Sheila came to visit! The first night we hung out. The next day we went to Sintra, a very special place. Then we set off on a road trip. First night I had booked a room at the pousada in Obidos. Pousadas are deluxe hotels in historic buildings. This one is a castle. Obidos is a walled town about 100km from my house. After lunch and a hike to castle ruins on the hilltop in Torres Vedras, we arrived in Obidos. We followed signs for the pousada and drove through the town, through gates that looked too small for a car and to the steps of the castle. It was beautiful and as Sheila said, “I feel like I’m in a fairy tale.” The castle dates from around 1500. The room was a disappointment, very small. The bathroom was tiled and efficient. The linens and bathrobes and all were deluxe. We had dinner at a small snack shop, not in keeping with our status but we just felt like something light, cheese omelets. We strolled back through the town which is charming. The highlight was being able to walk along the castle walls and look down upon our queendom. It was a beautiful night, after an afternoon of rain. Breakfast the next morning was in the royal dining room, with spectacular views. Then we set out for Caldas da Rainha looking for bargain ceramics.
