Special Family Visitors

We hosted some special family visitors in early May.  Mark's niece, Lindsey, and her two children, Chloe, 5, and Owen, 3, were visiting from Zurich, Switzerland.  Lindsey and her husband, Mike, had NYC friends who were vacationing in the Alentejo area of Portugal, near Evora.  As a result, Mike and Lindsey decided to join their friends for a few days of holiday, and then afterwards, Lindsey and the kids were able to visit Uncle Mark and Aunt Debra in Tavira.

It was three days of non-stop kid action with lots of piggyback rides and pillow fights with Uncle Mark.  We also used several different modes of transportation to introduce Lindsey and her family to the Tavira area of the Algarve.

Lindsey and family stayed at the Quinta dos Perfumes, a boutique hotel just outside of Tavira in the middle of a working orange grove.  The pool and generous breakfasts were a hit with the kids.

What better way to tour Tavira than by tuk tuk?  Well, it turns out that the owner of the best tuk tuk company in Tavira is a neighbor of ours in Siesta.  We toured the salt pans (salinas), learned of the Moorish influences in Tavira, saw the old castle and church at the top of the Tavira old town, and drove along the River Gilao, which divides the city of Tavira.  

The beach is a top attraction in all the Algarve, and Tavira is no different.  We decided first to take Lindsey and the kids to Barril Beach, just outside of Tavira in the fishing village of Santa Luzia.  Access to the beach is via a small train, which used to transport tuna and supplies from the fishing port on the beach.  

The next day we went to the Ilha de Tavira (Isle of Tavira) and its beach.  Tavira is separated from the ocean by the Ria Formosa, so the usual means to travel there is via a public ferry.  We decided to take a quicker and more comfortable water taxi.  Lots of sand castles were built and decorated that day.

But mostly we just enjoyed spending time with Lindsey, Chloe, and Owen.  Owen's birthday was in March, so we decided to hold our gifts and give them to him during this visit.  Anything Paw Patrol was a big hit!

We also took the kids to a play area at a local mall, and they had a great time.

And after the mall rides, we had to stop for ice cream, of course.  We found that to be a recurring theme throughout their visit, pizza and ice cream.

All that pizza and ice cream gave the kids seemingly boundless energy!

But we truly enjoyed the visit of Lindsey, Chloe, and Owen, and we appreciate them taking the time to see us.  And though we were exhausted by the end, we hope to welcome them back to Tavira very soon!