Up and at it to try and get going earlier. So glad we managed to chat with Adam
after his race (the Gold Coast Marathon)- wasn’t the result he wanted but so proud of his efforts and that he could endure his immense pain and discomfort to finish!
After brekkie ducked around the corner for coffee and we were away around 9.30am. First stop was only about 40 minutes away at Bengil beach not far from the town of Lagoa. Quite a distance off the motorway along very narrow winding roads to the coast - but had come highly regarded. A very popular location not just for the beach but for the many caves and grottoes (apparently about 20) to be explored by boat or kayak. Unfortunately time restraints limited us as we wanted to be in Seville close to 3pm (for a World Cup soccer match of course!) and we knew we would lose an hour with the time difference back to Spain. Still had time to wander and for Roh to swim.
Then we drove the short distance on to the next beach - Marinha. Such a worthwhile stop! The viewpoints on the cliff top allowed sensational vistas of the incredible rock formations of the coastline - archways, caves and grottoes. And the water colour was superb!
It was time to set the GPS for Seville and get back on the motorway.
Landscape was varied - from semi arid almost desert like areas to quite lush river plateaus of farm lands - oranges, olives, some wheat plus widespread fields of sunflowers. Quite beautiful.
We passed various turn offs to beaches and coastal areas that had been suggested to us - impossible to visit them all.
Not long until we had crossed the border back to Spain. Almost sad to say Adeus to Portugal . We have loved our brief visit - the sights, experiences and the friendly hospitable people. Hope to come back one day.
After a brief motorway sandwich stop we arrived in Seville around 3pm. Our apartment is in the heart of the old town which means incredibly narrow streets to manoeuvre around - hairy at times but we found it! Our host’s girlfriend met me for check in as, of course, Spain was about to play Russia ...Manuel had other priorities! Basic but comfortable and pleasant apartment in a great location. Roh and Raym had to find the parking station not too far away then in no time Roh was off to a bar to also watch the match. We found a nearby supermarket for some supplies then with both map and google maps managed to meet up with Roh down near the river just in time for the penalty shoot out after full time. Needless to say after Spain lost it was time to move on. We strolled along the river as Roh had found another highly recommended tapas bar just past the bull ring. Lovely spot - decorated with wall mounted bulls heads, posters and artefacts. Sangria and tapas were good too. Next walk took us back towards our apartment and a nearby bar - more
Sangria and tapas ... and of course The Denmark vs Croatia match. By the time
of this penalty shoot out we were back at the apartment - too much excitement for one night! Disappointing for the Danes ....and for Roh and his current place of abode.