Oct22 East Algarve Magazine

property is composed of a main villa with two en suite bedrooms, living room, kitchen, and office space. In addition is a self-contained annexe with one bedroom, a big garage for cars, utility room, an extra high garage for camping cars and a studio with bathroom under the eaves of the roof. It has been built to minimize costs while being very comfortable. The electricity is generated via solar panels, the pool is heated and the water from the borehole is also treated. On the roof is an ingenious, fully irrigated grass roof which gives natural insulation. Another great touch is the elevator from the garage, meaning you don’t have to worry about climbing steps with heavy bags of shopping.

Tavira Santa Catarina / €2,400,000

/ EPC: A+ / 4-bedroom modern villa with infinity pool and breathtaking views

Tavira / €960,000

EPC:

4-bedroom villa with

Tavira / €175,000 / TVR4468 / EPC:F

maisonette

renovate

the

East Algarve

PUBLISHER & DESIGNER

Richard Bassett

EDITOR Richard Bassett

CO-FOUNDER

Richard Bassett Snr.

ADVERTISING

Call 961 700 200 or email ads@eastalgarvemag.com

DISTRIBUTION

3,500 copies printed. All advertisers are issued copies for distribution, along with retail outlets.

COVER PHOTO

Aurora

All rights reserved. Except for normal review purposes, no part of this magazine may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. Every care has been taken in the preparation of this magazine, but the contents are only meant as a guide to readers. The proprietors of this magazine are publishers not agents or sub agents of those who advertise therein.

The publisher cannot be held liable for any loss suffered as a result of information gained from this publication

Welcome...

... to your October issue. This month we visit a brand-new bar in Olhão, Vai d'Vela and meet owner Pedro Domingues. We also introduce Luis and wife Dora who together run the Jolly Sailor restaurant in Quinta Velha, Cabanas. Our cover photo this month is courtesy of Avril Thomas, a special friend and very talented artist. Another old friend and very well known around Tavira is Johnny, once the owner of the Punjab Palace. After a brief spell in the U.K., he has returned and now runs Mehfil Indian restaurant, not too far away from home!

There's also news about our website, an update on the successful East Algarve Magazine International meet-ups, plus finance news, gardening, health news and much more. We welcome your comments, please email us on info@eastalgarvemag.com

Richard Bassett, Editor

TASTE THE DIFFERENCE!

Unipessoal Lda

The

Jolly Sailor

Meet Luis and wife Dora who are now running the Jolly Sailor restaurant located in Quinta Velha, Cabanas

This well known restaurant run by owner Eddie for many years has always had a reputation for being friendly. It was by chance that Luis and wife Dora heard that Eddie wanted to sell the restaurant in order to retire. The couple grabbed the chance with both hands and now run one of the oldest restaurants in Cabanas.

Luis is front of house, ensuring the friendly environment remains. His infectious personality is always positive. Luis says 'This is a place to come and relax and have fun with no stress'. He takes the stance of everyone makes mistakes, however it's how you deal with them that counts. 'My job is simply to make sure my customers go home happy'.

Dora is head of the kitchen. Originally from Mozambique, she has added her special twist to the international menu, such as coconut rice, pistachio nuts and tropical fruits. All dishes are freshly prepared using local produce, the desserts are also all made

in-house. I can tell you from experience, they are simply delicious. After taking these photos I couldn't resist asking to try one of them. Luis presented me with all three, which I proceeded to finish... yes, all three!

Photos include starters of Cantaloupe Melon and Parma Ham, Garlic Prawns, Muxama (Dried Tuna) and Quail Eggs with Chorizo (previous page), Beef Stroganoff, Garlic Prawns (main course), Chicken Breast with Coconut Rice, Prawn Curry and the desserts were Almond Crepe with Cinnamon, Honey and Ice Cream, Caramel Panacotta with Pistachio and Orange Juice and finally Vanilla and Strawberry Ice Cream with Red Fruits, Whipped Cream and Red Fruit Compote. The Jolly Sailor is only open for evenings but is available for lunches for groups if prebooked.

We hope you get a chance to visit the Jolly Sailor and experience the light-hearted environment Luis has created. If you do, take my advice... try the Panacotta!

Contacts:

Telephone: +351 966 853 063

Facebook: Jolly Sailor

Address: Urbanização Quinta Velha, Cabanas

Email: luisfilipe@thejollysailor.eu

When Covid was declared and the world shut down and for many it seemed the world was coming to an end. So many more sensitive folk struggled with the panic of it all. While the world may never recover in the way we knew it, we will all make new roads to cope with what went before, my new road started with painting.

I had studied art at school and later enrolled at art college, but I was a restless soul and instead of concentrating on the subject I loved, it did not hold my attention, and I moved to the open stage. Here I flourished and lived a few years of wonderful dance, entertainment, glitz and glam (others may call it tits and bums). I made fabulous lifelong friends and met my soulmate, but this frenzied super exciting lifestyle is only a moment in a long life and meant for the young.

My husband and I have traveled a very interesting, pleasurable and diverse path, changing countries once or twice and now we have settled in Portugal in our autumn.

In March 2020 a dear friend copied me in on an online painting class that would be the first given by the artist Cathy Milner on zoom from Cape Town, South Africa. I thought, why not, everything else was shutting down so this would be my chance to open up the old doors and windows of memory and let the inspiration in, perhaps!

I have continued to learn and create with this amazing artist since that first session in March 2020. I have felt my passion grow and my heart sigh with satisfaction when at last I step back and decide, it is done.

Some have mentioned that I have not settled for a particular theme or style and that my work is varied, and they are right of course, but my thinking is, when there is so much variety out there why settle for one style?

Imagine, play, create and enjoy, never settle for something you have mastered because then the challenge dies and it becomes a job.

Avril Thomas

Meet the wonderful Avril Thomas, this month's artist of the month. Here she tells her story of how her passion for art was reignited during the Covid pandemic

Travessa Almirante Candido dos Reis 139, Tavira 8800-318

+351 963 882 952

Franganario Tavira

Ruy Barros

Hairstyling & Beauty Salon

Ladies & Gents

Welcome to our new space in the centre of Tavira! With a professional and friendly service.

colouring, perming, hair extensions, hairstyling, hair treatments, massages, face/body treatments, make-up artist, epilation, laser, lash extensions, gel nails, nail art, gel polish

MON

All year

more.

Contemporary Art By Local Artists

Facebook / Instagram Artesis Galeria

Travessa Z acharias Guerreiro,

The family-run Amesbury Abbey Group offers an elegant retirement in country house style at Monte da Palhagueira.

For those who are looking for the reassurance of constant professional care, our nursing care may be the way forward. Alongside all the benefits of residential care, our nursing care adds the additional security of 24-hour care provision from qualified nursing professionals.

Our team spend a lot of time getting to know each resident as an individual, learning their preferences and understanding their concerns, working hand in hand with GPs and other associated care professionals to provide outstanding personalised nursing care.

Our exceptional care team treat all our residents with respect, dignity and friendship, and our nursing home has a warm, family atmosphere. Each individual aspect of our nursing care is designed to give our residents the best possible quality of life and the highest standards of 24-hour care.

