I woke fairly early and then Colin got up to make tea and I was banned from getting up. I discovered why when I was called to the living room to see a stack of cards and presents on the table which Colin had hidden in his luggage, No wonder it was so heavy. I got some really great cards and lovely presents - chocolates, socks, jewellery, books, vouchers to list just some.
After a big opening session we had breakfast and then headed out into the sunshine. I had considered wearing short sub thought that wild be pushing it bit so I went fora T shire with jeans and at some points in the morning it was so warm I could take my fleece off to catch some rays. We had out first Pingado in a cafe we had visited before before walking through the impressive fish market - we’re determined to try some fresh tuna steaks at home this time.
We wandered through the old town and found our favourite Dominos cafe and booked in for dinner tomorrow with their famous ‘Cataplana’ which we have read about.
Then it was back via the fruit and veg market for tomatoes and strawberries and then home for lunch and a beer on the balcony in sunshine.
Later in the afternoon we headed out to walk around the salt pans as the the tide started to go out again. They were teeming with birdlife and we saw the flamingoes, black backed stilts and lots of others that I need to study my new book for. The sunset was pretty impressive as well. I only took my phone this time and the camera is really good on it although I will return later in the week with my big camera.
Back to the the apartment and a brief rest before we headed out tot eh restaurant recommend by the lady who had met us last night. It was ‘interesting’. I started with a cockle samosa which was presented on empty cockle cshells and rock salt that had been dyed blue - it was certainly different. My main course of pork was very nice although Colin’s was not hot so that was not good. Our choice of the local Vinho Verde was also not possible as apparently the inlay other occupied table in the restate had the last bottle. We shared a dessert which arrived with a birthday candle and a serenade of happy birthday. It was an ‘ok’ meal for me but not good for Colin so a little stressful. Fingers crossed for my second birthday meal tomorrow that we tried to unsuccessfully book before we left the UK!
