Meeting a Catbird

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Cathy in Alte

Never having met one before, I wasn’t at all sure if meeting a Catbird would be scarey.  You can tell from the smile on Cathy’s face that it was anything but.  In fact, from the second we met, we were nattering away like old pals, and by the time we’d dragged her humungous purple suitcase to the car, we were well into our life stories.

Cathy’s is convoluted, and mine not as straightforward as you might think, so it all took some time to unravel.  We each had remembered snippets about the other, but needed to explore the detail.  And what fun that was.

For any of you not familiar, a little background.  Cathy Dutchak, an American lady, has been working in the Gulf State of Oman for the past eighteen months, and before that in Korea.  Intriguing, yes?  When I came across A native in the Land of Niswa I just had to know more.  I followed Cathy through the ups and downs of life in the rich Arab world and marvelled at the beauties her photography revealed.

Then Cathy announced that her time over there was up and, before returning to the USA, she was spending a month touring Spain and Portugal.  It coincided with a visit I was making to Tavira, so how could I not offer a little hospitality? (but a touch nervously, still not too sure what kind of creature a Catbird might be)  How glad I am that I did.

Time went all too quickly.  We discovered a love of boats in common and, as the temperatures were into the 30s, an expedition onto the water seemed a good idea.  The birdwatching and historical tour of the Ria Formosa was perfect (but not before a visit to the Post Office to try to dispose of some of Cathy’s rapidly accumulating luggage- more of that later!)

Off we chugged from the quayside at Tavira

Off we chugged from the quayside at Tavira

Wasn't there a "Tilted" challenge out there somewhere?

Isn’t there a “Tilted” challenge out there somewhere? Good candidate!

I hope you'rte not expecting great bird photography? He's out there- look closely!

I hope you’re not expecting great bird photography? Look very closely!

But I do get better as we approach the lovely village of Santa Luzia

But I do get better as we approach the lovely village of Santa Luzia

Our skipper was concentrating- don't want to ram a fishing boat

Our skipper was concentrating- don’t want to ram a fishing boat

And there were lots

And there were lots

And lots

And lots

And a catamaran

And a catamaran

And the Santa Luzia ferry

The Santa Luzia ferry

And more boats

And more fishing boats

More? Enough, I think!

More?  Enough, I think!

Then we headed down the channel to the sea, to look back at Tavira Island

Then we headed down the channel to the sea, to look back at Tavira Island

Then back to shore, past the twin lighthouses

And returned to shore, passing the twin lighthouses.

Back on dry land there was much to see, and we leaped into the car and off to the hills and the village of Alte.  It’s a favourite of mine and I’ve written about it and been there many times.  Today was about finding a cool spot beside the fontes, or springs, and a cafe extraordinaire for refreshments.

I think the cat succeeded

I think the cat succeeded

Who says the Algarve isn't green?

Who says the Algarve isn’t green?

Our cafe is also a shop crammed full of ceramics like these.

Our cafe is also a shop crammed full of ceramics like these.

Cathy very much likes ceramic tiles and the Moorish connection, so it was on through cork and eucalyptus country to Silves, with its mighty fortress.  I was there in May this year, resulting in S is for Silves, but a few more photos had to be taken.  I was pleased to find the Igreja da Misericordia open for an art exhibition, a reward in itself.

The riverside at Silves
Colourful streets
The town from the castle walls
The Igreja da Misericordia

We were warm and tired when we made it home, but after a brief “feet up” we were out again, in search of food.  At some point I’m sure you’ll read Cathy’s version of this, so all I’m going to say is that she provided enormous entertainment for Luis and Philippe, the owner and the waiter in “A Taska”.  The food was delicious, as usual, but while I simply nodded and smiled my approval, Cathy went into full blogger mode.

Charm turned up full (with maybe a little extra confidence from the port), she proceeded to photograph the decor, the menu, the food, and of course, Luis and Phillipe.  “She’s funny” said the latter, rolling his dark eyes and minding not a bit.  Then it was onto the streets, and straight into the nearest shop.  Did I mention that Cathy likes to shop?  “Casa das Portas” is a very beautiful place to do it, but for once restraint was exercised.

