Monday September 19th
Yesterday we went on a walking tour of the most fortified city in the world, Elvas , located near the border of Spain. This is another world heritage area. The design of the fortification has some unique features. Originally the wall needed to be as tall a man on a horse with a spear. Later modifications were made for small slits higher up for bows and arrows. Later walls were made thicker to withstand cannon ball fire The fortification was also unique as it had had corners coming out at angles on the exterior walls as well as another open area and taller wall before entry could be made inside the fortifications.
Before we started riding we had our picture taken in our matching socks, jersey,s and wind vests, outside the Hotel Sao Joao de Deus that we stayed in. Our trip was 32 km through fields of wheat, olive trees, and oak trees on our way toward marble country near Vila Vicosa. There was little traffic and it was great to be "on the road again" despite the high temperatures.
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| Flowers growing in soda bottles on the walls of an old town |
This is the Experience Plus Van in front of our historic hotel , Pousada de Vila Vicosa. It was once a nunnery and several of the well to do ladies that came to the nunnery were accompanied by a servant to take care of them. I thought that was a bit unusual. The beautiful 16th century convent was right next to a palace.
Yesterday we went on a walking tour of the most fortified city in the world, Elvas , located near the border of Spain. This is another world heritage area. The design of the fortification has some unique features. Originally the wall needed to be as tall a man on a horse with a spear. Later modifications were made for small slits higher up for bows and arrows. Later walls were made thicker to withstand cannon ball fire The fortification was also unique as it had had corners coming out at angles on the exterior walls as well as another open area and taller wall before entry could be made inside the fortifications. 
Before we started riding we had our picture taken in our matching socks, jersey,s and wind vests, outside the Hotel Sao Joao de Deus that we stayed in. Our trip was 32 km through fields of wheat, olive trees, and oak trees on our way toward marble country near Vila Vicosa. There was little traffic and it was great to be "on the road again" despite the high temperatures.
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