How to Know When It's Time to Go

The train ride back to Casablanca was a lot of fun, due mainly to the interesting people with whom we were sharing a cabin.  An American guy and his Moroccan wife had a lot of travel stories to share with us and so we talked for the full three hours back. We had a pleasant and uneventful plane flight and arrived safely back in Lisbon with all of our luggage this time.

A short taxi ride later and we were at the Pension Bom Comforto.  We were welcomed by a nice older woman and shown to our room.  This is not a four star place (or much of a star place), but it was generally clean and the staff were very nice.  The bad news was that we were paying as much as we were at the last place we stayed at in Lisbon, which was much nicer.  The other bad news was that Michael had a bad cold and was miserable. In the morning we slept late and had some toast and coffee while Tanya - the Russian owner - chatted about what to see in Lisbon.

We headed out and caught a streetcar to Castelo de Sao Jorge.  Situated on the highest point in the city, it offers some spectacular views.  Here we enjoyed a coffee and soaked up some sun.  The castle was built in Visigothic times, but took its more modern form about 200 years ago.  We all had fun walking the castle walls and ramparts.  Since we figured we had worked up an appetite, we wandered down the big hill and found a small local restaurant.  Sitting out on the street, we enjoyed wine and local fare (meats, cheese, bread, and some the best salad with tuna I have ever eaten).  Knowing that chilly England was only a few days away, I headed to the shops to find a pair of jeans.  After trying on 15 pairs in 6 different stores, I finally found some that I liked and because they were on half price - I bought two pairs.  Michael made sure he pointed out that I had to fit them in my backpack.

Much later that evening and after a late afternoon rest, we headed out for dinner.  Just down the street was an Indian restaurant and here we had some of the best Indian food we have ever eaten.  Wow two great meals in one day.  Aidan polished off a plate of pakoras and Mike and I enjoyed enourmous glasses of beer with butter chicken and curried vegetables.  We all waddled back to the hotel. If you are ever in Lisbon, we highly recommend the Ghandi restaurant for dinner.

The next morning we took the subway to the bus station to catch a bus to Faro.  We didn't have tickets, but luck was on our side.  We arrived at the bus station at 10:10 and caught the 10:30 bus.  Three hours later we were back on the southern coast.  We checked into our nice hotel called the Residential Sun Algarve and headed out to another local eatery (yes, our travel tales are dictated by our stomach).  The remainder of the afternoon was spent walking through the downtown area and enjoying the nice weather and sunshine.  We also stopped for many more pastel de nadas.  I must look for a Portugese bakery in Edmonton and see if anyone makes these delectable tarts.  Aidan got to pick the dinner restaurant and so we ended up at McDonalds.  It really was okay though because in Portugal you can get draft beer at McDonalds.  It's right up along side the sodas.  Horray for us.

We didn't have much time the next morning before we had to leave for the airport and so we took a quick walk to once again enjoy the sunshine and beautiful warm weather.  Unfortunately, while Aidan was playing in a park, I got shit on by a bird and so we had to head back to the hotel.  I guess this was a sign that it was time to go.

The reality is really starting to sink in for both of us that our trip is nearing an end.  We had a chat last night about our trip really being over.  Mike started to see the end of the trip once we flew to Madrid, but I didn't feel like the trip was ending until we arrived back in Portugal.  Everything is so, well, European and working.  We are being positive about heading back to Canada and our family and friends.  Aidan can hardly wait to get home to his toys, school, and his classmates. However, we are going to miss the adventure, the new experiences, the food, and the freedom of an unplanned day without commitments.  We haven't finished this trip yet and we are already discussing where to go on our next holiday.  Maybe two weeks in Guatemala?? Anyone want to come with us?