So I hit the road south to the Algarve.
But I didn't make it far. Fortunately not due to any car problems. I chose to take the scenic route instead of the highway (the van struggles to keep 100kph, let alone 120, the speed limit). So I took the ferry at Sebutal onto a long sand spit called the Ihla do Arroz (the isle of rice). In short order I picked up a young guy hitching. He spoke great English, being of Brazilian/Dutch decent, and was astonished that his first ride in half an hour was a foreigner.
Vincent was off to work at his friend Mickey's dad's beach bar, and we quickly became close friends. Vincent encouraged me to stick around, so I took a swim, and later got to kite as the wind gently built. They were most impressed (even though I felt there was barely enough wind). Later, after a couple of free drinks, I was invited to stay the night - what a fine way to spend my birthday! We enjoyed a good chat that night and the next morning, but it was time to be moving on.
This day I drove through lovely winding hillsides in a national park, and through little villages, until I arrived in Aljezur. Looking for a map at the tourist info center, I met up with a young Canadian backpacker, Jeremiah. After hitting the supermarket, I gave him a ride to the coast where he planned to stay.
What a lovely side journey. The coast here has dramatic high cliffs with spectacular views. After we enjoyed a chat and a stroll around, I found an empty field and camped in my van for the first time - very acceptable.
But I didn't make it far. Fortunately not due to any car problems. I chose to take the scenic route instead of the highway (the van struggles to keep 100kph, let alone 120, the speed limit). So I took the ferry at Sebutal onto a long sand spit called the Ihla do Arroz (the isle of rice). In short order I picked up a young guy hitching. He spoke great English, being of Brazilian/Dutch decent, and was astonished that his first ride in half an hour was a foreigner.
Vincent was off to work at his friend Mickey's dad's beach bar, and we quickly became close friends. Vincent encouraged me to stick around, so I took a swim, and later got to kite as the wind gently built. They were most impressed (even though I felt there was barely enough wind). Later, after a couple of free drinks, I was invited to stay the night - what a fine way to spend my birthday! We enjoyed a good chat that night and the next morning, but it was time to be moving on.
This day I drove through lovely winding hillsides in a national park, and through little villages, until I arrived in Aljezur. Looking for a map at the tourist info center, I met up with a young Canadian backpacker, Jeremiah. After hitting the supermarket, I gave him a ride to the coast where he planned to stay.
What a lovely side journey. The coast here has dramatic high cliffs with spectacular views. After we enjoyed a chat and a stroll around, I found an empty field and camped in my van for the first time - very acceptable.
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