Albufeira—Just Hangin'

We decided not to go to Faro or Lagos, because we figured out that we'd be visiting another town pretty much like the others so getting on a bus to see an old town not that different from the others we've seen seemed unnecessary. Instead we spent Monday taking a walk around a familiar neighborhood and down to the beach where we watched some British families sunbathing and playing tag with the Atlantic waves. We thought they were insane because, although sunny, it was 63F (17C) and windy. I suppose this felt warm compared to England, but really?

Later, we spent an hour out by the pool reading; we were sheltered from the wind because the hotel wraps around the pools and tennis courts. We haven't had many of these kinds of days. One routine we look forward to is our traditional Portuguese midday meal at Pingo Doce. Took a nap after linner (i.e. lunch/dinner) and later walked to the top of the cliffs overlooking Albufeira's old town and watched the sun set while enjoying a latte at a restaurant set back from the walkway skirting the cliffs. Even though we had a relaxing day we were surprised to learn we walked 4.9 miles. I'm going to run the pedometer a few days after we get home to see if we normally walk this far over the course of a day.

Today (Tuesday, October 30th) will be rainy and cold—it's a reading, binge watching some home renovation programs, and napping day. We'll see if we can work in a few walks between downpours. Last year we were in Albufeira September 27-October 6th and we swam every day. This year we arrived October 25th, and for us, it felt like fall and we're happy about that; we'll be prepared for a Seattle re-entry.

Our last morning at Bellavista. 

Brisa Sol, a four star hotel across
the street from Bellavista.

Brisa Sol lobby.

Poolside at Brisa Sol.

Brisa Sol is a full-service hotel, but it also has a mini-kitchen
replete with dishes and utensils and cookware, a balcony,
and a huge bathroom. The table folds out and that is a micro-
wave and toaster on shelves over the table. They certainly
packed a lot in a tiny space. Don't feel like cooking? There's
always 24 hour room service. 

Salmon baked in pastry with vegetable medley for me and...

Marie had the same midday meal but with a steamed savory

cabbage side.

Yesterday we both enjoyed a traditional veal midday meal. We
really like what Pingo Doce's cafeteria cooks up fresh daily. If
we wanted, we could also have mackerel, salmon or a steak
grilled for us while we wait. We could also have a pizza made
right before our eyes if we wanted. As I said before, the Pingo
Doce cafeteria experience at their larger stores is amazing. The
traditional Portuguese dishes change daily and we have yet to
spend more than $8.50 a piece.

This shot is from our balcony. Note gray clouds. 

This mall is next door to our hotel. The Continente department
store is the anchor for this mall. Continente carries groceries
and just about anything you might need to set up a household.
Note the Pizza Hut sign. Like Bangkok, KFC and Pizza Hut are
popular here. We don't understand why anyone would eat at
this mall's food court; it's just fast food.

Our hotel from Continente parking lot. Note sky again. We
thought we'd sneak in a walk between showers.

Pingo Doce is our favorite store for lots of reasons, but the
cafeteria daily offers fresh meals at bargain prices. Mostly
locals eat here and lots of tourists are at the food court. Maybe
they don't know about Pingo Doce.

On our neighborhood walk, the sun broke out. You can see
how most of these homes are shut for the season. 

This must be a local, whether an expat retiree, or Portuguese
person, because its shutters are open. The dozen homes
surrounding it are are shuttered for the season

The clouds are coming.

Looking back to new section of Albufeira. Looks sunny.

But then...

it's everyone

running for cover.

Five minutes later. Except for the chill it could have been an
April day in Seattle.

The rest of the afternoon was rainy so we watched the Women's World Gymnastics Championships and David Attenborough's "Big Blue II" before heading over to Pingo Doce's for dinner around 6PM.

Simone Bile led the U.S. team to their 5th straight championship.

Marie had a pork and potato dish with green beans and mushrooms.

I had bacalhau cooked with cheese and onions, green beans,
and a salad.

On offer is a variety of wines

In addition to the rotating traditional Portuguese dishes, the
cafeteria offers beef, lamb chops, chicken and brats.

As I said before salmon fillets are available every day.

The same is true of the mackerel. The cook suggested I try

this sardine instead.

And there's always a variety of juices and carbonated drinks.

I didn't take a picture of the salad bar, the pizza station where a person throws the dough and makes your pizza to order, or the station where three traditional Portuguese entrees are offered.