Oh dear, now you've done it. I decided Medium hadn't been showing me any Rodrigo in a while, so I should hunt you down. Turns out you're talking about Portugal, and now you've got me wanting to go.

We visited the Algarve (plus the Azores) a few years ago and loved it! Keep meaning to go back. I never thought I'd be happy eating so much grilled sardine, but it tasted wonderful.

I bought a few "Speak Portuguese Now" books and studied a little before we went, and was surprised by how that was appreciated by the local folk. (I'd read that speaking Spanish, which I do--after a fashion--was not especially appreciated in Portugal, so I was glad I'd made the effort to pick up some Portuguese. However, as you say, it's pretty easy to manage in English.

I have an old friend in Sao Bras de Alportel, which is not far from Lagos, and now my wheels are turning about going back for a visit.

Damn you, Rodrigo. You're costing me money! LOL