Time to check out of our hotel in Sevilla and head towards the coast and the border with Portugal.  There was time for one last pit stop in Spain while the driver had a break.  A friendly challenge at the foosball table saw Kaden show off his skills to reign supreme…for now.  Once we crossed the border into Portugal, everyone was excited because we all got younger by one hour!  We definitely made use of the extra time.

First it was a stop for food and free time in Faro, where students sampled the local egg tarts, bought strawberries, and had some delicious Portuguese chicken or bacalau for lunch.  Once everyone had their fill of the food and the town, it was time to move on to the impressive Praia de Marinha beach.  After taking a walk at the top of the cliffs, and petting the friendly cats of course, we all went down to the beach.  The water was chilly and the snack bar was closed for the season, but that didn’t deter our group, we simply took of our shoes, rolled up our pants and got our legs wet.  Everyone had a good time playing in the sand, the water and racing the waves over to the next beach.  (Some were fast enough to beat the waves…some, not so much!)  We got into dry clothes so we didn’t get the bus all wet and then it was back to Albufeira and our hotel.

Not too many tourists in Albufeira at this time of year, so it’s very quiet here.  After a buffet supper that had some very tasty ribs, the students were given lots of free time to do as they wished.  A few of us went for a run along the beach, and some went to get a taste of home at a Chinese restaurant, while some played cards or just hung out.  All in all, a fun day and a good chance to get active after being on the bus.