Day 42 - Flamingo no show

There was some distance to cover today as we left Portimao for our first stop at Rio Famoso. This natural park and lakes is a stopover for migrating birds who have left Africa on their way to Europe. We hoped to see flamingos on our one hour walk but they must have heard we were coming and gone out for the morning. However, we did see lots of very interesting one claw crabs and a mill shed that worked using the power of the sea through tides - renewable energy at it's best.

We then crossed the border into Spain and drove to Seville. We had a bit of trouble finding a park since it was Sunday and a festival was on, so there were lots of people around. We then had trouble finding the Alcazar and ended up stumbling onto the impressive Plaza de España. Last time we were there we had it all to ourselves but this time there were masses of tourists. It was also the hottest day we had experienced for a while so we were relieved when we finally found the Alcazar, only to find there was a huge queue. We joined the others in the hot sun just as a man came over and told all of us that from where he stood all people after that point wouldn't be admitted. There were many disappointed tourists, some who begged him to be allowed in. However, while we were standing there deciding what to do next lots of new people came and joined the line, so we just rejoined it, and bought tickets and entered.

By the time we returned to the car it was 6pm and we still had an hour and a half to get to our beachfront hotel at La Chiclana de la Frontera, making it just before the staff closed up for the night. The drive was worth it as we had a great spot on the promenade and were able to see a great sunset with the fort of Cadiz in the distance.