Trixie Traveler in Portugal: Rest day or optional ride in Èvora

Évora (EV-ora) is the largest city we will be in on this bike trip. We are in cork country evidenced by all the cork trees we have been seeing. Portugal produces about half the world's output of commercial cork, and its exports over recent years account for about 70% of world trade. Cork is Portugal's most important export. It takes about 20 years after planting a cork tree before it can begin to be harvested. Law prohibits stripping the trees more than once every nine years. A number is put on trees that have been stripped. Showing the last number of the year that tree was harvested. Cork harvesters are among the most highly paid jobs in Portugal because of its labor intensive nature and the skill needed to do it properly. You can ruin a tree if it isn't done properly.

Today is a rest day or an optional loop ride day. I decide not to bike today. The van takes those of us not riding to a cork factory. When I saw how hot it was, I was so glad I didn't bike. It was just an out and back anyway. Joanne, Bob and Jeanne also rode the van. The cork factory was very interesting. Dave biked to the cork factory along with the others. Tall Luis gives us a talk about cork and its production. There is of course a store there where purchases of cork products can be made.

When we got back, went to lunch with Joanne, Bob and Jeanne and Kim whom we run into as we are leaving for lunch. We go to a little place right around the corner from the hotel, Bistro Barão. It is a small,intimate place. We get a selection of small plates recommended by our very nice waiter. They were delicious! The walls are made of tile and have writing all over them from customers around the world. Kim has found a place that makes delicious pastel de Natasha so we go there after lunch. They are fresh and delicious.

We meet at 3:30 for a walking tour of Évora with tall Luis. Èvora is Luis' home town. Afterwards we go into the cathedral and see the Roman temple and then to the bones chapel which is really weird. It is made of human skeletons, skulls and bones.

We have dinner on our own tonight. Kathy, John, Susan, Dave and me go to to a place nearby recommended by the hotel. (name) It was fun and delicious-casual, simple, rustic - hams hanging from the ceiling, wine served out of a big barrel and a waiter Carlos described as a "hoot" in the hotel description. Menu was on a chalkboard on the wall. Carlos described choices in English but we didn't exactly understand him. He made a selection for us which we shared and thoroughly enjoyed. A lot of fun!

This hotel is really nice. It sed to be a convent. The staff are very friendly, and helpful. The staff seems to be mostly young women who speak beautiful English. Breakfast is wonderful. You order from a menu. It was good to,have the choice of oatmeal for once.