Portugal holiday

[lindylou]

Stayed in a place called Olhos de Agua, a lovely location surrounded by pine woods and gorgeous red cliffs. The cliffs were different colours in the changing light - sometimes deep red, sometimes bright red mixed with pale gold and cream - absolutely stunning. They had fantastic formations in pointed peaks weathered into the rock.
We had a lovely view from our hotel balcony over the tree tops and cliffs looking towards the blue sea.

[scouse smurf]

Looks really nice, Lindy. Bet u're loving coming back to this weather

Oh and where's all the topless beauties on the beach ????

[Ged]

Looks like a little baby marmoset on your shoulder in pic 3 Lindy. Yeah, I know it's your bag :) Lovely beach and scenery. That cove is just like the ones I was talking about.

[lindylou]

Looks really nice, Lindy. Bet u're loving coming back to this weather

Oh and where's all the topless beauties on the beach ????

We did see a totally nude sunbather !! - - along the quiet end of the beach ! :rolleyes: lol!

yeah, fancy coming back from Portugal to this weather !!!

[Ged]

Was it fried sausage?

or fried eggs?

[lindylou]

:eek: ha,ha ! we just noticed a bare bum sticking up in the dunes ! :lol:

[Aprillove20]

Really Awesome shot and colours. Well done.

[Pinkie]

Love Olhos D'Agua.............. lost count of the number of times we have been, though we haven't been back for quite a few years now. Wonder if it has changed much, it was quite unspoilt with a few really good restaurants. I could just do with a week there right about now!:nod:

[Ged]

We currently have our friend Rui from Alvor staying with us. Into his 2nd week and although he's been to Glasgow, Edinburgh and South Wales before, he said he hasn't felt cold or seen in November before. Went to Manchester to see Andrea Bocelli with him then we all done a pub crawl there. Took him to Southport - he hasn't seen a beach with the water so far away before - then New Brighton. Been to the World Hot buffet restuarant in L1 - an all you can eat type place then some nice real ale pubs. Took him around both footy clubs yesterday - giving him a good feel for the place. Cathedrals tomorrow then he's back home in relative warmth on Sunday.

[lindylou]

Back to Olhos for a second time. It is lovely there :PDT_Piratz_26:

Great sea view from our apartment.
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y249/rubinda/Portugal/00.jpg

My flip flops ! :) Here I am relaxing, taking in the view :)
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y249/rubinda/Portugal/00a.jpg

watching the boats pass by -
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y249/rubinda/Portugal/00b-1.jpg

..and watching people go down the steps to the beach.
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y249/rubinda/Portugal/00c.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y249/rubinda/Portugal/01-1.jpg

Me on the beach
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y249/rubinda/Portugal/01a-1.jpg

[Ged]

I'm pining for it already, not long now. Lovely coves, just like Alvor.

[lindylou]

I'm pining for it already, not long now. Lovely coves, just like Alvor.

Ohh, I wish I was still there !!

Came back to dark, dismal rain and riots !! :(
The weather here couldn't be more depressing :cry:

[Spike]

Me is liking these pics.

I have never been to Portugal, I must go some time.

[Gerard Fleming]

Ohh, I wish I was still there !! ...



So do I Linda.. only Cyprus is as as good as Portugal..
you can swim in blazing sun and get in the hills and go ski-ing
up Mt Olympus in the Troodos mountains in half an hour...

Portugal is my fave though..
as long as I'm away from Albufeira and the strip like...
and all that kind of touristy crap...

[grekko]

:eek: ha,ha ! we just noticed a bare bum sticking up in the dunes ! :lol:

No daffodil?

[lindylou]

So do I Linda.. only Cyprus is as as good as Portugal..
you can swim in blazing sun and get in the hills and go ski-ing
up Mt Olympus in the Troodos mountains in half an hour...

Portugal is my fave though..
as long as I'm away from Albufeira and the strip like...
and all that kind of touristy crap...

I'm not impressed with the touristy Albufeira - the Old town and Montechorro areas, it's too crowded with the masses and tatty around the edges. I wouldn't like to stay there.
I like Olhos because it's relaxed, a small and very pretty place. Just enough bars and restaurants, a lovely cove and right next to the Falesia beach which is a stunning stretch of red cliffs. Last year we walked the length of Falesia beach to Vilamoura (took us about an hour and a half slow walk).

