Yes, I am a dedicated Ubuntu Linux user!
See this Amp at http://amplify.com/u/eo2r
Saturday, 6 November 2010
Why a Penguin? - Linux - The Logo
For all of you out there who wonder why the Linux Logo is a penguin! :)))
Yes, I am a dedicated Ubuntu Linux user!
Yes, I am a dedicated Ubuntu Linux user!
Thursday, 4 November 2010
Wednesday, 3 November 2010
TripAdvisor.com - Seville Forum - Faro to Seville 1 way car rental
Clipped from www.tripadvisor.com
Re: Faro to Seville 1 way car rental?
Nov 03, 2010, 5:37 AM
Destination Expert
for LagosRead more at www.tripadvisor.com
Thomas, you beat me to it!
Just one thing though - http://www.lagoscarhire.com/ - does not do one way rentals Faro to Seville, one returns.
http://iberiacarhire.com/ is the only one that does one way.
See this Amp at http://amplify.com/u/ehjz
NOTE: UNFORTUNATELY, OWING TO THE ECONOMIC CRISIS THIS SERVICE NO LONGER APPEARs AVAILABLE! (Ed. 2013)
One way car hire between Spain and Portugal
Clipped from www.lonelyplanet.com
There is one company with a base at Faro Airport in the Algarve, that does reasonable one - way car hire into Spain. I had a look at their site and they do have a depot at Valencia Airport.
Please see: http://iberiacarhire.com/Read more at www.lonelyplanet.com
See this Amp at http://amplify.com/u/ehju
Trip to Portugal and the Algarve
I find your comment about trains between Lisbon and the Algarve - "there no none when I was last there" strange as the railway line between the two was built in the 1880's and has carried at least 4 passenger trains a day between the two over the past 15 years.
I have published an extract of the current train timetable between Lisbon and Faro here:
See: http://amplify.com/u/ehhy
I have published an extract of the current Algarve Line weekday train timetable here:
http://amplify.com/u/ehi6
If you want to explore the region between Lisbon and the Algarve the only real way to do it is by car. The train trip is great and you will see some great countryside but you will not see the whole expanse of the region.
As regards staying in the Algarve and travelling to Spain, it is likely the electronically collected tolls will be introduced on the Algarve Arterial Motorway before May 2010. It is not clear yet how these are to be collected from visitors as there will be no toll booths. However, it will add to the cost of travelling into Spain.
The car hire company in the Algarve I would normally recommend is Luzcar. You can find their offers here:
http://www.lagoscarhire.com/
The problem is that they are based in Lagos in the Western end of the Algarve, (end of the Algarve Rail line). Remember to specify an automatic if you are not comfortable with manual shift. You will pay a premium however. Most European hire cars are manual shift.
However, Lagos is one of the nicest towns in the Algarve with great beaches and with the opportunity to also explore the region towards Sagres and Cape St. Vincent, the most south-westerly point of Europe.
If you intend taking a hire car in Lisbon or the Algarve and delivering it back to Lisbon, I recommend Auto Jardim - see: http://www.autocarhire.net.
Remember in all cases to stipulate that you want to take the car to Spain. There should be no problem, but it may be necessary to pay a small extra charge.
As regards hotels, have a look at the Vila Galé, Meia Praia, Lagos, the Yellow Hotel, Lagos, the Vila Galé Tavira near Tavira and the Martinhal Resort Hotel in Sagres.
I have published an extract of the current train timetable between Lisbon and Faro here:
See: http://amplify.com/u/ehhy
I have published an extract of the current Algarve Line weekday train timetable here:
http://amplify.com/u/ehi6
If you want to explore the region between Lisbon and the Algarve the only real way to do it is by car. The train trip is great and you will see some great countryside but you will not see the whole expanse of the region.
As regards staying in the Algarve and travelling to Spain, it is likely the electronically collected tolls will be introduced on the Algarve Arterial Motorway before May 2010. It is not clear yet how these are to be collected from visitors as there will be no toll booths. However, it will add to the cost of travelling into Spain.
The car hire company in the Algarve I would normally recommend is Luzcar. You can find their offers here:
http://www.lagoscarhire.com/
The problem is that they are based in Lagos in the Western end of the Algarve, (end of the Algarve Rail line). Remember to specify an automatic if you are not comfortable with manual shift. You will pay a premium however. Most European hire cars are manual shift.
However, Lagos is one of the nicest towns in the Algarve with great beaches and with the opportunity to also explore the region towards Sagres and Cape St. Vincent, the most south-westerly point of Europe.
If you intend taking a hire car in Lisbon or the Algarve and delivering it back to Lisbon, I recommend Auto Jardim - see: http://www.autocarhire.net.
Remember in all cases to stipulate that you want to take the car to Spain. There should be no problem, but it may be necessary to pay a small extra charge.
As regards hotels, have a look at the Vila Galé, Meia Praia, Lagos, the Yellow Hotel, Lagos, the Vila Galé Tavira near Tavira and the Martinhal Resort Hotel in Sagres.
