So we've just spent 2½ wonderful days relaxing and soaking up some proper sunshine on the beach in Ferragudo with the Blacks/Oliver-Blacks (Robin, Judith, Rosanna, Daniel, Layla and Molly - Hi Guys!)

This was what we needed; a few friendly faces, beach time and flip flops! The good thing about going to a beach town is that there is no real sight-seeing required. Just the ticket - relax the feet, the legs and the mind. Ah.

It was hot, hot, hot! The water (being the Atlantic) was absolutely freezing. But the beer was just the right temperature.

The only thing we had to work out whilst we were there was booking our bus tickets to Seville for the Friday. Although you can switch the Portuguese website into English, part way through the booking, it switches back, so armed with Google translate, we just about managed to book them. The next proverbial hill we needed to climb was finding somewhere to print them out - this also ended in us having to walk up a few actual (steep) hills too. It was quite comical really, every place we went to directed us to somewhere else! All sorted though, we headed back to the beach for the rest of the morning.

On our last evening, we all took a water taxi across the bay to Portimao - a novel new way to travel that we haven't come across yet (so thought it was worth a mention!). Had a lovely dinner followed by a swift cocktail before heading home to pack. Even when you do nothing, time flies! Amazing to see the family though and catch up on where we'd been so far and where we are going next, although we did almost get out of travelling mode as felt more like a small holiday!

So, this morning, after an early start and a very much appreciated lift to the station (thanks Robin!) we set off in search of Seville. A train and a bus later, here we are enjoying a late lunch and waiting to check into our apartment for the next few nights. It's even hotter here (getting up to or even over 40C) but I think we are slowly getting used to it. We have a full day tomorrow and then Barcelona on Sunday!

Much love

xxx