10.30. We are already in. Unusually early. Even though it is 11.30 pm. back home.
Make up removed, applying Hydroface round my eyes, La prairie Cellular Time Release Moisturiser courtesy of Lufthansa First Class and A. , who once realised -I told him – that what an expensive cream they have on flight while flying from Kuwait to Frankfurt, he consistently brings them to me each and every time he flies with them. Got quite a stash, and it is a fantastic cream, must admit.

Then plasters removed, 70% alcohol applied and A’s antibiotic cream follows . Got more wounds today. Seem to be accident prone or just plain unlucky.

Last year the door slammed on my right hand while going from Funchal to Porto Santo on a ship. Still suffer because of it, my arm is not 100% functional, though the massages do help.

The first day we arrived to our hotel, Villa Vita, I opened the balcony door with such a vengeance, that 2 of my fingers – of course my right hand again – got stuck between the doors. Luckily no broken bones, though expecting gorgeous black coloured nails in the near future.

Today while swimming and playing in the sea I managed to cut my foot on some shells and stepped on a sea urchin, and ended up with a few spines. Didn’t really bother me till I started to read up on it, the various types, how dangerous they could be.

So I went to the pool bar – my pina colada place – and they were kind enough to get them out for me. Honestly, the staff is amazing. They would do just about anything , and with a smile on their faces. Love them.

Was told, that the sea urchins around here are not dangerous. Huh, thank God.

I was so amazed by the clear water, the perfect temperature, that I just dived in and swam , from one end of a rock to the other – mind you, I am not a good swimmer, just barely managing and a bigger wave can send me under any time – but it felt fantastic and was even proud of myself. 

Later we played more together and kept trying to get our son to just relax and float and go with the waves. In vain . He feels more at home in the pool.

So where is this lovely place?

We flew from Barcelona to Lisbon, then from there we took a car to Algavre. Was a long drive, but worth it. Maybe next time, if there is ever a next time flying to Faro would be a better option, only 45 km from Alporchinhos.

Villa Vita. When A booked it, after reading the comments I was worried that the construction work will still go on and spoil everything. A. told me not to worry. And he was right.

Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous. The buildings, the little bungalows, the Club house, the restaurants, the 22 000 sqm2 garden with many ponds, lakes, bridges, incredible. Love the flowers, trees, my first walk taking me down to the beach reminded me of Madeira, exactly the same scent. In the pond they even have ducks and swans.

Our “room” is number 60. In a little house, we have the top floor and a flight up our own private rooftop terrace. Bougainvillea flowering against the walls, soft grass around us, right in front of us agapanthuses , a bit more Madeira again.

Since then it has been pure bliss. Minus the cuts and bruises. According to my sis I am feeling guilty and subconsciously punishing myself.

Feeling guilty for what? For having too much fun?