"Casa das Portas" with some of its iconic door paintings

“Casa das Portas” with some of its iconic door paintings

The case was rather full, and I ended up bringing a good amount of her clothing back to the UK in my hand luggage.  She had already shipped some home from Barcelona and I did not want to waste more of the holiday queuing at our post office. It is speeding its way to the USA right now.  Goodness knows what purchases she might have made in Lisbon, but the Spanish skirts I saw were extremely nice.

We wandered the warm Tavira night, in search of a promised fig and almond icecream, which sadly we never found.  I was sorry to disappoint.  But one thing for sure, Cathy did not disappoint me.  I learnt a lot, and I laughed a lot, and I think we will be lifelong friends.

Me and Cathy, having fun.

Me and Cathy, having fun.

90 comments

  2. I missed her, geographically I mean. If she met Marianne she was near to me (well, assuming I was in Spain I mean). I will have to check out her blog when she gets back. The I can complain about Gib never being on anyone’s itinerary!

    It’s good to meet up with internet people. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. That’s life. Glad this one worked for you both.

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    1. I did ask her if Gib was on the list as I know she was really keen to do Morocco, but that’s another trip (and another!). Next year we were talking about the Camin(h)o Way. Who knows?
      Cathy sets up a new blog for each country and the current one is CatbirdinEurope. There’s a link in here and she already has stacks of stuff on it. Go take a look. 🙂

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  3. That last photo really does tell the story of two good friends. What a wonderful opportunity to spend time together, and it sounds to me like no matter where you are in the world you’ll have this fun memory to build upon and create lasting friendship. I’m so delighted! 🙂

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  6. Thank you for sharing the joy of meetup with Cathy! That is such a beautiful friendship through blogging. Love the photo of you and Cathy 🙂

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  7. How marvelous that you two managed to meet up – and it looks like you will be lifelong friends, you have so much in common and had lots of fun together. The photos are fabulous and give a wonderful insight into Portugal.
    I also met an internet friend in person years ago. She is from Canada and after writing to her for a year or so, she and her hubby visited us in Australia – and that was nine years ago!

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    1. It was great to be able to just prattle away to someone who has the same enthusiasm for travel (and life) Barb. My husband gets the glazed expression when I start.
      Lovely to hear about your friendship. It doesn’t matter how or where our paths cross, does it, so long as they cross. 🙂

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  8. What a beautiful story 🙂

    I am so glad you spoke up and the two of you hung out

    What fun!

    Thanks for sharing

    HUGS
    Eunice

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  9. Wonderful … what a date you girls had … love the post and your adventure – beautiful photos … fun photos – and I’m sure it will be a lifelong friendship. I think it’s amazing that how we met interesting people on-line …. And it just click. Why does it work between 2 women , but not between man and woman.
    I met somebody online while I lived in Belfast …. We were on the same dating site – and I lived her profile name, so I wrote to her and we have been best friends since then. She is one that is going with me to NYC in September, even if she has drastically lost her sight during the last year.
    I really enjoyed sharing Cathy’s and your time together. It’s a bit like Ann-Christine and me .. but our surroundings are not this exotic … but Copenhagen was a very good frame.

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    1. Copenhagen was wonderful, to coin a song, Viveka. 🙂 NYC is coming around fast!!! As I’ve read through this I can feel the tears starting to prickle. You’re right- the warmth and affection are amazing.

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      1. It’s fantastic that the world has become that small … that we are able to get friends from every corner of the world .. and able to to meet up with them in real life too.
        I have said since I started blogging – that if I win mega on the lottery I will travel around the world and meet up with my blogging friends. I want to do so much with the money I win .. but that will be on top of the list.

