We are just coming to terms with the fact that tonight will be our first in Casa Azul. Today we have been scrubbing floors, unloading boxes and trying to give directions in Portuguese for the delivery men who came with our new furniture (the bed upon which we will be sleeping tonight!!). We are exhausted but had a mini celebration of champagne on the threshing square followed by a barbeque with a difference – the difference being we don’t have to pack up and go to our rented house. The difference also being I am updating this blog from our sofa while J does the dishes (double bonus!!) – actually she’s now in our solar powered shower.

Too excited to sleep but too tired to do anything but drink red wine and listen to music – heaven!

But we realise it is far from finished – unpacking and then clearing up the huge amount of detritus in the courtyard followed by more unpacking, then there is shelving, paving, strimming etc etc etc.

However CASA AZUL/BRANCA is now (almost) finished and welcoming guests. Come on down!!!!!!

Pictures to follow…