Algarve's is the location hot spot for the Europeans similar to how Mexico is Canada's getaway location. The sunsets, beaches and cliffs are beautiful.

We stayed at Pine Cliff Resort which was located 20 minutes from the city Faro. As we passed Faro heading to the resort we didn't realize how important this city was going to be to us. Turns out it was the only location to get ourselves a half decent coffee, of course to us this was Starbucks, ha. We believe that Starbucks is probably suffering a bit in Europe as the Europeans are very particular in there coffees and Starbucks is very North American in the way they make their beverages. Starbucks in Faro would bring you your food and drinks on a tray. We feel they are trying to adapt at least.

The Forum Mall in the Algarves put on a Christmas event, we got all dressed up like the locals to watch the "arrival of Santa." Jada loved it and is now singing all the Christmas songs and talking a lot about Santa coming to town.

To our surprise or lack of research, we were at the resort at the start of the low season. There were 3000 rooms and only 800 of those where occupied. Most of the people staying there where golfers as the weather was perfect for them. Only half of the restaurants were opened up, and if they were open, they were not very busy. One night we had gotten dressed up and planned our evening around going to the beautiful Champagne Bar for sunset and a drink. We showed up to find out that the day before was the last day this bar would be open for the season. This was about the seventh thing that closed a week before we had gotten there. Bummer.

We had some goals for the week here. First off, we wanted to get lots of rest and relaxation time to get everyone healthy again. Secondly was to take advantage of getting our room cleaned daily. Thirdly, was to spend some time at the spa- well at least this was my goal. We left this place, extremely pleased that we did all three.

Chris likes to travel where there is lots of high energy, activities, shopping, sightseeing and people. This was the exact opposite of that, and I loved it, but Chris was getting antsy to move on but appreciated the recovery.

Cheers to Health and Relaxing,
Chris + Nicole