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Abstract

to Elvas to see. When we arrived at the gate, I was devastated it was undergoing renovation and we were not allowed in at all, even though I explained I had come THOUSANDS of miles from Australia just to see it. They were unmoved by my tears of protestation. I was bitterly disappointed.</p><figure id="2816"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/0*jhrfGLTvbsXJ31Bl"><figcaption>This is all I saw of the <i>Forte de Nossa Senhora da Graça — bitterly disappointed.</i></figcaption></figure><h2 id="ffe1">Forte de Santa Luzia</h2><p id="0798">The workmen said the <i>Forte de Santa Luzia</i> on the south side of town was open, so we had to settle for second best. Actually, it was very impressive; foggy and exceptionally cold. Max stayed with the car and kept the engine running to maintain some heat in the vehicle while Stacey and I explored. We were almost frozen stiff by the time we reached the car and were glad of Max’s decision to keep the car warm! It took a while for us to thaw out.</p><p id="ef9c">Some photos of the smaller fort — All photos by author — it was foggy and freezing!</p><figure id="8fee"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/0*ZM0EjnmXE9XvIT_i"><figcaption></figcaption></figure><figure id="910f"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/0*PL3puEymhXOZTsQQ"><figcaption></figcaption></figure><figure id="28f3"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/0*L6IW_Xh9nSfnAEyc"><figcaption></figcaption></figure><p id="1fd5">Of course, I had to go back to see that big fort! Once I get something in my mind, I’m like a dog with a bone. So the following year, I planned to go back to Elvas. Of course, I checked to see if the renovations had been completed. This time, I came into Elvas from the east across the Spanish border in a campervan.</p><h2 id="87fa">Forte de Nossa Senhora da Graça — again!</h2><p id="1c0d">I was so excited to be back in Elvas again I walked up to the <i>Forte de Santa Luzia.</i> I needed the exercise. I explored the Fort, taking a multitude of photos of the buildings and the VIEWS! You could see for miles and miles and miles! I could even see the <i>Forte de Nossa Senhora da Graça </i>on the hill on the other side of the town.</p><p id="5407">I couldn’t wait any longer, I wanted to see the “big” fort. When we pulled up at the bottom of the hill, we were told by security guards that the car park was full and to come back tomorrow! My excitement knew no bounds. We decided we’d come back early in the morning and be in the carpark when they opened the gate at 10 am!</p><p id="1033">Why have all of the not-so-well-known places I discovered years ago become major tourist attractions? I feel somehow cheated! The last time we were at <i>Forte de Santa Luzia</i>, Max sat by himself in a deserted carpark while Stacey and I explored the fort on our own. This year, there are people everywhere!</p><p id="a92e">I was the first one through the huge iron gates, and the sheer size of the place took my breath away. I had not imagined it to be anywhere near this huge. It was a LOT bigger than Forte de Santa Luzia, and the crowds were lining up even before 10.</p><p id="ca82">Usually, when I have looked forward to something for a very long time when I finally experience it, I feel a sense of disappointment; it is never as good as I had imagined it. Not so with <i>Forte de Nossa Senhora da Graça</i>. It surpassed all of my expectations and left me with a feeling of euphoria. That doesn’t happen often to me. I was so glad I had waited for it to open!</p><p id="2bf6">I made my way through cavernous rooms and up many staircases until I reached the very top of

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the Governor’s house. I could have spent all day here I loved it so much, but we wanted to get to Evora by dark. I was happy!</p><figure id="fd41"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*mUcBY2oShBDf-kg0U_yLIQ.jpeg"><figcaption></figcaption></figure><figure id="2966"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*ugVPQ4rvLpUqg5wSsOlLoQ.jpeg"><figcaption></figcaption></figure><figure id="d430"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*3a5W3zuuMQ1f-wlnUObicA.jpeg"><figcaption>The main gate. The cat beat me in. Photos by author</figcaption></figure><figure id="ea35"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*A63EyrFkx9qJrNnEMFKYPw.jpeg"><figcaption></figcaption></figure><figure id="31b7"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*mZp1JKpsJI4k4JdVsdZzzw.jpeg"><figcaption></figcaption></figure><figure id="5185"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*AU9le0xp2oVgptMcO7DeQg.jpeg"><figcaption></figcaption></figure><figure id="7d37"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*pcqdEPRbIm3zjSzUJVuh_Q.jpeg"><figcaption>Inside the Governor’s House at the very top Photos by author</figcaption></figure><figure id="7412"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*Em8-CqnQw7r_SOi8pQzsfQ.jpeg"><figcaption></figcaption></figure><figure id="db8d"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*TUUV2cWba4IS6yQtcXq0Lg.jpeg"><figcaption></figcaption></figure><figure id="ef0c"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*Be9h_HOJ-zhC8f8QkjuAZw.jpeg"><figcaption></figcaption></figure><figure id="79b6"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*7Ow6veLs0Eg9X4zTWOAqrQ.jpeg"><figcaption></figcaption></figure><figure id="1f8a"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*4A2E4KrwqC0Vh2tccoF65g.jpeg"><figcaption></figcaption></figure><figure id="49f0"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*4jT-waD64jGkEoCgQTKOpg.jpeg"><figcaption>My photos definitely do not do this place justice. Photos by author.</figcaption></figure><p id="570b">If you enjoy this alphabet series, you might like to read <a href="undefined">Sam Millichap</a>’s latest one, L — London!</p><div id="0e2c" class="link-block"> <a href="https://readmedium.com/how-to-visit-london-without-spending-lolly-4f4c05a4ad24"> <div> <div> <h2>How To Visit London Without Spending Lolly</h2> <div><h3>I’m a Brit — London is my favourite ‘L’ destination!</h3></div> <div><p>medium.com</p></div> </div> <div> <div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/1*1BFCCh5W5N3_OUSq7vJ-Vw.jpeg)"></div> </div> </div> </a> </div><p id="cfa6">Or <a href="undefined">Anne Bonfert</a>’s latest story, C — Cape of Good Hope!</p><div id="e1b9" class="link-block"> <a href="https://readmedium.com/my-southernmost-destination-in-the-world-the-cape-5c271986457a"> <div> <div> <h2>My Southernmost Destination in the World — The Cape</h2> <div><h3>The A to Z of my favorite travel destinations</h3></div> <div><p>medium.com</p></div> </div> <div> <div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/1*KszmsG5tC7TSsfJS3Nf4JA.jpeg)"></div> </div> </div> </a> </div></article></body>

