Picturesque
Portugal
Photo Gallery and postcards
The interior of Portugal was so much like Australia especially where they had as many eucalyptus trees as we do, I felt right at home. But the rest of it was unique with it's exquisite architecture and and mosaic paths. Lisbon offered us some great entertainment and Fatima was special because of the 3 children's sighting of the Virgin Mary's apparition. Cascais had decidedly French influence and I was very taken with the town.
We travelled through other places which unfortunately I have long forgotten their names not being vigilant in keeping a day to day diary. Once we reached Albufera in the Algarve where we spent most of our time my memory is very clear.
The Montichello Hotel where we stayed was close to most things and we were able to walk to the beach and town although the paths were cobbled and like glass and very slippery. That put on some great entertainment for which I was mostly the star! Not good at keeping my footing at the best of times.
After spending time looking around we thought a trip to the information centre was in order and found a jeep safari that took us into the interior. What a ride! We were warned we wouldn't see any wild animals but after a stop at a local winery, pink elephants were certainly on the agenda! It was very dusty along the road and I think only the whites of our eyes were showing at the end of the trip but I wouldn't have missed it for quid's.
A
lunch break with the traditional delicious Portuguese chicken complete
with a swimming area was very welcome. We had a wonderful day despite
the fact a comb wouldn't even go through our hair because of the dust,
so be aware if you ever decide to do this. I do recommend it though it
really was worth it and you got off the beaten track to see lovely villages.
Later a river cruise was decided on and one of the best decisions we made. As we travelled up the river we had Spain on one side and Portugal on the other. The crew made sure we were entertained and although it was fairly sedate going up it certainly changed tempo coming back! We had lunch at a lovely place like a villa all greenery and gardens, very nice indeed! So after we had a few ice breakers and everybody started to get to know each other the trip back was pretty rowdy and so much fun. Childish games were played like musical chairs as one does when a little under the weather but so hilarious, well it was at the time!!
The crew made sure the tempo stayed up by plying us with the ever flowing
wine.
So all in all it was a trip to remember or forget which ever way you like
to look at it. I think a couple of South Africans will never be allowed
to forget!
One thing I have noticed during our travels in Europe that nobody seems
to be inhibited, the beaches were full of topless girls and old men in
thongs, (just our luck).
The cork trees were fascinating, its strange how you see the product of these things on a daily basis but never realise what goes into making them.
Our time in Portugal eventually came to it's end but we came home with
a wealth of information and memories of lovely people and beautiful places.