Portugal 2013

We only spent four weeks in Portugal in 2013 owing to scheduling issues.  As such we arrived home to at least two more weeks of snow. 

The weather in Portugal was a bit cool this year with daytime sun and occasional rain during the night.  This curtailed our travelling somewhat, but we made it up in social engagements.  None-the-less we found some new places to explore.  A particular favourite is the Formula One track north of Lagos and the other the restored village of Pedralva in the western forest preserve north of Villa de Visbo. 

Every year in Canada people ask me why we go to Portugal.  Most of these people spend a portion of the winter in Florida and some consider it the holy grail of winter vacations.  Perhaps, but the world has other places to offer and the Algarve in Portugal is among them.  The point is not why we don't go to Florida; rather it is why we go to Portugal.

An extended visit to Portugal is an entry point to Europe.  Yes much of Europe is cold in February and March (when we go), but Portugal is wonderfully warm and offers a time away that is totally different to the Canadian or American experience.  Moreover it opens up a rich experience of history and culture that with very few exceptions we do not have in North America.