The Arrowgroup

Day One: Wednesday 3rd June

The Mediterranean sun proved irresistible, having experienced it on the last trip, so it was decided that a trip to the Algarve would be in order.

The group arrive at East Midlands Airport and catch the Easyjet flight to Faro - Flight time approx 2.45. They landed OK and, after collection of baggage, collect bright yellow Mercedes Vito from Airport. Insurance was taken because-well-it's the Arrow Group. After a relatively short journey the group arrive at Moncarapacho and the Villa 'Evang' for the first time. A guided tour was provided by Anders, a most pacy landlord with a swift turn of speed.

The group's first outing was a short ride out to Olhao for food (McDonalds) followed by the supermarket to stock up on food-ery type things. Back to the Villa for Poolside sports - Diving onto the inflatable Guinness Chair and general swimming. After this exercise we went into Moncarapacho, and had a Meal at the French Restaurant 'Caravelle'. Later there were drinks at Tarrie's in the square and O Bistro Em bar. This bar would feature heavily over the coming nights. Some amusement was garnered when Stuart said he didn't like the French Red Wine in the restaurant - it was a shame the owners were French he was then served an inferior wine specimen and went to complain about it. He asked for a Red Wine recommendation at the English Bar and then ignored it - the waitress got a bit tetchy and insisted on us having the 2 euro cheaper bottle. When Stuart insisted on the recommendation the wine had miraculously gone out of stock.

At the end of the evening then it was back for drinks on the roof top terrace and watch Carry on Abroad.

Day Two: Thursday 4th June

The next day dawned warm and dry, and after some breakfast we hastened to the Slide and Splash, Lagoa which, as can be imagined, was a water park. Much fun sliding around and aquatic type escapades, tho Mark lost his watch on the slides and Stuart preferred the sitting on the grass soaking up the sun option.

A Hot Dog Lunch followed then it was on to Albufeira for Afternoon Tea, and a walk the town and Beach. Mic took a dip in the Med or was it the Atlantic? This author goes for the latter. Back to the villa and the pool for todays' sport - Guinness Armchair Basketball once more. The evening came round once more and it was time for a meal at the O Bistro Em (An English Restaurant run by a couple called Paula & Dave) The group ended up staying there all night.

Day Three: Friday 5th June

Today the group tried their hand at Horse Riding & Quad Biking at Quinta Da Bica Riding Centre, Pedreiras. A nice team called Katherine and Ugo run this. Stuart gets to pick some tasseled chaps. Mics horse is Felini whilst Mark gets the lead horse Jazz. Chris & Matt get the 5th best quad biker in Portugal (Ugo) who they lost after 10k He still didn’t turn up after we got back. We failed to grasp some basic directions to a restaurant and had to go back to get them again. Oh and the camera was left there as well,

After all that it was Lunch at some recommended restaurant, the name of which has disappeared into Arrow history. It was then back to the Villa for afternoon tea as it was raining.mRide out to coastal town of Fuseta to establish that there was nothing there worth seeing. On to Olhao to Lidl - to top up with food. The evening was spent at a restaurant called Antonios and then the group ended up at the usual O Bistro Em for drinks.

Day Four: Saturday 6th june

An adventure today as Espania was calling the Arrowgroup back to visit her, so the group drive 120m to Seville for a look round and do the touristy bit. The van was parked up in an underground car park then it was off to see what the city had to offer. A Visit to the Cathedral was first, followed by a boat trip up the Canal De Alfonso XIII, ostensibly to see Bridges and Expo 92. Lunch was had at the Glossy Café.

After the full day in Seville it was back to the Villa for pool antics - propelling the armchair pulpit style around the pool. A discussion was had as to where to eat. O Bistro Em wins the vote by 3-2. Matthews decider is because Mark cant eat anywhere else. Apparently. An evening's entertainment ensued at that place and very good it was too. We are back at the Villa after to finish off the supplies.

Day Five: Sunday 7th June

Going home day and the group elected to stay around the Villa 'Evang' for pool fun and to take some photos. Having left there they travelled to Tavira and a look around there.It was a very picturesque town for sure. We stayed there for a meal here to use the last of the Euros before the flight back to Blighty. This took the form of an Easyjet flight out of Faro and arrived at East Midlands at 18.45.

So all in all a very pleasant excursion, next year would see us back to home territory and travelling to Devon, to Beer.