Nov. 2010 - Train Timetable - Algarve Line Portugal
Current weekday train timetable between Vila Real Sta. Antonio and Lagos in the Algarve, Portugal.
See this Amp at http://amplify.com/u/ehi6
Nov. 2010 - Train Timetable - Lisbon/Faro
Extract of the current www.cp.pt train timetable between Lisbon and Faro, Algarve in Portugal
See this Amp at http://amplify.com/u/ehhy
Tuesday, 2 November 2010
Driving Santander, Spain to the Algarve
Clipped from barlaventostravelblog.blogspot.com
Santander, Spain to the Algarve
Read more at barlaventostravelblog.blogspot.com
Did the run from Lagos through Spain (100km from Santander) to Brittany, then Limoges region and then back to Lagos in the Algarve, a couple of weeks ago. 5000km in 10 days. Aaargh!
Have done this run several times in recent years, on me tod and with the other half who is an excellent co-driver.
If both of you drive Santander to the Algarve should be doable in +-11hrs. (Stops included)
We ran back from Le Moggies and overnighted in Northen Spain just outside Burgos. The next day we ran the full way back to Lagos in about 10hrs 30 mins - Both of us driving.
I have done the run from Lagos to Burgos myself non-stop and ended up talking Spanish to myself and overdosing on Tapas and Beer. You both need to drive to avoid insanity.
Recommended route to avoid tolls wherever possible, benefit from lower cost fuel in Spain and see wonderful country is Santander, Palencia, Valladolid, Salamanca, Caceres, Merida, Seville, Huelva, Ayamonte, the Algarve. It is Motorway all the way.
As regards security of the car, I always unload even if the car is in secure parking - its just not worth it in any country these days.
If you really want to stop somewhere with parking, there is the IBIS in Salamanca. (But its right in town and a pig to find.)
Near Seville, heading south towards Huelva and just behind IKEA, there is the Leflet Castilleja la Cuesta. Underground secure parking but the ramp is very very steep and there are only a couple of restaurants nearby. However, its reasonably cheap and v. clean.
See this Amp at http://amplify.com/u/egdp
Santander, Spain to the Algarve
Did the run from Lagos through Spain (100km from Santander) to Brittany, then Limoges region and then back to Lagos in the Algarve, a couple of weeks ago. 5000km in 10 days. Aaargh!
Have done this run several times in recent years, on me tod and with the other half who is an excellent co-driver.
If both of you drive Santander to the Algarve should be doable in +-11hrs. (Stops included)
We ran back from Le Moggies and overnighted in Northen Spain just outside Burgos. The next day we ran the full way back to Lagos in about 10hrs 30 mins - Both of us driving.
I have done the run from Lagos to Burgos myself non-stop and ended up talking Spanish to myself and overdosing on Tapas and Beer. You both need to drive to avoid insanity.
Recommended route to avoid tolls wherever possible, benefit from lower cost fuel in Spain and see wonderful country is Santander, Palencia, Valladolid, Salamanca, Caceres, Merida, Seville, Huelva, Ayamonte, the Algarve. It is Motorway all the way.
As regards security of the car, I always unload even if the car is in secure parking - its just not worth it in any country these days.
If you really want to stop somewhere with parking, there is the IBIS in Salamanca. (But its right in town and a pig to find.)
Near Seville, heading south towards Huelva and just behind IKEA, there is the Leflet Castilleja la Cuesta. Underground secure parking but the ramp is very very steep and there are only a couple of restaurants nearby. However, its reasonably cheap and v. clean.
Have done this run several times in recent years, on me tod and with the other half who is an excellent co-driver.
If both of you drive Santander to the Algarve should be doable in +-11hrs. (Stops included)
We ran back from Le Moggies and overnighted in Northen Spain just outside Burgos. The next day we ran the full way back to Lagos in about 10hrs 30 mins - Both of us driving.
I have done the run from Lagos to Burgos myself non-stop and ended up talking Spanish to myself and overdosing on Tapas and Beer. You both need to drive to avoid insanity.
Recommended route to avoid tolls wherever possible, benefit from lower cost fuel in Spain and see wonderful country is Santander, Palencia, Valladolid, Salamanca, Caceres, Merida, Seville, Huelva, Ayamonte, the Algarve. It is Motorway all the way.
As regards security of the car, I always unload even if the car is in secure parking - its just not worth it in any country these days.
If you really want to stop somewhere with parking, there is the IBIS in Salamanca. (But its right in town and a pig to find.)
Near Seville, heading south towards Huelva and just behind IKEA, there is the Leflet Castilleja la Cuesta. Underground secure parking but the ramp is very very steep and there are only a couple of restaurants nearby. However, its reasonably cheap and v. clean.
Portugal Motorways - Electronic tolls be very aware
Quote from post by Meathlady on Porto Forums of TripAdvisor.....
Full post here: "http://j.mp/9BBwXp"
"Electronic tolls be very aware ”- Nov 01, 2010, 4:14 PM
Full post here: "http://j.mp/9BBwXp"
"Electronic tolls be very aware ”- Nov 01, 2010, 4:14 PM
The Portuguese government in their wisdom have introduced electronic tolls on some of their motorways, we were caught out on our way to Porto. I do not mind paying tolls I do object when their is no way for visitors leaving the country to pay and have heard I am going to be levied a fine of 10 times the toll.