For further information, please contact Senior Sister Hazel Gordon at

da Palhagueira, Gorjôes, 8005-488

Barbara de Nexe, Algarve

SPORTS TOURS

INCLUSIVE SPORTS PACKAGE

VAI D'VELA LOUNGE BAR

We met Pedro Domingues, owner of the newly opened Lounge Bar Vai D'Vela, located in the Marina

Ria Center in Olhão,

Originally from Alentejo, his family moved to Olhão before he was born. Pedro has always worked in bars and restaurants around Olhão.

It was his business partner António Mascote who heard about the new center opening close to the Marina Hotel. Together they decided to open a bar. The main attraction being the stunning ocean view.

Catering for both internationals and locals, the bar has a very cool feel, with a nice vibe, a fun place with regular live music.

Pedro designed the bar himself, a fusion of old and new; retro looking old red bricks mixed with a modern twist with quirky additions such as the Gorilla bust on the bar and a faux deer skull on the wall.

Vai D'Vela Lounge also bar have a great Tapas menu and will be offering a number of

promotions in the coming month's, such as buy one, get one free and happy hours. They will also be showing the upcoming World cup football. Full details on offers, promotions and opening times are on their Facebook page: 'Vai d'Vela'.

Telephone: 912 929 861

Email: vaidvela.loungebar@gmail.com

Located in the new Marina Ria Center, this stylish lounge bar is a must-visit location. Great sea views and even better cocktails!

LET'S TALK REAL ESTATE

Stephan Schade from Twin Key Real Estate is offering free talks on everything you need to know about... you guessed it, Real Estate!

In an effort to clarify the process of buying or selling a property in Portugal, Stephan Schade is holding a number of free talks providing a genuine insight to the Real Estate business.

These are scheduled to be held on the 8th and 22nd of October at 3pm and the 12th & 26th of November at 3pm at Restaurante V-Terra in Estoi (Coiro do Burra, Estrada de Faro). Topics include:

● Should you sell or not and if so, when?

● With/without estate agent: advantages/ disadvantages.

● Which estate agent is the right one for me?

● Documentation: which documents do I need?

● House preparation: how to prepare my house before selling it.

● Price negotiations: do’s and don’ts.

● How is the market in the moment, who

are the buyers, where do they come from, what do they expect?

● Quo vadis real estate market?

What does the future of the real estate market hold, here in the Algarve?

As there are limited seats, please email to make your reservation stating your name, contact details, the number of people participating and the date you would like to attend.

Stefan is happy to arrange other dates, and welcomes your suggestions! You can also contact Stephan by WhatsApp, Text message or simply call (also for reservations). Email: info@twin-key.realestate Telephone: 968 771 577

S T E PH A N S CH A

Your personal contact for a successful sale of

local property!

our clients (property owner)

about

I have known Mr. Stephan Schade for many years I would never want to miss his seriousness, correctness and reliability, his expertise in all Portuguese real estate matters and his helpfulness in all matters that a real estate owner in Portugal seeks when buying or selling. He has actively helped me to successfully sell several properties I owned that were very difficult to sell He deserves absolute trust in every aspect from my point of view You cannot turn to anyone better!

Renner

Currently vendors are paying too much commission to their estate agents, they know it, but they are being convinced that this is just how it is in Portugal.

It is not how it is, we will make the change!

» We charge 2% commission, we provide 100% service (full service). We are transparent and true, no hidden agenda

» We want to make a change in Portuguese real estate and charge a fair commission

» We make a great presentation of our properties

» We offer Free valuations

» We have many years of experience selling real estate in the Algarve and Northern Europe

» We are Multi-lingual

Please contact us for a free valuation and let’s talk about what we can do to make a change together. We need you to help us make this work!

www.casagosto.com

Casa Gosto, Largo da Praça Velha 12, 8005-451, Estoi, Faro tel +351 967 145 520 AMI 20898

Close to Fuseta, located in a green and quiet environment, 200m from the sea, this is a typical house completely restored with charm, built on a plot with trees.

You can enjoy panoramic view of the sea from the swimming pool!

Beautiful traditional house, tastefully restored with noble materials in the historic heart of Olhão (5 bedrooms, roof terrace and sea view)

Coup de cœur!

N° 1 in France with more than

agencies and more than 55 years

experience

ORPI Faro-Olhão

A team graduated in Real Estate, Wealth Management, Banking & Insurance

We help you sell and buy while protecting your interests!

Praça

ORPI Faro-Olhão

Traditional town house (3 bedrooms) in the very centre of Moncarapacho, with patio, small pool and terrace with beautiful sea view!

An exceptional property!

markets), Olhão

TAKE A BREAKE, RELAX & ENJOY!

2 BED APARTMENT WITH PARKING - €255,000

SUPERB 3 BED VILLA WITH POOL - €997,500

Located in Conceição de Tavira, this property is in excellent condition and consists of: living room and dining room, equipped kitchen, two bedrooms and a large terrace. Can also be purchased furnished.

A classic villa fully refurbished to the highest standards, walking distance to the beach in Altura. Fully equipped with 3 spacious bedrooms all en-suite. A/C in all rooms as well as radiators. Heated pool with swimjet.

COZY 1+1 BED APARTMENT - €235,000

T1+1 IN COSTA CABANAS WITH COMMUNAL POOL - €235,000

Great property located in the fishing village of Cabanas de Tavira. This 2 bedroom property is in good condition, has a living room / dining area and a fully equipped kitchen and terrace with views.

Open plan living room / dining area and kitchen fully equipped and 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. From the kitchen there is access to a terrace with barbecue and a large dining area.

MODERN VILLA WITH 4 BEDS AND POOL,

MODERN VILLA WITH 4 BEDROOMS, PRIVATE SWIMMING POOL AND AMAZING VIEWS - €650,000

WITH VIEWS, 5 MINS TO BEACH - €650,000 Lounge overlooks the south facing garden & open countryside, offering dramatic views of both sea & mountains from the garden & also from the very large roof terrace.

TWO BED APARTMENT WITH PARKING SPACE, CONCEIÇÃO, TAVIRA - €255,000

This contemporary 4-bedroom villa in Santa Rita, Vila Real de Santo António, close to the beach and all the amenities. The property offers a spacious interior layout with high quality finishes. A special feature of this house is an incredible outdoor area, with impressive countryside and sea views. Make the most of the outdoor living with a large al fresco dining area, BBQ area, private pool and mature gardens.

Excellent condition, consists of living room and dining room with air conditioning; equipped kitchen and two bedrooms one with en-suite. Large veranda. One parking space in the garage.

TRY OUR SEARCH & MATCH SERVICE

Rua 1º de Maio, 32, 8800-360 Tavira

Country style villa with large pool, sun terraces and sea view near

beautiful pool

gardens is set on an easy to maintain plot in a

15 minute drive from Tavira with very nice views towards the

property consist of a living room with wood burner stove, a good size

kitchen

breakfast area, two double bedrooms and two bathrooms.

living room with bathroom and terrace on the 1st floor. There is a wraparound winter room on the south and west side of the house where one benefits from the sunshine on a windy winter day. The good size garage of approx. 32 m² is currently divided in two; one part garage and one part workshop. Next to the garage you will find the car port. In general the property would benefit from TLC but the investment is well worth as the property has potential also due to the lovely secluded gardens and large sun terraces (460 m²) with a large illuminated swimming pool (92 m²) with outdoor shower, from where you have panoramic views over the surrounding countryside towards the ocean. There are various seating areas and two small ponds as well as a bathroom with shower next to the pool area.

