Beach Bum

Cascais, Monday 26 October

A madness rush to the store where I saw killer shoes yesterday was in order this morning just in case they today miraculously had them in my size. They didn’t - which was lucky as it turned out even the Lisbon concierge struggled getting my luggage into the taxi!

The taxi was to take me to Cais de Sodre the train station which is where I was supposed to get the train to Cascais but he spoke great English and we agreed a good price for him to ignore the railway station and bring me down the coast directly to the hotel. My thinking was simple, just like the Visa ad…not having to deal with my overweight bags going up and down steps, priceless. It didn’t matter to him or me that he had no idea exactly where he was bringing me when we got here, after a very scenic guide to the town… twice, requesting directions from a policeman who had no idea which we both found funny, and finally seeking advice from his local colleagues he deposited me at the Vila Gale’ which is right opposite the beach front (nice man, he turned off the metre as soon as we hit town).

Just 10 minutes later I was comfortably reclined with my book and suntan lotion beside the pool. Heaven. It is a mild 25/26 degrees – warm enough for the bikini to see some action but not too hot that I am sweltering. It is off season and it shows, there is hardly anyone here, I had only two people at the pool with me, probably the reason I got such a good price with the hotel . I am definitely not complaining.

At around four I walked into town, found the supermarket and stocked myself up with some supplies for the next couple of days. I don’t intend leaving the pool unless the weather makes me. The best thing about this hotel is that I am in a kind of apartment - there is a kitchenette. I can at last make myself a cup of tea.

The weight of my luggage remains an issue. Even after yesterday’s repack I fear it is even heavier! I have tonight found another kilo or two I can ditch but fear that is not nearly enough, Air NZ is going to have a fit when they meet me on Friday and I know it is going to cost me, big time.

Pic is Cascais Harbour on the way back form the supermarket. Out of shot the fisher people are preparing on the jetty to head out for the night.