Thursday, 05 June 2008
across the Río Guadiana we reach Portugal
Portugal, we're coming. After the bridge across the Río Guadiana we enter the border to Portugal. Out of curiosity we bend off for the first settlement named Vila Real de Sto. António. First thing we notice is the Diesel prices of 1.41 EUR per liter. At the next Lidl supermarket we want to check the supply of food. The prices are more expensive than in Spain.
ebb-tide..
We have some things to work on the internet, yet. So we look for a place at the sea. In Santa Luzia we park at the shore, having a cup of coffee. We start to work and meanwhile the high tide is back. It really looks strange to have the water come back again. Herbert quickly takes a photo for comparison.
..and flood-tide
Early afternoon we drive to the town of Tavira. Our latest Portugal tour is 6 years in the past, and we are curious to see how and if the country has changed. We park at the banks of the Río Gilao and walk to town.
Tavira at the banks of the Río Gilao
We reach the former market hall which was restored and now hosts cafés and small shops. Those who bring their portable computers can log on to the internet and surf for free. The town used to live from tuna fishing. But since the tuna shoals have diminished in the 1970s, the wealth of town has done so as well.
the bridge Ponte Romana
We walk uptown to the citadel ruin. A wonderful garden with figs, roses, and oleanders is there to enjoy the view on the roofs of town. Across the bridge Ponte Romana we get back to the other side of the river Río Gilao and have a nice view of the houses along the banks. In the narrow streets we also see the tiled house fronts that are so typical of Portugal.
on the bridge
the square Praca da República
in the old town
arrival and night place at the outskirts of Faro
In the evening we ride on and look for a night place in Faro. We settle at a palm lined road out of town. Only later we learn that this is the approach corridor of the airport of Faro. But we do not mind that. The aircraft flies rather low here and it is interesting to watch. At 23:00h stops the air traffic and we have our silence back.
today's route 67 km
