Dull it has not been, the weather has improved although typically we have had visitors and the rain and clouds come but apart from that the days are longer and the sun is higher in the sky and getting stronger.  It really is very pleasant.  Its hard to believe that we are now starting to think about our plans for the journey home.  The rally has reduced substantially in size, lots of gaps have appeared giving us a much better out look.  Unfortunately we have waved goodbye to some very nice new friends the upside is we have learnt loads and will surely meet up again in the future.

On a warm chilled day we decided to take advantage of the sun trap on the balcony of the bar.  The view is great it looks out over the pools, the campsite and the beautiful villas on the hills around the site.  The villas have fascinated us as they have appeared empty but the overnight annoying dog barking seems to come from them.  We are told that having a “guard” dog in the garden helps with house insurance premiums.  As an aside I am flabbergasted that the dogs are still present, they have been the one thing that has become tiresome.  They bark all night, I say they because its not just one, its a yappy thing, a butch thing and something that grates like a scratch down a chalk board. Our poor guests have all endured the nightly chorus.  We have often heard “I love dogs but could easily shoot those ones”.  Obviously no one we know would do that but I am in favour of getting someone to take them in at night and give them a bed and a love.  The deafening silence at night would be very welcome.

Back to the bar and enjoying the view! My daydream over my cold very nice beer was broken by Denise enquiring as to where I thought the four individuals run/walking up the hill were going?  Maybe for a walk? Back to day dreaming…. Daydream broken…..if they were on a walk why had they not appeared either side of the tree blocking the view of them.  I guessed I should pay attention now. We watched these naughty people who had ruck sacs on climb over a wall into the garden of a very nice villa, we waited for the guard dog with a little bit too much excitement on the outcome of that meeting but it didn’t happen.  We both sensed that this was not as it should be so Denise popped off to the bar to ask them to call the Police.  The police attended quickly and treated us to a real life cops and robbers show.  Two of the naughty people minus their ruck sacs were seen running down the garden climbing over the wall and hot footing it back down the hill followed by the Portuguese boys in blue/green.  Oh it was exciting especially when another one made a run for it and he/she was followed by a couple of pretty quick crime fighters. What a result, nicely and perceptively rounded off by “See, I knew they weren’t just out for a walk”.

We welcomed our lovely friends Tracey and Gill and got to spend nearly four days with them.  It was a shame about the weather but that has never and didn’t stopped us from having a great laugh over a few glasses of sangria at our now favourite haunt overlooking the sea in Albufeira.  The Louisiana does great food, great service and has a nice sea view, we t

ake Jarjar’s blanket, he gets given a bowl of water and we are set for, well for however long our fancy takes us. Apart from “having” to eat / drink at the Louisiana if you visit us and are here on a Thursday night your are obliged to join our quiz team, T & G were with us on a Thursday and were worthy additions to our team and we managed a creditable joint 4th with no cheating.

It really was great to see our friends.Over the next couple of weeks we are going to do some road trips to check out the west coast and a little inland.  Just a few as we want to save some things to do next winter.

We have been to Portimao and Lagos and enjoyed both but it has to be said beaches is the place the three of us love most.

It’s been great learning about Portugal, enjoying the culture and people.  Something that has hit home with us is the provision of emergency services.  I think I am right in saying there is a small state funded Fire and Rescue Service, that clearly is not adequate and to supplement the service a group of special people become “Bombeiros voluntarios”. These Bombeiros work solely via donations, their equipment and the maintenance of it is only possible as a result of the funds they receive.  We have heard some sad stories about the lack of basic equipment they have and we have heard some great stories of people providing essential equipment to them to help them continue in their selfless work. During rally events there have been collections for the “Bombeiros voluntarios” of Albufeira the rally does this every year and we have been more than willing to contribute.  The campsite and the franchised restaurant also actively support the “Bombeiros voluntarios” every year they hold an event in aid of them.  This year it was an afternoon “pig roast” with a DJ and a great raffle.  As with most of these events the drink was included in the 8 euro fee and open to everyone.  The event was well attended, in excess of 400 people with the UK Portuguese Ambassador (Mrs Kirsty Hayes) joining in the fun with the Major of Albufeira.  The event raised nearly 2000 euros.

Fortunately before the party got really started Mrs Hayes and her hosts left.  The results of endless beer, sangria and wine began to rear its head and spectacle of Grandad and Grandma dancing appeared. It must have been a good do, we joined in for a little disco dancing.  I don’t like to be unkind but watching people from all nationalities, all sizes, with and without impairment is the funniest thing.  There are those who you think this one is gonna be able to throw some great moves only to be given a display of left foot follows left foot, lip sync’ing to another song and generally rhythmless.  Then someone shuffles onto the dance floor, stick in hand and the limp you have seen them with over the past three months disappears and they turn into John Travolta.  Not content with that they then hotfoot it with their new found mobility to the karaoke machine and do a fine rendition of Sweet Caroline.  The following day – sticks required two!

The reason the Ambassador left early was not politeness, this event took pace yesterday and as the afternoon rolled on the terrible events in London were reported.  We got back to Hobby Hobster and streamed the news and watched in sadness.  Both of us are in reflective mood today.  Yesterday we helped raise money for people who are selfless full of love and commitment for their fellow humans, we have been blessed with friends and family who all have the same qualities for that we are happy and grateful.  We have decided to follow for the time being a way of life that cocoons us somewhat but members of our family and dear friends are still out there working hard to protect and serve.  We admire and love them.

A few photos….

Until next time …….