We have been so focused on getting settled and doing all of the necessary tasks, I don’t feel like I’ve been able to slow down yet. Our visa appointment is later this week, so I’ve been up to my eyeballs in paperwork. Plus work work, finding the basics like forks and plates so we don’t have to eat out until our shipment arrives, and so on.

Still, we have made an effort to explore the region when we can.

Sagres - we went to this surf town to see a concert at sunset at Fortaleza de Sagres. Of the Fortaleza, Wikipédia says:

The Fortress of Sagres…was built in the 15th century by order of Portugal's Infante Henry the Navigator.

Funny story, the concert was in a small windowless room in the middle of the fortress, and was about two hours before sunset. But it was still a beautiful trip! We stopped by Farol da Ponta de Sagres, a lighthouse first constructed in 1894. Both had incredible views and history.

Portimão - in this large city west of us, we didn’t get to explore the city but explored the coastline by boat. Not many pictures of this trip, Adaline was in charge of photography so mostly shots of what interested her - the other boats doing tours!

Cerro do Ouro - we found a super cool craft fair In “Gold Hill” that had traditional Portuguese artisan works - basket weaving, bird calling, pottery, replicas of Portuguese vessels, and traditional shoe making. Super cool.

Burgau and Lagos - Adaline and I planned a week-long birthday trip for Jason’s 50th in Burgau, just outside of Lagos, and about 40 minutes west of Albufeira.

What a gem! This has been my favorite place so far - a tiny village in the western Algarve, perfect for all things ocean. Jason has reacquainted himself with the ocean, which was the intent of the present - kiteboarding and surfing every day. Adaline and I have been lounging and SUPing among the grottos along the coastline. I am starting to feel like myself again.