Portugal: "Obrigada" for a good time!

Unfortunately the only Portuguese I learned from my weekend trip to Lagos, Portugal was, obrigada (thanks). That doesn't mean it wasn't a spectacular trip. I met plenty of Welsh, British, Irish, Australian, New Zealanders and English-speaking Portuguese all enjoying the sun, waves, bars, and relaxed lifestyle that the city of Lagos has to offer. I may not be proficient in the Portuguese language, but I now know a very important Irish cheers (to be used among friends):

"Never above you (Cheers above), Never below you (Cheers below), Always by your side (Interlock arms and drink!)"

Trip: Success.

Lagos is situated on the souther coast of Portugal and looks something like this:

My first photo, taken outside the hotel

Not bad, eh? I went with one other friend, Helene, through a tour group named DiscoverSevilla that organized a bus from Sevilla to Lagos, hotel reservations and other activities along the way. This was really the only option as none of the bus schedules leaving from Granada allowed us to be in Lagos, let alone Portugal, from Friday to Sunday.

The Carvi Hotel was located right on Praia Dona Ana, a breathtaking beach that had rocks to climb and jump from and crystal-clear water to float in and pass the day away. We didn't actually get a chance to enjoy this particular beach, though.... the reason for which I will talk about later.

Day one: Sangria boat cruise. Need I say more? Okay, I will. A sailboat took us onto the the picturesque, blue blue BLUE waters of Portugal's Atlantic coast. We swam- or better yet, floated- off the side of the boat. The water was salty enough that it took no effort at all, which was probably good considering the amount of sangria some were drinking. Oh, not me of course. A smaller boat took us to explore the caves and rocks on the coast, all in different shapes. An elephant, a human face. Oh, and did I mention unlimited sangria? After docking, it was siesta time- then out on the town.

I ate a burrito. It was heaven. It had guacamole AND sour cream. I realize I haven't been without American food for long, and shouldn't be craving it quite yet. But Casa Rosa in downtown Lagos had the best American food, for cheap. The next day, I had a burger. I wanted to try Portuguese fish, but that was a little to steep for me. Well that, and I wanted to go back to Casa Rosa to our favorite waiter, Cintra, and have a humongous burger. So, shoot me for not being cultured for one weekend!

Connect Four, Burritos, and Beer

Cintra, Helene & I at Casa Rosa

The first night was the best night. For those of you who have seen pictures on Facebook, I'm sure you can tell it was filled with plenty of interesting characters. Helene and I spent most of our time at a bar called "The Wolf's Lair." That might be enough description right there. We became best friends with an Irish kid named Michael, 17, and his dad named Pol (P-o-l), 40+. They were both well gone, and a ton of fun. Then in came the 71-year-old owner of the bar, who looked like he crawled out of the grave, but I suppose was nice enough. Definitely creepy, though. This was later confirmed when, the next day, Cintra asked if he "took off his pants" and was surprised when in fact he hadn't. Thank. God. The bartenders were also quickly becoming our bff's, until Helene stepped in an took over bar-tending. I still had to pay for the beer.

Happy family at The Wolf's Lair

People in Lagos were the most friendly bunch of people I've ever met. At first, my creeper-dar would signal an alarm (for those of you who don't know about a creeper-dar, it is usually accurate at detecting creepers/people to stay away from). However, my first impression quickly did a 180 when every person we met was extremely generous and legitimately kind-hearted. Must have something to do with the fact that all they do is surf, drink, and go to their "jobs" where they drink some more. Not much stress right there.

Day two: By day, lying out on beach, steak sandwich in a beach shack and swimming through the refreshing Atlantic waves.

At sunset, going to the "end of the world" at Cape Sagre. Breathtaking.

By night, Casa Rosa for a burger. Then to a small bar owned by a very nice, but very drunk, Welshman who gave us both free shots of whiskey and brandy combined. Later, the Wolf's Lair. Surprised?

Day three: Okay, here comes the downer in this otherwise relaxed and fun-filled weekend. Sunday was a very windy day, and the waves at Praia Dona Ana beach were something to behold. They concealed the rocks below the water and could easily pull one out to sea or under the water. I wasn't about to go in. However, someone (about 40, I heard) did decide to venture in, and didn't come out alive. It was terrible. CPR on the beach for over an hour, to no avail. I didn't watch, and many left the beach. Definitely scarring, and nothing I want to witness again. I think here, Thoreau's sage words are fitting: "It appears to be a law that you cannot have a deep sympathy with both man and nature."

To lighten the mood, though -- All in all, wonderful trip with wonderful people. I'm definitely trying to plan a time to visit more of Portugal later in the year.