Albufeira

The first class train journey from Lisbon to Albufeira was very comfortable. Lots of leg room. Also, the buffet car was conveniently next to out carriage. €40.50 return. Travelling tourist class would have cost me €35, so paying the extra €5.50 was certainly worthwhile. Crossing the Tagus river on the Ponte 25 de Abril bridge was an experience. A huge suspension bridge with a spectacular view of Lisbon and also of the Cristo-Rei statue at Pragal on the left bank of the river. Unfortunately my camera was in my suitcase so I didn't want to miss the view from the train so my camera stayed where it was.
Listening to an audiobook of Paulo Coelho's The Winner Stands Alone helped pass the 3 or so hours trip to Albufeira. The temperature when I got to Albufeira was a sweltering 31º C. The taxi driver during the short trip to the Beach Club (http://www.ouraviewbeachclub.com/location.asp).
There was my mum sitting down by the pool in the shade. "Oh, he's here. He's early".