Quinta da Tôr and the Strait of Hormuz

We split up today. My wife was keen on visiting Quinta da Tôr, a vineyard with pools. Our son was not too keen so stayed in Santa Luzia. It was the right thing for him to do. He would not have liked it here, and we loved it.  Good wine, friendly service and pools to both swim and cool down in. 

As for the Strait of Hormuz, I naively thought that things would be sorted after the latest peace deal was agreed. But I forgot about the greed. I had realised that the reason oil prices are manipulated by the weekends was based on computer algorithms running. I came to this conclusion when I was wondering why the market kept falling for the same lies. To me, it would be logical for the market to anticipate this and switch off the algorithms, or at least prevent them from making oil trades, over weekends.  I do hope that this is all sorted out properly and soon because, as it is, too many farmers have not been able to fertilise crops and the longer this continues, the longer Trumpflation will increase global food prices. 

Trump may berate NATO nations for not providing him with direct aid in his diversionary war from him being in The Epstein files, but I am glad that we are not helping him directly to strike Iran. 

Taberna Amaro

Today, we left Villa Stofero and its tranquil gardens, its pool and its working TV. We are now in Santa Luzia. The apartment has a bigger living space than before, two private balconies and is in a village.  Down the road from where we are is Taberna Amoro.

Over this holiday, I have had average meat courses most of the time. Today I had the best beef I have had this holiday. The service is friendly, we ate outside in the back garden which did mean we were exposed to some tobacco smoke. I would recommend all the places I have posted on this holiday, this place foremost of all. 

We had been to the nearby market earlier in the day for lunch were we had some local food. I liked the pork sandwich which I had, my son hated it. I felt the fries were from the freezer and were underdone. It may be that my enjoyment of dinner was based on how bad the chips were. The kids had been shopping and my daughter bought herself a bracelet. My son bought a present for a friend. It was an experience that is one we normally would not have on holiday and it added variety to the holiday. 

Restaurante de Querença

Today involved dinner at a distance from our villa. It is our last night here and our hosts recommended this place. It has a great view and the friendliest service we have had so far. I loved the traditional food, but sadly ate too much at lunch so could not enjoy it.  If we do return to this area of the Algarve, we will probably return here as well.  

Restaurante Rei das Praias

Today we returned Praia dos Caneiros and enjoyed a meal there. We actually did not go on the beach, but instead went to the restaurant we had been to in the past. It brought back many memories, but we all agreed that while the food was very good, it did not deserve the price. 

Thanks to my son, my daughter he and I actually went to some caves first of all. There were some rocks afterwards where some teenagers were reenacting a scene from the Twilight films by jumping into the water. Well, one of them did, the others watched. It was amazing to see but the beauty was spoiled by some leaving litter behind.

After that, we drove to Carvoeiro where the children went shopping. We had been here in the past and while we did not recognise it at first, we did remember it, each of us recalling different things about it.  But we did not remember the restaurant we went to before, not that I think it is there anymore.

It was after that which is when we went to Restaurante Rei das Praias. I would love to return to the beach. Fingers crossed… 

Restaurante Bica Velha

Another relaxing day. My wife and I woke a lot later than the children. We talked about what we could do and I ended up taking my wife for a drive along memory lane. I had hoped to visit Praia dos Caneiros but it was not to be. 

Later we returned to Loulé for dinner. While the rest of my family have enjoyed many great meals, because I am squeamish about sea food, I have not. But Restaurante Bica Velha has given me the best meal at a restaurant in Portugal so far. My son booked it, we are glad and may return. The picture, edited with an app is of part of the town, on the way to where I parked our car.

On a different note, my wife has not been too happy with the resignation of Starmer. For the record, she has not been his number one fan and we have had many a discussion about what she thinks is wrong with his policies, but she and I agree that he has done a lot for the nation. The country was in a much worse position when he took over and while there is a lot to do, so much has been done. We both agree that we want the economy to be better, but it is still doing well compared to our peers. Thanks to Starmer, not counting Israel and the USA, the UK is respected again across the globe. The NHS is in a better place as well. I just hope that these improvements continue once Starmer is evicted from 10 Downing Street. 

Fathers Day 2026 and D’alena Restaurante

Today is Father’s Day, and in our family another important celebration. My wife had booked a restaurant for lunch with amazing views and fantastic cocktails. If you visit, see Vinnie.

The food looked as spectacular as the view, though it was a bit hard to find on Google Maps. Fortunately we did not obey the instructions and found it anyway. 

Loulé and the Saturday market

This morning, we travelled to Loulé, a nearby city to visit the Saturday market.  It was a very enjoyable day. My daughter and I got to visit the castle, the family tried some seafood (not me) and we took in some of the sights. We may return again, but there are other areas to explore. 

O Retiro

My wife found this place for somewhere to eat outside. Parking is available, but is interesting to use. In fact I ended up going for a drive to park. Basically you essentially park part-blocking the pavement, and while you can do so driving in to park, I prefer to reverse park as it is easier to leave. The food is nice in this restaurant and it has an interesting view. Would I return? Yes. I suspect my family would agree, 

Come on England!

