Alive, but nonrepsonsive :0)

Monday March 21, 2016

Well, I am feeling somewhat alive today, but by no means perky. I forced myself to go out at least a couple of hours yesterday, just to see the Ave de Liberdade. It is half a block away. The scooter was delivered, so at least that is one thing that has worked out. I was awakened on Sunday morning at 8:30 by the lovely concierge saying there was a tour waiting for me. Yeah....that wasn't going to happen. I ended up sleeping until 3:30 pm. Since I hadn't really slept for the last two nights, I definitely needed it. 

I have a tour later on this afternoon. I will see how that one goes. That will decide whether I cancel one of the other tours. Everything in the hotel is a struggle, since it isn't prepared for people with disability. The staff, however, has been more than helpful and have tried to do everything they can to make it easier for me. They have gone above and beyond. 

I hope to recount my other days as soon as I can. I will have lots of time at the airport, so maybe I will be able to then. For now this is it. Wish me luck....

A short hiatus...

March 18, 2016

I am supposed to be packing and getting ready to go to Lisbon. However, yesterday I was violently ill. I won't go into the gory details, but let's say it was bad fish. I am feeling somewhat better today, but am a day behind. I wanted to go to the bank and pre-pack....so much for that. Looks like I'm just throwing everything in, hope the zipper closes, and will deal with the rest when I get to Lisbon.

Best laid plans...
I will fill in my East Algarve trip and a few other tidbits.

Stayed tuned to see how my last five days of my vacation went.

A beer and a view of the ocean

Monday March 14, 2016

I wanted to do something today, but not so much as to exhaust me for tomorrow’s last tour of the Algarve. I decided to go exploring a little farther down “The Strip”. I ran into the guy that drags people into one of the patio bars. We had had a conversation when I had a drink not long ago. He chatted me up and said, “Why don’t you go down to the beach?” I thought that was the perfect activity for today. I headed down. Well, it all was going OK until I hit some parts of the walkways that were precarious. I had a few scares. I thought I was going to topple over. Well, I made it down with the added help of some passers-by at a non-cut out in the walkway. I figured I needed a beer after that just to steady my nerves. 

I found a place (there are many along the boardwalk) and got a snack and the local superblock beer. I watched the waves break on the shore and people play on the beach. The wind was ever present, but it wasn’t too cold.

The way up the hill was not as bad, oddly enough. I decided to stay on the roadway to avoid any weird slanted spots that might cause problems. It turned out to be a good idea. The traffic was light and I had enough juice to make it up the steepest part.  Yeah!!

I headed back to the hotel for a siesta. I was going to go out for some fresh fish, but I think it will be more prudent for me to have a quiet night and get ready for my adventure tomorrow.  I have been pacing myself, but sometimes I still wish I had more energy to do more. 

Piri Piri chicken and a watercolour

Sunday, March 13, 2016

I was a little better today, but still slow moving. I was determined, however, to find the ever talked about Piri Piri chicken. I was again taking the recommendation from Miguel and going to a place just up the road from me. O Manuel do Frango.

 I was not disappointed. Wow, how do they make the chicken so juicy!  I was in heaven. I also hadn’t had chips so good since Ireland. Different cut in the potatoes, but just as good a taste. At long last I could be part of the crowd that raved about the chicken. I may just have to go back. You can only eat so much at one sitting.

I returned to my room to begin my blog and to write up the reviews for Miguel’s tours. I was in the process of typing when there was a knock on the door. I called out and it was Brigit and John, one of the couples I had befriended from Calgary. They came around to my patio so I could let them in easier. Well, of all the nice things! John is a cartoonist and created a watercolor for me about my exploits with Delfim on the side car tour! I was so taken aback. What a nice thing to do. He was impressed at how I just went out there and did things. So, lovely. I still have a smile on my face.

I hope he doesn’t mind me showing his work because I just love it.

