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Tuesday, 10 July, traveling to Portugal

Tuesday, 10 July, traveling to Portugal

We left Sevilla, España at 3pm, about 4:30pm we passed in to Portugal and shortly therefter made a super quick stop in Castro Marim. Castro Marim has a huge castle which would be really cool to explore. Castro Marim sits along the river, and has a definite beach resort feel about it.

The ride so far has been quite enjoyable, the scenery has been lovely. The seats are a bit narrow, at least by our big butt American standards. There are plenty of open seats on the bus for us to spreadout should we so desire.

As soon as we passed in to Portugal we passed several small communities built on to the hillside and all houses are white with red tile roofs.

Oh, and no stop at Customs was required. We did have to show our passports to buy the tickets, but so far no one has asked to see them.

So apparently we are completely wrong about our bus route because we now see what appears to be the Ocean on our left. Ok, a sign just confirmed, we are passing Tavira, which is in fact on the ocean/sea.
We have made several stops. Quite tedious - should you ever find yourself in the bus station in Faro, don't, nuff said!

So a while ago we pull into a gas station restaurant combo, we think ok, refill. Nope, think again, 30 minute break, arrrrggghhhhh, just get me to frickin Lisbon. So we walk around abit then decide to see if he restaurant or the gas station has wifi, the gas station does so in we go, unfortunately we couldn't connect. BUT, we found, ok, hold your breath, Ketchup flavored Ruffles.

 

Yep, I know, who is the genius that thought this up. Of course I bought a bag, in spite of having to listen to Tom's derision, and the heavy price tag. 1.85€ yipes! But oh after that first chip flavor exploded in my mouth, heaven!

Back on the road, landscape has changed more rolling hills and open spaces than he hilly mountainous before. Lots more livestock, cattle, sheep. Before it was more agricultural. Still lots of sunflower fields, and olive trees have changed or citrus.

One thing I've noticed is how much I miss a vista, a view, the horizon. In Mérida, for those of you who've not been, we are flat. The peninsula is on a limestone shelf and for the most, there are of course the exceptions, we are very flat. I think that lack of physical view or vista translates into our perceptions as well, I feel more open. Like I now have more breadth. I don't feel like I miss out in Mèrida, I just feel like i become content in a smaller area, more content in my encapsulation.

Oh boy, we're starting to see fields of grapevines.

We made it! We're in Lisbon, in our room, ready for bed after eating a great meal, and drinking yet another great bottle of wine, white this time.

I'll have to add pictures later. Adding pictures with Blogsy is a real pain. But I'll do it, honest! Just keep checking back!