Craig, Fern and I, ordered £100 worth of books from Amazon.co.uk. We were getting low, and had just about read everything we had between us. I put in the order a week or so ago, and arranged with the post office in Luz to take delivery. I took care to ensure all books where sent by Amazon, and not 3rd party sellers, to ensure a single delivery. Anyway, Amazon sent the delivery in 2 lots. The first by regular mail to the Luz post office. I collected this order fine. The second lot was sent via DHL. After returning from Barranco a few days ago I had an answer phone message, saying that DHL had tried to deliver the order, but could not. I called them, and they confirmed that they couldn’t deliver to the post office address. After some consideration I decided to go and collect the parcel. The DHL deport is in Quarteira, near Albuferia, some 90kms away. Craig wanted to check the spear fishing shop in Portimao, as he would like a new wetsuit.
We set off at around 09:30. I dropped Craig and Fern off at Portimao. I had an address for DHL, but not exact instructions. Unfortunately my satellite navigation unit did not have the road name given to me by DHL. I set off towards Quarteira. The address mentions the N125 road, which was hopeful as this is a big main road. After driving for 40mins on the A22, I get to Quarteira. I drive around for over an hour. Trying roads off of the N125. I even go into Quarteira. I try the industrial estate nearby, even finding a Fed-Ex depot. I start asking for directions. After my 3rd stop, a young guy draws me a map to the depot. I return to the main road, and find the easily identifiable DHL building. Damn. At least we have a big supply of new books. The majority of which are mine, so I am well prepared for the next few months. I also enjoyed a change of scenery that day. Although having an actual task to do felt strange, and even stressful.