What a game. And what a day. Family first. We are now in Portugal. I finished work late on Tuesday and was not around when Leia was dropped off at the dog sitter we use in Ipswich. My daughter said that she whined as she was being left. Yesterday, we woke up early to be driven down to Gatwick. I slept most of the way in the back of the taxi, to the annoyance of our children.  My wife and I split up from the children, they getting drinks in a different part of the airport to us. We were also separated for the flight, which again, I slept through. My wife has booked our stay and it is amazing, but I have been bitten, lots.

Anyway, the football. I worked out how to use the TV and watched a lot of the match on RTÉ and I have to say, they analyse football better than British pundits. An example of this was with the goal by Jude Bellingham. Noni Madueke provided the pass for the goal, but also, importantly, made a run afterwars which stressed the Croatian defence and their goalkeeper as Bellingham could have crossed it too him. RTÉ noted this, the off the ball run by Croatia being missed by the British pundits for their goal. While pundits blame our defence, the runs by Croatia were good and I am not sure there was a right decision to be made at the time by our defenders. This means that while I can watch ITV and BBC coverage here, I will stick with RTÉ.  

Day nine in France and my return to the UK

Am back on home soil. My last day in France was a wet one and I had to dial into a work meeting. It was timetabled for thirty minutes but went on much longer than that.

My wife and I went for a drive later, the weather being warm, but not warm enough to swim. I did feel sad to leave my wife and daughter there, but they are going to enjoy another week there. I will see my son on Saturday when I pick him up, the dog being collected first. My hours are too antisocial for him to be with me in Colchester, so he will stay with his grandparents for a few more days.

Day eight in France and the Clamouse cave

My wife drove my daughter and I to the Clamouse cave. Today has been the hottest day so far and being in the caves was very refreshing. My daughter had been in caves when she travelled to Vietnam but I think she liked these as well. Caves hold no appeal to my wife who went shopping instead. So she missed out on seeing these sights. 

Day seven in France

Today was spent relaxing at the pool, the evening was spent at a Michelin star restaurant which is quite close to us. My wife had this recommended to us by our host and this meal made up for our disastrous lunch yesterday. The setting was amazing, though the attack of the insects once sunset happened did take some of the enjoyment away. If there is one thing about the holiday that my son will miss not taking part in, it will be this meal.  

Day six in France

Today, my wife and I had our worst meal in France, this being over the numerous trips we have had to France. When I say numerous, it is not that many, but our lunch today in Clermont-l'Hérault left a lot to be desired. The setting was great, live music from a busker, and a view where we could people watch. But while the waitress who served us was skilled and friendly, the food took ages to come and as not worth the wait. We had travelled there to enjoy the market, while I am not sure my wife liked the trip as much as I did, it was good to visit it.

Dinner was much better. We ate in a local place which brews its own beer. While it took time to get served, we were aware about this because they warned us. And the service was warm and lovely. I would recommend anyone trying the food here! 

Day five in France and the Afghan data leak

The holiday continues. My son has been volunteered to take part in gardening thanks to his grandfather but says he is enjoying his time outside London. I am sure that he is, but I find it hard to believe that he is enjoying himself as much as we are. 

The insect bites are healing and we have spent a lot of the day in the pool. We did go out for a meal in the evening where we were greeted by a puppy (who was taken away for eating the floorboards) and two other dogs.  My daughter too a photo of me cheating on our dog (she did as well) and is to show it to ours when she returns to the UK. 

Before I got to listen to The NewsAgents and heard an interesting story. It referred to a superinjunction about a data leak. I was sure I had heard about it before, but while I had, this turned out to be another one. Listening so far, it appears that the government initially did not want to resettle as many refugees as it has done since. I am concerned that this scheme is to stop. Those in Afghanistan risked a lot to help our troops there, I met one who is in a wheelchair for doing so. It may be that now the risk they face is low but I say we owe those remaining the chance of sanctuary in the UK. Forcing them to live in what is essentially The Republic of Gilead is not the thanks we should give.  

Saying that, I have yet to listen to the full story as a second episode dropped later, that will be interesting. 

Day four in France

Again another relaxing day, enforced due to the numerous insect bites that I have. My daughter has been sensible and has been using lots of insect spray but yesterday I did not and have payed the price. My wife has a lot of bites as well. I realised today that flies can inflict them when I saw one land and I had the pain on the bite.

While I rested, my wife was reading and my daughter enjoyed the pool. The covers are now off but we have been advised not to put them back on again.

Later in the day, we went to a nearby village where I bought some wine which I prepared dinner with. It was essentially bangers and mash which was improved by the tomato salad my wife made. The wine was nice, local, but had a little too much oak for me.

Our son says he is enjoying his stay with his grandparents. It would be nicer with him here, but it is his choice not to come and forcing him here would not have achieved much. 

My wife and I are hoping to be a lot better tomorrow and to be able to go out. We may just eat in the evening, but we are considering a day trip as well.