Falesia beach images - http://www.google.co.uk/search?q=falesia+beach+portugal&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wi&biw=1166&bih=653

Gorgeous ! :)

---------- Post added at 06:30 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:16 PM ----------


Me is liking these pics.

I have never been to Portugal, I must go some time.

I love swapping holiday ideas. You've got me interested in Portinax too. It looks nice there. :PDT11
we've only ever been to mainland Spain.

Ged got me interested in Portugal - and now I am hooked ! ;)
I have since read up a lot on Portugal and looked at loads of places and read info about the different provinces. I like to read up and learn about places we go.

.. but I will always love Spain too. :PDT11 ( wish I could be greedy and be everywhere! ) :)

[Gerard Fleming]

I'm not impressed with the touristy Albufeira - the Old town and Montechorro areas, it's too crowded with the masses and tatty around the edges. I wouldn't like to stay there.


I've stayed in the old town, years ago, I brought my mam that year...
it was nice, very nice actually.. (High up, quiet..)


I've stayed in Montechoro.. long story, I saved a fellas life who was a drunk and who battered his wife.
she turned on him in this crap apartment we were in next door to each other..
the last night before we were going home...she battered him over the head with the leg of a table half a dozen times... he 'died' twice...
I brought him around and saved his life...long story....
I wouldn't go back to Montechoro..


I've stayed in in Club Praia De Oura.. at the bottom of Montechoro Strip..
I'd go back there tomorrow.. lovely place...it has a seperate "Strip" away from the main
Montechoro strip....out the way, we spent most of our time there...






...I like Olhos because it's relaxed, a small and very pretty place. Just enough bars and restaurants...


So do I Linda.. we had a private apartment there a few years ago..
private pool shared by about 10 couples, no kids... superb..
A great place, and dead handy for the main road for me to get out and about
in the hills finding the 'Real' Algarve...

you might have noticed a big pink mansion on the Olhos main Rd...
That belongs to Bonnie Tyler...




Ged got me interested in Portugal - and now I am hooked ! ;)
I have since read up a lot on Portugal and looked at loads of places and read info about the different provinces. I like to read up and learn about places we go. ...



I dont think I've joined in on a Holiday thread before Lind..
or shown any photos...

I've been 'Hooked' on The Algarve for over 20 years now..
Nerja in southern Spain is beautiful, so is Cyprus..

Its Portugal for me again next year, all going well..

I have to do research Linda if I buy a pair of socks..
going abroad I have to know everything about where I'm going...
and make sure I get to see them places... and drive myself everywhere..

[ChrisGeorge]

Lovely pics, Lindy. Looks as if you had a great time. Thanks for sharing with us.

Cheers

Chris :PDT_Aliboronz_24:

[lindylou]

I've stayed in the old town, years ago, I brought my mam that year...
it was nice, very nice actually.. (High up, quiet..)


Yes, I would imagine it would be better higher up in the Old Town.

The bit I'm not overly keen on is that main road where the bus terminus area is - the stretch with all the countless bars and shops towards the big main square. It's ok for the odd visit, but I wouldn't want to stay there. Some of the huge apartment blocks there looked very run down and rough. I think there is a big derelict block too :surprised Too many crowds and rowdy drinking. :P


It's probably better high up the hill away from all the rabble ! :PDT_Xtremez_42: :lol:

I was talking to an Irish woman who says she has lived in the nicer part of Montechorro for 15 years. She says she is in a part away from the main hustle & bustle.

---------- Post added at 08:52 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:48 PM ----------




I have to do research Linda if I buy a pair of socks..
going abroad I have to know everything about where I'm going...
and make sure I get to see them places... and drive myself everywhere..

I'm like that. I read up about everywhere. I get maps, info, pics etc and any local info. I have to explore everywhere too. I can't sit around - - I have to be out seeing what is around the next corner. :)
We do as many trips out as we can - I like to see as many other towns that we can get to, and the main places of interest.

[Gerard Fleming]

...The bit I'm not overly keen on is that main road where the bus terminus area is - the stretch with all the countless bars and shops towards the big main square...

I have mates Linda who go that area every year..
they are well in with a 'business' man from Albufeira who owns half the town...
They stay in rooms above those back street bars and shops that this guy owns..
for about ten quid a night, about 40 of them go every year with their families..
I wont go.. not for 2 quid a night..
in fact, I wouldn't go for free.. for a month..



...It's ok for the odd visit, but I wouldn't want to stay there...

