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We were a bit sad to leave Sevilla... All the culture and history and people and food. It is such a special place. But we've heard so much about the Algarve in Portugal and looking forward to exploring.
Travel day happened to be Moms birthday, the 28th. Jordyn and Codi had moved on to Portugal a few days before us. Dina and Carly had been in Amsterdam for a few days and now were able to fly down to Faro Portugal to meet us too. Wow, who could have imagined we'd all be together in Europe in a beautiful place, for Moms birthday. We're all really wishing Jennifer and Camryn could be here with us and no doubt they are wishing too.
Arriving at a new place is always holding your breath a little. I spend a lot of time researching what area, what town/city, what neighbourhood, what type of place, and then reviewing so many places to stay. When you finally make the decision on a place you hope it's everything you wanted. In Sevilla I spent weeks trying to find the right place for us in Portugal and this one came up TWO days before we left. Talk about cutting it close.
The roads and addresses in Europe are not always easy and this was no different. Pulling into the very small village of Praia de Luz the gps map wasn't working well... So total fluke when we literally drove straight into our place. Right on the water. Gorgeous setting, beautiful deck, amazing view of ocean, beach, limestone cliffs. We are SO happy.
Kids immediately set out to explore our yard and deck and discover dozens of snails. As we find out, there are lots of them here and they have them on menus and at the market too!
The beach is truly stunning.
We spent lots of time just hanging on the deck, letting the kids swim, or heading to our gorgeous beach to jump the waves or walk to the rocks. But we also did some Great exploring days too.
The south West Point of Portugal is a little town called Sagres and there are cliffs here hundreds of feet high over the ocean. This is where the early Europeans used to think was the end of the world... The land dropped off into the ocean and at the horizon the ocean dropped off into space. Hearing those stories you can imagine it, but standing there in person you can see it. It feels like the end of the world right at this spot.
Interesting that the vast cliffs for miles in all directions, hundreds of people milling around, and no guard rails. It's actually refreshing. Doesn't feel like a tourist attraction... Feels more "real".
I wonder the statistics of accidents in places where people are expected to take responsibility for themselves vs places where they are overprotected and cross the lines.
Below the cliffs to one side there is a beautiful beach with a big surf. Getting back in the car for lunch we see a little hidden sign for food at the beach. Quick left turn and down we go. Park and walk down the hill to find a crazy cool beach chiringuita with burgers, and other good food. Beers and ciders too. The beach is filled with surfers, sun babies, dogs, big waves, golden sand. Great people watching and rock climbing.
One afternoon the ladies (Mom, Dina, Carly, me) drive to nearby Lagos (pronounce LA-gosh) for a shopping afternoon. Gorgeous shops and pretty buildings in the old town. Stop for a Merendeira In a little shop ... Bread stuffed with meats and cheeses. We had jamón/queso and bacalau (cod). So good.
Nothing much bought today but it was fun to look and take lots of pics.
And a Stop for a special coffee topped with whip cream on our way out.
Dina and Carly leave after a few days. They're off to Paris for a few days before heading back home. Been so cool to have them here and experience this place together.
Mom and Fred and our fam have a few more days here. One day we head to the west coast since we have heard about more beautiful beaches with big waves and famous surfing. We go in search, take a slight wrong turn and a "shortcut" on a gravel road that goes up into the hills. Very pretty and a little odd. We come out back on the highway right after passing through a tiny village and a few minutes more to the beach. We find a side road toward the ocean that takes us to a lookout over a massive white sand beach that is empty since you can only access by boat over a river. As we take it in, 2 horses with riders in oilskin coats come galloping towards us on the beach, as if on cue. Wow.
We find another beach that is obviously a hangout for the surfers. There are quite a few here today with more watching from shore. Almost feels like a competition with all the spectators focused in. Play in the sand and waves and back in the car for lunch. Of course we find a partially hidden restaurant with authentic Portugese food and share their house special chicken. As always, so good.
Another adventure was Silves.. Where I had read there was a castle and a gorgeous old town. We found it inland in the midst of a valley, with a high hill in the middle. We're finding most castles and walked cities are built either high on a hill or on the waters edge for easier protection back in the day.
Castle was fairly plain but I still always find it interesting to look and explore. This one you could walk all the way around the high wall, but there was no railing or protection from falling on the inside.
Another day around the pool and beach, Mom and Fred leave for Lagos and an early morning train on Saturday. We pack up that night to leave Sunday back to Spain. Happy to get back to "the Spanish"
Sad to say goodbye to the folks for now. They're off to Germany to meet up with friends but they don't want to leave! So beautiful here but I'm ready to get back to Spain for sure.
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