The property benefits from:

air conditioning

a wood burner stove

garage and car port, part aluminium shutters, borehole and 8000 litre cistern, very large sun terraces and large pool

private location

Mains

isolate

232

from borehole

fossa drainage

(excl. pool of 92m²)

bottled gas

built in 1988. E.C.: D.

Plot: 1190 m².

Good road access by tarmac road, last 100 meter good track

CLASSE ENERG É TICA

3 Bedroom Family home

Wearedelightedtobringtoyouanother exclusivelisting,asuper4orcouldbe5 bedroomvillainaquietcountrylocation withalargeplottoexplore,alovelypool areaandsplendidviews.

Property

in 1,182

in

of enclosed garden

Agoodsizedfamilyhome,outinthe countryandenjoyinganelevatedlocation withexcellentviews.Quietandpeaceful settingwithalargenaturalplotwithina shortdistanceoftown.

to Moncarapacho.

lovely

TheVillaiswelllocatedwithinthelargeplot, sittingtotherearandlookingdownovera lovelynaturallandscapedottedwithmature dryfruittreessuchasoliveandcarob.

PHOTOGRAPH OF THE MONTH

of

Alta, São Brás

Alportel

be made extraordinary

ordinary

the

love taking the camera out during the golden hour, searching for subjects like this dragonfly

gild with backlight."

Algarve roof & property renovations

leaks to roofs and balconies,

complete

Guttering

and fitted, flat

property

or out;

maintenance work,

jetwash service

Jason

960 136 445

281 324 602

TAVIRA

COMPASS PROPERTY SALES... TWO YEARS ON!

We catch up with Sandra Swoboda & Paul Greenhalgh to find out what changes they've seen in the property market here in the East Algarve

It has been exactly two years since our last interview with Compass Property Sales at their offices located near the Sail roundabout at the entrance of Tavira, so we were keen to speak with the owners of the company, Sandra Swoboda & Paul Greenhalgh, to discuss what has been happening with the company and to get their perspective of the property market within the East Algarve.

Last time we spoke we were in the early stages of the pandemic and you had just opened your new office. How has the property market, particularly in the East Algarve, reacted since then?

Considering the circumstances, exceptionally well. Nobody could predict the impact or length of the pandemic situation so naturally there was uncertainty within the industry on how the market would cope, but property sales during this period have actually been considerably better than any of us could have hoped for.

So how have Compass´ sales figures faired during this time?

2020 was as forecasted, 2021 was well ahead of target, however 2022 has so far exceeded our most optimistic predictions.

It is great to hear you are going from strength to strength, so where have all the buyers been coming from?

Initially they were mainly from those already living in Portugal looking to up or downsize. Overseas buyers were not able to fly due to the lockdowns and even when these were lifted, the quarantine rules were changing from

one week to the next giving little confidence to those looking to travel to the Algarve. Once restrictions eased and confidence returned, our buyer pool from outside Portugal also began growing and contributing to an already strong property market and creating an unprecedented demand for properties not seen previously this century. What areas have you been selling?

The vast majority of our sales have been in Tavira and within the immediate surroundings, but we have had property sales the whole way all along the East coastline and in land up to Faz Fato and São Brás. Running parallel to our East Algarve portfolio, we are now actively pursuing more property listings in the Central Algarve incorporating the fantastic areas of São Brás, Santa Bárbara, Estoi and Loulé.

As is evident from what you are saying and watching the new construction going up, I am curious as to why you feel the East Algarve is becoming more popular with property buyers?

Primarily because Tavira and the rest of the Eastern Algarve has retained its history and tradition and still offers more of an authentic, unspoilt Portugal, which has an enormous pull. For those of us lucky enough to live and work here, we are already familiar with the charm and appeal of Tavira and the surrounding areas and there is no doubt the region is becoming more popular. With the ending of two years of restrictions whilst living in the colder and wetter countries of Northern Europe, we witnessed greater numbers of buyers looking to take advantage of all the East Algarve has to offer. And with

the property prices generally being lower in the East Algarve than those in the Central Algarve, we are able to offer more property choice at lower price points.

Have you noticed an increase from other nationalities looking to buy property?

Yes and particularly from the United States of America. Information from various sources confirm that there has been targeted advertising in the USA with Tavira being touted as one of the best places to retire in Europe. This combined with a very favourable Dollar to Euro rate for the Americans and the cost of living in the USA continuing to spiral upwards, many Americans are making the move to Portugal and in particular the East Algarve.

Presumably with all the movement, the property prices have increased?

Yes they have and particularly in the last 3 years fuelled by the noticeable increase in both the holiday home purchases and the number of people buying property to live permanently in the Algarve – both working families and those of retirement age. With low interest rates and poor returns within the markets, we are also witnessing investors adding property to their portfolios. Combine this with the ongoing conflict in Ukraine playing its part in increased construction costs and property prices have inevitably gone up. Prices within the resale market are also increasing taking advantage of the high demand for property as well as the higher priced new build properties. Do you think these price increases are sustainable?

At the rate we have been experiencing for

last 3 years, no. During this time it has undoubtedly been a strong seller’s market but now with inflation, rising energy costs, mortgage increases etc all starting to bite, it will have an impact on the property market. This is not necessarily a bad thing, as the property market in the Algarve does need to realign itself. However, if the aftermath of 9-11, the 2008 credit crunch and Brexit are anything to go by, we should see demand for property slow and prices plateau rather than fall. It is important to remember that the vast majority of expats that own property are in the fortunate position that they do not have to sell in a slower market meaning the general trend for prices is for them to remain relatively static.

So, is there anything new happening with Compass Property Sales?

The limited number of physical viewings taking place during the pandemic reinforced our commitment to give prospective buyers high quality online presentations. Even though traditional viewings are taking place again we have always recognized the value in having an impressive online presence. We already offer our vendors all expenses paid professional photography, drone and video walk through presentations which has proven to be a very useful and extremely successful tool. We are continually looking at ways to improve the marketing and presentation of our vendors properties and to that end we are currently in the process of acquiring high quality 360° Virtual Tour Experience equipment that will

offer virtual tours of select properties allowing prospective buyers the opportunity to have immersive tours of properties from the comfort of their own home.

Do you think that virtual tours will replace physical ones?

No matter how well a property is presented online, there is no technology that can replicate a physical viewing. However, as most buyers start their property search online, offering more complete and realistic presentations of property can save precious time on wasted viewings.

As a business, what areas are you looking to strengthen?

Due to the high quantity of sales we have successfully brokered, particularly this year, our portfolio of properties is running low. We are therefore urgently looking for new property listings particularly in and around Tavira, the Tavira countryside, Moncarapacho, Fuseta, São Brás and Santa Catarina. At Compass

Property Sales we offer a completely free, no obligation property assessment so if there are any readers considering selling their properties, then please contact us and we will happily discuss how best we can assist you.

