Another holiday?
4 September 2007
This so called summer has really got me down. I could take no more rain and Jim agreed (like he has a choice, he’ll say) that we should head off to find some sun. The only caveat was he’d like to go somewhere he hadn’t been before and so the Algarve was to be our destination. Again we booked a villa through James Villas. It was described as in a peaceful rural setting. In fact the brochure description didn’t do this villa full justice.
Our chosen villa, Casa do Gato in St Barbara de Nexe, which is about 17 kilometers from Faro, was set in the hills with beautiful views down to Faro and to the hills behind us. The villa is clearly used by the owners and as such is both tastefully and comfortably furnished. It boasted three double bedrooms all en-suite, a fully fitted dining kitchen with dishwasher and washing machine plus a large lounge and separate dining room. Outside there was a large swimming pool, which had much use by the boys.
We travelled out to Monchique and the highest point here in the Algarve to more breathtaking views. Son Number Two drank from the spa water at the foot of the mountains, which is said to make you live ten more years. It was quite a drive, but that was mainly due to my (lack of) map reading skills, but still worth it for the panoramic views.
We also visited Zoomarine. It was 21 euros each, but there was so much to do. The highlight had to be the dolphins and watching these beautiful creatures. The show was so good we went back a second time. The small fun fair occupied the boys for a very long time especially the pirate boat that they revisited several times. The ferris wheel was given a miss by Jim, but the rest of us (once I had got over the panic of being so high up in a glass cage) thoroughly enjoyed the views (in my case) and (the boys) the thrill of spotting Jim and terrifying me by making me think that the cage might rock so violently that we’d soon be joining him on the ground!
Zoomarine also has seals and seal lions, although I’m still unsure which is which, an aquarium with real sharks, several swimming pools where the boys cooled off and Jim and I enjoyed the sunshine and some lunch. We saw turtles, enormous tortoises, crocodiles and alligators (again I’m not sure which is which) and swans that Son Number Two insisted on calling geese! New for this year was the 4D cinema which was 3D, but with cold air and a sprinkling of water in the appropriate places to give it that fourth dimension. The film was based on the effects of global warming and the effects on the animals in various countries. A great experience 
and a lovely film. There were of course the obligatory shops brimming over with gifts and refreshment areas. Surprisingly the refreshments were very reasonable priced (but then we found that everything in the Algarve was; £1 for a rather nice bottle of wine… need I say more?). We escaped the gift shops until we got to the end of our visit and were about to leave. Son Number Two simply 
couldn’t resist the final pull. Jim said he should’ve just kept walking through the one way turnstile! We got off lightly with a Zoomarine ball and a squidgy bag of light up balls, which seen to have no purpose other than the novelty of owning said item! I had wondered if 21 euros ( children over 10 years pay adult entrance) was a tad expensive, but I couldn’t have been more wrong. Once inside all attractions and shows are free. It is a fabulous day out for everyone. I’d advise getting there early just so that you have time to fit everything in. There’s plenty to do and plenty to see and has to be a must do for grown ups and children.
I think it’s fair to say we fell in love with Portugal. The countryside in the hills was as different as it was beautiful as the white sandy beaches. Our only downside and especially for me was the golf haven, Quinta da Lago.I had visited here some 20 years ago when I stayed with a friend and her grand parents. It was small resort then I recall only the one golf course and a dirt track down to the beach, which had one small beach hut serving delicious fresh fish. I’d spent many hours on this beach. Sadly Quinta da Lago is unrecognisable. Villas, golf courses and perfectly straight tree lined ‘avenues’ have sprung up in the last 20 years. We didn’t stop, but headed off to Vilamoura, where I hoped the marina hadn’t seen a similar ‘make-over’. I wan’t disappointed. We had a lovely meal in one of the many bars and restaurants around the marina before heading back to the tranquility of our villa again.
We got home at the weekend to a cold and surprise, surprise a wet Manchester. I’ve been freezing since we got home. Fed up of the grey skies; please let me see endlessly blue, sunshine-filled skies again. I’m now looking for flights and villas for next year! Sorry Jim!
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