(Trying to finish this bit before I have to start our 2013 Mexico Trip posts!--we leave in less that two weeks)
Our wake up call early enough--at about 3:45 AM if I recall correctly.
Down in the lobby at 4:10 we joined quite a large group waiting for the shuttle which ran every 15 minutes. We were cutting things a bit fine a bit fine as we thought an hour before flight time would be enough time at this time of morning, our flight was due to depart at 5:30!
By the time the bus waited around for late arrivals it was almost 4:30 by the time we left the hotel. We arrived at the airport to find a very busy departure lounge. Fortunately we travel with out checked baggage and were able to use the automated boarding pass system and when one of the officials spotted Art's stick he opened another lane and we bypassed at least 30 people in line for security!
Then the computer and liquids had to be inspected, belt removed (happily Art was able to keep his pants held up); we finally had everything back together and set off for the gate. We loaded and took off on time and arrived in Germany for our plane change for Portugal.
So much for being easier in Europe: We have never seen such an unorganised mess. Art had asked for wheel chair assistance since the long walk between gates is difficult and slow for him. This meant however that since the cart couldn't negotiate the stairs we could not use the intransit area and had to leave the secure area and go back through security once again--at the other end of the airport! We then had to catch a bus (waiting especially for us) and driven airside around, it seemed, three sides of the airport runways back to the side we had started from. We pulled up to the plane which had had the ramp retracted already and was ready to pull away! The bus driver said "Oh Oh!" and went to talk to the ground crew. A few minutes later the stairs were pushed back in place and we were allowed to board.
We took off a bit late but were able to make up time and landed in sunny Faro at 9:45.
We picked up the rental car without any fuss and set off for the freeway north. We managed to miss a turn or two--detours! Then at one point we relised it would be easier to back up a few feet that go around. . . . and Art couldn't find how to put it in reverse! No owner's manual, but after a bit of fiddling around discovered that there was a lever to lift on the stickshift.
The toll freeways were interesting; like the one in Ireland they made full use of transponders and our rental was so equipped. Unlike in Ireland however, we didn't have to worry about how to pay; Avis entered our VISA information and our credit card was charged the correct amount as we passed under transponders! Toll booths at 120 Km/H ! There was one small area to the side where you could stop and pay if your vehicle did not have a transponder.
We headed west on the A22, making a lunch stop as quick tour around of town of Lagos wandering around in and near this area. The street view doesn't seem to cover where we parked or ate our lunch but it was just a bit up the hill from the street view link. Here are a few photos of the area, our lunch stop was the pasteleria on the left.
Lunch was a beer and a cruji coque, similar to a pizza with a hard crust. Note the cutting tool supplied! Very good.
Part of the old City Wall, on the way back up the hill to the car park.
Then onwards to Salema, where we were lucky to find on street parking in front of the Hotel Residencial Salema. Close to the beach and great restaurants, and the deciding factor; it had an elevator!
We stayed here three days, made a good dent in local restaurants, could have happily done a few more.
We both agree that Lorenzos had the best food. The fish of the day menu was interesting!
We were told that their cataplana was the best anywhere and we certainly had to agree.
To say that cataplana is a fish stew is like saying that Crepes Suzette are pancakes.
Another night at another recommended restaurant and were lucky enough to get a table without having a reservation. This time we tried a seafood pasta dish and again very were pleased. We also about this time began to fall in love with the local vino verde, a young white sometimes frissante wine.
On the way back to the hotel we stopped to watch some young boys playing. It might just have been the vino but we found it very funny!
We detoured into our hotel bar when we noticed it was quite busy. At the bar, enjoying another glass of vino verde, Art commented on the bar towel. He was glad he did because a gentleman sitting around the corner heard him and bought him a Jameson! We went over to join them for an enjoyable hour or so and a few more drinks the up to bed.
For now I've posted this photo here since it was on the notebook, which I find hard to type on. It was taken near the end of our Portugal trip in the town of Tavira. I'll add more text later when I log on from the laptop.
More to come.
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