Lagos, Here We Come

Monday, August 20

We woke this morning and donned our P-Day clothes and searched for our water shoes – anticipating a nice walk on a beach today.  We were on the road at 9:15 and enjoyed the pleasant drive through the beautiful Portugal countryside.

We met the Lagos Sisters at the Lagos Branch building – a high rise complex with the church having the ground level space.  We separated – the Sisters headed for Ponte de Piedade and us to
the central old town.  We had already experienced the Ponte and decided we could go off on our own.  We were to meet back at the church at 3:00.

Lago is a larger city than Loulé but similar in that the old town center is full of old castles, churches, rows of housing on narrow streets, and lots of little shops.

With an origin in the Roman period, Lagos Castle and city walls were renovated by the Arabs and

greatly expanded during the 16th century between the reigns of King D. Manuel and Filipe I. This expansion was done due to a need for protection of the growing urban area of the city.

In the mid-sixteenth century, Lagos was the large base of support to the Portuguese Discoveries, it was one of the places from where sailors left to their main expeditions and an entrance hub for many of the products sold. This strategic importance of Lagos gave way to a considerable economic development, which ultimately resulted in its urban growth.  

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castle_of_Lagos

Lagos walls have nine towers prepared to receive artillery and seven gates of access. At the end of the 16th century, one section of the walls was transformed into a residence for the Algarve Governors.

The added attraction here is the beautiful beaches within walking distance.  August is peak tourist season, so there were people everywhere.  As we walked through the winding streets, we noticed several youth hostels as well as many young people with large backpacks and dogs everywhere.  Certainly a beautiful place to travel through.



 We stopped at churches and shops along the walk towards the water.  It got really hot early today, so we decided to not brave the sun on the beach and save that for another day. 



We understand we have a nice beach 10-15 minutes from our apartment that we can frequent in the mornings or evenings for a nice walk.  I think my “curse” in life is loving the ocean/beach and having skin that burns so easily.  Doesn’t seem quite fair.

We enjoyed a nice lunch at a little shop close to the church and met our Sisters a little later.  Another nice drive home and a short nap.  The heat and sun drains the energy out of us. 



The sisters passed by this evening to review the Branch list to identify those we might be able to contact. Lots of "complicated" people and situations.  This will be interesting.