Touch Down....Faro, Portugal...Safe and Sound

It is a trip to a far, far....FAR away place.  Across the North American continent, across the Atlantic Ocean....little, but long, layover in Gatwick Airport - London, and a three hour flight to the southern shore of Portugal.  As time works with travel, we leave Seattle about 11:00 a.m. and arrive London at 07:00 a.m. the next day, and finally arrive Faro at 3:00 p.m. which marks many many hours since last real sleep.  A 45 minute drive with Rideways, a hired car company, delivers us to the front door of Hotel Marina Rio in Lagos, Portugal.  Yes, right across the street from the marina.  Yes, in an area of Portugal known as The Algrave.

First up, put our feet up....

Second, find some dinner and explore the marina and local area.  Heads up....sardines are popular!

Here’s one of the tour boats....the high seat in the back is for the dolphin spotter...and..naturalist?

This boat is from a few years ago!  

The Portuguese tile art is prevalent everywhere in the town of Lagos. (Pronounced “LA-goosh”)

More....

This coast was once protected from enemy ships, privateers, conquering countries....pirates!?  This fort is on the shore, while 

 the town is protected by a wall.

We stop by the grocery store and find a bottle of “green wine,” some bread, cheese and of course the custard

Tarts!  Perfect for an afternoon on our little balcony that faces the marina.  Note to self:  if possible always pay the 

Extra $10 for the water view...we did by accident...and I’ll just say...WAY better than the view of the bus station!

Nothing like advice from a store window sign.  I agree!

Another night, another dinner....great fish!....

...and Great bread!

Local street art...admired by everyone...even the gulls~!

After two days of blustery weather, the sun makes a strong appearance....and we head for a four hour boat tour along this spectacular 

coast!