Relative Something

There were many magical moments during our 2-week visit to the Rowcliffe farm in Portugal, but there is something about it that really stands out for us. Over the years of reading Ian’s descriptions of life on the farm, I learned about his friend, Carlos. Ian’s descriptions of the variety of ways Carlos has generously helped out, reveal a truly good-hearted fellow. Finally, I was about to discover, first hand,  just how true this is.

When I think back on this, I am reminded that I was still a bit disoriented by the travel. I was just two days into our visit when Ian drove me into Celorico to Carlos’ service station. I must admit, I no longer recall that initial introduction. So many interactions have occurred since that moment, it has become overshadowed. What has stayed with me is the 4o-year-old Toyota Land Cruiser with a single bench seat and suddenly finding that I had agreed to climb in, sitting between Carlos and Ian, and was headed to ‘I wasn’t sure where’, and I didn’t understand a word of Portuguese. Ian told me that Carlos wanted to show me his farm.

The view down to Carlos' house

It wasn’t that I felt any doubts about my safety in this situation, but I was suddenly feeling another exponential level farther from home. Luckily, that is one of the precious good feelings of such an adventure. This was really a special thrill. Carlos was driving us through the back roads of an area where the main roads seem like they could be back roads. We were 4-wheeling into some very rural country, cutting through an area the local government was using as a dump for construction debris, to emerge at a spectacular overlook. Below us was the house Carlos had built on his grandfather’s old property, and a dramatic view of the primary landmark of the region, Mt Graça.

This was a rush of beauty and experience that really ‘wowed’ me. As I marveled over what I was seeing, the thought that Cyndie wasn’t seeing it with me had me wondering how I was going to describe what she had missed here.

Standing next to Carlos, I felt his connection to this place, and I sensed his pride in being able to share it with me. An immense feeling of privilege came over me, for the opportunity to be in that moment with these two people. Carlos indicated we would drive down to the house. The translation Ian offered indicated that Carlos would drive carefully. I wondered why he needed to say that.

When they use 4-wheel drive vehicles here, they really USE them. That drive down to the house was right out of the extremes they film for the commercials to sell off-road vehicles. I was on a thrill ride in a place of overwhelming beauty. Carlos went on to guide me in a tour of his magnificent house and then a walk around his farm.

I kept wondering how I could include Cyndie in seeing all this and spending this kind of time with Carlos. He came up with a solution for that when he asked Ian if we could come to his house for dinner on Friday. Over dinner, Carlos asked Ian if we were going to see other landmarks  in the area and indicated he would like to join us. Not only did Carlos join us, he drove, and guided us to a variety of locations and sights which fully submerged us in the local essence of this region of Portugal. As much as we were enjoying the experience  that Carlos was providing to us, even more, we were falling in love with Carlos, the person. It was also pretty special to witness the friendship that Ian and Carlos share.

We will never forget the places we have been, but we hold most dear, the people we met while visiting. Carlos is one gem of a person whom we feel most blessed to have come to know. His good-hearted contributions of time and energy provided us indescribable wealth of experience.

Obrigadinho, Carlos!