Suzanne Delaney Poet Narrative

Portugal

Foreign Travel- Portugal

It is all that is unspoken that gives a  place its atmosphere.....the endless turmoils that come from living....peaceful Celts conquered by Romans 
after centuries of resisting. The conquerers monuments still dominate large paved squares .....wide mosaic walking malls with outdoor cafes set a carefree atmosphere. Cobblestones retain the ancient tone of  busy roads. 

Teal seas sweep out to weathered coastlines ....white buildings jumbled over low hills.  Resilient vineyards, olive orchards, cypress and eucalyptus trees, impervious to wind, dot the stony landscape.  Dusty green foliage that triumphantly survives between rains.

.....And then there are the people- proud gracious and friendly.  A cuisine that is complex but simple in a mind boggling variety. Delicate pastries filled with rich custards, endless varieties of savory pies. Earthy rustic dishes of meat,fish, beans and colorful salads. Buffets crowded with hearty breads, fragrant croissants and  inviting desserts.  A gastronomic adventure.

....next came the discovery of nesting storks at Comporte, a small coastal,resort town, one hour south of Lisbon. We encountered them in giant stick nests high atop tall chimneys on ancient buildings.

After that -was Casa Palmela ...our most treasured find. A regal, historic residence turned five star hotel.  Grand in an old-world style.
Set on a vineyard with low white stucco walls, tall conifers and palms-low-growing with thick sturdy trunks. Who  could describe the relaxed balmy atmosphere, the evenings discovering new delicacies and fine wines
in the warm glow of sunset. All too soon we had to leave

But then, why did we leave?    To return again, I'm sure.

9/24/17
Foreign travel
Contest Judged:  10/7/2017 1:16:00 PM
Sponsored by: Thvia Shetley 
Honorable Mention

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Maria Williams October 30, 2017 at 10:29 PM I have never been to Portugal but would absolutely love to put it in my bucket list. All the more after reading this marvellous colourful write of yours Suzanne. How wonderful, thank you for whisking me away on a glorious journey...Maria

Gregory Richard Barden October 8, 2017 at 3:41 AM Suzanne - sincere congratulations on your well-earned win, my friend, and blessings for more such recognition of your wonderful writing talents! Keep up the great work! Suzanne Delaney October 8, 2017 at 9:22 AM Thankyou Greg: It is so encouraging as I didn’ really expect to place with this ramble.....but the memories were fresh and the impressions we carried with us seemed to demand wide lines like the distances we had just traversed. Thanks for your reading and commenting. SuZ

Andrea Dietrich October 7, 2017 at 7:27 PM Congrats on the winner list, Suz. It was such a lovely description of this land. Suzanne Delaney October 8, 2017 at 9:24 AM Thanks Andrea: It is nice to be thinking about writing again. This past year has been so fulll of other things that writing took the back burner. Hugs, SuZ

Viv Wigley October 1, 2017 at 1:29 AM Lovely piece, Suzy D, a travelogue in itself. One of my pals runs an independent port and spirits import business and travels to Portugal a lot. I'm sure he share your love affair. Well written piece, Suzy. Viv x Suzanne Delaney October 8, 2017 at 9:28 AM How wonderful to hear from you, Viv: Glad to know you are still visiting the Soup. Will stop over for a read soon. Hugs, SuZ

Andrea Dietrich September 27, 2017 at 12:30 AM You ended this so enchantingly, Suzanne. I got to see the countryside as we drove to the capital on one of our excursions out of Madrid. It was winter or spring of '74 and I think some kind of small civil war was happening because military were all around the block where our bus was parked. I can't blame you wanting to go back. Portugal and Spain both comprise Iberia, and nothing compares to Iberia!! Suzanne Delaney October 8, 2017 at 9:31 AM Hi Andrea: Catching up on messages as we had company right after we got home. Your entry was great on Iberia. Sestinas are difficult to write. Hugs,SuZ

Connie Marcum Wong September 26, 2017 at 4:00 AM I found Lisbon to be diverse and filled with enchantment. I still have my cute little ceramic colorfully painted rooster as a souvenir. I went there with my mother and we so enjoyed it. It sounds like you also really enjoyed your visit. Your poem returned me to that joyful memory. Thank you Suz. Delightful! : ) Suzanne Delaney October 8, 2017 at 9:33 AM Hi Connie: I love my little ceramic rooster too. Glad my poem brought back some good memories. Hugs, SuZ

Vijay Pandit September 24, 2017 at 11:02 PM Your poem took me through the streets and cafes, and the lives of people in Portugal..it was a good experience as I have not been there. Sounds quite similar to many places in Europe..lovely details.. best wishes for a win Suzanne! Suzanne Delaney October 8, 2017 at 9:34 AM Hi Vijay: Thanks for stopping by and reading. We have only been home for a few days. I enjoyed it far more than I thought I would. Thanks for the good wishes, SuZ