from Lisbon to the Algarve

15th December

It was raining hard, so a perfect day we thought to explore Lisbon. We debated whether to take a bus but with the baby as an excuse opted for the car. We didn’t want to be soaked waiting for buses we didn’t know would turn up. Lame but true. We are staying in at a campsite just across a huge suspension bridge from the city in a town called Costa de Caparica. (A gorgeous beachside resort, deserted now but I imagine amazing during the season. Long, clean sandy beaches periodically dotted with trendy wooden bars and restaurants. Tasteful, probably a surfers’ paradise and not over-developed, I would definitely recommend this place as it has one of the most appealing beachfronts I have come across).

It didn’t take long to get into the centre and more time was taken finding an underground parking spot. We walked through a few pedestrian areas before we found our way to an indoor fruit and vegetable market recommended in the guide book. We’ve not quite mastered the order of the Southern European day as yet and arriving around lunchtime found all the action on pause for siesta. Vowing to get our timing sorted, we bought a few over priced apples and a fennel from the one stallholder taking his chance on out of hours northern European tourists.

We took in a few of the large squares that typify the city before getting cultured and initiating Krista into the 'Hard Rock Café' experience. We‘re not ashamed, we love it. Plus I know that I will get the best veggie burger every time! The Lisbon branch didn’t disappoint. After that we were full up and pretty much done, so we headed home. Lisbon is definitely on the list of places to return as there are a wealth of museums, galleries and palaces we would like to visit when Krista is older.
Back at the caravan Annie went for a run not wanting to leave Caparica without taking in the beach one more time. We spent the evening chilling, planning our next move and Christmas stop on the Algarve. Fingers-crossed for a return of the sunshine and a few degrees increase in temperature.

16th December

Another long day in the car and we arrived in the Algarve around 4pm. We checked out a campsite just outside Alberfeira but settled for a second we preferred in the nearby town of Armação de Pero. We plan to stay here until after Christmas and after being the lone campers in so many sites, we were glad to find some friendly fellow campers. We have French, English, German, Dutch and Portuguese neighbours, all members of what for us is a newly discovered breed of the professional semi-permanent camper. These people tend to be retired and to treat their caravans or campervans as an equivalent to a 2nd home in the sun. They are set up like incredible homes from home with highly elaborate awning structures, flood prevention systems, flowerbeds, garden gates, washing machines, tumble dryers, you name it! A walk around the campsite is a entertaining and amazing experience and we have both already spent a considerable amount of time just wondering at the possibilities (see photos). Will we end up like this we ask?!