TE19 Iberian Adventure

John Hartley

defeat in their eyes.

“Arecondemned to live by theirexample – ourdestiny intertwined with theirs.”

“We carry our ancestors with us,” Grandfather finally spoke, “their triumphs and tragedies, dreams and expectations; only in the present are we truly free.” “That’s the key to great golf ” Grandad lightened the tone, “being present in the moment. The total absence of irrelevant thought.” Grandad tapped the side of his head, “You play against yourself.”

“Visualisation.” I said.

“Once your mind goes, that its – its over.” He said, “It’s a mental game.”

Off to the side of the Afonso III square, the cloisters of a former convent house a museum brimming with Roman artefacts and a shrine to the portraitist Roberto Bobre. A room is dedicated to Remexido, the warrior who defended the monarchy. After the defeat of Miguel, he fled to the Algarve Mountains where, supported by the peasants, he launched guerrilla attacks on the government forces. They interrogated his wife and killed his 14-year-old son.

“All goes if courage goes.”

Remexido resolve to never surrender and was executed by firing squad in the end. With courage and the fear of the unlived life on 166