Alternatively, our office hours are weekdays 9.00am to 5.30pm and we are always available to meet and chat with prospective sellers.

Finally have you any advice for buyers looking to purchase a property in the East Algarve?

The most important aspect of buying a

property is choosing a reputable and highly experienced agency real estate company to work with. Whether it is your first property being purchased in Portugal or the third or fourth, it is vital that you deal with a local and fully licenced real estate company. By visiting the agency's offices for an introductory chat and coffee or by analysing the agency's website, buyers will be able to determine very quickly which company is active in the market and therefore best placed to be able to find you the right property and make sure the purchase transaction runs as smoothly as possible.

Secondly, in Portugal properties can be and are regularly marketed by more than one real estate agent and it is not uncommon to have more than one interested party going after the same property. As we have mentioned, there is a real lack of properties on the market in the Algarve at the moment and we do not envisage this changing anytime soon. So if you are lucky enough to have found your perfect property, then please act quickly just to avoid the risk of disappointment by losing out to another buyer.

Sandra Swoboda & Paul Greenhalgh

Compass Property Sales

Rua de Santo Estevão, Nº 25A, 8800-386

Tavira

Tel: +351 281 323 876

THEN OLHÃO FOUND US...

... and we weren't even looking! Hank and Carina's story of how they came to love and live in Olhão

Welcome to our monthly column celebrating Olhão. After exploring Portugal top to bottom from Braga to Tavira enjoying so many coastal and inland locations in our RV, we decided Olhão was the place to buy our home to celebrate our “golden years”.

Olhão was not on our radar at first. In fact, the discovery of Eastern Algarve was a pleasant surprise with the scale of development so much less than areas to the west. A chance winter rental introduced us to Olhão, a place we quickly found attractive for many reasons. “Walkability” is, above all, a main highlight and each month we will introduce you to places only steps away from our front door. Questions, Comments or Suggestions for new columns? Email us at hankryan2003@ yahoo.com We hope you will enjoy our column!

Saturday Morning in Olhão

Our early morning walking routine each day usually has us venturing off in different directions enjoying the promise of a new day.

Olhão is kind of like a visual amusement park

with birds and water and natural places in all directions. Even the normally busy parts like the esplanade are special early in the day offering perhaps the best time to be engaging in imaginary and unrealistic boat ownership dreams.

Carina likes to walk fast and I’m amazed at some the ground she covers in an hour or so.

Her aim is to use the wizardry of her phone camera to capture images here. This week she is looking for special doors. I’m often off to either Continente, Lidl or Pingo Doce to pick up something. All offer a reasonable

walking experience and even if I just come home after finding a few packs of coffee on sale, I’m a guy on a mission. How can I not rise to the challenge? So that is our routine for most days, except for one.

Every Saturday morning, it’s an easy stroll to the open air produce market located between the Ria Formosa and the Olhão Mercado buildings. With open air parks on both ends and plenty of places to relax outside the cafes in front of the Mercado with a bica (espresso), or a Pastel de Nata facing the crowd, this place is busy busy! Add the open

tubs of local olives, honey, herbs, flowers and bedding plants and you’ll understand why everyone has a favorite stall to return to week after week.

Even during cooler winter months, local greenhouses supply fresh fruit and veggies. This open air market combines with the indoor Mercado spaces where if you cannot find the fresh fish variety you are looking for, someone else probably just took the last of it home! It is worth a reminder to come early on Saturday if arriving by car. Olhão advertises over 1380 parking spaces near to the market on this poorly placed new billboard. It is pretty much impossible for drivers arriving towards Olhão to see what the sign says (perhaps turning it 90 degrees would help), but those spaces it promotes fill up quickly!

Bruna Welcomed Us To Olhão...

Call us impulsive if you like, but when we arrived at our one month Marina Village “escape from winter” rental in January of 2021, within 5 days we put a deposit down to purchase our home here in Olhão. We have no regrets.

Our introduction mentions several reasons for this including the safe and flat as a pancake

walkable layout of this small city facing the Ria Formosa waters that we now get to gaze out to each day.

But plunking down our hard earned savings was also easier to do because we felt so welcome in Olhão even with our non-existent command of the Portuguese language.

Olhão features dozens of restaurants, almost too many to count, all within walking distance.

These days, our presence here is met with warm greetings in so many places we visit as customers, both restaurants and other markets alike.

Early on, we discovered Marisco, located on the southwest corner of the Mercado where the outdoor seats facing the Ria Formosa inspired us to share some red wine while enjoying the winter sunset.

During that first visit, Bruna, a long time server there initiated a conversation with us demonstrating her perfect English. She made us both feel like we were instant locals. Since then we have enjoyed many sunsets there engaging in chit chat with Bruna. Make no mistake, her hospitality is not just for us to enjoy. Bruna treats all her customers with the same welcoming conversation. We don’t suggest that she is an exception to the way

other Olhão local businesses greet us. The common demeanor of the Portuguese people is both gentle and welcoming. That attribute fills restaurant tables all over Olhão, but she was there when we began our time here and that mattered!

The full name of the business is “Restaurante Cervejaria Olhão Marisco. Pictured on the right in the photo above is owner Maria Louisa Jesus Carmo. She came from Culatra to Olhão in 1974 and has operated her business since 2002. Marisco offers a full menu featuring local seafood fare along with affordable prices on drinks. They are closed Sundays.

On the left is Bruna Daniela Rosa Sousa, born and raised in Olhão, who has been with Marisco since 2017. Not much is guaranteed in life, but we are sure you will feel welcome when she appears at your table!

For our full introduction, see our first column online in the December 2021 issue. (eastalgarvemag.com)

Fine Print – We choose to focus on businesses here in Olhão where we have actually been customers first. Any future advertising from these businesses that supports Eastern Algarve Magazine is purely coincidental :-)

*** If you know where we can find the most special decorative door fronts in Olhão, please write, or better yet, send a photo! Thanks!

Ask the Expat

Not all advice is good and not all people are as genuine as you may think. Enjoy our 'bad advice' column from the expert we have all met, know and love... the Expat.

New to town? Seeking that social crown? Don't let the Algarvian migration turn your life upside down and spoil your social face with a wrinkling frown. It's time to wear your best tux or gown, and don't worry about wasting your time with those ugly clowns!

This month, in an increasingly digital world, we meet the ExPat team that can short-circuit your newly inhabited "estrangeiro" social circle!

With the new 'Hoopchecked' the social app for the Algarve, your right connection advice is always ranked most rigorously. So judge and be judged, reach for the high life and the top-tier tiara! But only if you are worth it. Are you? We are not too sure…

Today we meet the self-proclaimed Queen of the Algarve social scene, "Hoopchecked" founder and assessment pounder, Branda May Sharp, who says she is always on 'the cutting edge of all that is cultured on the dish.' However, a review describes the service as "like the Connie Sewer of the petri dish of the ExPat scene".

Today she brings some of her rank minions to discuss what having their "Hoopchecked" has brought into their lives and most importantly how it could infect you.

Expat: "Branda! Please tell us about having your "Hoopchecked" and what it means for our readers"!

