Travel Day

We had a bit of a late night last night, as we wanted to try to adjust to the time difference...and we went our for drinks with Christopher and Thomas, friends from home, that I had found out two days ago were going to be in Lisbon on the weekend as well - so of course we had to get together. Good times!

The next morning we checked out of the Rossio Plaza Hotel @ 7 a.m. and ordered an Uber to take us to the train station (Entrecampos). This was the longest time I had ever waited for an Uber pick up...it took 20 minutes for our driver to get there. However, there were many road closures this morning that could have contributed to the long wait time since there was a marathon race happening later in the morning.

It took us about 20 minutes or so to get to the station and I asked a transit worker which platform we would be departing from, just to be sure. No one wants to get on the wrong train. This train was a high speed train that could reach speeds of 220 km/h. I had purchased first class tickets last week, since there was an online deal...and likely the only first class travel I can afford - so why not!? The cost for the train (one way) was 18 Euros for me and 15 Euros for seniors. The first class carriage offered big comfy seats with lots of leg room. Assigned seating meant we didn't have to jockey for a place to sit. Travel time from Lisbon to Albufeira (Ferreiras) was 3 hours...good time for a wee snooze while watching a movie on my iPad.

Once we disembarked the train, we grabbed a taxi to our apartment which cost just under 12 Euros. Our suite was not quite ready as check in was 4 p.m., but we were able to leave our luggage in the rental office and head out to explore the town on Albufeira on foot. Our apartment is so centrally located - in the heart of everything.

We walked in a few stores...ok, many stores...haha. No purchases yet. We headed to the beach and walked along the boardwalk to check things out. Today was a beauty day of 29 degrees...with loads of sunshine. We also stopped at a tourist booking office to book some excursions for later in the week. We found a grocery story near the apartment to stock up. Once the apartment was ready, we were able to unpack and get settled. Cocktails on the balcony only seemed fitting.

Later in the evening we headed out for dinner. There are amazing venues everywhere with live music - great place for people watching. The pizza and sangria was amazing too...it's no turkey dinner - but still really yummy. Happy Thanksgiving!