Yesterday we toured the fortress and lighthouse on the most southwestern edge of Europe, as they say here, “the end of the world.” I have felt more desolate in other lands, but that’s probably what was thought in the early navigational world of exploration. Anyway, we drove up to the huge site (over 5,000 steps walking its perimeter) and parked right in front with about five other cars and four motorcycles. Then we saw the throngs of visitors walking up from the parking lots. We remained unmoved.
There was room to park – no signs saying we couldn’t? Additionally, we parked in the first “lighthouse” spot, and immediately in front of the steps leading into our hotel room. We also drove along the pier, bothered by none. These are all benefits of traveling in the off season, as well as being ignorant. They are also bold moves based on the first hotelier who told us, “just drive the wrong way on the one way and you’ll get that first spot on the end of the road. If the police stop you, speak English.”
We usually find out about ignorance four months later, when foreign governments send their tickets for traveling in improper zones, or parking where we shouldn’t. This is clearly the origination of the phrase, “Time will tell.”
Off we go to explore other new worlds and to see what time will tell!