Branda May: "Thank you. Well I hope this goes well, I sure do love your magazine! But you know handheld paper is out, it is about what you carry with you charged and ready to digitally buzz inside your leathery flaps!

Our application uses face scanning technology to see who you are meeting. Our impartial rating team, that's me, myself and I, then assess the ExPat and if you should bother with them or if they are total garbage. "Only me as the Queen, only I can be trusted!

Oh you know, it is an Alpha leadership personality, Queen of the hive if you will, accomplished, dexterous, divine...

Members can rate each other, add gossip and slander, give pertinent observations, and then

I assess if this person is worth even knowing! (Raises eyebrow, gazing at us head-on). Just take a surreptitious and discrete photo and scan the faces, and all this information is yours! Why waste time on wasters I say!

Expat: "That sounds very superficial and disturbing"…

Branda May: "Clearly you do not understand what we are offering. But let me explain in very, very simple terms, so you can understand, okay? Are you listening?

"Being an international jet-setter myself, something you haven't experienced. Well, entering a new social circle can be an unnerving experience filled with friction and dissatisfaction, leaving you unsatiated for bigger and better things. (Branda May wipes the drool from her plump candy pink lips)... "Hoopchecked" means, that when you come to the Algarve, the ExPats are ranked for various attributes, so you can choose those who suit you.

We have five categories, like an olden-day trading card. All users can assess each other, but my say is final.

We rank classiness, how much are they worth? Do they look expensive? Is their house desirable? Do they own it? Do they have a Birkin or Rolex and a lifestyle to die for? Are you jealous? You should be, unless you are me of course, (titters).

Social desirability, would you want to know them, and do they tick the boxes of an agreeable and trustworthy company, and of course, I assess that.

Wokeness! Do they believe what they are told to believe or at least do a good show of it!?

Then attractiveness, which mixes physical attractiveness with assessed luxury goods that are plastered all over their social media with good filters and PhotoShop.

And lastly, gossip! What skeletons are there in their closet and an overall rating of their reliability"…

Minion speaks: "Like when your husband was caught in the swingers party at Praia Verde?"

Branda May grabs her wrist, twisting it backward.

"What a lovely watch you have there Jemima"! (Whispers, "do you want me to cancel you,

you little bitch?")

Loudly says, "oh how pretty, I thought you had real diamonds, but of course you don't. Anyway, Jemima, you had better let me finish, hadn't you, just…"

(Jemima's eyes pop like a traumatized goldfish and the minions look at her appalled and aghast, as she bows her head in shame).

Expat: "I'm sure I watched a Black Mirror episode like this."

Branda May: "A what? I've never even heard of that, so your social desirability score is plunging rapidly Mr. Geeky!"

Expat laughs nervously: "And how do people get involved with your service?"

Branda May: "My goodness! You are stupid, aren't you? There goes another point!"

(She laughs and looks at smiling minions and whispers, "honestly after this I need to get into publishing and poach this magazine. What an idiot!") "Have you heard of the iPhone app store!? Download it stupid!"

Expat: "And Android?"

Branda May: "Urghhhh! No! It only works on the iPhone 14 Pro Max and above! We don't want common customers!"

Expat: "Is there a charge?:

Brenda May: "Do I own a Faberge Egg collection!? Of course! It is for €50 a month, Bronze, €75 Silver, and €90 Gold! The more you pay, the more say you have and it also proves you are considerably better than the other sorts."

Expat (sarcastically): "We can't wait to see the gold type! Anything else you want to say about having your 'Hoopchecked?"

Branda May: "Honey, clearly you couldn't afford us, but we certainly have the information we need about you! (Scowls).

You haven't even complimented me once during this interview, and believe me that here, that is a social no-no!

For those who are worth it, unlike yourself, we run assessment socials where I and my minions assess your obedience, if you meet my calibre and the social scene should adopt you! You dear will be flagged with a warning label.

Now, what salacious gossip can we add about this dirty morsel girls?"

HERE'S

any of you will recognise the friendly face of Johhny, who has recently opened Mehfil Indian Restaurant. Mehfil is traditionally a formal venue where indoor recreational activities such as poetry (mushaira), singing, music, and dance are entertained in parts of South Asia.

Johnny moved to Portugal back in 1998 when he opened his first restaurant in Faro. In 2003 he opened the first ever Indian restaurant in Tavira. He's best known for running the Punjab Palace which he did from 2007 until 2021, when he sold up to move to England with his family.

MIt soon became clear that the family missed their home town Tavira. The decision was made to return to Portugal and Johnny reopened his Italian /Portuguese restaurant. Being well known in the area, many of Johnny’s clients urged him to reopen an Indian restaurant.

Mehfil Indian restaurant opened in March 2022 and the rest, as they say, is history! So far the reception has been great and they are currently number one on trip advisor. Johnny says there’s still a lot of work to do, including refurbishing the interior of the restaurant in a traditional north Indian style. Also coming soon, Johnny will offer Indian breakfast, another first in Tavira.

Address: Praca Dr. Antonio Padinha, Tavira

After a brief spell in the UK, Johnny is back, this time at Mehfil Indian Restaurant... not too far from home!

East Algarve Magazine INTERNATIONAL MEET-UPS

Our first two meet-ups were a great success! In Tavira we had close to sixty people turn up, Olhão was a smaller number, but still a great start for our first meet-up outside of Tavira. In case you missed our previous articles, we thought it was time to meet real people, real friends and talk in real life... old school style. This is why we introduced a monthly international meet-up, enabling you to meet people from all over the world, who have landed in the same boat as you... here in the East Algarve. Talk about anything from playing golf, to buying... boats. It´s a great chance for us to share information we´ve gained from our experiences, and also learn from others, a win-win for everybody. Each month we will meet at a designated venue in or around Tavira. There will be a second meet up towards the end of the month somewhere else in the East Algarve; Olhão, Fuseta, Monte Gordo or Vila Real.

'East Algarve Magazine International Meet-Ups' facebook group has been set up and is where the latest updates will be posted. The group already has nearly 350 members.

The Meet-Ups are free of charge and any anyone is welcome to join the events. The next one is on October 13th in Cabanas at Quasi on the roof top, October 27th in Vila Real, November 10th we return to Maria Nova and the 24th of November Fuseta. All events start at 6pm. If you have any questions or suggestions just join the facebook group, or email info@eastalgarvemag.com

Alfresco

The taste of home

Everyone is welcome, all nationalities, beginners and experienced, to play golf croquet on our lawns at Pedras da Rainha in Cabanas de Tavira. If you want to come and meet us you will be made very welcome any Wednesday or Sunday morning after 10:00 and your first time is free, or for more information contact us by email.

A FUN PLACE TO MEET LIKE MINDED PEOPLE AND BY THE WAY, WE ALSO PLAY CROQUET!

We´ve gone back to the good old days, where you could shake hands with your friends, not just send a like or an emoji

Av. Min. Duarte

Vila Real

Santo

The soft power of Thai Massage

It´s believed that our body remains healthy if we maintain the energy balance in our body in relation to the energy of the universe. If there is an energy imbalance, the body will get sick. We Massage to treat back pain, Severe Office Syndrome, Osteoarthritis, neck and shoulder pain, scapula pain, knee pain, These injuries from exercise can be treated without surgery.

