slivka.com - Trips - Portugal 2003

slivka.com > Trips > Portugal 2003 > Tue May-27

Tue

May-27

Ben flies home early, S. Lourenco, Vila Viçosa, Pousada D. Joao IV
[Returning to Seattle] Ben arose at 3:15am so Lisa could dress him and send him off in a taxi back to Lisbon at 4:00am. He arrived at the airport by 5:40am, in plenty of time to catch his flight to LHR and then back to SEA.

Our friend Ellen in Seattle had in the meantime schedule diagnostic X-Rays and an MRI for Wednesday afternoon, and an appointment early in the morning on Thursday with Dr. Dennis Kvidera, the orthopedic surgeon Lisa and Ellen have both used (more than once!), who is also the doctor of choice for the Seattle Mariners.

[Portugal] Ben insisted that his stupidity not interfere with the rest of Lisa's vacation, so Lisa enjoyed the opportunity to ride a few more days. Day Three's ride was 90 km (55.8 miles) through small towns and lovely countryside. For lunch, we were treated to a picnic in S. Lourenco's public laundry -- the only spot in town with shade and bathrooms. The ride -- and the heat -- was intense, ending with a 9.1 km climb up switchbacks through terrain that were very reminiscent of the hills around Santa Barbara. Melissa and David made it to the pool at Pousada D. Joao IV first and had much appreciated beers ready to hand out at the end of the ride! The day ended with a port tasting conducted by Bruno.