Some Observations so Far...

(posted by ange poolside on February 27)

Here is what we know so far…

Drinks are cheap. I mean cheap. Too cheap. Last night Dave and I had 2 beers, a grasshopper (cocktail), 2 glasses of wine and an espresso for a total of 17 Euros (about $24C). And we weren’t picking the cheap stuff. The other night I had a glass of wine for 1 euro (I’m talking a COIN here!). The average bottle of wine at the grocery store is 2.50 Euros.

The people here are amazing. Friendly, helpful, downright gregarious! They will go out of their way to help you. I had a man who didn’t know the answer to my question, spend the next 10 minutes asking other people if they new. I asked a cabbie for directions…he literally walked me over to the street I was to start on and spend 10 minutes ensuring I understood where to go. And he wasn’t even getting a fare! We met a man in bar last night who happens to drive a cab. Gave us his number – if we have any questions or need any help, just give him a call. Sit down in a bar or café and you are sure to make new friends. And these people are so genuinely sincere. It gives you hope for humanity after all.

So far we have been lucky with the language. Albufeira is so touristic that everyone speaks English. We do say “obrigada” for thank you and “ola” for hello. I must start learning more, as we are going to be venturing out of tourist-ville soon.

Face clothes. I had to go buy some face clothes, as they are not provided. Just no face clothes. What the hell?! Don’t they wash their faces here?!!!

Double beds. I mean two twin beds pushed together. No big deal. However it would be lovely to share one sheet! Clearly this is a strong Roman Catholic country! We are on our way to buy a sheet!

Washing machines. That’s it, just washing machines. No dryers. I don’t think anyone here has dryers, as you see laundry hanging out to dry everywhere. Our laundry is hanging on the line on the patio as we speak.

Albufeira is extremely CLEAN. Spotless. I haven’t seen a piece of garbage anywhere. Vancouver could take a few lessons.

Sidewalks are for cars to park on! Streets are for pedestrians to walk. No, I am not kidding and will include a picture of this oddity at some point. The drivers are definitely crazy and you must take care. I am pretty sure pedestrians have no rights.

Safety. It feels so safe here. I have not hesitated to go out at night alone. The first night we arrived, while Dave was jet lagged, I was full of energy, so made my way down to the town. Had a great time, met some lovely people over a drink in a bar and felt like I was home. While there may not be a lot of people around while hiking the hill from hell late at night, it’s well lit, people are friendly and I have no qualms about my safety here. I feel just as safe, if not safer, than I do in the Westend.

Albufeira is under a lot of construction…there is a lot of development going on. This once small fishing village is already a large tourist destination. The “new” town already looks like just any other modern city. I hope the development on this side does not ruin the charm of the old town.

In summary, to be in such a place where there is beauty everywhere, both in nature and architecture, where the sun shines and the sky stays blue and where time has no real meaning…where each day can spontaneously happen as it does…this is a life that is charmed. I am blessed to be in this wonderful place with Dave, where we both enjoy living in the moment and going with the flow and where we both can truly appreciate how lucky we are to be here…at this moment, sitting by the pool, enjoying the last of the afternoon rays before allowing the evening to take us where it may. This is life and life, my friends, is very, very good.