Such a nice day that plans have been changed and we are off to the beach (Praia do Ancão) a mere 6 km away.
Unfortunately the beach restaurant “The bold Octopus” was closing down for the season and therefore not opening at lunchtime as they were due to host a charity event later in the afternoon.
So after a drive around we are back at the Clubhouse for a drink and a sandwich.
Very relaxing afternoon at the villa and get ready to go out for dinner. I believe there will be 11 of us around the table.
Will go and explore the western Algarve region when I am ready and finished my morning tea.
We head off west and in no time at all we are in Albufeira. First stop is in the shopping mall where all the Xmas decorations are up.
Then we head for the old town centre. Almost got stuck with the car in a very small street which abruptly ended in a cul de sac. Turning the car around is a bit of a challenge. Difficult to find a parking spot in the old town and we end up at the top of a steep hill and walk down to the main street for a spot of lunch.
I am not too impressed with Albufeira, it is very much a tourist town and if I may say so not too well off tourists. The grey weather and the few drops of rain does not help.
We walk up, with difficulty, back to the car and head for Portimão. I follow ocean sailing races and this place is a regular stop before the boats race across the Atlantic. I am hoping to see nice things in the marina.
Photo from the web
Unfortunately the weather is getting worse and we head back to the villa in Quinta do Lago. It is not long before we are back in the Club House and the bar where we meet most of the gang. Four of them (2 cars) are heading back to France the next day.
On the way home I bump into 2 other friends who insist I go to their villa for a cocktail.
Not sure at what time I got home and straight to bed
Off to the shopping malls and outlets before lunch.
I might have a glass of wine (or more) at lunch time so it is sensible to order a taxi / Uber to get to the restaurant where we are to meet up with L & C.
Very pleasant lunch, seafood 🦞 for me
The ride back was in an Uber and the driver French Portuguese. Bumped into some of the gang heading to the Club House so I joined them for a drink.
A nap back at the villa and a very quiet evening is the plan.
But of course plans are there to be changed and therefore it was back at the Clubhouse for a few drinks 🍸 and watch a salsa 💃 demonstration.
The sun is shining yet again this morning. Taking it easy for the time being. A slow start of the day so to speak. It is holiday time after all.
Went to the British shop to replenish on a few items. We even bought a Christmas Pudding and other sweet things. One of the Carcassonne gang who drove to here will have to take that in their car to bring back to France.
But for the time being it is relaxation time on our terrace. It will be soon time to go to lunch.
It is a very pleasant 25’ walk alongside a couple of golf courses.
Late start this morning, possibly too much whisky last night. No plans for today at the moment. The sun is shining so it might be worth spending as much time as possible outside.
Decided to go and explore Faro. On the way there we stopped at the fish market to get something to eat for the evening.
Followed by a coffee and a walk along the beach front.
It is only a few miles to Faro. We could not resist stopping at the large shopping mall on the way. A couple of purchases were made.
Further on and the town centre where we found a convenient car park and continued on foot. I was not too impressed with the old town. I doubt I shall come back there.
We got back to the resort by 4pm, no time to hang around
A slight head ache this morning which is not surprising due to the number of cocktails which were drunk yesterday afternoon and evening.
It is a beautiful and sunny day so I think a lot of walking to discover the area is a must. But before that, it is time go to the next town’s supermarket which basically serves the mostly British 🇬🇧 population living or holidaying here.
Back to the Four Seasons Resort for a small bite of lunch and a rest sitting outside.
Time to go for a walk. It takes only a few minutes to reach sea.
Excellent walk with a pleasant pit stop in the middle.
The evening Apéro started very early as we had to celebrate S.. obtaining her French 🇫🇷 nationality that day.
It was followed by diner a few miles away in our case and back to A..’s villa for a few more drinks and cocktails whilst waiting for the last couple to arrive from Carcassone after delays with their flight.
I cannot really remember what time we walked home for a couple of night caps. Needless to say I slept well.
This year we are off to Portugal 🇵🇹 and to be precise in the Algarve in south of the country. There we are staying with some friends arriving on the same day. Quite a few other friends are staying in the resort at the same time so it might prove very interesting indeed.
I do it my way 