Portugal & The Algarve

Thur 21/06/12 Hi and apologies for the delay between blogs. We have had Internet connection and a few other problems. We have now left the wonderfull Spanish Rias and cruised down the Portugese coast. Portugal is a country of many contrasts. Initialy in the north we encountered an air of poverty and what we can only describe as a generally poor standard of living. Properties were run down and lacking in maintaince,poorly dressed people,beggars etc. We continued heading south down a generally uninteresting coast with very long legs between harbours. When we arrived the marinas were always half full and the locals complaining of few visitors. The Portugese economy does really seem to be suffering with an air of despondency everywhere. We rounded the corner of Capo St. Vincent and turned left ( heading east at last!). Hey presto we were in the Algarve, the sun began to shine, posh houses along the coast it was an instant transformation. The Algarve coast between St Vincent and Lagos is really quite stunning and beautifull. We may well stay here for a while and just chill. My daughter Elizabeth and son in law Chris joined us in Lisbon on Sat 16th and return home on the 23rd. We think they have enjoyed it so far and it has been a pleasure having then on board We are still having connection problems ( probably not pressing correct buttons) but hope to post more regularly and pics etc. Missing you all and please keep in touch it is nice to receive messages. Ray & Mandy