Days 6 & 7 - Olhão, Portugal

We made it to Olhão in the afternoon – a small fishing port near the southernmost tip of Portugal. It was a stark contrast to the lively, upbeat Lagos – more locals, less flair, more fish, and tons of really cool graffiti. But the campground was a 10. Nicknamed “desert oasis” by Diana and I, it had a pool, well-stocked supermarket, permanent residents - even a bar/disco. Although in order to get to the pool, you had to walk through this line of cold showers. Whoever came up with that sort of torture was mad (and probably lost that pool a few customers.) After some a dip and some exploring, we set up camp on the volleyball court and called it a day.

On Olhão Day 2, we checked out the two huge brick buildings that serve as the town markets (one for fruits and veggies and the other for seafood). One was considerably more appetizing than the other (and hint – it was not the disgusting smelling one with all sorts of slimy sea animals and salty goo all over). I bought a giant peach, and it was deeelicious. We took a ferry out to an island off the coast and chilled for the day. For dinner, we splurged on our first hot meal, and it was a good decision. Menu: olives, bread, butter, sardine spread, green bean soup, tuna steak, potatoes, salad, red wine, and espresso. Three hours and full bellies later, we were happy to roll into home sweet Desert Oasis volleyball court.

The next day we got our bus tickets to Seville for the late afternoon, and wandered around Olhao all morning. It’s made up of an old walled city with a beautiful church, another older part, and a newer shopping district. We covered all three, then stopped at a café for some Porto. Great decision. Porto rocks!

1. NEVER PICK CACTUS FRUITS. Especially not prickly pears. You might think you're avoiding the little spikey prickles, but NO! There are INVISIBLE ones! And they stay in your hands for a long, uncomfortable time. Diana got hit worse than I did, and I bet she's still pulling out the little buggers.

2. Beware of the Olhão clothing market ladies. If you even make eyes at a dress, it’s already over your head and they’re going on in Portuguese about how good it looks on you.

2. Europeans consider toilet paper unnecessary. What?! Why?!

3. Markets are awesome. They’re just so cheap and delicious and beautiful. And the markets here really are the center of the life of the town. Good stuff.