Expert currency advice

By Rachel Canales from GC Partners

ARE

STILL COUNTING THE COST OF BREXIT?

How turning your back on your bank could be the only way to avoid increasing fees for international money transfers.

Since the UK’s departure from the European Union (EU) in 2020, there has been an increase in EU bank fees which continue to impact many expats, overseas homeowners and individuals transferring money abroad.

When the UK was part of the EU, the UK used the SEPA system (the Single Euro Payments Area for simplification of bank transfers within the EU) to transfer Euros to EU countries. SEPA rules ensured that banks could only charge the same fees for sending and

receiving Euros within the EU as they would within their own country.

Whilst the UK remains part of SEPA, charges should remain unchanged, however, as other EU rules no longer apply, charges for sending and receiving money are no longer capped and many EU banks are making the decision to change policies and increase their fees.

One leading European bank commented, “new fees are likely being applied to compensate for the increased costs caused by Brexit for the banking system.” The bank did not specify whether they intended to increase their fees.¹

An increase in charges has been seen in most Eurozone countries. In the case of Spanish banks, their charges can be up to 1% of the

amount being sent which is a hefty sum if you transfer large amounts to facilitate a property purchase or sale or make overseas payments on a regular basis.

There also seems to be varying sizes of fees with many seemingly applied on a case-bycase basis. Some fees are being applied as a fixed amount or percentage depending on the bank and branch.

The GC Partners difference

By sending your Euros to Europe through us, GC Partners can help you avoid as many fees as possible and in some cases remove them completely.

You can also set up a multicurrency account in your own name with us which can be used to pay funds in and out of over 50 currencies, keeping your transactions transparent and secure from end to end.

Our dedicated currency specialists are on hand to make moving your money as simple as possible.

Opening an account for your foreign exchange transfers with GC Partners is simple and free. Visit us online at www.gcpartners.co/register or in person at one of our local offices. Contact us on PT +351 282 768 136 and UK +44 (0) 203 974 4738 or email your currency specialist Rachel. Canales@GCPartners.co or call her on +351 910 002 741 (WhatsApp) today.

Established in 2003 and serving over 150,000 clients worldwide, GC Partners are currency specialists you can trust and our 4.9 out of 5 Trustpilot rating is one of the highest in our industry.

Global Currency Exchange Network Limited

T/A GC Partners is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority under the Payment Services Regulations 2017, FRN 504346.

Registered as a Money Services Business, regulated by HM Revenue & Customs (“HMRC”) under the Money Laundering Regulations 2017. Registration number is 12137189. Registered in England and Wales, Company number 04675786. Registered Office 3rd Floor, 20 Dering Street, London, England, W1S 1AJ

¹ https://www.neugroup.com/fight-andflight-bank-fee-on-sepa-payments-from-uksparks-pushback/

The Portuguese Government has launched an anti-inflation package and new rules will be applicable to the taxation of long term rentals in 2023, as compensation for the limits established on annual rent increases.

How much was the inflation in Portugal in September?

The Portuguese Statistics Institute (INE) has stated that the inflation in September 2022 will be 9.3%. This is an increase of 0.4% compared to August 2022 and is the highest inflation rate since October 1992. In the Eurozone the average inflation is currently 10%.

How much and when are the house rentals updated?

As a rule, rents are updated annually, although there are cases in which this increase may not occur. It happens, for example, if there is an agreement between the tenant and the owner, which determines that there is no room for an increase. Even so, for leases after 1990, it is common that this update is made every year and reflects the income update coefficient, defined by the Government based on the value of inflation. This coefficient is normally published in October each year. What is the coefficient for 2023?

If the government would consider the inflation rate as of August 2022, like normally happens, the annual increase would be 5.43%. However, the Portuguese Government has established a limit of 2%, as a way of fighting inflation. This increase is applicable for both type of contracts: habitation and commercial. How and when the rent increase come into effect?

If the rental contract allows for yearly rental updates, the landlord must inform the tenant

by registered letter of the intention to increase the rent. This should be done after the publication of the law, which normally occurs each year in October and needs to be done with a minimum of 30 days’ notice. The new rent should start in January and the first rent update should only be done after 1 year of contract.

The Government will create a tax relief, to compensate landlords for the low rent increase.

The Portuguese Government has informed us that they will publish a law to compensate the landlords. This compensation is only valid for contracts prior to 01-01-2022 and it means that for individual taxpayers, who normally are taxed at the rate of 28%, the taxable rental income will be 91%, instead of 100%.

This means that if you have a net rental income of 10.000€ in 2022 and the tax is 28%,this equates to 2.800€. The same rental income in 2023, will generate a tax bill of 2.548€. Obviously as this will only be effective in 2023, the tax is only submitted and paid in 2024.

Please note that this applies to long term rental contracts (category F) and not to touristic lettings which are a service and reported under category B. What about the rental income received by companies?

This law will also benefit companies and in this case the coefficient to calculate the tax will be 0.87.

How can landlords save tax on rental income?

If you are a landlord with rental income from category F, please be aware that the longer the contract, the lower the tax rate applicable to your net income and this is not new. What

is new is that the government will include in this law reductions to the taxable income and these reductions will increase with the length of the contract, as per the image chart below. This law that was proposed by the government will also include these new coefficients for contract renewals. For instance, a contract of 2 years when it’s renewed, will benefit from the tax at 24% and only 89% of the net rental income will be taxed.

Please feel free to send any tax questions you may have to info@allfinance.pt

We’ll look after your tax a airs while you look after your lifestyle

Expert financial advice

by John Alden, Managing Partner at Private Client Consultancy

IS THERE A HOLE IN YOUR BUCKET?

When seeking advice regarding our finances, 8/10 of us don’t always want to hear the financial jargon that goes

along with it.

Simplifying a concept doesn’t take away from its efficacy nor its capabilities to deliver – it simply lends to the area or topic that we are wanting to communicate when an overly complicated answer isn’t necessary. The use of long, even flowery words have their place, however, the best thing we can do as an Adviser, is make sure the message is clearly presented and above all – understood.

Without further ado, let me introduce you to ‘The Bucket.’

We all need a bucket! And inside your bucket will be anything that you are able to get your hands on within 7-10 days. Examples of this would be cash, investments and perhaps even stocks and shares that you might have accumulated over a period of time. What’s really important is, that we differentiate between what’s inside the bucket, and what sits outside of the bucket. If we think liquidity and a vehicle in which to hold that ‘liquid’ –then a bucket quickly becomes the

choice.

For most clients, the major asset which sits outside of the bucket, is their home – it’s outside because it is equity that we can’t access in the short-term. The only time that you will get equity from your ‘bricks and mortar’ property is probably in later life when you decide to downsize. At that stage, money will flow into the bucket.

We all need a bucket! And inside your bucket will be anything that you are able to get your hands on within 7-10 days.

Other assets you will need to look at as far as financial planning is concerned; are any pension funds you may have accrued. Again, this sits outside of the bucket. Once released on retirement, this will then flow into the bucket: with the remainder providing an income for the duration of retirement. Perhaps the last of the big assets to add that are common with many clients, is their business. This sits outside of the bucket.