On the down low and a Fado concert

Saturday, March 12, 2016

Well, after yesterday’s whirlwind of a tour. I was very tired and couldn’t bring myself to drag my butt farther than the patio for a short sit in the sun. I did have to cook something though since I wasn’t even up to going to the restaurant.  It was just as easy to cook some couscous and cut up a few vegetables. Piri piri chicken would have to wait until tomorrow even though I wanted to go today. As I was preparing my modest meal, I decided to find some music to listen to. I looked for some Fado music. I hadn’t yet heard a great deal of it. I found a concert on Youtube performed by a woman named Mariza.

Find the concert here...    Mariza -Fado concert

 I listened and she had an incredible voice. It is very haunting music. It made me quite emotional. It was a complete concert. So, I was serenaded as I cooked. I rather enjoyed it even though it made me melancholy and maybe even a little lonely.Mariza Fado concert

West Algarve- Lagos and Sagres

Friday, March 11, 2016

Please forgive my lag in posting this wonderful day out, but it took a day or so to recuperate from it. I had a great day. I think there was a bit of overload on the senses.

Let me start from the beginning. Once again my tour started at 10 am. Miguel loaded us up and we were off.  We headed out towards Lagos. He often takes people through Portimȃo, but since I had already seen that part we could spend more time on the farthest points of the tour.  We dove into our conversation talking about many different things related to everyday life in Portugal. I asked a few questions about the things we saw on Wednesday’s tour that I had forgotten to ask.  The countryside outside of Albufeira is beautiful. I suppose Albufeira has its own charm, but the sense of touristic endeavours clouds that in my eyes. It feels more the “pure” Portuguese lifestyle in other small communities in the south.  I like that Miguel gives me his insight on the way of life. Although as an ambassador I am sure he is still being diplomatic in many senses.

Miguel drove to a place he knew where the rocks protected the lagoons from the breakers and gave a perfect place to farm shellfish. Beyond that it was a beautiful beach. On one side you could see the city of Lagos and the other nothing, but rocks, beauty and the sea. In between it all is the constant of beaches. The only thing I am missing out on this trip is the sense of roaming along the coastline, through sand and up and around the cliffs.

We continued on our way after taking some photos and appreciating the view. I liked Lagos instantly as we approached it. I don’t know why exactly, but it was just one of those senses. The road we were on took us past the marina. I saw a nice pedestrian only shopping area with cafes and the lot. We drove a little further and parked so we could take a walk down to the old castle wall and slave market. The slave market may not be a nice thing to remember, but it was part of the history of this place and what made it what it is today.  It wouldn’t be a long stay, but I could at least get a look at the old part of Lagos. It was a sunny day and many people were at the local cafes having a coffee or a beer.  I could see myself there at another time, lounging and people watching unaware of the time or any pressing appointments.

There was no time for that now, however, we still had lunch, Sagres castle and the lighthouse to see before the end of the day. Before we made it to Sagres, Miguel wanted to show me a place where most tours don’t go and one of his favorite places. It was a viewpoint looking out to the sea. This is the money shot. What a place. As I sat and looked out I could hear the roar of the ocean as though I was on the beach below. The sheer strength and power of this fluid entity just astounds me. The hardy nature of the fisherman and the people that live by the sea is so apparent to me. I am always amazed how they survive.

We made it to the town of Sagres and found the restaurant. It wasn’t the usual one that Miguel goes to as they were doing some construction. This one was known for fresh fish as well. When we arrived, Miguel dropped me off as close to the front as he could, I got out and meandered to the stairs. One of the waiters was ready to wrangle me up those stairs to the restaurant. I do like to make an entrance. The patrons were all agog when he scooped me up and carried me, like over a threshold, to the top of the stairs.  And that’s the way you do it.  Miguel looked at what fresh fish was being offered, and being a fisherman, knew which was freshest of the offerings. I took his assessment and ordered as he prescribed. We had the Sea Breen. It was delicious and they were nice enough to hold the salt on my half of the fish. I didn’t want to be too much of a tourist, but I wish I would have filmed the server deboning the fish for me. It was like a dance. She definitely knew what she was doing.  I did manage to take one photo. I wanted to take more of the salad, potatoes, and the Couvert (cheese, olives and bread in this case), but I didn’t.  

