These pictures were taken on this very day this time last year, December 28, 2014. My family jetted off to good old Portugal for new year. So what can you expect at this time of year?
1. It was colder than we expected at night. Take a coat and scarf for the outdoors and slippers for the hotel room. Tiled floors are no joy on bare feet in winter.
2. In the day you could sunbathe on the beach but at night the temperature wasn't much above freezing, about 4C. This year the temperatures are showing highs of 17C and lows of 10C so it's pleasant but you need to dress for every eventuality.
3. But though chilly at night there was bags of sunshine and blue skies, a rarity at this time of year in the UK. A chance to overdose on Vitamin D.
4. We had been told that Albufeira was the place to be for a magnificent fireworks display on NYE and that cabs would be hard to come by. We managed to get taxis fairly easily both ways, though you have to be clever and sharp-eyed on the way home. Oh, and maybe we were lucky but cab prices did not double on NYE like they do in the UK. The fireworks were not as impressive as we expected though it's true to say the whole town comes out for them and gathers near the beach. There's music, too, and the festivities are broadcast live on TV. Funny thing is, you could sit in a bar watching the frolics on TV that were happening right outside in the square and it looked as if there were hundreds of people there. In fact, only a hundred or so folk were gathered round the TV cameras at any one time. TV trickery. I know all about that thanks to my BGT experiences!
5. Be prepared for some drunken behaviour. Chavvy Brits let the UK side down in Albufeira on NYE 2014 with one family encouraging their teen son to do an impromptu striptease in a bar. Dear oh dear oh dear.... Not what you want to see just after you've eaten, or anytime!
6. Would we go back to Portugal for NYE? Yes, but I'd go to a different town or city to see in the new year. I have since heard Tavira is good. And surely Lisbon must put on a quality show?
7. If travelling to Portugal out of season, many bars and restaurants are shut. You can always find somewhere to eat or drink but the choice is more limited.
8. Flights are also limited and more expensive. Book early to get a half decent price.
9. If you want a real new year bargain, head off in early January. Amazing deals! Treat yourself to a spa hotel with an indoor pool.
10. If you're a wild party animal, I suspect Portugal may not be for you at NYE. But if you love beaches to yourself, long walks and lazy days, go for it.
Below.... me on New Year's Eve, 2014
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