Same here, I do jump a cab down the square now and again..
but not too often, there are a few nice cafes around away from the main square..




..I was talking to an Irish woman who says she has lived in the nicer part of Montechorro for 15 years. She says she is in a part away from the main hustle & bustle....

Hotel Montechoro is nice Linda.. I'd go back there...
(theres a massive Irish themed bar not far from Hotel Montechoro..
Irish people live in that area.. it could be there that woman is from..)


..I'm like that. I read up about everywhere. I get maps, info, pics etc and any local info. I have to explore everywhere too. I can't sit around - - I have to be out seeing what is around the next corner....


I do, I take the guides and make little notes and plans of what to do..


I think I'll be giving my mate a ring Linda.. thanks to all this...lol..
he owns a double glazing business up the Childwall area...
I've put loads of work his way..
he has just had a villa built on the Algarve and told me a few years ago I can go when I want..

I've never took up his offer..
I think I'll ring him.. see how he is .. you know.. :unibrow:

Ta Lind..

Gerard.

[Kev]

Lovely pics Linda, I will post mine tomorrow with a little report :-)

----------
Sent from the back of Michael Caine's Mini Cooper S, holding on for dear life......

[lindylou]

I do, I take the guides and make little notes and plans of what to do..


Hee,hee, we are two of a kind ! I take a little note book with tips and things to remember, and while I'm there I even take notes down for things to look up when I get back ! :)
I even took a print out of the local bus time tables I found on the internet ! :lol:

[wsteve55]

Nice pic's Lindy,welcome back!

[Ged]

I've stayed in a villa at Alvor as well as apartments and to be honest the Villa was too quiet and although the kids had the pool to themsleves, they never got to mix with other kids on holiday until down the strip in the evening, so as palatial as that place was, it wasn't the best place we've stayed at imo.

One particular apartment was fantastic for us while the kids were younger, very safe with a high perimeter wall and everything on site from kids pools, playground, mini markets, kids clubs etc but now they're beer monsters we've moved into the village right on site at where it's happening.

The beauty of becoming familiar with a place is we've made some great friends and they've stayed with us and we with them and we know all the short cuts, nooks, crannies and best eating places etc. Days out are brilliant too and the zoo marine, safari jeep, waterparks and glass bottom boat trips are fantastic, then of course there's the ones you do yourself.

The number of people who tell us they're never away from the place or first timers who say they'll be back never ceases to amaze me. We have friends in Leeds and Flint that go every Easter, Summer and Christmas. People in my office here have been on golfing holidays, one of the courses contains the longest fairway in Europe - that's not my cup of tea but you can see what attracts those that like it.

[lindylou]

I'm pining for it already, not long now. Lovely coves, just like Alvor.

I'm pining now listening to this !! :crybaby: .. I love the way Julio sings this about Portugal - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6r-E7ZOSqU&feature=related

I'm lucky to have seen a few of the places in the vid.

[Ged]

This is the one that the Portuguese and Brits alike get up to sing in Alvor. My missus fell in love with it the first time she heard it and now we have it and she's so glad it's so popular out there. The best i've ever heard it sung though was by Roger, Mr Karaoke man extrordinaire in Michaels bar when he was the resident DJ there.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kw84rJoh7Vg

---------- Post added at 12:41 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:29 PM ----------

Pure heaven.

The Alvor coves.


http://img831.imageshack.us/img831/3503/alvor2010109.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/831/alvor2010109.jpg/)

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[Gerard Fleming]

I bought the Paulo Gonzo album with this on in Portugal some 5 or 6 years ago..
I put this track here on Yo about 4 years ago..
still got the album..and play it regular..






http://youtu.be/izgsMil2Odw

---------- Post added at 01:11 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:43 PM ----------

Also heard this amazing version on the Algarve..
in the Praia Da Oura area...
only in one bar, which became a regular stop for a few scoops of Super Bok.

Never heard it anywhere since.. (apart from my walkman..)




http://youtu.be/wdqwPC38XZU

[Ged]

DON'T FORGET THE SCROLLBAR



The Alvorferias reception side pool at 8pm as we are the way into the village.


