus Alentejo II
In an early nineteenth century dispatch the Duke of Wellington wrote: “there is something very extraordinary in the nature of the people of the Peninsula, the most loyal and best-disposed…”. With a glimpse of a sunny day your brain might start wishing: holidays. After this first chapter he will tell you: maybe Europe and he also might think how about Portugal?! Yes, we’ve a well known brand around here which includes: sun, beach, golf and gastronomy… and friendly people.
If you’re the kind of person who likes history you will remember that Portugal is a country with many centuries and Lisbon the capital of an hold empire that combines heritage and a brand new artistic atmosphere. Maybe you also consider the Port wine and Douro region with their valleys and manner houses, the green, cultural and tasty Portugal. But from this point ahead what guidelines you have? Let me touch in your curiosity: Alentejo… does this name sounds familiar to you? I imagine not. It’s not included in the touristic brochures or highlighted as the great place to go if you choose Portugal and that is something totally unfair. Alentejo is the place where you’ll discover the southern Europe and his rural roots, the remains of the Moorish people and habits, the frontier with Africa and the Atlantic. Alentejo is the sense of space and endless time.