After a relaxing lunch, the same waiter carried me down the stairs again and we were off to find a bathroom for me to use. We found one at the local supermarket. It was the typical European one with the bars coming form the back of the toilet. I saw this and luckily there was a female staff member just at the door. I am not sure what her role was in the store for all I knew she was the manager, but I asked if she could help me. In my broken Portuguese and some sign language we communicated and she helped me get up off the toilet. Thank goodness for the supermarket.

We arrived at the Sagres castle and went in to check it out. It was quite windy, but nothing as bad as I had expected. When the moniker is “the end of the earth” you expect the worst. It was breezy, but not too cold. I was still glad I had the down coat though. The castle was under a lot of construction. It looks as though they are trying to recreate more of the history of the place and represent the importance of it. It is a UNESCO site so, upgrades are expected. I am still uncertain about what I thought of it. I still have to process the day, but one lasting impression I had was how loneliness and solitude must have been a constant companion for the people that were posted here. The unceasing wind would drive most people mad.

The lighthouse was more interesting as a point of reference rather than an actual site. The landscape around it was more interesting to me and I understand why people may have thought there was nothing after this point.

It was a big day and many impressions thoughts and experiences. It was well worth the recovery time.

Monchique and Silves

Wednesday, March 9, 2016

I rose early again this morning. I had a little trouble with my alarm clock, so my sleep was disrupted. I wasn’t feeling the most refreshed and it looked overcast and the usual windy weather. I pulled myself together and got ready. I knew that by the time we were on the road it would be well worth it.

I was right of course. Our first stop was Silves. The castle is the feature of this lovely town. It is visible from the road coming in. They were smart enough to create a pull out, so that people like me could take a panoramic view of the castle.

  

We were able to find a parking spot easily and it wasn’t too far on the cobblestones to get to the castle. All in all it is a small place, but very interesting that this has so much history attached to it. They are doing a lot of archaeological digging. Whatever they find they put it on for display. There was an instillation of sculptures using the stone from the area. It was an interesting dichotomy from old and new. Most of the pieces were modernistic.  After we looked around a little, the ramparts were not accessible from what we could see, so we moved on.to our next stop.

Just a cool fig tree starting to bud...

The trip to Monchique was lovely and the roads were twisty and narrow. It was more interesting than some of the tourist areas. We climbed up and up. Unfortunately, the clouds were rolling in. Miguel said we may not be able to see the view clearly. I would take what we could get. After all, Mother Nature does what she wants. It was of course very windy on top and the view was a bit hazy. I couldn’t believe we could see practically the whole southern region of Portugal from the Spanish border to Sagres (the end of the world). Absolutely amazing. Miguel pointed out the towns we had already been through and where Albufeira was. It gave great perspective. The photo does not do it justice. In the foreground, many people created little rock statues much like Inukshuks, as an offering. 

Rest day before the next tour.

Tuesday, March 8, 2016

Today I spent my day on my deck sunning and soaking up the heat. After freezing/sweltering all in the same hour yesterday, my body didn’t know where to turn. I was a little tired from my adventure in Old town. I want to be perky for the tour to Silves and Monchique tomorrow.

Out side my room...ahh warmth!

Notice my Elmo slippers...

Old town- Albufeira

 Monday March 7, 2016

Tunnel to the sea side.

Today, I spend another 18€ on the red bus tour. Can you believe this is the only affordable mode of transportation in the area for a scooter? If you had a manual wheelchair there are taxis, but not for my monster. Anyway, it works. I took the bus and got off at the east town square. I only had about 1.5 hours to look around. I think I got the highlights. It is a beautiful beach and lots of eateries. Then there are the usual tourist shops. I’m not much for shopping, so wasn’t too caught up with all that. I could see on a nice sunny hot day hanging out people watching and having a beverage. As it was, it was freezing in the wind and sweltering where there was shelter. Canada does not have the monopoly on strange weather. 

