- The flights – airports have become a bit of a trial. No longer is air travel a high class way to go. It’s a bit of a chore. That said I would gladly pay the airfare all over again just to see the excitement on the kids faces at take off and landing. Particularly Niomi – she loved it! She loved it so much that on the bumpy descent back to Edinburgh she vomited a combination of Oreos and Mentoes everywhere whilst I vainly tried to mop it up with her t-shirt. As I said, air travel is definitely not high class! But still the kids really loved it.
- The heat – it was hot, everyday. Occasionally too hot but mainly it was just lovely to wear nothing more than swimming shorts and a shirt, ALL the time. And as the warmth soaked into my bones it felt good. A little faffy on the sunscreen front but as it rained on our drive back from Edinburgh I asked myself “how can people live like this?!”
- The villa – the villa was lovely and airy with a stunning view and pool. And I spent an awful lot of time having massive fun in the pool (and around it). And that’s from someone who’s really not that keen in the UK. It makes such a difference when its hot and the water becomes your playground.
- The food and drink – Swordfish, scabbardfish, bream, dogfish, shark, octopus, sardines, tuna, tiger prawns, squid, snapper, conger eel and probably more I can’t remember. We really cooked and ate them all. A highlight for me has got to be the market full of fresh produce, particularly fish coming straight off the boat to the traders. And then there’s the cheese – multiple variations of soft, hard, strong, salty and delicate local sheep, goat and cows cheese. Nearly all round in shape though. And then massive peaches and plums; huge lettuces, tomatoes and cumcumbers – fruit, vegetables and salad all super-sized, fresh and very tasty. Rustic bread. Wonderful red, white and green wines. Whether in stylish restaurants or cooking at home – we really ate and drank in style. And always outside – whatever the meal.
- The beach – the Portuguese mainly paddle, sunbathe and occasionally batted a ball about. We built castles, whirlygigs, dug holes and made sand cakes – and generally got curious looks in the process. We swam in the sea – some for quite some distance. Needless to say the beach and sea were lots of fun. A highlight was snorkelling amongst the fish close to shore
- The games – Uno, Dobble, Taco/Cat/Goat etc, Killer Dice, Love Letter were all part of our regular night time entertainment.
- The exercise – I ran, swam, did yoga and meditated. Others did their daily stretch or pilates as well. We all walked up the steep hill nearly every day. But being outside and getting exercise just makes you feel really healthy and good.
- The town itself – whether its castle, its port or marina; its old streets, tiled buildings of yesteryear or its more modern and stylish side; its bustle and hustle or laid back style – Sesimbra had something for everyone. Classy yet understated. Stylish yet old and shabby chic. It’s left its mark on my heart.
- The boat trip – all of us agree that this was definitely the highlight. We chartered a fancy boat and crew for the day. We swam off-shore near remote beaches, paddled kayaks and SUPs into caves, landed ashore via private rib, and generally acted like the rich and famous for the day alongside some really stunning coastline.
- The fun – the japes, pool games, banter and good natured fun just left you feeling a wonderful warmth and relaxation. It grows your spirit. Sure we all had our tired days, but really there was a whole heap of fun that was had.
And a massive thank you to the Bucks Rookes for making it all possible – particularly to Will for inviting us along on his holiday.
Videoclip: Sesimbra - Photos only (short but not as much fun!)
Or you can watch the video here
Videclip: Sesimbra - The Full Monty (longer but with video - much better if you've the patience!)
Or you can watch the video here
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