The Simple Side of Portugal

The view from where I am uploading this from... in the words of Borat, "I Like..."

For our second day in Portugal, we spent the bulk of the day relaxing at our resort and "taking sun" as our Italian friends like to say.  I'm not sure why the verb TAKE has so many meanings to European English-speakers, but I get what they mean!  (Although the best story was when Christie was asked when she would, 'take a child.'  That's kid-napping... literally!)

The view in front of the hotel overlooking the beach.

In the evening, we wanted to get a taste of "non-resort" Portugal, so we jumped in the car and drove an hour west to what was once the end of the known world.  On a rocky outcropping near Sagres, Portugal, we saw the last point of land before the Atlantic swallows up the earth.  It was here in the middle ages that all the famous explorers would set off.  It was a sweeping view, although WINDY to say the least!

Modern Explorer

Sunset over Europe's last lighhouse

After watching the sun drop, we headed to Rick Steves' favorite city on the coast, tiny Salema.  It is a fishing village about 15 minutes east of Sagres, and boasts a handful of restaurants, hotels, and tourists.  The city itself lies on a sideroad WELL off the beaten path, and is worth a visit if you want to slow down your pace of life.  We arrived around 9pm, just in time to enjoy a wonderful dinner in the warm twighlight.  (If you go, the restaurant ATLANTICO is the best spot!) 

Twighlight in Selema

The colorful restaurant Atlantico

We sat just steps from the crashing waves, and were treated to great recommendations from our waiter, Javier.  He selected a local vino verde (green wine!) for us, that was sweet with a hint of bubbles.  Green wine is a regional specialty, and was the perfect complement to Sea Bass (yes, you Mr. Stolz!) caught earlier that day.  Honestly, one of the best things about eating seafood in Europe is the unique "point to the exact fish you want and we serve it whole" experience.  Christie went with Larry the fish, and was glad she did!

Christie and Larry

Fishing boats just steps from the restaurant, and ready to catch tomorrow morning's meal

Before departing Portugal, I woke up early on our 3rd day to watch the sunrise over Albufeira.  It was a spectacular scene, as Portuguese cities are very lazy in the morning (usually the first restaurants don't open until around 9), and for over an hour I was the only one wandering the white-walled streets.  It was an experience I will always remember, as you could just sense the stillness in the air and the crisp sound of waves crashing in the distance.

Sunrise over Albufeira

3 doors down.

Every good church needs a cleaning from time to time...

We're now trading in our Obrigados for Gracias, as we depart Portugal for the 4 hour drive west to the Costa Del Sol of Spain and the small village of Nerja.  Report soon!

~ J. Twice