Over the weekend I hopped over to this lovely little town just outside Lisbon. It wasn't a holiday though, but a birthday party for a multi-millionaire at one of his properties high up a mountain in a very scenic setting. From leaving on friday night until sunday night I managed a 2 hour 'power sleep'..I can't sleep on buses and I often wonder why airports only have hard metal seating.
Bags packed at the bus station, ready for an overnight journey to Heathrow
Got to Heathrow at 5am and wandered around for 4 hours, took this great picture of a very regal looking 747
No real view on this BA flight, but a 3 hour flight at 10am should at least include breakfast, rather than the limp sandwiches they served. I put in a complaint, of course.
Got to the hotel after a 30 minute taxi ride and the heat almost killed me, the view from the restaurant was great though.
Delicious meal, no booze on this trip.
Got to the venue and the band were soundchecking amongst all the last minute preparations
Around the huge gardens was this ancient fountain and in the distance is a nicely decorated swimming pool with mosaic wall.
Looking the other way, those trees are concealing some great mountainside houses.
I could have sworn that when I took this pic I had the sea in the background.
This was the path that led from the house to the marquee. They dined on seven courses then made their way up at 1am.
There were 80 guests, all super rich types with their spouse, who had the privilege of dancing in this finely adorned space.
Band in fine voice, they played til 3am.
DJ hardware is quite technological nowadays.
My allocated space on the main mixer.
Back to the hotel at 6am
Took a quick snap as I left for the airport at 9am, having no sleep.
Lisbon airport before another miserable BA flight to London.
Back in London at last.
Camden Town tube.
Back home in time for dinner at Rick Steins.