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  10. amazing, I started reading your post and I thought, hang on, I know Catbird in the top picture, she’s got the blog about Oman…. I am following both your blogs. Got kind of confusing, two bloggers together in one post!! sounds like you had a great time!!! looking forward to reading the other post in Cathy’s blog…. 🙂 🙂

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      1. My Oman blog isn’t really closed, Jo, but I’m just not planning to post much more on it! I’ll be posting about our time together on my Europe blog. See, I’m so confusing! 🙂

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      2. Confusing but lovable. I really did want to put a link in to your beautiful Nizwa for anyone who hadn’t been there, but couldn’t find a way. Safe travels and a happy outcome, hon. 🙂

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  11. Oh Jo, Jo, Jo! You are hilarious! I love this post and it really does capture perfectly our time together!! I love it! I think the port AND the wine did give me a little too much confidence at La Taska; I didn’t realize I was being over the top! I’m just in the normal blogging mode always, I guess. That was such a fun evening overall, and so was the lovely day on the boat (and more boats – you think you’re bad, you should see how many boat pictures I have!) and in Alte and in Silves. And of course in Tavira and just hanging out with you. I loved sharing life stories; you are such an open and sharing person! It was truly a wonder to meet you! Love and hugs to you. xxx

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    1. I knew you wouldn’t mind my having a little gentle fun, Cathy. Luis and the waiter loved you. I’m sure I’ll be asked about you when I go back. 🙂

      Did you like the Fado?

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      1. You can always poke fun at me, Jo, I don’t mind at all. As a matter of fact, I’m used to being poked fun at! Tell Luis and the waiter hello, but i daresay they won’t remember me! I loved the Fado; too bad there was so much folk dancing thrown in. But I loved it and did shop (haha!) and bought two Fado CDs! At least I didn’t buy any more Spanish skirts! 🙂

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    1. You know all about the surroundings, Mara Paz. The New York Times featured the Eastern Algarve very appreciatively today too. Thanks a lot for your support. 🙂

      (we didn’t have time for the full riverside walk, but it’s on my list)

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  14. How special it is to meet a blogger you have connected with. I am so glad you had a great time.
    Beautiful photos. Reminds me a little of a quick trip I took there a long time ago.

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    1. Thanks for stopping by, Colline. I had my doubts but you’re right. There IS something special about the blogging community that encourages this sort of leap of faith. 🙂

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  15. I know just how much fun you had with Cathy – because I did too, just a couple of days before you 🙂 What a lovely lady, isn’t she, Jo? It was great to chat with you on Skype (with Cathy). When are you back in Portugal again? I’ll be heading over that way later in the year – not sure when – still in the pre-planning stage!

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    1. Hi Marianne! I don’t have anything booked yet. I usually wait till the flights are cheap or we’re really fed up with England. I’ll let you know when I book up.
      Did you write a Cathy post? I haven’t been in the Reader much and have a lot of catchup to do so may have missed it.

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      1. No, haven’t written a Cathy post yet! Have my son and his girlfriend staying at the moment (for the past week) so have been busy gadding about (been to Granada today ….it was ONLY 39C!!).

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    2. I’m jumping into this conversation! I hope you two will meet and soon! You are both the greatest! Since tomorrow is my last day in Lisbon, and I’ll be traveling all day Thursday (back to 5 more hours at Terminal 5 at Heathrow), I’m sure I won’t be able to post about my visits with you both until I return home. Be on the lookout, because it will be soon! Have fun with your son and his girlfriend, Marianne. I’m sure you’re keeping very busy and having a great time. And Jo, don’t get too down about the weather. You can always escape to Tavira whenever you feel the urge!

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  16. What a wonderful story! I`ve never met anyone from blogland. Not even sure I`ve the nerve! So glad this worked out to be such a wonderful interlude.

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    1. Cathy is my 3rd blogger meetup, but this time was very much braver than the others as she actually stayed with me. I was lucky- she’s a real sweetheart. 🙂

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    1. I’m not the only brave soul, Laurie. Marianne of East of Malaga also offered her home for 2 nights. If you’ve not “met” her or Cathy, you should check out their blogs. We communicate so well as bloggers, don’t we? I see no reason why we can’t extend the friendship sometimes, and I was lucky with Cathy.

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