Tavira, Day 3!

Today was our last full day in Tavira. We thought we would explore the Algarve region more, but Tavira had so much to offer, and when it comes down to it… Do you spend the short amount of time you have racing from place to place? Or do you slow down and enjoy your immediate surroundings? Well,we chose the latter. I'm not going to lie… For these few short days we were determined to enjoy the city life. The food, sightseeing, people watching, and shopping! Not that we aren't enjoying the country life in Marvao, but perhaps Donny and Marie Osmond said it best! "I'm a little bit country and he's a little bit rock-n-roll!" Actually, we both love the country, and the city. When it comes down to it, I don't know if either of us could choose… Perhaps a nice ranch 5 km from a metropolitan city? Ahhh… we can dream can't we! Today we designated a couple of hours to a local exhibit, "The Islamic Museum". It was amazing to learn a little bit about Tavira's Islamic past and to see some of the artifacts that date back to the 12 century! We were also told that a great portion of these treasures would soon be going to Paris to be displayed in the Louvre! Before leaving we were asked to view some local children's artwork and vote for our favourite piece of pottery, drawing and hand painted tile. We were super impressed by the talents of these young school kids, and spent an agonizing 30 minutes or more trying to pick only one of each!! After our morning spent inside the museum we walked around the streets taking pictures of things that caught our attention. Do you call dogs, cars, and old houses eye candy? Perhaps….Either way, here are some fun pictures of day 3 in Tavira!

My birthday is coming up! Hint! Hint! 

Friendly locals above and below!

More cool door ornaments above and below.

A small snack along the way. Rosemary cheese sandwich, yum!

Portuguese tiles, or "az-zulavi", which originates from the Islamic term for refined stone. Date back to the Moors. You will find these tiles on everything from houses to churches.

There are many old empty buildings ready to be brought back to their former glory!