This is the only twin double room at Casa aOrta Bed & Breakfast. As I mentioned in other posts, the rooms in Casa aOrta have been named after books of Portuguese authors. This one is, however, an exception, as it was named after a poem from the book “Message”. Its author was Fernando Pessoa and the book tells the story of Portuguese and Portugal, as he saw it (past, present and future). In the last part, he goes even further and tells us about the vision that he has for Portugal’s future. I guess he’s vision is not in place yet, but hopefully the room will grant its guests with the great spirit Pessoa foresaw for our country.

Portuguese Sea

O salty sea, so much of whose salt

Is Portugal’s tears! All the mothers

Who had to weep for us to cross you!

All the sons who prayed in vain!

All the brides-to-be who never

Married for you to be ours, O sea!

 

Was it worth doing? Everything’s worth doing

If the soul of the doer isn’t small.

Whoever would go beyond the Cape

Must go beyond sorrow.

God placed danger and the abyss in the sea,

But he also made it heaven’s* mirror.
Message, Fernando Pessoa.

*Important to explain that “heaven” and “sky” share the same word in Portuguese (“céu”), hence the word play.

Portuguese sea – double room – lamp

Portuguese sea – double room – book; Casa aOrta, Algarve

Portuguese sea – double room – Casa aOrta, Algarve