A night on the Old Town

After our relaxing day in the sun, it was time to experience a little bit of Portuguese night life.

Albufeira has been a tourist hotspot since the 60's and it comes alive at night.

Our hotel shuttle dropped us off near the Old Town so that we could explore. 

The Old Town has all of the bars, restaurants and shopping that you want in 

a much more relaxed atmosphere than "the Strip" which is more popular with the younger crowd.  There is a central square surrounded by narrow, cobbled streets.

It felt so good to just stroll around, sit in the sun and have a cocktail.

As the sun set, it was time to find dinner.  We were eagerly enticed from both sides by attractive, young waiters to try their restaurant.  We eventually settled on one close to the beach.

Here is my most important tip for Portugal.

When the waiter asks you if you would like to start your meal with bread and butter, say YES.

We started every evening meal like this.  The little tubs are butter, sardine paste and yummy cheese.  I usually try to stay away from bread, but as we were on vacation we indulged.

The waiter then led me to the fish cooler to pick out my dinner for the night.

I had grilled sea bass all three nights were were there.  So amazingly wonderful and fresh.

After dinner, we took a little walk on the beach and soaked it all up.

Just writing this post, I'm aching to be back there in that place with everything that it had to offer.

As the evening wore on, things started to get even livelier and we weren't quite ready to go home.

Check out this Cosmopolitan that I ordered.  I'm completely spoiled now and expect every Cosmo from here on out to be in a big honkin' glass with a sparkler in it.

The live music was terrific.  But the people watching was incredible.

Instead of a Bachelor/Bachelorette Party, the Brits celebrate with a Stag Party (for the guys) and a Hen Do (for the girls).  This usually involves a weekend away and Portugal is a favorite destination.  The guys dress the groom up in the most humiliating costumes and pour drinks down his throat.  One groom on our flight home was in a playboy bunny costume, complete with fishnet pantyhose.  It's the craziest thing I've seen.

The ladies are a bit more creative and they all dress up together.

You can just imagine the trouble they all get up to over the weekend.

As things got rowdier, we decided it was time to get back to the hotel.

We hopped in a taxi, but not before one last free shot of neon green liquor of some sort. (cough syrup?)

I love the Algarve.  It has something to offer everyone, quiet relaxation or a fun party.

It was exactly what we wanted and needed that weekend.

And, Oh, the sunsets!  I'll show you in my next post.

(p.s.  I'd love it if you would click over and Like my Facebook Page.)

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