Tavira, Algarve, My Home Town

Tavira Tavira is my town The place I call my home Rich in history Much like me Many secrets does it hold Ancient times still apparent Different people now A different time How many footsteps have trodden the cobbled streets? With donkeys or on foot How many couples once kissed on the seven arch bridge? Warm tender embraces How many photographs posed for? From dawn through till night Memories locked safe To reflect, to smile Making a history of your own From medieval times to modern day The river flows silently towards the Oceans mouth Two rivers twine, the Gilão and the Sequa No one knows why it has two names Another secret never to be told Tavira is a town to find yourself To discover, to explore To sit beside the river Peaceful and serene Enjoy an expresso in the brilliant sunshine Or relax in the shadow And dream My town has many churches 37 so I hear Glorious magnificence on display The carvings of another life on the walls Depicting the life of Jesus for us to see The Igreja da Misericórdia Said to be the best But there are many to admire for sure Structures centuries old A place of prayer A holy site Speak to God in his own home Feel welcomed, arms embrace Walk up worn steps to the top of the town Draw pure fresh air down into your lungs “The view of Tavira” awaits silently For that first gasp as you see what it hides Visit the restaurant of the same name “A Ver Tavira” for that special treat Magnificent views of the river and town displayed below Whilst you wine and dine your loved ones Romantic and inspirational Feel the tranquillity Feel vigorous and strong The world is out there waiting to be grasped Reach out your hands and touch it It’s there Nearby we are proud of our castle Tavira boasts one of its own With a gate fit for a king King Manuel I was the first to walk through In the 13th century, long ago Preserved and protected On display for us to admire Take a step back in history Feel the ambience, feel alive Ilha da Tavira, the island of golden sands Lining the glistening ocean The gentle waves lapping your feet Inviting into its swell A scene of pure sanctity What better place to contemplate To dream, be yourself Make castles in the sand Tavira has plenty of seating Benches are dotted around the town Socialising a way of life here Happy faces, laughter Affectionate greetings, emotional goodbyes Families visiting relatives Holidaymakers enjoying the atmosphere Tavira staying in their hearts forever Restaurants are full Serving local cuisine Octopus the speciality here Not to all tastes I admit But the choices are plenty Fish freshly caught is a must As is medronho, or firewater as it is known One quick shot, straight down in one Warms your heart in a different way Small cafes are thriving too Tables filled with wine, beer and coffee Outside the streets are flourishing Musicians presenting their talent Stalls line the streets in the summer Selling trinkets and local goods If shopping’s your thing you’re in luck There are many to choose from here From jewels of the finest kind Or an ashtray as a souvenir Turtles guard the bandstand Silently they watch This bustling town full of people Its history never forgotten Many statues stand proud and tall The monument in Praça da Republica Remembering the First World War A permanent legacy to them And to others who fought and returned With Cabanas to the east Santa Luzia to the west Tavira sits in the middle A secret uncovered It surrounds you like the biggest hug A town where hopes and dreams are achieved Memories made and kept forever The secrets I will keep safe Make my own history and recreate In the heart of the Algarve is Tavira In my heart it will stay A special place Unchanged Much like me Tavira is the place to be Tavira is my home