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Recently Ross and I were fortunate enough to spend some quality time in the beautiful Algarve region of Portugal. We’ve both never been and weren’t sure what to expect, but it definitely exceeded both our expectations. It was a lot warmer than we anticipated (not that we’re complaining at all), but the evenings had a slight cool breeze, reminding us of a typical Summer’s eve back home in Cape Town.
My favourite moments were the hours spent on the beach or next to the pool. It felt amazing to be able to submerge this big belly in water and to just feel weightless for a couple of minutes. So needless to say we got a decent tan to bring back to London!
Another highlight of our trip was taking a guided kayak tour to the Benagil caves on the coastline. I was a bit concerned with doing this at 25 weeks pregnant, but the guides were so helpful and assured us that everything would be fine. They even followed the tour group in a boat should anyone have needed to take a break. Between us, I think I lasted longer than Ross. Not even 1 hour into the tour and he was complaining! To be fair though, he was doing most of the row work and the ocean was a bit choppy so it was as if we were navigating the deep seas. Slight exaggeration, but it was quite rough…
And last but not least… THE FOOD!!! I can’t get over the freshness of the seafood! Close to the Benagil caves is a secluded “BBQ” beach where the boat drops you off for a sunset braai. They cook fresh sardines and prawns all on the beach and the seafood is so fresh, it came straight from the ocean onto the coals. I’m at a point in my pregnancy now where I eat non-stop and Portugal offered the most delightful culinary experience for both Ross and myself. We even spent our last night at our villa cooking some prawns and squid that we picked up at a local grocery store.
All in all, it was a baby-moon for the books and I am so grateful that Ross and I got to disappear for a bit. And just in time may I add… There is no way that I can see myself jet setting across Europe anymore! Now it’s time to sit back, relax and wait for princess Thackwray to join us.
I’d also like to give a very special thanks to Filipe and Rita from our accommodation. We stayed at a place called, Nina and Paul’s B&B and besides the incredible hospitality from our hosts, the house itself was magnificent! I’ll let the pictures do the talking on this one and I can say with confidence that we would never stay anywhere else when we get around to visiting Portugal again.
