Everything that could go wrong, did. The morning alarm didn't ring; we missed the train to the airport; forgot the navigator we had borrowed from a friend; dis-remembered to pack swimsuits and totally missed carrying the paper-part [why do we have one?] of the UK Driving Licence, without which Hertz had clearly stated that they wouldn't give us the car.
Still, it was a vacation like all vacations should be - an eclectic mix of a culturally rich, city experience and a few days at a seaside resort for relaxation. Lisbon is a beautiful city - cobbled, winding footpaths take you up and down after every few steps. The historic trams still adorn the city [and they work] and we took one up to the Castle, which provided fantastic views across the city and the Atlantic. There are abundant local cafes serving great coffee, cakes, snacks and sandwiches and have, thankfully, halted the onslaught of Starbucks. An evening and dinner in Bairro Alto is a must - the cafes and restaurant provide seating on the pavement turning it into a make-shift, albeit great alfresco dining feel. If you like Paella, do try ordering Arroz De Marisco - it's a Portuguese equivalent. Only better. There are ample bars and discs in the area, if you want to hang around after dinner.
The Jeronimos Monastry - resting place of Vasco da Gama - near Lisbon harbour, is a great place to visit and it's free entry on Sundays.
Mercifully, the Hertz staff was more interested in upgrading our car than ask us for the paper-part of the Driving Licence. With navigator left behind, we printed the directions and the drive down to Algarve was simple. The resort - Vale do Lobo - was far too posh for us: the palm trees, villas, golf courses, spa, tennis courts and whatnot. The resort had eleven restaurants, live band by the ocean, bars and a free circuit bus to take you around after you've had a few drinks [which is handy]. The only drawback in a posh place catering to tourists is - you get served Tobasco when you ask for piri-piri
Thanks to our friends - Helena, who's Portuguese and Donald, traveling to Portugal at the same time, we got to go to an exceptionally local small village at the edge of Algarve: Odecexie. The place wasn't overcrowded with foreign tourists and was absolutely breathtaking. The village-centre served local food, which was great.
Still, it was a vacation like all vacations should be - an eclectic mix of a culturally rich, city experience and a few days at a seaside resort for relaxation. Lisbon is a beautiful city - cobbled, winding footpaths take you up and down after every few steps. The historic trams still adorn the city [and they work] and we took one up to the Castle, which provided fantastic views across the city and the Atlantic. There are abundant local cafes serving great coffee, cakes, snacks and sandwiches and have, thankfully, halted the onslaught of Starbucks. An evening and dinner in Bairro Alto is a must - the cafes and restaurant provide seating on the pavement turning it into a make-shift, albeit great alfresco dining feel. If you like Paella, do try ordering Arroz De Marisco - it's a Portuguese equivalent. Only better. There are ample bars and discs in the area, if you want to hang around after dinner.
The Jeronimos Monastry - resting place of Vasco da Gama - near Lisbon harbour, is a great place to visit and it's free entry on Sundays.
Mercifully, the Hertz staff was more interested in upgrading our car than ask us for the paper-part of the Driving Licence. With navigator left behind, we printed the directions and the drive down to Algarve was simple. The resort - Vale do Lobo - was far too posh for us: the palm trees, villas, golf courses, spa, tennis courts and whatnot. The resort had eleven restaurants, live band by the ocean, bars and a free circuit bus to take you around after you've had a few drinks [which is handy]. The only drawback in a posh place catering to tourists is - you get served Tobasco when you ask for piri-piri
Thanks to our friends - Helena, who's Portuguese and Donald, traveling to Portugal at the same time, we got to go to an exceptionally local small village at the edge of Algarve: Odecexie. The place wasn't overcrowded with foreign tourists and was absolutely breathtaking. The village-centre served local food, which was great.
