Fall? The end or a start of something new?

I prefer the latter. I always loved autumn, and autumn like we are having is great. It is finally summer here in Sintra. July and August were OK, but not like our usual summers, more windy and even rainy. September was great - 25-30º daily, sunny days, cool nights. And it is continuing, at least for another 2 weeks. The pool temperature is still 23º and the pool is very frequented.

But it is clearly fall. The fall of the leaves, the fall of the petals of the boganvila all over the lawn, The days are getting shorter, the morning traffic has started earlier as the people travel to work after their holidays. The fruits are different, it is time for grapes and melons. We here at the guest house are preparing for cold. I have gone pine cone picking (great for starting fires, and there is a wood heated tile covered heater in room #3), we are ordering, and cutting, firewood, checking that the heaters work - and it all seems so strange as the temperatures hit the 30's in the afternoons.

October is a great month in Sintra, lots to do:

The BARBER OF SEVILLE, Opera by Rossini performed by the Moldávian National Opera Theater, at the Cultural Center of Olga Cadaval.

SINTRA MISTY Festival is on between October 13 and 23 at the Olga Cadaval Cultural Center. The 2011 edition will bring several novelties, namely first performances in Portugal of new projects, both national and international, as well as films dedicated to music. Some of the performing artists are Sean Riley & the Slowriders, Jay Jay Johanson, Howe Gelb, Sara Tavares, Stuart Staples, John Grant, Guta Naki - see more at www.sintra-misty.com. And do like me, you-tube some of the names and get stuck listening for awhile - some of this is really good and interesting! It promises a good festival!

Also CÓRTEX is on, after Sintra Misty, 27-30 of October, also at Olga Cadaval. This is a short-film festival aimed at encouraging young Portuguese film directors and producers to compete. Every day after the showing of the films that are in the competition, the program will continue with musical projects.

The old TRAM (eléctrico) has also extended its working hours through October. During this extra month, the tram will circulate between Sintra and Praia das Maçãs on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

The TOY MUSEUM has a special exhibition 'MissLupita': the Mexican papermaché dolls.

The MUNICIPAL GALLERY has an exhibition 'Inside and Outside'; paintings by Fernando D'F Pereira.

In MONSERRATE PALACE there is a photo exhibition of the works from an international Garden Photography contest.

And many other things are happening. We here at the guest house are looking back at this year, planning next year. We are especially keen on new package-deals; talking to various people to organize wine tastings, culinary experiences etc. Please answer our questionnaire in facebook of what would be interesting to YOU in a package deal at Casa do Valle. What experience or event would make it worth your while to buy a package rather than just a night here.

More soon!