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Published: July 28th 2013
Fresh meringues
Made from egg whites, sugar, cream of tartar. Yummy. Crunchy on the outside. Soft in the middle.I am going to start off this blog with last night's event since I blogged before we went out! We headed out after dinner into Lagos nearby where there was a festival called Arte Doce Competition and Fair. This was basically a fair celebrating Portuguese pastries and cakes and delicasies! Yes, we were in heaven. While we browsed, there was also musical entertainment such as belly dancing and drum bands. There was also a display of fancy creations made of marzipan! Very cool! Almonds are grown here so in addition to the marzipan which we see everywhere, lots of the cakes and tarts are almond based. Also a lot of fig based desserts.
We sampled some of the treats (obviously) and enjoyed them all. There were literally hundreds to choose from. We each got something different and let everyone else taste. Favourites included fresh meringue, tarte naranje, and lime cake. This festival was a tasty little gem which we all really enjoyed.
Today we got a fairly early start off to the west coast heading to a new beach called Arrafina Beach. The drive was gorgeous. Gorgeous. We had the windows down and the smell of (Nigel thinks) clover wafts over you. This
Marzipans
The hands, the flowers, everything in this display was formed from edible marzipan. This one took 3rd prize. part of the Algarve is especially beautiful through the rolling hills - it includes lots of cork trees, orange trees and spectacular views across the valley when you get up a little higher. We arrived in Arrafina and it will be difficult to describe the breathtaking (not in a Seinfeld way) views. In all of our home swaps, the views we were graced with today were the most stunning we have ever seen (Nigel reluctantly said they even beat the Scottish Highlands, sniff). Like from a movie. Unreal. We parked the car at the top in a small lot and walked down this winding narrow road towards the beach (about 1 km). The views on the way down the road, up and down the coast, were unbelievable. There will be photos but I am certain they won't capture just how amazing it was. In the water far below you, the crest of big waves (6-10 footers) were dotted with surfers. At the beach, we found a quiet spot and set up. Nigel and I actually did a run on the beach (after seeing a few others doing it we decided it would be acceptable) in bare feet no less. After
Clowns
There was a group of mimes/clowns (not sure which) entertaining the crowds outside the confectionery festival. This one stole Russ's soccer ball. last night's indulgence, we felt it was necessary. Then there was swimming in the biggest waves we have seen so far. Over Nigel's head! The rest of the day was spent in and out of the ocean, playing soccer, football and paddle ball. What a day! Even just sitting on the towels relaxing, taking in the scenery, it seemed to good to be true.
Drove home after a full day of sun. Getting our money's worth on the sunshirts. No burns today except for Nigel's face (even though he reapplied 3 times....). Enjoy the photos.
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Catharine
non-member comment
Those were some lovely photos and I loved the bit about the run but.... Where was the picture of the 1st place Marizan display? Was it not photo worthy? Where is the family beach shot? Or are you doing as the Europeans do & the photos need to be edited for internet reasons? Signed, just OK in Ontario...