Sunday, 07 Mar 2004

Location: Monchique, Portugal

After the usual marathon flight to Europe, I arrived in the bustling city of Lisbon and stayed at a youth hostel. The Portuguese hostels aren't that great as the kitchens have no stuff in them and they close in the afternoon - in rural hostels between noon and 6. But the staff were very helpful in Lisbon. Lisbon has very narrow lanes with tiny trams rattling along them, hot chocolate to die for, and tiny bars which are like the front rooms of homes.

After 3 days I left the city by ferry and train and set off for Sines, a 75km ride south. The weather was great: sunny and no wind. From Sines I rode to Almograve where I ended up staying 2 days resting as I got a bit of a cold. Stayed in a pensao. I'm getting a taste for port wine which is very cheap here. The Portuguese drivers are fine - giving me plenty of space when they pass. And the roads, even the minor roads, are good.

Yesterday I rode to Monchique in the mountains - so a big climb. A short ride today and then back to the coast at Faro tomorrow.