After we were surprised by the rain early in the morning, the next stop on our route was Cromeleque do Xerez, also known as the Xarez Cromlech, is a megalithic complex that is believed to date back to the 4th or 5th millennia BC. It’s an extraordinary megalithic monument composed of about 50 granite mehnirs overlooking the valley of the Guadiana River, situated near the town of Monsaraz in the Évora district of the Alentejo region of Portugal, close to the Spanish border. As is known, these unique monuments were linked to the worship of the stars and nature. In addition, they were places of celebration of religious rituals and tribal meeting point. So incredible to discover the cultural history of the ancient world. If you are in the area, you should definitely make a stop here and take a look at it.

We left the border region and followed the river Guadiana further south, which first snakes further west. We had chosen a campsite right next to the river and as we approached our destination we suddenly found ourselves in front of a gate. Behind it were countless pigs enjoying the cool shade under the cork oaks. Well, what to do, we thought, we hadn't really planned a plan B for an alternative place and at the gate there was a sign with the following written in missed letters “Por favor, feche!” = “Please close”. As we knew that some Overlander already stayed down there we drove in and we made sure to close the gate. We past the pigs who didn't care and a small path led down to the river. What awaited us there was simply dreamlike. We put Lenny on the meadow on the river bank and what could be better with such a backdrop and complete wilderness than a yoga session in the evening light.

For me Yoga is to escape the too often stressful everyday life and to connect with myself, so that I can forget all the stress and bad vibes around me and my energy is completely focused on me. Many yoga postures teach us to be more understanding and compassionate with our surroundings, but especially with ourselves. They have a particularly beneficial effect on our physical and mental health.

For example, the Warrior poses teach you courage, strength, self-confidence, peace and inner calm. They bring you into the here and now, improve your concentration. Especially in difficult times, it helps you to stay calm, and hears your self-esteem to overcome conflicts in your life. All the last years I thought it was nonsense, but since I tried it out through a 30 days online challenge for beginners, believe me or not, from the first Yoga sesión on I have noticed those benefits in my own body and mind and since then, I've been so excited and enthusiastic to practice yoga as often as I can, like I did it that evening. Especially in a place as powerful and magically beautiful as the banks of the Guadiana River, it is easy to absorb the energy that surrounds this place and use it positively.

By the lovley evening light, we were allowed to enjoy this place in a special mood. The water surface of the river reflected the sun's rays into a warm and sparkeling light. So beautiful, that we will never forget this place.

How peaceful and quiet was the night with the gentle splashing of the river. We have slept very well and the next morning we woke up at sunrise . What a nice way to start the day with a bath. So Dani didn't miss the chance and literally jumped from the bed into the river. Lotta and me stayed outside to prepare our first morning coffee. What a great place to enjoy a big pot of hot coffee when the mist of the night lays down on the water surface of the river. In this first hours of the day when everthing is so calm that the river seemed like a mirror, as you can see the reflection of the water on the pictures below.

After we got stored everything we left the place with gratitude for treating us well, to head to the next location we would like to explore, which was an old and abandoned mine.

But I will write about it next time. Stay tuned!

Love,

Katy

Pics by Daniell Bohnhof

Text by Look2 Ocean