Overall, at least 90% of the travellers we meet are in Motorhomes. Less and less caravans. Of the nationalities, mostly German and Dutch. Germans speak good English and know all the best free or cheap camp spots, as do the Dutch. The French speak no English, assume everyone speaks French and get annoyed when they do not.

The Spanish speak little English and pretend they speak less . The Portuguese all speak excellent English, leant from aged 6 at school.

Few Italians, few Belgians, some Austrians, few English, some Scandinavians although not many as far south as Portugal. Only met about 4 lots of Aussies altogether - a couple from Wilston in Brissie in Turkey, a couple from Sydney at Sagrez, another couple from Brisbane in Milan, and a couple from Ellis Beach at Lucerne, although Claudia originally came from Lucerne and Wolfgang from Austria.

Many come over for a chat, especially if they see the Robs' world map. We call them "Stalker Talkers". Some give us tips about camp sites, but mostly want to know HOW we got here!!

Late start, the Robs left at 8am to go to Madrid. We will meet up again in a week.

We have passed many cork "forests" where the cork bark has been harvested. We have also seen it made up, into handbags, umbrellas, wallets, shoes, aprons, post cards and more, as well as the obvious place mats and corks for bottles . I wonder about the durability. Certainly would not buy to take home, packing "crushed" for a year might be beyond its capabilities.

Arrived at the National Palace of Sintra, 30 km west of Lisbon.

Set in the centre of town so we nearly gave it a miss as we had to drive through, turn around and drive back again before we could find a park. Very narrow streets and a friendly policeman saying "No, turn around and go back".

The best preserved medieval Royal Palace in Europe, continuously inhabited until late 19th century. Beautiful tiles, ceilings, furniture, courtyards with fountains, a mixture of Manueline and Moorish styles, spacious and restful to walk around. So glad we out it on the list of places to see.

The town has at least 5 more palaces and gardens to explore - next time. Back though the town - dozens of very narrow winding streets leading up the hills and down - and then up the hill to the Boomer.

Drove along the coast and found a spot to camp. São Lourenco surf beach. Had a drink for my birthday tomorrow in the bar overlooking the beach. Talked to some young surfers from Belgium. Hoped for a good night's sleep until they set off fireworks at midnight! Why????