In addition to the assets that you might have as part of your financial plan, you’ll also have an additional stream of income flowing into your bucket. This could be a salary from your employment, your own business, or any other forms of income you may have in the shortterm. Looking a little further ahead, you will also have an entitlement to state pension when you come to retire, along with the elements of your private pension fund/s –which is also going to provide you with a regular income.

At this stage, the bucket looks pretty great, because all that is going to happen is, the money “level” inside the bucket is going to continue to rise. Unfortunately, as we all know… life’s not quite like that, and also because, on the side of our wonderful bucket - is a tap! The tap represents our current lifestyle. Living expenses and all the monthly costs you have right now. That type and level of expenditure will continue until ‘at some stage in the future’ it stops. This tends to coincide with retirement, where the ‘tap’ can be replaced by a second tap on the bucket.

Experience shows that, for people who have adequately financially planned –

expenditure can actually increase during the early years of retirement. Firstly, you are not at work 5-6 days a week – you’re at home doing the things you’ve been looking forward to doing your entire working life, and oftentimes that will mean spending copious amounts of money. And the only time that expenditure will finally stop is when we get to the ‘third’ tap on the bucket.

So, now we have three taps?

This is absolutely the final tap – I promise.

This tap represents the later years of retirement, and assuming that good health is kept, expenditure at this stage tends to reduce. The only time we will stop spending money altogether is upon death. And no matter what you’ve heard – you can’t take it with you.

If you are someone who has made little to no planning at all, the three taps will either be gushing fiercely or dripping away over time. Before you realise it, you’ll be staring at the bottom of a bone dry and rusty old bucketmeaning you’ve run out of money and not that there ‘must have been a hole in it.’ It’s a good excuse – but it doesn’t hold water, does it. Another scenario would be, without understanding how all of these assets correlate and work together, it’s quite common to see buckets that are full to the brim when people die. But full to the brim is good, right?

There are two major problems with that. The first is, that a huge chunk of that hardearned money accumulated over a lifetime, could end up being given back to the government via inheritance tax. An even greater concern is, if you are in a position where you have managed to navigate the entirety of your life unscathed and made it to the golden retirement stage and your bucket is full to the point of overflowing - you may have failed to do one very important thing… .... enjoy life!

It’s not all about stocks and shares after all – but rather effective and long-term planning that will benefit and enhance the life you are living right now, during your working years, and right on through to your well-earned and financially secure retirement.

We are here to help! Let’s talk!

Contact Managing Partner John Alden at: John.alden@pccwealth.com

TOUCH IS LOVE

The research demonstrating the need for human touch is vast. From a developmental standpoint, infants literally cannot survive without human touch. Skin-toskin contact in even in the first hour after birth has been shown to help regulate newborns’ temperature, heart rate, and breathing, and decreases crying. Given the obvious importance of human touch, one question may be how to introduce more of it into your life.

Did you know that developmental delay is common in children deprived of normal sensory stimulation – for example, in premature neonates and some institutionalized children?

Touch has emerged as an important modality for the facilitation of growth and development. Research shows that one of the most effective ways to benefit from the therapeutic benefits of touch is through massage. Massage therapy has been shown to ease depression, increase attentiveness and enhance immune function. So, what is a massage?

A massage is the action of manipulating the muscles of the body through various hand movements. It has a primarily therapeutic function; therefore, it has positive effects on the person.

In this sense, it can be said that massages were conceived as a way to combat pain. Over time, different techniques were developed and today it is known as “structured touch”.

SER Igual Association is dedicated to raising public awareness about the critical nature of the child’s first years of life and factors that influence their healthy growth and development. With training in infant massage, we aim to inform parents about the importance of frequent loving touch and holding of their infant to enable the formation of secure attachment.

The healthy growth and psychological wellbeing of a child is dependent on his or her relationship with the significant caregiver. Secure attachment to this individual heightens the child’s chances for more adaptive, healthy development.

SER Igual is providing infant massage courses, so I will briefly mention here some of the benefits of infant massage performed by a specialized professional, in our case a pediatric physical therapist.

THE BENEFITS OF CHILDREN'S MASSAGES:

Increase attachment and affective bonding

Infant massages involve: eye contact, laughter, affection, caressing and other interactions with the baby. This allows the baby to interact positively with its parents. In addition, massages activate the body's responses in a favorable way.

Relax and relieve stress

Like all other types, children's massages can relieve or eliminate tension in the body. While we don't believe babies can suffer from it, in fact, they are capable of accumulating tension and feeling discomfort. Of course, the most common is that this type of discomfort is, above all, injuries due to incorrect postures.

We must remember that, for example, when parents put their children to sleep, they are not always around to help them change positions after a while and this can make little ones uncomfortable.

Encourage psychological development

Infant massages allow babies to feel more secure. This is because when they are massaged, they get all the attention.

As a result, their fears are reduced and tranquility, relaxation and confidence are promoted, stimulating their psychological development in a positive way.

Teach recognition of the body's limits

Through infant massages, the baby can understand the limits of his body; that is, you begin to have an idea about the dimensions. The baby begins to have a notion about the body space and the body itself.

In other words, it helps babies to understand, little by little, that they are no longer an extension of their mother's body, but an independent individual. Of course, this does not mean that the baby understands it in these same words.

Benefit the digestive system

Babies tend to suffer from gastrointestinal problems. Therefore, we must recognize that one of the greatest benefits of infant massage is that it favors digestive function and also relieves gas and colic. On the other hand, by improving digestive functions, the body absorbs nutrients better.

Benefits the immune system

When the human body is calm and free from tension, the functioning of the immune system is improved, so by offering infant massages, we

can ensure that the baby's immune system will be in good condition and will be able to face infections, as well as defend against certain illnesses.

Improve nervous system development

We know that through massage we have a perception of movements, caresses and stretching, which are signals that are transmitted directly to the brain.

Through infant massage, the baby can improve the ability to capture stimuli and thus increase this area.

Improve circulation Undoubtedly, massages help the blood flow better, as we can even improve breathing and, with that, we have a greater supply of oxygen that makes the blood cleaner. With children's massages, this effect is also achieved, in addition, the lymphatic system is drained. Strengthen the respiratory system Infant massages that are performed on the chest, shoulders and back area help to strengthen the lungs and optimize breathing. Improve the muscles

On the other hand, children's massages also help to tone the skin, improve flexibility, tone and improve coordination of both upper and lower extremities.

Our pediatric physiotherapist is a IAIM Certified Infant Massage Instructor and is teaching infant massage courses. These courses are designed for families with babies under one-year-old. But don’t forget…. Touch is important in all ages, so take a good massage and keep going in your way for well-being. How can you know more about us and help SER Igual Association grow?

Associação SER Igual is a non-profit association for handicap people and with Public Utility that is helping children, teenagers and their caregivers to get better life quality and helping change the paradigm of inclusion in east Algarve. By sharing this article, you help spreading the name of SER Igual, so more people can contact us. You can sponsor one of our social projects or sponsor a child from our Association and help him/her to carry out their therapies. Please visit us on our FB page (@SerIgualPT) and IG (@igual.ser) and make an appointment to geral@seronline.pt or by phone 918180020.