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The Delfim hotel pool and the blue lagoon bar we could swim up to and order - plastics only of course ;)

http://img829.imageshack.us/img829/52/delfimpool.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/829/delfimpool.jpg/)

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The Torralto part of the beach. I run along this at least twice during my hols at the rest sunbathe. This is the coves end of it. The harbour is up the other end.


http://img33.imageshack.us/img33/4871/gedcoves.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/33/gedcoves.jpg/)

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This is the sportsbar on the strip in the morning. By mid afternoon it's full, by night its chocker block. It has a pool table, DJ, upstairs balcony and stays open until around 4ish and you can double up and sit outside for as long as you want once they lock up.

http://img836.imageshack.us/img836/1492/sportsbarday.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/836/sportsbarday.jpg/)

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At one of the two Waterparks, (this one is the big one, now called Aqualand) I was dared to go on this, the Bonzai. It's very steep with a feeling that you'll topple forward. You sit on a plastic tray on a ramp, then the ramp is tilted upwards and the only thing keeping you from going forward is a sliding trap door. once that opens you're on your own and you leave your screams up there. The chute levels out at the bottom as you skim your way across the pool.

http://img94.imageshack.us/img94/2231/bonzaip.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/94/bonzaip.jpg/)

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The corkscrews. The designers of these must know just where to put the sides at the right height as you're sure you're going to come flying out of them as you bomb it down but then you're flung to the other side.

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This is the one where I beat my girls in our races though they'd tell you different.

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Alvor church which I think is fantastic inside but I won't bore you with those pics.


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Part of the harbour from the viewpoint.

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Hotel Alvor. Very plush this place. Koi carp in the fountain pond outside the front, Pianist on a grand on the mezzanine floor, a marble curving staircase with various dining rooms/restaurants off and a plaza of perfumeries and the like leading to the outside terrace and pool. The coves are right below this.

http://img839.imageshack.us/img839/6651/hotelalvorpool.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/839/hotelalvorpool.jpg/)

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On the strip by night.

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On a pedalo which had a cracking little slide into the sea.


http://img841.imageshack.us/img841/7913/gedmeltwistalispedalo.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/841/gedmeltwistalispedalo.jpg/)

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The Zoomarine at Guia - a brilliant day out.

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The Gardens are beautifully kept.


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Part of the strip by night.


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The beach at 7am.

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Praia de rocha harbour.

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---------- Post added at 03:55 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:49 PM ----------

Outside the Raggae bar with some Canadians and Dutch people we met.


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The shoreline from a coastal boat trip.


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One of the nightmarkets in Alvor. Shoes, clothes, handbags, wallets, leather goods, watches etc. There is also a load of activity down the strip during the evenings. Africans selling wooden carvings of animals and figures, characteture and still life artists, henna tattooists, hair braiders. Markets selling wind chimes and dream catchers etc - lots going on.


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This was taken the morning after the night before when I was out with my manc friend known to us as 'Scatttter' Tooo many Jaiger bombs.


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[lesley1]

As a family we started going to the Algarve some years ago, and going back is like going home, once you see Aeroporto Faro you feel at home.

When our girls were younger we would stay at the Clube Praia D'oura, and in those day's the strip was not like it is now, it was mostly Portuguese restaurants and bars, no larger louts and banging music.

I loved the idea of waking up to the sound of the Atlantic hitting the beach, and lovely walks up and down the beach in Winter as well as Summer.

After our girls started going away with friends, that left Tommy and myself time to travel around the Algarve, we have had wonderful holidays and each time we go, we make more friends, I find the Portuguese people, a little hard to get to know at first, but once you take the time, they become firm friends.

We like to stay at Tropical Sol, and use this as our base, its away from the hustle and bustle but only a walk away from Albufeira and the old town and the lovely Beach.

Our last daughter gets married in September and we will be back in Portugal a few days later, after looking at all those photo's I feel homesick, can't wait to get back to all our friends and that fantastic weather..

[Ged]

Liverpool JLA on August bank holiday Monday 29th August. Booking direct, we take the early morning flight and coming home we take the last one which gives us the flexibility booking through a travel agent doesn't afford you.

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My eldest daughter Melanie with her friend Carly posing by a couple of the suits John Lennon wore during his Beatle days. Notice the Everton beach bag which became a talking point with fellow Evertonians enjoying the Alvorian sunshine.

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We elected for the front of the plane when going and sat in the very back rows when coming home. It's amazing to see the contrast in the gloomy grey skies of Liverpool and then just 2.5 hours later, clear blue sunny skies.

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For me, my hols started this year as soon as I finished the last phone call in work and walked out the office after a very hectic week (though I do take the mobile divert with me anyway but it's so much easier to cope with on the beach or by the pool) I only pack on the night we're going and driving to the airport and getting on the plane for the journey is as much a part of the holiday experience for me.

