Rio Guadiana IV⚓: Alcoutim & Sanlucar

We actually had a deadline to get to Alcoutim and San Lucar do Guadiana: Friday 13th of December. Why you might wonder? Because we had been informed that on the 13th we would be treated by Christmas Carols in the small church of Alcoutim, on the Portuguese side of the river. On top of that there would be churros, hot chocolate and Flamenco in San Lucar, on the Spanish side on the 14th of December. Suddenly we had plans.

When we arrived in Alcoutim we tried to find some sort of confirmation that the Christmas Carols were actually happening. We walked around all over town and ended up at some sort of beach bar, nowhere near the beach. Here we were told by the owner he had been planning to host an event, but that there hadn't been enough response to let it go through. A bit disappointed we walked back to the boat. As we passed the local supermercado we saw a poster hanging in the window: Christmas Carols in the Church 8pm 13th December. We were on!

We quickly had some dinner before returning to town. As it turns out both Alcoutim and San Lucar are crowded with internationals. Many of whom once came by boat and have decided to stay forever. They have blended quite nicely into both communities and as a result a couple of choirs consisting of both locals and internationals have been formed. We were treated by songs from musical groups from both the Spanish and the Portugese side. The Spanish had clearly rehearsed a bit more 😉. However our all time favorite was ex sailor violin Paul and the opera singer, it was absolutely angelic😇

In the church we met young sailor friends Alessa and Michael. They took us along to the library where the after drinks and snacks were served and informed us about all the internationals and things to do in the area. We met up with them and with some other boats a couple of times for a drink while we were there.

On the 14th we went to Spain for the Christmas Carols and Flamenco. It was mostly the same songs as the day before, but this time it was outside with some bonfires burning, hot chocolate, fresh churros and orange wine. The final treat was the flamenco performance by a group of around 30 individuals of all ages. The little girls, 5-8 year olds, gave the best show of them all.

This is where we met Renata. Renata is one of the people who once came by boat, fell in love with the place, which apparently has "something special", and now has bought a house in San Lucar and works in the local restaurant. We were able to help her out a bit with some things and we enjoyed her tapas and paella, a surprise treat by Square One, in La Fuente restaurant.

Most of the days we spent our time going different walks. To the castle, along the river this way, along the river that way and once inlands we went into the thicklebit. I believe that is supposed to be into the thick of it😉

We had a lovely time here in between Spain and Portugal, but all those people who are staying here for months at a time or even forever also gave us the creeps a bit. We talked about what might be causing this. We think it is because for us it feels like we have only just started our journey while this place seems to be a spot where people end the lifestyle we are currently living. We are by far ready for that and do not even want to think about it yet! So after a day or 5 we decided to move along. Further up the river .Читать далее