We collected hire care in Lisbon no mention from the car hire company of the new tolls, on heading to Porto noticed signed for electronic tolls, stopped in Porto to pay we were advised to go to the Post Office. Queued for 40 mins to be told we cannot pay for 2 days at the system does not operate in real-time.
Explained we were leaving the country and got a shrug of the shoulders, no option to pay over the internet. Were given the same information by the care hire company in Porto but they did tell me I would be fined.
So tourists beware travel on electronically tolls motorways at your peril. I will NOT be going back to Portugal anytime soon".
My reply:
"Oh Dear!
I am so sorry that you have had this experience.
It was only a matter of time!
The Portuguese Govt. has not thought through the impact of the introduction of the new electronically collected tolls on tourism. In their rush to raise revenue because of Portugal's dire economic situation, they have decided to implement electronic tolls on several motorways. They intend doing this on the A22 Algarve Spinal Motorway "the Via de Infante" as from April 15th 2010.
This past summer, the Algarve Economy was saved by a massive influx of Spanish Tourists. The alternative road, the famous EN125 is not up to handling the traffic volumes.
It is my estimation that we will see a drop of up to 50% of car based travel here in the Algarve in 2011 once the word gets out about this crassly throught out system which does not even have an option to pay tolls at a service area on Portuguese motorways.
Portugal has high unemployment but in an effort to "avoid" creating more jobs, the Government has decided to go for an electronic system rather than build toll booths where people can pay and employment would be created.
I had not intended to write about this for a few more weeks as there is always hope the Portuguese Govt. will realise the damage they are causing to desperately needed tourism but your post has spurred me to action.
Personally, as a local expert for Lagos, Algarve, I have to say that I do not
recommend people visiting the Algarve next year by car, unless you are prepared to take a lot of time using old roads. If you are flying into Faro, Airport and want to hire a car, think about taking a shuttle to your destination and then hiring a car locally. Alternatively, fly to Lisbon, take a train or bus down to the Algarve, enjoying the views en route, and then hire locally.
We still do not know the price level of the tolls here , but early indication are that on the A22 Via de Infante they will be high. I suspect that instead of raising funds as they intend, this electronic toll system will be a loss leader and cause great damage to Portugal's image as a friendly tourist destination, as well has having exactly the opposite effect in maintaining economic growth.
I am not against charging reasonable tolls to fund road maintenance but tolls should be realistic and user friendly which these new ones in Portugal are not."
We collected hire care in Lisbon no mention from the car hire company of the new tolls, on heading to Porto noticed signed for electronic tolls, stopped in Porto to pay we were advised to go to the Post Office. Queued for 40 mins to be told we cannot pay for 2 days at the system does not operate in real-time.
Explained we were leaving the country and got a shrug of the shoulders, no option to pay over the internet. Were given the same information by the care hire company in Porto but they did tell me I would be fined.
So tourists beware travel on electronically tolls motorways at your peril. I will NOT be going back to Portugal anytime soon".
My reply:
"Oh Dear!
I am so sorry that you have had this experience.
It was only a matter of time!
The Portuguese Govt. has not thought through the impact of the introduction of the new electronically collected tolls on tourism. In their rush to raise revenue because of Portugal's dire economic situation, they have decided to implement electronic tolls on several motorways. They intend doing this on the A22 Algarve Spinal Motorway "the Via de Infante" as from April 15th 2010.
This past summer, the Algarve Economy was saved by a massive influx of Spanish Tourists. The alternative road, the famous EN125 is not up to handling the traffic volumes.
It is my estimation that we will see a drop of up to 50% of car based travel here in the Algarve in 2011 once the word gets out about this crassly throught out system which does not even have an option to pay tolls at a service area on Portuguese motorways.
Portugal has high unemployment but in an effort to "avoid" creating more jobs, the Government has decided to go for an electronic system rather than build toll booths where people can pay and employment would be created.
I had not intended to write about this for a few more weeks as there is always hope the Portuguese Govt. will realise the damage they are causing to desperately needed tourism but your post has spurred me to action.
Personally, as a local expert for Lagos, Algarve, I have to say that I do not
recommend people visiting the Algarve next year by car, unless you are prepared to take a lot of time using old roads. If you are flying into Faro, Airport and want to hire a car, think about taking a shuttle to your destination and then hiring a car locally. Alternatively, fly to Lisbon, take a train or bus down to the Algarve, enjoying the views en route, and then hire locally.
We still do not know the price level of the tolls here , but early indication are that on the A22 Via de Infante they will be high. I suspect that instead of raising funds as they intend, this electronic toll system will be a loss leader and cause great damage to Portugal's image as a friendly tourist destination, as well has having exactly the opposite effect in maintaining economic growth.
I am not against charging reasonable tolls to fund road maintenance but tolls should be realistic and user friendly which these new ones in Portugal are not."
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