Here's a Ryanair roaring past us and taking off as we were right next to it on the airstrip.

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Alvor beach - well part of it.

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Further along towards the coves. I usually run the full length of the beach once each week but this year, Alvor council have added a fantastic long stretch of boardwalks which i'll show later.

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Carly and Paul jumping in the deep end.

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As part of the Karaoke competition panel, this is me, Ged Cowell.

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Our Mel committed the cardinal sin of pushing Paul in, catching him unawares. This is payback time captured just before she made a big splash.

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Abbaesque - some of the galz including my missus doing the Abba medley including Thank you for the music.


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Like i've mentioned, i've found myself documenting building developments in Alvor since 1997. Even just last year the new Alvor Baia was just a mound of sand next door to the place we used to stay when the kids were young which was Alvorferias. They don't half build em quick.

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I like the cultural side of things too and visiting the galleries, workshops and this little museum.

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The lush grounds around one of the complexes.

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Crazy golf on the roof of Alvormar. Great sea views from up here too. If anybody wants any tips or email addresses for the places iv'e stayed at with a rundown on their facilities and rating (and they're all good) then just let me know.

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The view from our apartment. We've stayed here in the Dunas Do Alvor before and i'd deffo have this room again. Very spacious and right above the cactus, marco and Chill out bars who charge 1 euro a pint. The entertaniment in the form of scouser Mark Morton starts at 9.30 pm each night. You can google it's rating and feedback. He gets to know where everyone is from and calls them by their location.

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The same view by night.

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On an open top coach on the way to the water park. It was 9.30am and scorching already which is why we got under the only bit of shade on it - the ones behind us were waving fans and 'complaining' of the heat ha ha.

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Approaching the bridge after leaving Praia du Rocha and Portimao.

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Chillin' at the park. This and other day trips are an integral part of our hols. We spend 7 hours here, a lot of it without protection or being undercover so plenty of sun cream required. Admission is about £18 each if you barter discounts but I worked out that having taken advantage of the rides 27 times, it equates to 66 cents per ride. When the fair comes to Ormskirk its a fiver a go so brilliant value. There are some fantastic corkscrew rocket/missile/bullet rides - see my earlier post. White knuckle stuff. A wave pool for the scaredy cats.

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Praia.

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The Beach view looking West from the roof of the Luna Alvor.

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The beach looking East from the harbour mouth which has these massive wave breaking rocks and a pair of lighthouses to guide the fishing boats in.

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One of the cooler days - only 27 degrees so took a run along the new stretch of boardwalks which everyone was remarking about.

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A dog enjoys a dip to cool off.

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The Bolan bar on the strip. I think they're a bit mixed up as it's known as the raggae bar.

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And in it, outside it that night.

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A crew of us in Buddys bar at 2am - then it's off down the strip until 5.

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Alvor cemetery. All white marble and immaculately kept. No d1ckheads here overturning the stones. Every headstone has a photograph of the deceased and some even have little windows/glass cases in them with holy statues etc.

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The chapel.

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The Crem urns

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These vaults/mini chapels/tombs contain coffins on shelves above ground.

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The scene outside Chill Out. Lionel is a character as are all the barmen who love the English - well we spend so much there. He'll come out of the bar to serve the people sitting outside with a tray with 6 pints, he'll then sneakily grasp 3 pints in each hand by the handles before letting the tray drop to the floor to gasps ha ha. It's even funny seeing it more than once as new arrivals get to taste the medicine.



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Inside the main village church just after Sunday Rosary which was packed out with locals and holidaymakers alike.

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Our friends Nick and Colette - renamed Nickolette - from Flint. We see them their every year and sometimes even when at home.

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The boat that took us on our trip along the coastline and in and out of the caves/coves.

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Carly takes the crazy leap. You build up an almost vertical head of steam which is why the water you hit is 10 feet deep.

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One of the many quaint streets leading to the harbour.

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The drunken quartet.

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Taken by surprise.

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Ready to hit the town and meet Rui, Jao, Luis and Jorge.


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Some sights.

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Watching the telly while waiting for the rest to get ready to go out. Kendal Rice is the cat we adopted, stretches on the sofa bed.

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At the harbour mouth


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Sancho, the oldest pub in all of Alvor allegedly.

