Kevnjan's new adventure.

Sat. 27th. Apr. Is it really Saturday again already? We've had a great week. On Monday we went back to Lisbon to play. We'd bought a crafty €6 24 hour ticket on Sunday evening, used it to get home on the bus and still had all day Monday to roam around Lisbon on buses, trams, funicular and Metro. Great value. We put it to good use travelling all around town, mainly by trams which are museum pieces and a great way to get around. Visited the castle, high up on top of the town and just cruised around. It really is that sort of town. I recommend a visit. On Tuesday morning we took it easy, washed the van and aggravated ourselves trying to make phone calls - with little success. Left around 1pm. after a little trouble startind the van. It eventually coughed into life and we set off for the coast, in search of a beach where we could spend the night. Drove through Cascais, Estoril and onwards, eventually settling on a place called Praia Grande, a delightful spot, a little way south of Praia de Maca very quiet, no other campers around and spent three hours on the beach, enjoying the late afternoon sunshine. We came off the beach around 7pm. and it was still warm. Enjoyed a quiet night and we were tempted to stay another day. We walked into Praia da Maca, about 2Ks away, had coffee and suffered more phone aggro with a phone card. Walked back and settled down to some serious sun bathing. Once again we stayed late on the beach, weather warm and sunny, and had a late dinner. Decided on an early night and turned in around 10pm. Awoke at around 12.30am to an awful din. There were cars everywhere and teenagers playing loud music and shouting to each other. It went on until around 2am. There was a full moon and the sky was clear, a million stars on view but I would rather have slept. Turned out that next day was a public holiday, April 25th. We discovered that when we went to the Post Office to post a package!! Closed!! We drove up to Praia Santa Cruz and put in some more beach time although the wind was blowing hard. Spent a much needed quiet night but woke up on Friday to clouds and cool weather. More driving was called for and we found ourselves at Sao Martim do Porto, a lovely resort with a natural bay surrounded by white sands. Trouble was it was cold and cloudy. Last night there was a gale blowing that rocked the van on its springs. Another night with little sleep. So we left and drove to Coimbra, an attractive university town, it used to be the capital of Portugal in 13th century. Spent the afternoon sight seeing and here we are. The sun's returned and the wind is easing off. Just had dinner and we're off for a walk back into town. Lots of miles this week, lots more ahead! May make it to Opporto tomorrow.