I wasn’t quite sure what I was supposed to be seeing. Some people said they spent 4 hours roaming around. I must be missing something. Happy hour is very big here. As I said to a friend, there are more pubs here than in all of Britain, it seems.  I am sure you can guess some people’s pastime when coming here.

If only it was hot....

On Mondays, the museum of Archaeology isn’t open, so that was one thing I may go back to see. I don’t know how big it is, but I am sure it will be more educational about the area than the local pub. Ha-ha. I had a coffee and a snack and by that time I had to go back to get the bus home. It was enough. People watching can be done wherever, whenever.

When I got back to the Vila, I had a drink with some of the Canadians I have met. We chatted about our adventures. I chatted with a few other people before I headed back into the room to chill out before bed time. Booze is so cheap here. A glass of wine (full) is 1.35 €. I wish I were still a drinker…

Yes, that is a winter coat!

Sunday relaxation

Sunday, March 6, 2016

This ‘touristing‘ is exhausting… Today is just a day for some down time. I wasn’t feeling up to much and so that’s what I did.  I made some food, hung out, even found a little sun in the gale force winds…

That's it for today!

Red bus sight seeing tour of Albufeira

Friday, March 4, 2016

Let's go once around the circuit. It was a freezing day here. The wind was a harsh northern one coming in and making it just that miserable. I was determined not to hunker down… that is for the times I am at home. So, I bundled up and put my hood up and waited for the red bus at the local’s bus stop. People are very curious, but not unfriendly. I just keep smiling. I am a tourist after all and I, like millions of others, stick out like a sore thumb. I have come to realize that this is definitely the tourist zone. Everyone speaks English or another EU language. More about that later, back to the red sightseeing bus.

I turn the corner and there I see the red bus already waiting. My timing is bad and I just miss it.  Ah well, what do I have but time. So, I decide to wait for the next one. People watching is great fun. If only that damn north wind would stop blowing, the sun would be wonderful.

Finally, I see it, and I motion for it to stop. The bus driver was very nice and attached the ramp. This is not the handy dandy auto ramps. This sucker is manual. It really tested my driving as there were two narrow ramps clipped on to the bus. I had to get both my front (not so bad) and the back (harder) wheels lined up. All this from a very narrow road side pull out with a bus shelter to boot. Don’t laugh, I managed it like a pro. I had to laugh at the inside of the bus thought, the space for the wheelchair was 48” long, but only about 36” wide with no aisle to manoeuver.  There were 4” step ups to the seats and the aisle was 12” across if that. I felt like a sardine. (Which is appropriate for this area since it is well known for the fresh sardines in August. There is a festival and everything :0)

We were off . I decided once around the circuit would be easier. I would go again and get off at Old Town next time. It still is the cheapest way for me to go since a cab would cost me 60 euros. (See Monday February 29 for the reason)  The audio was helpful. I don’t think I would understand why the route was of significance if I hadn’t listened. I would have liked to go see some of the refuge areas where there were

cormorants and other sea birds, but of course was a bit too much for one day.  I need the trailrider….

My day ended with a very strong cocktail (Malibu and fruit juices. I am not sure of the ratio) and a dinner of grilled squid and mussels. All in all a good effort for a mellow day. It will be an early night. Tomorrow is a tour day.

Day trip to Loule market and beyond.

Saturday, March 5, 2016

My trip to Loulé, Alte and the Panorama of a Tibetan Monastery started early today. Miguel my driver was going to be here at 10 am, so I got up at 8 to get ready. Sure enough he was right on time. We got the scooter in the van. We got me in the van. We were off.  Of course, it was crazy busy in Loulé because it was market day (the reason we were going). Miguel drove round and round trying to find a parking spot for the van. Finally, after searching awhile, we found a spot. We got the scooter out and I had some death defying swerves and driving so not to get hit. We had to go on the road since the cut outs are somewhat random. I wasn’t worried. I was driving defensively.

