O Lago do Valverde
We were convinced we bought a plot of land. After 4 months of persistent rain however, the land has changed into a lake (um lago). The news bulletin informs us that out of the 67 reservoirs in Portugal, almost 40 are filled up until the maximum level. So much water must be enough to irrigate land and extinguish woodfires in the upcoming summer…
As you can see in the picture, we can go for a swim in our future living room 🙁 The ground in this area consist of an impenetrable clay, that prohibits rain from seeping through to deeper layers. We now have our own reservoir! Luís bought a hoe and starts digging trenches. Soon we hear the sound of a small waterfall, where he made a connection to the deeper parts of the slope. We hope that the main volume of the water flows away. Water management, hasn’t it has always been a talent of the (Portuguese) Dutch! But even at 100 meters above sea level you can still drown, even in your own home, apparently!
Still, we are also very happy. While people are ice skating in the Netherlands under a sunlit sky, we enjoy the first pick nick of the season outside. The rain stopped, the sky is blue and the temperature reaches a wonderful 18 degrees. Some sunscreen on my nose, even this time of year, and then play outside.
Except for digging trenches, we can now finally plant our azaleas. Mister Martins, our neighbor and garden expert, comes to our rescue as soon as he sees carrying big bags of garden soil, ‘caca’ (poo: a fertilizer) and wood chips. We are carrying out all official instructions from the Agriloja (a kind of farmers store). Everything for a beautiful red wall of flowers. Mister Martins picks up his shovel and starts digging holes immediately, without any questions and at enormous speed. Luís Fills the holes with materials and the little plants.
And me? I am only getting in the way… So I pick up the garden scissors en start pruning. There are many trees and bushes that have been neglected for decades and can use some Tender Loving Care. Some have completely overgrown by prickly brambles and ivy.
At the end of this weekend we are very content. We could play outside for three whole afternoons, absorb the fresh air, the quiet, and oh, if one could possibly live here permanently…. And I also collected some waste (plastics, wallpaper (!), bones (!), and other dirt) from the terrain next to ours. No idea who dunnit. I know it is not my responsibilty, because it is not my land. But I can not stand the thought that it be left on the ground where animals graze as well.
