Paperwork, preparation, pussies, patriotism, paint, and a perfect sunset in Portugal. (Is there a word for alliteration that starts with P?)

Purr, purr, purr.

Monday 15/4/13

We spent some time on admin tasks this morning. Bloody paperwork, it just never stops. Insurance claims (arguments),  getting stuff organised to post home, getting reticulation repaired, bill payments for car registration, a new fence,  flights, and so on, and on, and on.

I just want to go for a ride. And ride I will, tomorrow. We need to be in Barcelona the night after tomorrow night to see "Immortal" the Cirque du Soleil tribute to Michael Jackson. Barcelona is 1,265 kilometres away so we'll stop somewhere near Madrid tomorrow night breaking the ride roughly in half.

Once we'd prepared everything for an early morning escape tomorrow, we jumped on the bike and set sail for Christian's house. You remember Christian? Werner's friend who is keen to get something happening to motivate the Portuguese people to feel proud and patriotic about their wonderful country and all it has to offer. 

It took us a while to find Christian's. Once we did we socialised with the feline family for a while. As you may have guessed, we are rather fond of animals and anyone who spends as much time and money as Christian and Manuela do to look after a bunch of stray and unwanted cats is OK by us. Manuela and Christian, on behalf of the cats, thank you very much for caring for us.

Purr, purr, purr.

A face only a mother could love.

Another one of the residents.

This one was my favourite and loved a pat.

I think her name was Natasha.

Cat Chalet number one.

Cat Chalet number two.

Cat Chalet interior.

Then it was down to work. A good session of brain storming, lots of discussion, a tiny bit of painting, and I think we have the germination of an idea. It's all very early yet, but I can see it catching on, and Christian is just the man to make it happen. Good luck Christian. We'll keep in touch, and if we can, help develop the theme to a workable concept... then... look out Portugal.

Christian is one of "those" people. I called him spellbinding, and Suzanne used the term entrancing. You cant help but be drawn in when he speaks, and want to be involved in what he is doing. We are all very fortunate that he uses his powers for good, not evil.

Christian making a point.

Putting a very simple idea into practice.

I think we may well be onto something. All will be revealed when we finalise the cunning plan.

Christian, thank you once again for your hospitality. It was a very pleasant day and we look forward to doing it again sometime soon.

Maybe in Estoril? Maybe in Lagos? Maybe in Perth? Who knows?

As a reward for our efforts today we were given this on the way home...

If that's not a good way to finish the day, I don't know what is.

Good night Portugal.