Portugal, Week 3 Algarve

Tavira is situated on the southern coast, 19km west of the Spanish border. Our suite is in the historic district and walking distance to the downtown area and lots of restaurants and shops. 

We met a 50's something couple, expats from Texas now living in the BVI's that are real world travelers.  On this latest excursion, they picked up a camper van in Sweden and have been driving for 2 months through Europe, pet husky in tow. They're off to Seville Spain and will drop the camper at the end of February in Madrid before flying home. Sounds like it could be our next adventure! Stay tuned for further details!?

The owner of our favourite Indian Restaurant in town goes by the name of Johnny and his helpers are Ricky and Nicky - authentic Indian names?? 🤔Lol They moved from India to Toronto, Brampton and then Vancouver. Speaking of nationalities, everyone, and I mean everyone, we have spoken to that is Portuguese has a relative somewhere in Ontario or BC.

Our back patio, great spot for enjoying morning coffee and custard tarts.Relaxing in our self contained unit. Clothes never seem to dry in the damp climate here.

Tavira is full of history and has over 30 churches dating from the 17th and 18th century. One on every corner just like Tim Horton's! Except they serve wine instead of coffee. Only problem is you have to confess your sins first and neither of us, quite frankly, had that much time.🍷🍷

After climbing the many stairs to the castle you are rewarded with a view of surrounding Tavira and a beautiful garden with exotic trees and plants. Although it is still winter here, there are fragrant orange blossoms and colourful blooms to admire, even daffodils and narcissus. This castle and protective walls date back to the 13th century.

I call this the "stairway to heaven". We aren't ready to sing that song for awhile!

It's a nice walk along the Rio Gilao on our way to the supermarket. Tavira was once a major port with ships full of imports and exports from Africa, India and Asia. Over time the silt and sand blocked the mouth of the river. What remains today is a big sea salt industry, a big tuna industry, and a big salted tuna industry! "Pass the salt, please!"

Cheesecake! 

This is on our walk to the ferry for a ride to the "island", which is really a sand spit, to view the ocean. Unfortunately, we didn't take pictures of salt pans that we could see in the distance. These are shallow pits that are filled with salt water. When the water evaporates large salt crystals remain and are then raked into piles, sorted and shipped all over the world. If you google "salt pans of Tavira" there are interesting videos to watch. 

Speaking of Google, take a tour around Tavira with google map. This is a pass by our front door looking down the street.

Looking up the street!

The warmest day to date.There is a European Blue Flag (rated for cleanliness and quality) nudist beach somewhere on this island... we had a look around but no nudies to be found 👙👣

It's a small world after all. I spotted these lovely ladies resting on a bench in town, soaking up the sun. They are sisters-in-law and go to my excercise class in Oakville. They've been driving up and down the coast for 3 weeks exploring all the sights. After all the walking we've all done we should be in great shape to start classes again in April. 

Well that's wrap for this week. Special Thanks to my assistant reporter and editor.

Happy Valentines Day everyone and enjoy your time tomorrow with family and friends.