Travels with Louise-Adios Portugal

This is serious!

Our time loomed dreadfully short so we wanted one more overnight trip all the way south to Cap Vincente the western tip of the coast where the ocean meets the Mediterranean Sea. Once more "over the ponte" then south taking a detour through the Serra da Arbabida. Much like the AmalfiCoast in Italy. Then there was the glorious beach of Praia, Porto Covo. Coffee time again and we saw a Pousada sign at Santicago. It's a good idea to stop at all the Pousasas you see if only to have coffee as each is beautiful and unique. This is a small one covered with Wisteria and other flowers so we sat on a terrace and relaxed. The scents were like perfume.

We took Rick Steve's suggestion and looked for tiny Salema on the sea-the ladies were trying to rent us a room but we couldn't get parked and couldn't turn around so we ended in figuieris a choice of Ricks also but not directly on the water. Still it was owned by English ex-rats and the room was huge with a bed at each end and a small sitting room. There were beautiful gardens and giant fish pond 5500 scudes so we grabbed it. We then left to explore Sagres and the lighthouse plus Henry the Navigator's School. Many fearless explorers left from here.

They fish from above.

The wind swept Cabo de St.Vincente is at the tip, rising

200ft. above the sea. This is a sheer drop to the ocean but there are fishermen sitting on the edge with lines dropping all the way down. Scary! We read in one guide book to take all the dirt roads just north of these cliffs if you like a thrill. Magic words and Dean luckily was driving. I think of myself as fearless but I was happy to have a grab bar as these tiny roads were beyond steep and I was hanging on. Dean of course laughing all the way. We did three of these, all ending at lovely beaches which one had a tiny snack shack so we had an ice cream. Enough excitement for now! This entire area is terrific. As soon as you pass Salem it becomes the Algarue and is tourist heaven all along the sea until you reach Spain. I had seen the Algarue before and never realized all that Portugal has to offer. Both of us were ready to move! In our dreams!

We took Ricks advice and back in Salema we ate at the Atlantico and it was great. right on the water and all fresh. I love the European custom of lengthy enjoyable meals. We Americans miss a lot by always rushing everything.

After our yummy dessert and wine we walked along the beach watching the waves for quite awhile knowing we would never return.

At last we found our B and B and took our showers and relax in the sitting room talking over our adventures. There was around 16-18 feet between beds and we lay there for and hour, wide awake. Neither of us had ever been anywhere so silent. No sound at all. No birds, dogs, fans, waves. We simply couldn't sleep! I asked Dean, "are you awake?" It was funny so we had more conversation, eventually falling asleep.

In the morning we drove to Lagos and saw some of the famed rocky coast but the row of hotels and tourists in their shorts and sun hats drove us away-we went up the mountain road to Monchique with enchanting views and a parking lot full of vendors with the wonderful sweaters made here and wool slippers, plus many attractive bargains, Dean chose two sweaters-only twenty dollarsover here seventy-five plus with the Euro many bargains are gone but if you venture off main roads there are enormous pottery factories. For want of a better word and we collected our last treasures, then took 123 to Odemira to reacn the N4 back to Lisboa and Cais-Cais, a long beautiful drive. We are ready to move to Portugal! Dream on! The Euro money is pooring in fast and changes will occur. This was the richest country in Europe for many years-stemming from exploration. They owned two thirds of Africa, all of Brazil, the entire trade of herbs and spices

from Asia. The history is exciting but you need a whole book to believe all that was accomplished. We stopped in Estoril again at the Chinese place where you ring to get in. Great choice. This is the best Chinese food ever-made to order. Portugese would not tolerate buffets. Then we walked around this rich town-I bought a few good cds to add to my collection.

The next day we drove the Guincho Coast once more to Sintra and went through the amazing colorful Sintra Palace De Pena. There's nothing to compare. Decided to visit Ericeira for the last time and eat at "Tatu" delish food is one of Portugal's joys.

The door was shut! Dean knocked on the door until the owner came and told us it was a private party. As we didn't understand a word, we walked in and Jose politely sat us away from the celebration and we had our last wonderful dinner there. He understood and we apologized. All was fine. Genuine hospitality is given here.

Our last day was spent returning the fun car, packing the new possessions. I left my books, most clothes etc. to make room-the cab took us to the airport and we were off. We hope to visit the Ecqvador again-it's a ideal. Said our tearful goodbyes in Newark-too sad!

Where will I see you next week? Your choice.