I spent 2 months in the Faro’s house apartment up the stairs. It was good that Jose and his wife live next door. My host Jose is a kindhearted man who cares about his guests’ comfort. I enjoyed communicating with him (and enjoyed meeting his wife a couple of times). He was responsive to needs like warmth in the apartment when the weather got surprisingly cold, getting a stainless-steel pot and pan when I asked for it (so now you have the choice between that and convenient carcinogenic teflon :), receiving my new credit card when mine was stolen (for the first time ever in my long travel life, in the infamous tram 28 - beware: skilled thieves!!!) and advising me on reliably getting to the airport in the wee hours.
My Portuguese was practically null upon arrival and my relation to the cyber world calls for improvement. I knew about Google Translate but hadn’t cared to download it. Jose helped me with it, it was easy to do after all and made a huge difference to my ability to communicate, therefore function and enjoying this new country. Edna’s excellent cleaning job and cheerful nature contributed to me feeling at home.
The Faro’s place is simple and orderly, which is how I like it. It is conveniently located in the small “historic” part of town, with nice view in 3 directions. It is close to train, taxi stand, path along the river, supermarket, colourful open-market for fresh products, pharmacy, restaurants - including inexpensive lunch meals in bakeries on week days, hair dressers, even a tiny shoemaker shop on the side of the house and an equally tiny baker on that Costa Pinto street, she makes the best bread in town. I shared this 2 bedrooms-2 baths apartment with a couple. They were early risers and sleepers so that we naturally gave plenty of space to each other. When I first entered my room I was a bit shocked by its small size and the street noise when I opened the window (4 way crossing; however, lively locals passing by conversing was fun). My bathroom shower was tiny too - good I am petite. From the living room window, I enjoyed the quiet backyard with its big tree and joyful church bell, and studying and eating in it and even watching TV on the bigger screen a couple of times. I enjoyed snuggling in bed watching tv on the smaller bedroom screen learning Portuguese with subtitles, and some cooking and smoothies in the kitchen.
When we discussed me returning for a month in March, Jose said it will be 200 euros more because “March is high season”… hum.. that part is not for me.
Warning: when you exit the house and turn immediately right onto the narrow street leading to most shops, beware of cars cutting corner and rushing through. With this warning I might have saved your life :) Enjoy this clean friendly house! Claire