To Lagos and Portimo
This morning we want to buy a small palm tree. Since Teije prohibited Elisabeth to take heavy stones back home, she collects seeds, preferably of palm trees. But in Portugal we have seen some garden centres and now Elisabeth wants a baby palm tree. We are told it is not allowed to import or export them, but what function would the open borders of the European Union have then?
We are prepared it will take some time before we will find a garden centre, because we don't remember where exactly we have seen them. But when we leave the campsite and want to turn onto a road we see this do-it-yourself shop with all small palm trees before the entrance. They are sold for only € 4,-. The height is about 40 centimeters and now (more than half a year later) almost 60 cm. Mission accomplished, within 15 minutes!
So we are free to do what we want and we go on our way to Lagos and Portimão, 2 cities west of Albufeira. But today turns out to be the hottest day of our holiday, 45°C and we try to hang on. We trudge through the cities, hiding in every shadowy place we see and drive fast to get as much cool air in the car as possible. Probably we are the only crazy people outside, everybody else is hiding inside.But eventually we arrive at the place where it is best to be with such weather: the beach.
Here we are, at a small beach near Armaçao, between Albufeira and Portimão. And here too, whole tourists cities are being build. Remarkably, it is very quiet on the beach, maybe people think it is too hot. We are very clever and keep on our t-shirt.
Despite all the drinks we have had today and all the bars we have been to, we are thirsty enough to visit some pubs in Albufeira at night. But Elisabeth doesn't have any alcohol although you wouldn't say when you see this picture... It's just the heat.
© Teije and Elisabeth 2000 - 2012
Travel through Europe and Africa
with Elisabeth and Teije