The rumour on the weather forecast was that there might be a yellow ball in the sky today and sure enough as I sat eating breakfast, there it was. Outside, Faro had taken on a new look and people were smiling as they went about there business, was it the sun or because it was the start of the weekend.
I headed off on a walk towards the marina and found out that there is a tourist train that takes you on an hours trip around the city, I had just missed it so decided to have a coffee in the sunshine and just relax.
Watching the world go by at the marina, seeing large groups of tourists on walking tours, seeing families just out enjoying some winter sunshine.
Before I knew it, the 'train' had arrived and off I went.
I have to say that the 'train' driving over the cobbled walkways was an experience that I will not forget in a hurry, but it was the perfect way to do a city circuit.
We drove through the archway from the marina to the old town, trundling through the narrow streets.
making our way to the centre square and the cathedral, this square was edged with heavily laden orange trees and white washed houses. The Bishops Palace on one side of the square
A stunning building with amazing things to see.
And then as we came around a corner, there it was, a water tower. Anyone who knows me will remember well my pursuit of water towers when staying with my sister in France.
this one was a a beauty in my eyes at least
we continued through the city with more parks
Until sadly, we arrived back at the marina and the hour had flown by. for 6 euro it was worth every bone shaking, teeth rattling minute.
By this time, I decided that I should head off for some lunch and headed back to another square and garden close to my hotel, this was the one that I had found on Thursday.
The restaurant was called 'L'Osteria' and I took a seat outside and ordered a rose wine.
I then ordered the much anticipated 'duck breast' lasagne.
And when it arrived it was bubbling hot. Now as you may or may not know in Mijas last October I expanded my tastes of lasagne with one that had roquefort cheese on top, this was outstanding, so this one had a lot to live up to.
And it did, it was absolutely amazing, the flavour was subtle but noticeably different, the sauce was wonderful and just the right amount of pasta. In my opinion if this had roquefort cheese on top it could well have been the best lasagne in the world, as I said, my opinion only, but don't knock it until you try it.
I headed back to the hotel, to have a nap, but not before I decided to have an espresso martini and take it to the roof. there is a roof top bar, but due to it being winter and the grim weather the last couple of days they had closed it, A little bit of asking nicely and they opened it for me to have my cocktail over looking the rooftops of Faro. Apparently I was the only guest in the last three months to ask about it.
The sun was beautiful, I sat for an hour, soaking up some vitamin D and making the most of warmth, something that I will be craving once I get back home.
Back to my room and a nap ensued. I've slept a lot whilst I've been here, real sleep, not disturbed sleep like at home, I look exhausted in all photos, but I guess my body has forgotten what its like to have undisturbed sleep.
Anyhow, I woke up at 5pm and as I hadn't booked anywhere local to eat, raced about getting ready and out to grab some food.
I had googled some restaurants and headed to one about 10mins walk away, which was doing the only seafood which doesn't make me sick, razor calms and oysters.
This was all washed down with some very good quality rose wine. I have found that a lot of the rose wine here is fabulously dry. Always a win on my books.
The oysters were fabulous, but the razor clams....................OMG, grilled with lemon and black pepper, they were just perfect.
This was not meant to be a foody weekend, but has very quickly turned this way. And also at amazing prices. Something that I have found across the board here, from cake and coffee to amazing dinners the prices are incredibly reasonable.
I headed back to the hotel and sat in reception with a glass of wine, chatting to the two reception staff, one of whom used to work in Swindon and his English was perfect. Whilst there an English guest came in and said she had left her key in her room, could they let her in, she headed up the stairs and then shouted, 'hurry up, I haven't got all day'!!!! apparently she left her key in her room at least 3 times a day and expected to be let in as demanded.
Then they called another guest who had dyed her hair whilst here and the hair dye was all over the towels, white duvet cover and pillowcases, they informed here there would be a 20 euro charge!
I was shocked to say the least, but for them all in a days work.
I headed back to my room and spent the remainder of the evening watching movies of which there are 4 channels showing back to back English language movies with Portuguese subtitles.
It was indeed a wonderful day.
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