Évora:

Évora is a UNESCO World Heritage Site so promised us some interesting sight-seeing. But the rain and wind had followed us inland and overnight had increased in intensity - not the best conditions for walking around. To top it off, we walked to where we had been told the bus stop was. But we could only find the one on the side of the road leaving town, not going towards it. While puzzling this over, the bus arrived - early - and sailed past us leaving town. We discovered that it does a loop into town and so it was the one we should have caught. The next one was due in an hour...

So we started the day walking the 2km to town in the pouring rain, getting thoroughly soaked on the way. The coffee shop with yummy pastries we found in the main square is the best coffee shop ever! We were able to dry off, eat and drink and sort out the brochures and maps we collected from the tourist office on the way.

The big drawcard in the town is the Roman Temple, often called the Temple of Diana without any evidence whatever, and it was indeed impressive attracting a coach-load of tourists who looked from a distance, heard a spiel from the guide and then left. Not one bothered to walk around or come for a closer look! I suppose they weren't given time to; such is coach tour travel. We tracked down some further Roman ruins that ended up being inside a municipal building - the thermal baths had a single circular pool that was 9 metres across, a very large structure of its type.

The little church of São João was built in 1485 but its main attraction is the, yes again, blue and white tiles which were painted and installed in 1711. They were in the most beautiful condition, having been in a privately owned church (by the Duke), and covered all the walls up to a plain white ceiling. Our ticket also gave us entry to the Duke's Palace next door. It was more interesting than I expected - especially the kitchen which was kitted out with fascinating old culinary gear.

By this time the rain had returned and we headed for the Cathedral. A sturdy building, not in any way outstanding compared to the wonderful buildings we have seen this trip; it nonetheless still had some interesting bits and pieces. There was an attached museum with ecclesiastical items, the best of which were old embroidered vestments, stunningly stitched in gold couching. There were some nice cloisters and there were some narrow, steep spiral stairs to the roof. It's not usual to be able to walk right across the roof of a cathedral! The roof was gently sloped but waved and wobbled along, so you moved up and down all the time as you walked. On a sunny day, the views would have been terrific but today there was no incentive to stay and gaze out to the horizon. Up there it was blowing hard and rain was getting through every seam of our clothes!

Having sussed out where to catch the bus back to camp, we made sure we were there in plenty of time. A dry trip back - the best €1.30 each we spent all day.