We said our farewells to North Africa and headed out to Portimão Portugal. That is about 336 kilometers (208 miles) away as the crow flies. The first significant place we visited was Fort São Vicente in Sagres, or Fortaleza do Cabo de São Vicente.

Fort São Vicente was built in the 16^th century to protect a small coastal strip and an existing monastery. The fort was destroyed in 1587 by none other than Sir Francis Drake (described as either a privateer or a pirate depending on your point of view.) 

Anyway the site was rebuilt in 1608. A lighthouse was added in the mid 19^th century and restoration work was ongoing in the mid 2000s. 

The surrounding area is a big fishing area, but the cliffs are treacherous. Nevertheless fishermen come (and are clearly visible) fishing on the rocks. 

After exploring the grounds of the fort we headed out to Lagos. When we got there we visited the town square that housed the Church of St Maria Graca (Our Lady of Grace). The church, which dominated the area, which was completed in the early 15^th century and gothic in style, was begun in 1380. 

After looking around the town square we explored the neighborhood which was highly commercialized. Then we headed out to the port where we started the day, but without buying anything. All things considered, it was a good introduction to Portugal.

JFB 

Tangier is located in the northwest of Morocco, on the coasts of both the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic ocean. Tangier has a population of about 1.25 million people. The city is located on a bay in the strait of Gibraltar, about 17 miles from Spain. 

It has always been a strong supporter of the United States. It was the first nation to recognize the independence of the US. They did so implicitly in 1777 and by treaty in 1786. 

When we visited Tangier we went on a walking tour of the city. Unlike Casablanca though, Tangier is extremely hilly. So we walked up and down the hills. Got a good night’s sleep afterwards. 

The tour included a visit to a souk, where the local people do their shopping. Not surprisingly, there is a wide variety of things for sale ranging from pocketbooks to shoes to carpets and fruits and vegetables. 

After visiting the souk we had lunch in the (first rate) Grand Hotel Villa de France and passed by Tangier’s contemporary Art Museum. All in all we walked all over around the city and found it to be charming, open and tolerant. A good place to visit. 

JFB