Portugal and Gran Canaria

Thursday, we decided to head to the ocean - the Atlantic.  I had been to Sesimbra once before and really liked it there.  It is a beach/resort town not far from Setubul to the south and west.  We are finding the Uber rides here very inexpensive.  For example, the 40-minute ride there cost about $25 CAD.  That would probably be double at home.  We were dropped on the beachfront, wandered along it for a while before going to a restaurant situated right on the ocean for our lunch.  It was a gorgeous day and it was fun watching the wake-boarders, surfers and people just lazing on the beach there.   We found a lovely restaurant overlooking the ocean and had a leisurely lunch which involved my first Aperol Spritz and a grilled ham and cheese sandwich.  Kim enjoyed her Marguerita too! The temperature was around 21' so everyone was taking advantage of the warm weather.  So, Day 2 of our adventure was another success!

The city of Setúbal is located on the northern bank of the  Sado River   estuary , approximately 48 kilometres (30 miles) south of Portugal's capital,  Lisbon .  It is where we will be staying until we leave Portugal on March 2nd.   It had been quite a long journey by the time we finally arrived midday Tuesday after an overnight flight from Toronto.  It hadn't helped that we were rerouted onto a TP flight (Portugal airline) which didn't have premium economy.  It made for a somewhat uncomfortable 6 1/2 hour flight.  Our hotel is way up a hill overlooking the town and the Sado river estuary.  After a bit of a rest, we headed into town to find a restaurant as our hotel has neither a bar or a restaurant.  The lack of those, however, are made up with the beautiful views from our rooms.   For our first full day, we took an Uber into the centre of Setubal as the walk down (or back up) is too far and difficult for me.  Gosh, ...

With my apologies to Lesley Gore for poaching her song title!   Around 20 years ago, my cousin, Paul, who was living in London at the time, introduced me to two friends of his, John and Pedro.  That first meeting was quite unique as it was a party at their flat in Maida Vale with 42 gay guys and me.  It was so much fun.  Over the years, I have stayed  closely   connected with them, staying with them in London many times.  Seven years ago, we went to Venice Carnivale; I went to London for John's 60th birthday 10 years ago; a few years after that, I went to their wedding; and, they have visited me in Victoria.  About 4 years ago, they purchased a home in Portugal and I have visited them there a couple of times.  Last spring, John and I did  a road trip along Portugal's "Silver Coast" to see more of the country.  So, last November when I received an invitation to John's 70th birthday party, there was no question I wanted to attend...