"You Are Not Tourists, You Are Our Special Guests"

Yes...I know. There have been no updates this week. This is however not for a lack of trying. Our internet situation has been - let's say - precarious. To sum up, I had the retired General of the Portuguese Army under my bed trying to connect wires with great flaire! "Wee Weel Get it Right" he exclaimes. But unfortunaly the battle was lost. So my appologies for leaving you without an update on our adventures.

There have been many adventures. This past week was spent in the wonder of the Algarve Region (southern tip of Portugal along the Sea). The beaches were breathtaking, the sand warm between our toes and the freckles on my arms were trying to mesh into a suntan. The surprising part of the Algarve was not the beaches - as beautiful and relaxing as it was to be at the sea - it was the series of small towns along the shore and inland where we encountered the most welcoming hosts and learned many histories of the area. Although suggested that this was a "tourist area" it did not feel like the strip of Virginia Beach. Small cafes, bars, restaurants were present, but the traditional white buildings with blue or yellow accents were the focus.

We all enjoyed our host family experiences. It seemed for a short while that we were in an English Colony where afternoon tea was the norm - but with palm trees instead of stormy London skys. Life long freindships and life changing experiences were made by all. Thank you Algarve for the warm hearts and sunny skies.

We are now in the country side of Portugal. Surrounded by mountains and ancient stone walls. Our travels take us away from the fish and into black pig country. Castles are watching over us as we walk along the cobblestone streets that were once traveled by the kings and queens of Portugal. Fitting I think as we are being treated like queens - better yet, we are being treated as special guests.