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.