Tiny Streets and Open Plazas

There are tiny streets and open plazas in almost every town in Portugal. When you walk down the small streets, you have to be very careful because there is not much room for your body and a car that might be passing at the same time. This day in Évora, a very hot, over 100 degree, day (most of the people were in the shops, cafes or restaurants staying out of the sun), we were looking for a place to buy some hats. There was a sign at the head of a street,  just off the plaza, with a store listed that sold hats (chapéu). We went down to check it out and our friends each bought a hat. We then went on to a little restaurant, tucked away in another side street that served traditional Alentejo food (the region of the country). I found that I really enjoyed everything I ate - even the little appetizer that was made of bacalhau (cod fish).  We stopped at several cafés for water or coffee, visited the palace, an art exhibit, and the Chapel of Bones, and just had a very good day spent with our Portuguese friends.