TRAVEL ALPHABET

The A to Z of My Favourite Travel Destinations — E is for Elvas

I wanted to visit this “star fort”

I wanted to go to Elvas ever since I saw a photo of Forte de Nossa Senhora da Graça on Facebook. It looked magnificent. I had to see it!

I met my daughter and her Brazilian boyfriend at the time in Lisbon. They had flown down from Nantes to take me on a two-week tour of Portugal — I picked the places I wanted to see. (My kind of tour!)

We spent a few days in Lisbon before heading out to Evora where I wanted to see the Chapel of Bones. We also saw the Temple of Diana and the Royal Palace but didn’t venture in. We were overnighting at Elvas at Hotel D. Luis, and I was surprised to find an old Roman aqueduct right across the road from the hotel! What a view! I took a great photo from my hotel window with the aqueduct lit up at night, but I can’t find it. Anyway, I was very impressed! This was a bonus.

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Elvas_-_aqueduct_(13540889123).jpg

Dinner

After freshening up, we headed to a restaurant close by I had found on Google Maps. We never did find it, but after walking through the maze of cobbled streets of the old town, we found one to satiate our hunger and quench our thirst. We hadn’t eaten anything since the “chocos” at the beach that morning.

Portuguese wine…not complaining. Photo by author.

On our search for the elusive restaurant, we found a park filled with orange and lemon trees, with park benches on rollers and a circular track, so they could be moved around to chase the sun in winter or find shade in summer. None of us had ever seen anything like it anywhere in the world! Amazing!

( I can’t find a photo!)

The pork and mussels dish Photo by author.

Dinner was delicious. Max picked out the local specialties and Stacey and I devoured them. Stacey’s favourite was the pork and mussels, which dates back to Roman times. We drank two bottles of Borba, but sadly they didn’t have any pudding left. Not that we could have fitted it in any way.

We (accidentally) found a shortcut back to the hotel and agreed to meet at 8.30 am in the breakfast room.

Forte de Nossa Senhora da Graça

We set off in search of the Forte de Nossa Senhora da Graça; the star fort that I had specifically come to Elvas to see. When we arrived at the gate, I was devastated it was undergoing renovation and we were not allowed in at all, even though I explained I had come THOUSANDS of miles from Australia just to see it. They were unmoved by my tears of protestation. I was bitterly disappointed.

Forte de Santa Luzia

The workmen said the Forte de Santa Luzia on the south side of town was open, so we had to settle for second best. Actually, it was very impressive; foggy and exceptionally cold. Max stayed with the car and kept the engine running to maintain some heat in the vehicle while Stacey and I explored. We were almost frozen stiff by the time we reached the car and were glad of Max’s decision to keep the car warm! It took a while for us to thaw out.

Some photos of the smaller fort — All photos by author — it was foggy and freezing!

Of course, I had to go back to see that big fort! Once I get something in my mind, I’m like a dog with a bone. So the following year, I planned to go back to Elvas. Of course, I checked to see if the renovations had been completed. This time, I came into Elvas from the east across the Spanish border in a campervan.

Forte de Nossa Senhora da Graça — again!

I was so excited to be back in Elvas again I walked up to the Forte de Santa Luzia. I needed the exercise. I explored the Fort, taking a multitude of photos of the buildings and the VIEWS! You could see for miles and miles and miles! I could even see the Forte de Nossa Senhora da Graça on the hill on the other side of the town.

I couldn’t wait any longer, I wanted to see the “big” fort. When we pulled up at the bottom of the hill, we were told by security guards that the car park was full and to come back tomorrow! My excitement knew no bounds. We decided we’d come back early in the morning and be in the carpark when they opened the gate at 10 am!

Why have all of the not-so-well-known places I discovered years ago become major tourist attractions? I feel somehow cheated! The last time we were at Forte de Santa Luzia, Max sat by himself in a deserted carpark while Stacey and I explored the fort on our own. This year, there are people everywhere!

I was the first one through the huge iron gates, and the sheer size of the place took my breath away. I had not imagined it to be anywhere near this huge. It was a LOT bigger than Forte de Santa Luzia, and the crowds were lining up even before 10.

Usually, when I have looked forward to something for a very long time when I finally experience it, I feel a sense of disappointment; it is never as good as I had imagined it. Not so with Forte de Nossa Senhora da Graça. It surpassed all of my expectations and left me with a feeling of euphoria. That doesn’t happen often to me. I was so glad I had waited for it to open!

I made my way through cavernous rooms and up many staircases until I reached the very top of the Governor’s house. I could have spent all day here I loved it so much, but we wanted to get to Evora by dark. I was happy!