I'm already a member of the Michael's Bar in Alvor facebook group but having stayed in a number of complexes, tried nearly all of the Restaurants and been in every pub there taking thousands of photos since 1997 (650 alone this last trip) i'm thinking of starting an Alvor Appreciation society facebook group.


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My girls Portuguese amigos.

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Statue - or me?

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The off licence kept us in plenty of booze for the apartment. Our friend there has this Vespa.

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The wave pool at Aqualand.

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Pee in a straight line to get the ball in the goal and avoid splashback.

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Our friends took the earlier plane home and texted me at 1pm to say prepare ourselves for the roller coaster in the sky. They weren't kidding either. We'd been reading about the back end of the U.S. hurricane hitting the NW of England and while we were at 35,000 ft it was alright but upon descent into the clouds and bewlow, the last 20 minutes was a bit hair raising as the plane was all over the place and it went deathly quiet as everyone looked at each other. I took this thinking that those who found our black box might also have a momento of the passengers that day ha ha. Since we were literally last off the plane as we were right at the back and it discharged via the front door, the pilot was coming out of the cock pit just as we got to it so I had to say well done.

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.

[lindylou]

Great collection of pics Ged. :handclap: I've enjoyed looking at those while having my cup of tea.

What a good idea the hotel having crazy golf on the roof terrace.
Love the cat on the sofa - ahh, does it belong to the hotel ?

Good looking family you have there Ged.

Alvor looks a good place for a holiday. :PDT11

[Ged]

Thanks Linda, they don't get their looks off me :)

I notice a few of the photos were duplicated so I've corrected that with those that should have been there. The cat was howling one night and it echoes all along the corridor so we let it in and kept it but sadly had to say bye bye to it at the end. Hope someone else is keeping it in food and water.

[grekko]

Great pics Ged, but really surprised you put up 23126the pic of yourself before you started your daily runs, the exercise really shook those pounds off though;)

[Ged]

Ha ha. Food goes right through me there (nothing to do with the daily dozen pints like of course) If I lived there i'd be 8 stone wringing wet.

[grekko]

Really enjoyed looking through those pics, so nice to see people enjoying life and especially a family group,:handclap:even if the father does try to cause a Portugese alcohol drought.

[kevin]

Go to Portugal quite often - got 3 trips there over the next 6 or 7 months- but never been to the popular holiday areas in the south. Love the northern parts I go to - very green and totally different to the Algarve.

[lindylou]

I'd love to see the whole of Portugal. I've had a good look around places via the internet and reading books, it's a lovely country.

[lesley1]

Off to the Algarve for 10 days on Wednesday 28th Sept, can't wait.

[Ged]

Where you going Lesley?

[Spike]

I gotta go there one day it looks great.

[lesley1]

Hi Ged, we stay in a hotel called the Tropical Sol, which is just situated of the dual carrigeway that leads to Albufeira, its a lovely walk along the coast road, looking up to the old town.
We sometimes walk along the beach to the old town, with the sun shining. with the big waves of the Atlantic and the breeze coming off the sea. I just love it.

We use the hotel as our base, the area its in is classed as Albufeira but it's between San Joao and Montechoro.
Not liking the strip much, but enjoying the proper Portugese bars and restaurants.
We have made so many friends out there over the years.
In fact my nephew who is only eight years younger than myself, lived in Quinta do Lago for some years and we quite often went up that way, Vale do Lobo and Vilamoura, although the latter was to busy for me.

I like Silves and the Moorish Castle. We love to explore and see the sights.
Like yourself Ged, its like going home.

[Ged]

Yes it is like home and the holiday jaunts are gradually getting longer going up from 14 days to 15 and now 16, might do a 3 week stint one year if we can. We have had a couple of our Portuguese friends stay with us over the last couple of years and I saw one bar owners son over here last year for the Man City game. We've been invited to attend the Man Utd v Benfica game at Old Trafford with one of them but gracefully declined that offer lol. This Christmas we intend to go to Prescot to see one of the Portuguese in his winter bar job and some others are coming over from Michaels bar and hopefully our friends from Flint will join us too. I was asked if I thought i'd ever go anywhere else but Alvor now and having thought about it, at the moment that isn't in our plans.

[lesley1]

Most of our Portugese friends support Benfica, so we do, while we are there.
But once home its Everton for me and Liverpool for Tom..

Alvor looks lovely, enjoyed looking at your pics, might get to visit some time.