Day 32/33 (18/19.05.2009)

Up and off approx 10.30am heading East, towards Faro/Olhao. Took in Vale de Lobo Complex between Quarteria & Faro, on the way. What a Complex, fabulous Golf Courses, with surrounding Villa’s & Apartments. On to Faro, for a spot of lunch, and a small shopping spree. Afterwards headed towards Olhao, and had a sight seeing tour of the town. I have to say, what a beautiful & very tidy town. Found Camping Olhao, about 1.5km outside the town, but for some reason, I don’t know why, we carried on towards Fuseta, which was about another 5km. We came across “Junta de Frequesia da Fuseta”, and decided to avail. We stayed 2 nights, and had a great time. This site would be in our top 3, as it is well sited in the town, and more or less by the beach. On day 2 we took a 15 minute boat trip from the small port, on to a great beach, which was more or less deserted. We spent 7 hours on this beach, just sunbathing/dipping/eating & drinking. Great day, and only €1.40 each for the return boat trip. Fuseta is a very old fashioned Portuguese fishing town, with its quaint buildings & sides streets. There is a lovely little square, about 400m from the camp, where there is a selection of Café Bars/Restaurants, also if you show your passport at the library, you will get ½ hours free internet access. The site itself is fairly small, but with good facilities, with a nice little Café, where a Sangria is only €4.50 for a jug. Cost of site was €12.80 incl, and apparently the same price all year round. Bumped into an Irish Reg at last, which was Liam & Ann from Mullingar. They gave us some more low down of the area, as they were here last year for 6 months, but this time it was going to be a flying 3 weeks. We were heading back to Orbitur Quarteira, and hope to see them before they go back to Ireland.

Day 34 to 41 ( 20.05.2009 to 27.05.2009)

Back to Orbitur Quarteira, mainly to completely chill out, but also to take this Portuguese phone back to the Ensiel shop, that we bought the last time we were here, as we cannot get any credit for it anywhere. Apparently it is on a new network called ZON, but as for credit, from the pay shops/paper shops, it’s a no no!!. They changed the Sim to Vodafone, where credit is available everywhere. We took the same pitch as last time, but changed after 2 days, as “Betsy” was really not level, even up on the ramps, also too many neighbours (Antz in the Panz). We moved up just off the main rod in on the site, looking down on part of the camp site. “Betsy” is nice & level, and it is a hard surface, so the carpet has been laid, and the awning was given its first look of Portugal. We had the privilege of meeting Paul & Tina in our Wi Fi offices, who graciously invited us over to their “Swift” Abode for evening drinks. Paul is know as the Colonel on MHF. Very enjoyable evening had by all. I was even offered 10% discount on my embalming, but we wont go into those details!!. Basically, the days fly, as we chill out by the pool/Quarteira beach/Algarve Shopping centre/Wi Fi office/Eileen & Gerry’s abode for evening meals/Quarteira Market(Wednesdays) etc,etc. We intend to go Bowling at the Shopping Centre, and the Flicks in Villamoura. Went to Salgados Golf Club with Gerry, and availed of the driving range & academy. €4 for a bucket of 50 balls. Gerry is coming along great, and is now totally hooked on the game of Golf. Bought new footjoy shoes, and is now looking for clubs. A few more visits to the driving ranges, and he will be ready for his baptism over 18 holes. Just to add, the 3rd turn on the left going towards Quarteira, from the campsite, is a lovely Irish Bar, called Baz & Minnies, run by Barry & Jill from Wexford. Their Steak Pie & Chips/Fish & Chips with mushy peas/salad, is excellent!. Had a couple of pints of Strongbow, to quench my thirst (naturally), and only €2.20 a pint during the Champions League Final. It reminded me of the not so distance past in Ireland, where you could go out for the night with a tenner, and get drunk!! Anyway great Craic to be had in this establishment, and also next door is a Chinese Restaurant, where you can get an excellent lunch for a €5 each, or an evening meal for a €10 each. “That’s all for now “Folks” b in touch later.