The Town Is In Love

“ I love my city. I love my work”? Antonio told me when I entered Alcoba?a Municipal Library.

“ I am blessed that I was brought up in this beautiful town. I completed my degree and found myself where I spent many hours over the years. Now is my turn to find a special book for each kid that will capture their hearts.”

“As you see,? my desk is in the city's best spot facing the big elaborated heart sculpture.”?

“When and why did the garden get its name” I asked him.

I stepped out to the garden. Heard the Alco River in my left ear and the Baca River in my right ear.

In front of me, the two rivers united into one river the Alcoba?a River.Antonio arrived with the book by A. H De Oliveira Marques: A Very Short History of Portugal. He read to me the story from 1340 about Ines, a Galician Lady who came to Portugal and met Prince Pedro. The political arrangement became a love story and generated strong opposition among the Portuguese people and the court.

Their story took place here and from that moment this place is connected with love.

I thanked Antonio and headed to the National Vinho Museum where I met Gabriela who is in love with the wine history of her country. “ Do you know that since the 15th century, we export wine to Britain?”

The story of Ines de Castro was interpreted over the years by ceramics artists and poets. The Love Walk by the River is a fantastic experience to enjoy the artist’s passion for the land.

On my way back to the bus station I found a long poster celebrating the twenty-fifth competition of Alcoba?a Sweet. The photos of special sweets that won the first prize each year are great evidence that people are in LOVE here.?