Day three in France

Another day in France. Today we had to do another supermarket run and my wife drove through stunning countryside to get there. My daughter and I tried to access the pool, but the mechanism to pull the covers back is not working. I was unsure if I may have broken it by accident or if it was broken before we got here. But, as tomorrow is bin day, I put our rubbish in the bin to see that the previous occupants have put items that should be recycled in the bin. I am hoping it still gets taken, if not, it will be a fragrant trip to the local dump! 

The down side of today is that I have been bitten, a lot. I need to get some decent insect repellent. And not scratch. 

Day two in France and discussing ethnic cleansing in Gaza

We are at the holiday cottage we have rented. It belongs to the parents of a friend of our daughter. It is amazing. The drive was not as bad as yesterday, and while it has rained since we got here, I am hoping for better tomorrow.

During the last two days, I have ensured that my wife sleeps by listening to podcasts. She hates the voice of Jon Sopel. My daughter has listened to some of them yesterday, less so today and this led to an interesting conversation, this being about Gaza. We were listening to The Rest is Politics and there was a discussion about if the horrors in Gaza met the international definition of a genocide. My daughter felt it did, I did not. We had to disagree agreeably about this, much in the same way that Rory Stewart and Alistair Campbell had to do.  Like on the podcast, we both agreed that what is happening in Gaza is horrific and should be stopped. I compared the horrors of Gaza to the genocide in Rwanda, what happened to the Rohingya and the evils of the Srebrenica massacre. I stated my view that the actions of Israel meets the criteria of Ethnic Cleansing but does not meet the threshold of genocide. My daughter disagreed with me and I found myself trying to defend Israel of one charge but not another.  While we did discuss it briefly today, notably with the actions in China where we both consider the Uyghurs to be subject to genocide. I will return to the topic of how Israel appears to ending the conflict through ethnic cleaning later this week if I can though. 

We went out for a meal today at a local place, this being called El Rancho Larzac and it was great. My burger was almost as good as that which I ate yesterday, the chips, while amazing, again not as good, but this place is still better than most burger places in the UK. We will hopefully be returning before I leave on Saturday.  You never know, it might not rain, for today, after we arrived here, it rained and rained and rained.  It is meant to rain tomorrow, but it should not be as much. On the way in, we had stopped at a supermarket and loaded up on supplies, my wife being shocked that I bought myself some Frosties! 

Anyway, it is late, so it is time for me to sleep and tomorrow, our plan is to test and recharge! 

Day one in France

We are in the city of Orléans. By we, I mean my wife, daughter and me.  My son decided not to come, preferring to spend time with the parents of my wife. We met them near the M25 to hand him over to them. My Mum is not too happy that he did not want to spend the two weeks with her. She is not aware that a few weeks ago, when he has an argument with us, that he wanted to travel to London to spend a night there to calm down.

Anyway, it was an interesting drive as we drove through Paris during rush hour and I ended up getting slightly lost in the city after encountering a huge traffic jam. But we are now resting. We went into the city itself to have dinner and gaze upon the statue of Joan of Arc. Sitting down, is when I started to relax. The picture is one my daughter took. In the square, we sat at a French restaurant, enjoyed good food, and if we wanted to, we could watch the basket ball games taking place.

My son would have loved it. On the way, we stopped at a service station where my daughter had a raspberry macaroon which she loved. He missed out on it, my daughter saying that it was better than any she has eaten in the UK. He also would have loved the menu at the restaurant where we ate, the dish of tagliatelle and shrimp being the one I would imagine he would have gone for. 

The Lighthouse

We are in Suffolk. My wife has booked a few days away and rented a charming cottage for us. I already feel relaxed, the children and the dog like it here and we have just got back from a meal. I did not like mine as much as the rest of the family, but it was an enjoyable night out for all. Leia was surprised to find that she had he option to sit next to me, but she preferred to spread out on the floor. We have another night here and I am looking forwards to going to the beach tomorrow! 

Hambleton Bakery

Today is our last full day in Rutland. After breakfast I took our dog for a long walk. I had taken her on a bit of it yesterday. Today I took her on the rest of it. She loved it. Yesterday she came back a bit muddy but today there was a lot more mud. I guess that is what comes of the longer walk.  My wife was not too happy though.

Afterwards we went for a drive to get some lunch. My wife drove us to Oakham and while we did did somewhere to eat lunch, we could not eat there due to the parking restrictions. My wife and son found a record shop and may have bought a record. I took Leia to explore the town and started to explore Oakham castle, not that it is much of a castle, but the history that I did get to read was really interesting.

We returned to the Hambleton bakery which we had visited the day before. Then there was a lot more choice, but we arrived earlier yesterday. Today the first two dishes my wife wanted were sold out, but my son and I got what we wanted. After that it was a trip to a farm shop and then a drive to a supermarket to get items to clean our messy dog.

Our son is enjoying having a room to himself, and actually had loads of fun in the front of the car while my wife was driving. We have not heard from our daughter but we know she is alive as she responded to a message on the family WhatsApp group. She had been unwell earlier this week and we gave her some advice, but I presume that she is now better and is enjoying Vietnam, hence the silence from her.

Fingers crossed that dinner is a better experience at the hotel today!