 The market was huge. I didn’t bother going into the gypsy flea market. I wanted to go where the farmers and the fish market was. We only had so much time and some of that was taken up by the parking fiasco. I loved the locals. It was chaos, but a lot of fun. I got some produce and local ingredients. There were almonds, almond paste animals (marzipan), dates, honey, olives. The fresh fish was fantastic, but I only have limited things to cook with so I opted to buy the small clam like shellfish (Amȇijoas) that are common here. They were delicious, if somewhat salty. I think it was just how I cooked them.

                                              

After finding the van again, Miguel drove me to a lovely little town called Alte. I guess it is supposed to be the most Portuguese looking town, architecturally. Well, after Albufeira I can see why. It is idyllic and on season would be nice to hang out at. As it was, we are here off season and there wasn’t much open. It was nice to see something a little more authentic though.

                                                                                                                                               

                                     

                                         Walk along the promenade in Alte

Our last stop was to be a high ridge where some Tibetan monks set up a retreat. They picked it for its spiritual feeling and being able to charge one’s Karma. The view was spectacular. Miguel says that on a clearer day we could discern the ocean from the sandy beaches. As it was, I could see the outline on the horizon. Once again the damn wind was freezing. It was after all at an elevation of 600 meters.

                                   

A hazy panoramic...doesn't do it justice.

 You wouldn’t think 4 hours is long, but I am beat. I still have to cook my clams tonight. It will be all I can do not to drop off in my bowl of Amȇijoas and pasta…

A little snack and a nap before supper.

"The Strip" - not club....

Thursday, March 3, 2016

Exploring the strip a little… As in every tourist town, there is “The Strip” where you go for booze and food all in a few blocks. It is the same everywhere and not of interest to me as such, but I stopped to have a cocktail. After all, I am on holidays. I tried the local pastry shop, but I think I can find better. I wasn’t blown away by it. Today I just wanted to get out a little and see the area near the hotel and people watch. Not a big day, but that’s OK too.

First day trip via motorcycle and sidecar

Wednesday, March 2, 2016

The boys! :0)

It was an early morning. 6:30 am and the alarm went off. I peeled myself out of my warm cozy blanket to find the freezing stone floor beneath my feet. The only thing driving me on was the knowledge that I would have a great day with wind blowing in my hair and new scenes to be witnessed.

For this tour I had to meet my guide at the town 30 minutes away. I had ordered a cab the day before. The cabs here have to be called or you risk finding one that is not legitimate or you can find a taxi rank which is also regulated. My cab drive Paolo was great. He and I had a great chat making the ride seem like nothing. He was an ex-military man with many interesting stories. When we arrived at Portimão, neither one of us was sure we were in the right place. He was nice enough to stick around and make sure I found my tour guide Delfim.  He used his cabbie network to find Delfim’s cousin, who could track him down. None of this time was charged to me. I gave him a few extra bucks both ways because it ended up being cheaper than I first thought anyway. It turns out we were in the right place all along, my guide was running late due to a rough night with his sick 2 ½ year old.

The two boys wrestled me into the sidecar and we were off. We went to all the places we could go without having to get out and walk to the sights. There were a few like this, but I didn’t feel I missed anything and Delfim was a wealth of knowledge. It turns out he is an architect. So, not only did I get the information on the vast history (Roman, Moorish, Arabic) and features of the major buildings in the area, but I got my plug in about accessible buildings.  He actually brought up the subject, but I was happy to give him my impressions.

It was a 2.5 hour tour and what a beautiful day. The air was still a bit crisp when we were full throttle, but still comfortable. When we arrived back to the starting point, there was Paolo waiting as we had arranged (made it very easy to get back to the hotel) He had kept my walker in his cab. It went seamlessly. We were off to Albufeira again.  I was a little sun burnt and tired from the early morning. It was a good tired. When I got home I made a little snack and then had a nap. Ahhh! Holidays are good.

