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Hola amigos!
Today we are in lovely Sevilla. We were sad to leave friendly Portugal (Tavira) yesterday but had a quick and efficient (a.k.a. stress-free/no yelling or getting too lost) car trip. We are staying in the most marvellous accomodation in the heart of the historic centre of Seville so its close and walking distance to most of the sights. I decided to break away from mom and dad today and give them a chance to see things at their own pace. We have had lots of fun together and it is nice to marvel at the incredible sights with someone, but I was also was hungry for some independance. It was pouring cats and dogs when I left the hotel and I searched and searched for a store that sold umbrellas; found one and then it stopped raining!! ha ha. Oh well, looks like we are in for a sunny day now.
I believe I last wrote a blog in Porto but I can´t really remember. We started in Lisbon, had a day trip to Sintra. Took a 3 hour train to Porto (north Portugal) staying 2 nights there and trained back to Lisbon where we rented a car and drove to Setubal for a night. We drove to Tavira and spent 3 of the best nights so far with a day trip to Albufeira seeing some of the Algarve´s beautiful craggy coastline and beaches. It was too cold to swim but we had our swim suits on anyway as it was warm and sunny.
The weather while we´ve been here has not been hot (yet) but has been enjoyable all the same. I brought WAY too many clothes (surprise surprise); really wishing I would have brought my backpak instead as it would have limited how much I could pack.
The food has been quite tasty. While travelling the coast throughout Portugal, as you can imagine, the seafood has been incredible and the variety plentiful. Fresher than any fish I´ve had back home. Also trying the specialties in each region we visit. Until lastnight, it was pretty much fish everyday. Yes, my vegan diet is on hold. But I am eating lots of fruit and vegetables and have to get the wholegrain breads at the mercados (markets) as they only serve white breads at the breakfasts. The oranges are so juicy and tasty - and are everwhere you look, just dripping off the trees!! We have had to slap mom´s hands several times as she always wants to pick them. I am becoming a European coffee addict once again - yikes! And a drunk too!! We have had a bottle of wine every night at supper and sometimes sangria (mmmmm) or cerveza in the afternoon. Yes, my liver is getting a good workout. haha
I allready miss the warm personalities of the Portuguese people. They are so genuine and hardworking. They truly aim to please in all they offer and are so helpful and want to share their culture with you. They speak more english (or at least try) than we had anticipated. They also appreciated when we tried to speak Portuguese and were so patient with our mistakes. We have made many friends, shared contact information and hope they will visit us if ever in Canada. I even had a night out on the town with some of the locals in Tavira while mom and dad stayed back. Enjoyed Portuguese karioke singing, spicy enchiladas, dancing and pubbing. So much fun!! Rogerio was my personal guide - what an amazing aquaintance.
Driving around the little towns/cities in Portugal was quite challenging to say the least. In some places, there were no signs. In some there were signs, but so many narrow and sometimes one-way streets as well as pedestrianized areas and dead ends making for alot of swearing and meltdowns at times. At the end of the day, there is always wine though, so its all good!! Dad loves the toll highways, they are so quick and basic and easy to follow with the signage.
We have seen such incredible things. From gold-guilded churches and monasteries to ancient castles and palaces and walked across picturesque bridges. The skinny little winding streets are the coolest. I like getting lost and then finding myself again. Mom and dad (especially dad) aren´t so fond of that. So much people watching to do. Where we are right now in Sevilla is quite touristy. Have not seen many North Americans at all. Mainly French, Spanish, and German people. Just when we were casing the Portuguese-speak, we are having to switch gears and learn some Spanish - FUN!!! Its all coming back to me and definately rolls off the tongue with more ease than Portuguese. The Spanish people so far are not as friendly or as helpful but we are in a different country now so will learn the ways eventually.
Well, enough typing here. Gotta get out and enjoy the sights!! We are hoping to take in some Flamenco dancing, maybe a bullfight and lots of tapas and walking here before heading east to Alicante and Denia, to visit my friends - the Cook family. Not looking like we´ll make it to Grenada; just too short on time. I hope all of you back home are well and all the moms enjoyed a Happy Mother´s Day!!!
Not missing you yet,
Adios!!
Pamela xoxox
P.S.
Please add comments here so I know you are tuning in!! When I come on here and don´t have any comments or messages, I feel like no one cares or isn´t reading the blog. I want to feel connected like I do when people communicate with me all the time with email at home!! Thanks everyone!
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Andra
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Love it!
I love reading about your adventures. I can just see you "getting lost and finding yourself again" - what a great line! Have fun - can't wait to see pics! A