Natal

I know you don’t have much time for walking this week, but I thought you might like a little stroll with me? Tavira is looking very pretty on an evening. Come and see the lights! We needn’t walk far.

Ponte Romana and the riverside are strewn with blue lights. The Military Bridge is finally being dismantled, after 29 years as a ‘temporary’ structure. That’s how things are around here. Things take time! But the end result is usually worth it.

It does leave a question mark over this New Year’s Eve firework display. In recent years the fireworks have been launched from the Military Bridge. Maybe they will use a barge on the river.

The fountain wasn’t here when we first came to Tavira. We’ve seen a few changes. In the austerity years the Christmas trees were simple wooden structures. Now we sparkle and shine, and things are looking up.

Round the corner, couples pose in a shining star. Last year we had a giant bauble, which now takes pride of place in Faro marina.

In the run up to Christmas there have been carol concerts, both in the old Mercado and in many of the churches.

Much needed rain arrived, putting a bit of a dampener on scurrying shoppers, and delaying our visit to the bombeiros Nativity scene. Three days later, blue skies inevitably returned and the town was bathed in warm sunshine once more.

I shall be sad to leave, but I’m off to England today, to share a few Christmas hugs. You’ll scarcely miss me before I’m back, on Thursday. I hope that, wherever you are in the world, you get your share of hugs this festive season. Wishing you joy always (and cake!)