Vilamoura

We took off out of Lisbon, across the 25 April suspension bridge. April 25 is the day democracy came to Portugal, so both Sydney and here have April 25 repesented by a major bridge linking suburbs to city, cool eh?  We were headed for the Algarve, the south western corner of the country where the rich enjoy the sun surf and sea. We drove through some spectacular scenery, beautiful scrubby mountainous landscape above blue seas until we reached the little town of Setubal where we visited the local markets. They love seafood here. 

We then took in a little horse stud where they breed Lusitanian horses, one of Portugals contributions to the world horse industry. They put on a great show for us and we were able to sit in the home of the owners eating some fair dinkum farm tucker cooked in their kitchen. 

It was very good. But they have some very big dogs. The one below was bigger than some of the horses but gentle they assured us.

We arrived at our accommodation in the late afternoon. It is a golf course within a five star resort. Michele and I sat by the 18th green (a tough par 4 by the way) over a coffee and wine and I bought a tee shirt with the resort logo on it in case I get lost. 

We led a rebel breakaway group into town, whilst the main group went for a seafood dinner. Joined by Sue and Roslyn, daughter and mother, we hit the seaside nightlife of Quatiera had a great pizza and Sangria meal and then stumbled across the St Laurence celebrations in the main street. The local districts compete with each other in song and dance and they go to a bit of trouble let me tell you. I thought Rua Ousteria were hard done by this year, but some of their big match dancers were out and their interchange bench was weak.

It was so lucky to come across this local custom, it made the night. Late finish, it was hard to get a cab.

Today the south western end of Europe, Cape Vincent awaited us. This was really spectacular, the best scenery we have come across so far. It was reminiscent of La Perouse but more impressive. It is high cliffs and gorges, caves and promontories, and most of it not fenced, something that would be unheard of back home. Pedro our guide says the locals fish off these towering cliffs "Lunatics" he says, and I didnt believe it until I saw it with my own eyes. 

Some of the landforms reminded us of the Twelve Apostles. It was fantastic. 

 

We drove through Lagos and saw the very first slave market in Europe. I would have considered this a must see stop but it was a case of "there it is, please don't look, let's move on" A shame. They must think so too, that's why they ignore it. This is pretty country with big fishing focus. The little resort where Madeline McCann went missing appeared on our left and Pedro went to great lengths to explain how rare this type of crime is in Portugal. I must admit you really feel safe here, everything has a village feel. Our afternoon excursion was to the walled Medieval town of Faro. Interesting place, within sight of Spain, full of German soccer fans.They are playing against Gibraltar and should squeak home I would think. 

Saw how they make salt. There were tonnes of it and I could feel my arteries hardening as I looked at it. Had dinner in the resort last night with Ros and Sue and had a really good night. Forgot to pay for our meal and forgot to hand our room card in today. Welcome to Dementia Tours.