Viaje a Portugal (Journey to Portugal) Book

Saramago is a congenial travel companion, although I have to admit to less of an interest in churches than he displays. Actually, than most people display.
It was over-ambitious of me to think that I would actually read all of this before travelling to Portugal, and maybe, maybe it was over-ambitious of Saramago to think that he could create something that was neither guide book nor travel book. Maybe, maybe it was my mistake to think that I could use something that wasn't meant as a guide book as one. It was certainly my mistake to think I could read a travel book. Far too repetitive. Samey. The beauty of the writing and the pleasure of the company doesn't quite make up for the fact that basically, he's visiting places that have little to offer apart from, (yawn) a church.
Oh, a church.
Yes.
A church.
Oh, and another church.
And, look! another church where it's hard to get hold of the key.
In a place where the people use the church as a place to celebrate mass, and don't think of it as a place to visit.
Hmmm.
Yes.
The voice is a delight. I did enjoy his company. But I think I would have to take a year out of my life to follow his journey with the kind of respect and attention that would be his due. Sorry.