Quinta Praia Alvor

... last day in Luz proves to be flat in terms of surf and we decide just to float til sunset, when weºll head to the Bull for the magnificent view there at that time of day, followed by a yummy dinner in Luz (Lymºs night off from slaving at the stove). Our last night in Portugal, so time for a typical dish portugesio stylee....

»»»apologies for lack of pics, we hope to upload either in Granada or La Manga.....«««««

... we can, particularly of Praia de Bordeira. About 50km south of Odeceixe and we arrive in Lagos, one of the major Algarve tourist destinations. We arre initially overwhelmed by the size of the place (we really have been living in areas with low populationo density) and by the number of Brits abroad, but soon gain our bearings, checking out the surf (looks good!) and decide its time for us to have a night on the town, including a meal out (our ...

... above the river Odeceixe which runs out to the Atlantic. This was an idyllic location and though the tide was all wrong to surf, we parked up on the river bank within sight of the ocean: an absolutely fantastic location which was all ours complete with open fire. We commented on how different the Portuguese attitude is to free camping; its almost part of their constitution!

... t the most inspiring town, and after two days its time to move on.The kiwis have a plan, they've got a hostel lined up, and a group of friends meeting them, so why not?

A two hour bus ride to Lagos was longer than expected, as we got off the bus we met up with Kirsten another traveler who was staying at the same hostel. Together we all walked to "The Rising Cock" hostel, the clever name suggesting that I perhaps was not its ...

... put it in the pans to rise again"
"do I have to knock it down, or knead it?"
"no, no, just put it in the pans"
It is obvious to me that she has taught herself how to make bread.

Breakfast at the Quinta is a simple buffet; cheese, orange juice, meats, and Daniella's home-made bread. It costs 13 Euros.

Today I am planning my escape.

The ridiculous cost of meals here is justified by the remote location. They really, truly, feel hopelessly remote here. This ...

... the kingdom of Dom Manuel I, the headland already had a beacon kept lit all night by the Capuchin friars. With a range of 95 kilometers, the present-day lighthouse is one of the most powerful in Europe. From the fortress of Sagres a panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean is unforgettable.

Night show at Hotel Algarve Casino was spectacular. The dancers and the light show were truly unforgettable.

... it was pretty tame until one of the toreadors almost got trampled by one of the bulls, the dude was lucky they dulled the tip of the bulls horns.


http://picasaweb.google.com /Jonny.D.Lawrence/20091016Albufeira?aut hkey=Gv1sRgCImA4oCXitDO5AE&feat=dir ectlink

... there, he was hilarious and exactly like a euro version of an American beach bum.
We also went to check out the lagoon, I got out for a couple tacks, the wind was super light and I crashed my kite and it deflated... fun. I had to walk my kite back through shallow water ...

... not "surfers" but we we’re much less scared of getting tossed by the big waves this time. We also came to the conclusion that it maybe wasn’t us that, but that it’s the size of the board that was hindering our performance....

http://picasaweb.google.com/Jonny.D .Lawrence/20091011Sagres?authkey=Gv1sRg CMmMtI7egbGKvAE&feat=directlink

... to check out a restored church that features some unique architectural designs common to the area. Unfortunately it was locked (strange for Sunday) so we couldn't go in, but the externals feature numerous tiny windows and doors to supplement the main light sources, plus a skewed, off-centreline entrance and curiously exposed corner brickwork ...