We woke to the loud drips of rain this morning. Everywhere was wet, the views were greyish grim and the wind was pretty fierce. It was a big surprise after all the sunshine and blue sky we’ve been subjected to this holiday. However, it was the ideal day for having a break and staying indoors. So we did.
We had enough food from yesterday’s shop so we wouldn’t starve. While Mirinda worked on Project Portugal, I researched a few dead soldiers.
Then, in the afternoon, I had an email saying the dead soldier project would definitely end by February 28. There is the chance that I may be able to do something else remotely for the Surrey History Centre, so, fingers crossed there’s something for me to contribute.
I started researching dead soldiers for the SHC back in January 2018, so it’s been a few years and, I guess, a change will be fun. However, I am a bit sad that there are still war memorials that remain unrecorded and soldiers unresearched.
Speaking of which, I spotted a war memorial in Cartaxo yesterday. It listed the ten Cartaxo men who lost their lives in the Great War. I didn’t know Portugal was involved. Apparently they joined in 1916. They were on our side, by the way.
Note that four died fighting in France while the others died in Africa. The African deaths were a result of fighting in the Portuguese colonies in Africa that bordered German colonies. That sounds a bit mad.
Speaking of which, also commemorated on the memorial were the 19 Cartaxo men lost in the Portuguese Colonial War (1961-1974), which I’d never heard of and which ended following the Portuguese government being overthrown. It not only finished the war, it also introduced democracy to Portugal.
Anyway, given we didn’t go anywhere today, I don’t have an awful lot to report. Except the weather. And while it rained most of the day, there was a brief period of sunshine shortly before it set.
Tomorrow should be back to the sun and blue sky that Portugal is so famous for. I hope.
In non Portuguese news, a new heat pump was installed in the stuga today! Yay!
