Beach, Old Town and Trȇs Palmeiras - Portugal 2014

As Calvin (of Calvin and Hobbs) says, "The days are just packed!" I have been so busy (see photo right) that I did not have time for the blog yesterday. 

Tuesday we met Ana, our JMV rep, who had not had the time to get the information we were hoping for concerning out visit to Sétubal. One of her Canadian clients died over the week-end so she was very busy trying to work out arrangements for the family.

(The sunrise photo below was made a few days ago but didn't get posted. I like it so I decided to post it today. Once again a fisherman - they seem to be everywhere!)

Sunrise looking toward Faro

Ana did, however, provide some of what we need, including a map, for our one day visit to Portimão and Praia da Rocha - the latter is a beach and town by the same name which is close to Portimão. We plan to visit the bus station Thursday to scope out the bus schedules etc., and likely buy the tickets for the trip on Friday.

Did a bit of grocery shopping to replenish the larder and came home. We often go to a small "supermarket" like this one mostly because it is closer to home and, though a bit more expensive, it is more convenient when we are just picking up a few things.

Tuesday evening as usual I was at the beach for sunset and it was the best since we have been here so have included one image below - once again a fisherman was conveniently present. 

Tuesday evening sunset

Wednesday morning at the beach was very pleasant - warmer than most mornings so far though the sunrise was less than spectacular. As is often the case, there was a fisherman on the breakwater so he was the object of several photos. Unlike the others I have seen, he was a bit more adventurous, going quite far out, even close to the end of the breakwater. 

The tide is lower at sunrise now so it is less dangerous out on the breakwater, but even so there were still some quite large waves washing over it.

He seemed to know what he was doing though, skillfully moving around to avoid being swept off by some unpredictably (to me) large wave.

Took a lot of photos in order to get a few keepers, two of which are included.

Spent a good part of the morning culling through the images and did a bit of processing on a few. In the afternoon we went into old town, I on the beach and Ruth by bus to meet at the bottom of the escalators. If you are in a hurry, walking on the beach is as tiring as walking in the snow - but, given the choice, I'll take the beach. The objective of this outing? Stamps, postcards and other mailing equipment. And for a visit to Sir Harry's for drinks and other necessities - like healthy apple pie. Then, home again with a stop at the Modelo (the larger supermarket) once again for things we neglected to get yesterday. It's really all about eating.

Wednesday was the "anniversary" of our arrival, so we decided to celebrate and eat out at the Trés Palmeiras (the Three Palms) restaurant about 2 blocks from our apartment. We had an excellent meal - blackened scabbard with banana and monk fish kebab with rice and veggies - both very tasty.  

Ever seen a monk fish? It's a bottom feeder with huge jaws and dangerous looking teeth. Doesn't look tasty does it? But looks are deceiving, as they say.

Tomorrow is our day trip to Portimão and Praia da Rocha. Will let you know how it goes.