Lagos is basically the start of the world reknown Algarve region of Portugal. It
has it's good and bad points, depending on your point of view. For a couple
of Canadian's in search of fun and frolic, there are few better places. This
steaming spot is packed with backpackers from all over the globe, and if
they've got a maple leaf on their person, you'll probably find them in
"Shots in the Dark - Club Canadienne".
Could I be hearing things, was that Tragically Hip, followed by Grapes of Wrath pounding out of the speakers ? Was I seeing things, a Toronto Blue Jays sticker behind the bar? Is my mind playing a cruel joke, did the bartender ask me if I'd like a Molson, eh? Is that Paul and Jennifer from Calgary across the bar and Anna Maria and Kathy from Hamilton next to me? There is a God and he's followed me to Portugal !! Talk about your best of both world's. Here I was in Southern Portugal and I felt like I'd never left the Motherland. In my several months on the "Continent", Canada was never closer. After introducing ourselves as true Bluenosers (that's Nova Scotian for Nova Scotians, the home of the famous Bluenose Clipper ship on the Canadian dime) to "Terry from Thunder bay" behind the bar, Greg B. and I shook hands with our fellow countrymen and the warm blur began.
Shots in the Dark's signature libation is the "over the bar shot in the dark".
This involves leaning your head backwards over the bar, opening your mouth and closing your eyes, while Terry freee-pours Tequila and Banana Liqueur straight in your gullet. When you're full, the signal is given, and "Terry's little helpers" yank you quickly upright by the wrists, driving mr. & mrs. booze at breakneck speed straight to your unsuspecting stomach, yeow !
One of the few long open sand beaches in the country is just across the causeway, but adventure is the true key to Portuguese sun worshipping. Most of the beaches involve some sort of spelunking. The more private ones could call for a bit of a swim if the tide catches you, but that's the fun of it. And speaking of fun, up next,
The Bullfights !
Updated Dec. 16, 1997