I know you have heard this before, but the thing about being on a cruise is that you go to bed, feeling the boat rock slightly as it moves through the waves, and when you wake up you are in a new place. No airport, no train, no packing. You go to bed and when you wake up you are somewhere now. The older I get the more I believe this is the best way to travel.
This morning we awoke to the sound of an announcement that the conditions permitted water sports off the back of the yacht. A short time later we headed to breakfast.
People enjoying the water sports as we prepare to have breakfast.
At this point, we are off the coast of Portimão, Portugal.
Clockwise from top left; Swedish Pancakes with Ligonberries; Omelet with mushroom, bacon and cheese; a platter of fruit; the outdoor dining deck.
And the day has officially begun!
The waiter brought us a plate of bacon, and I took a close-up. I know there are readers out there who truly appreciate that greatest of gifts from the food deities, bacon.
As head into Portimão, we see the East side of Arade river. Like most Souther European port cities, Portimão began as a small fishing village. Phoenician, Greek, and Carthaginian sailors all found this small port conveniently located outside the Strait of Gibraltar, and the the Romans named it Portus Hanibali. LIke the rest of the Iberian peninsula, it was conquered by North Africans (I cannot bring myself to use the other word anymore, as it sticks in my mind as an epithet) in the 8th century and returned to Portuguese control in 1250.
It is a small town based entirely on beaches, sailing, boating, and shipping. Really, our cruise is stopping here not for highlights but for convenience.
Some people have decided to pass on Portimão and spend the day at the pool.
We decided long ago to have fun with most of our stops and set the iPhone's timer to a half hour. When we leave the ship, I start the timer, and when it goes off we turn around and head back. Can you think of a better way to walk for an hour after breakfast?
We headed into town and the Portimão Museum has an exhibit of press photography. Clearly we were going to take a photograph next to a sign about photographs.
Before the timer went off, we reached the heart of Portimão. We managed to get a post card and a souvenir spoon, as well as pictures of the main public square, Plaça Manuel Teixeira Gomes.
Barbie poses with the fountain.
You know what? This photograph came out around seventeen times better looking than it actually was. This walk was not unpleasant, but this part of the city felt a little run down. Somehow this shot makes it look mildly luxurious and even manicured, instead of dirty and haphazard.
Let us say you wanted to know the exact moment that I decided to have a burger for lunch when returning to the ship. That moment would be the moment that I saw Portimão's very own Burger Ranch.
Well done, Portimão. You have covered one of the essentials.
Docked behind SeaDream was a ferry that had filled with cars and people. No joke. I typed into Google, "what's the big thing at the front of a ship in the water." The first result was the Wikipedia entry for Bulbous Bow.
"A bulbous bow is a protruding bulb at the bow (or front) of a ship just below the waterline. The bulb modifies the way the water flows around the hull, reducing drag and thus increasing speed, range, fuel efficiency, and stability. Large ships with bulbous bows generally have a 12 to 15 percent better fuel efficiency than similar vessels without them."
Voila.
Walking back to SeaDream I.
Lunch! Barbie ordered the healthier Steamed Black Mussels, but apparently everyone on the ship who did not go into town ordered them and they were out. Thusly, Barbie joined me in burger-land as we both ordered the
Special Burger of the Day; the Swiss Cheese and Bacon topped Beef Burger with Truffled Mushroom, Fries, and BBQ Sauce.
Yeah, it was as good as it sounded.
The ferry behind us pulled away from the dock, and soon it was our turn as well.
We were escorted out by this tug. Likely it followed us so that the city of Portimão could charge SeaDream for it.
Heading out into open sea again.
When we spotted the small beacon, it was close enough to a lighthouse for Barbie to give it a good
Lighthouses Rule move. That is an inside joke that would make you laugh if you have been exposed to
Drinking out of cups on YouTube. Not funny the first time, but somehow it sticks in your head and a line like
Lighthouses Rule becomes hilarious.
After lunch, Barbie hit the pool while I sat down in the stateroom and, yeah, pumped out yesterday's Waste. And the day before, I think. And now I have caught up!
I joined her by the pool. And, yes, nothing beats hanging at a pool on the ocean. I did not take pictures around the pool, but I really should. It looks like it will be
the hangout spot this cruise.
Dinnertime. We were invited to dinner at the Captain's Table... and I failed you. I did not take pictures of the captain or us or the other guests. I only took pictures of the food. Rats! Oh well. This error will only serve to remind me to do better in the future.
Her starter; Gratinated Escargots with Aubergine Compote and Champignon de Paris.
His starter; Green Asparagus Bavaroise with Organic Salmon Tartar and Caviar Creme.
Her second; Chinese Hot and Sour with Egg Drops and Tofu.
His second; Velouté of Celeriac with Blue Cheese Crumbles. (Any excuse to eat blue cheese, he takes.)
Her main; Eggplant Napoleon with Warm Caponata Salad.
His main; Lobster Tail with Green Vegetables, Warm Tomato-Bocconcino, Fresh Grean Peas Risotto and Garlic-Hot Sauce.
Her dessert; fresh sorbet.
His dessert; Molten Chocolate Soufflé with Gold Leaf.
We had a great time eating with three other couples (Including Ira & Robin from last night!) and the Captain. I really, really should have taken pictures. Argh!
After dinner...
Live singing by a staff members of the SeaDream, Rutzie and Sammy.
Tomorrow is the BIG day... Tangiers, Morocco. Oh boy.
Until then...