Tonight I am a pooped puppy. All I managed was to cook some supper and catch up on my writing. I reviewed my photos and was pretty happy with them. Here are just a few highlights below. Still the wrong dates! mmmm.

Picture of the old fish market and behind the bridge made from scraps of the Eiffel tower.

Picture of the church center most of the town.

Picture of some enigmatic building. They are not positive of the usage.Thought to be of Moorish influence.

 

Organizing and prepping for the first day trip

Tuesday, March 1, 2016

 I had a low key day today. I know I have to get up before the sun is up tomorrow, so I am getting everything prepared today.  I can just get up, get dressed, have a quick bite and go wait for my cab in the lobby.  I made a lunch and put in some extra clothes since I don’t know what the weather will be where I am going in Portimão. We will be exposed, so it’s always good to have an extra layer. Even though it is 18 degrees the wind still has bite to it. It actually snowed just north of here. Very strange weather here too.

Not an exciting day, but sat in the sun and had a nice snack of crepes. I chatted with the neighbours as I mostly do at some point. I run into people I have talked to before. Luckily they don’t require me to remember their names. It was just nice soaking up the sun. Somehow the date is wrong on these pictures...oh well.

Rough day…tomorrow will be better.

Monday February 29, 2016

Well, the fatigue hit. It was a rough start to the morning. I got stuck on the toilet… Well, I am sure the front desk staff wasn’t expecting their day to start rescuing guests from the lavatory, but there it is. Luckily the man that was dropping off my aide had arrived and the staff was trying to contact me.  It all worked out in the end. That’s one way to be remembered. Leave it to me, right! :0) I took it easy for the most part.

I wanted to go get groceries. That was the main focus and the only thing I would have energy for. This is when I found out that the only accessible van in the Albufeira area was based out of Faro (30 min away) and would cost me 60 euros. Yeah, that’s not going to happen.

I am so glad I booked the day trips with someone who already has transport. Look at me being all organized.  Anyway, so I was off on an adventure with the scooter to go to the supermarket. Many of my fellow compatriots were also going. I met some of them at the market and they were nice enough to haul my groceries back for me. They were taking a cab and were happy to help. Such nice people. I managed it without being run over. Some of the sidewalks don’t have cut outs, so it was a bit of a guessing game where to go so I didn’t get stuck and have to back track. I guessed pretty well.  Some of the route I just stayed to the side of the road and that was safe as far as not hitting road blocks, but some people do drive a little nuts. I was impressed that many moved over to get around me. I was cautious though, driving like I was in a car.  

The shopping was fun. There was so much to choose from. I was a little overwhelmed. I picked up enough for 5 days or so. I knew I was going to the Loulé market on the weekend, so could pick up more fruit and veggies there.  The cheese, oh lord, the cheese! Two aisles!  But, I digress. I went to bed early. It was enough adventure for me for one day. Tomorrow is another.

Happy Birthday to Me!

February 28.2016

First days here after a long 2 days of travelling. I wasn’t feeling too tired today, but still kept it low key because I knew it would hit tomorrow. I had an orientation session with Exotik tours. I didn’t realize they also offered day trips.  Another thing my travel agent didn’t mention. What was her job again?  Anyway, I sat in and even though I already had my accessible day tours booked, there was some informative items she mentioned. The main one was where to shop and how to orient oneself to the area. 

I had a lovely meal for my birthday in the resort. The food here is very good and I could ask for low sodium options. I had shrimp cocktail as an appetizer and swordfish for the main meal. It was very good.  I chatted with fellow guests, many of who are from Calgary or Edmonton. They all know my name. I guess I am a little visible. I hear, “Hi Cecile!” several times a day and since I have met about 40 people, I don’t know who everyone is. I just say hello back. I did warn them I may not remember their names.