Thanks once more for your attention. Stay tuned for next article.

Sara de Melo Castanheira is an expert in Occupational Therapy and Quality of Life. She is also the Technical Director of SER Igual, an Association of special rehabilitation services in Tavira

WHAT IS THE BEST DIET FOR WEIGHT LOSS AND HEALTH?

Expert advice from Elaine Godley founder of the Perfect health HUB a self-help repository with hundreds of health resources, videos, podcasts and weekly group support

There have been many diets touted as the best, Mediterranean, Paleo, Keto to name just a fewbut which one is the best for you?

Maintaining a healthy weight and body shape is important for good health, so how can you do this with a healthy balance?

Let’s take a look at some of the most prominent and their pros and cons.

Paleo Diet

This diet is based on ‘eating like our ancestors’ and is sometimes referred to as the caveman diet. Whilst following its regime you only eat foods that your body can process for example, fruit, vegetables, nuts and meats but you exclude anything processed, such as ready meals, dairy products, grains and salt. It is currently the world’s most popular diet.

Pro’s

Paleo is naturally a low sugar diet and includes more fresh fruits and vegetables, which can undoubtedly benefit overall health. Many people who follow this also report improvements in sleep and focus and weight loss.

One study, found a mean weight loss of 3.52 kilograms plus a decreased waist circumference and BMI in those who followed a Paleolithic diet compared with those eating other commonly recommended diets.

The researchers behind this study suggest that following a paleo diet may reduce the risk of chronic diseases, because having excess body weight is one of the main risk factors for their development.

Con’s

By excluding whole food groups, you risk deficiency in certain nutrients. For example, we are told that excluding dairy could lead to low calcium levels if you are not careful although in my view, we gain sufficient calcium from other foods such as green leafy vegetables.

It is impossible to follow a diet exactly like our

ancestors as animal and plant species have evolved or become extinct. We are learning more about prehistoric diets, for example cavemen did eat starchy carbohydrates that were available at the time.

There are also concerns that although the Paleo diet may lead to weight loss for some in may also have adverse side effects. For example, beans are not allowed on this diet but are a great source of minerals, fibre, and plant-based protein and are known to lower cholesterol.

Recent studies have also shown that those who follow a paleo diet may have different gut microbiota and higher levels of trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), a compound tied to cardiovascular disease as there is not much fibre in this diet.

Keto Diet

The aim is this diet is similar to the Atkins diet and other low carb diets. It involves drastically reducing carbohydrate intake and replacing it with fat. This reduction in carbs puts your body into a metabolic state called ketosis. It is believed that when this happens, the body becomes efficient at burning fat for energy.

On this diet you focus on eating meat, fatty fish, eggs, butter and cream, cheese, nuts, healthy oils and low carb vegetables. You avoid sugary foods, grains and starches, fruit, beans and legumes, unhealthy fats and alcohol.

Pro’s

Ketogenic diets can cause significant reductions in blood sugar and insulin levels. This, along with the increased ketones, has some health benefits. The keto diet was originally designed to help people who suffer from seizure disorders and research has shown that it has a significant effect on reducing seizures.

As a side effect some people found that they lost weight following the Keto diet. The diet is very filling so will leave little room for snacking and research does indicate that it helps to lose weight. A review of several studies demonstrated that people following

a ketogenic diet lost 5 lbs more than those following low-fat diets after 6 months.

Con’s

Eating the Keto way is high in saturated fat which is commonly linked to heart disease and does not have a wide selection of vegetable options which could lead to nutritional deficiencies.

Also, very low carbohydrate diets tend to have higher rates of side effects, including constipation, headaches, bad breath and more. Also, meeting the diet's requirements means cutting out many healthy foods, making it difficult to meet your micronutrient needs.

In the next issue we will talk about the 5:2 Diet, the Mediterranean diet and Juicing.

In Summary

Finding a healthy eating pattern that works for you is important. One that fits into your lifestyle and helps to get rid of old bad habits is the best.

To date, there is no evidence that one specific diet that can effectively support weight loss in all individuals - the best diet for weight loss consists of less calories in than out, plus moderate exercise!

My own diet is primarily the rainbow approach with no dairy apart from organic butter from grass fed cows or ghee.

To identify and understand what your body needs, and especially if you have specific health conditions such as cancer or diabetes, arthritis, gout, osteoporosis etc I advise my DISCPlus Health Formula (DHF). Using lab testing and metabolic analysis, not only do we find the foods that suit your body, but we also identify the root causes of your health challenges and may even reverse them altogether as I did with my own stage IV cancer in 2015.

Elaine Godley MBA, O.A.Dip (Psych) was voted The Best Health and Wellbeing Mentor 2022 – UK by the Business Excellence Awards. elaine@discplus.health Elaine lives in The Algarve and supports international clients via personal video link.

Cynthia from the Netherlands will be sat along side Mara at Alegria Beauty Salon offering foot reflexology massages and pedicures.

Alegria is happy to welcome a Colleague visiting and will be here for a while to support and treat your feets.

With Cynthia by Mara's side, they can do double the work. Cynthia is 50 years old, born in Amsterdam and now lives in Krommenie.

As a young girl she started as a pastry chef and continued in the catering industry. She had a 'petit restaurant full of love' for 6 years.

Cynthia changed direction in 2020 during the Covid pandemic and started the all-round nail stylist training, followed by pedicure training. She also has an oncological certificate and can perform foot reflexology massages. In short, the last 2 years Cynthia has been a busy girl. Currently she works from her salon in Krommenie Holland and 'enjoys all the steps she has walked'. She says 'It was a very strange time due to the corona. But I've enjoyed it fully, and now for a well deserved vacation'.

From October 5th Cynthia will be in Portugal and from October 10th will work with Mara in her salon for a few days.

If you would like to have your feet treated by Cynthia, please contact Alegria Beauty salon. Tel +351 961 818 625.

Alegria Beauty Salon

Autumn Mediterranean Garden Fair

Saturday & Sunday October 29th &

30th 2022, Entry 1€ - Children Free

10:00h -16:00h Each Day

Horse Fair, Monthly market site, Estoi

e will once again be celebrating the start of a new gardening year at the Autumn Mediterranean Garden Fair which will return to the popular Estoi Horse Fair site, behind the main secondary school, near the cemetery, in Estoi. The event will be open for two days to give visitors more time to enjoy the variety of plants on offer in safe conditions.

WAs usual, the event will concentrate on providing plants and free advice on making sustainable gardens that are compatible with the mediterranean climate of the Algarve. This is even more relevant as 45% of the mainland is now in 'extreme' drought and the rest in "severe" drought.

If you are looking for specific plants, it will be possible to make a pre-order to collect at the event. We are very grateful to the nurseries for their support of this initiative. Plant nurseries will have the opportunity to restock for our Sunday visitors. All funds raised will go to

support the work of MGAP/APEJECM.

The whole site is level and accessible and immediately next to free and extensive car parking. There will be more space for exhibitors and all outside in the open air. Our partners for this event – CONFEST Horse Association of Estoi, will provide a full catering service and there will be vegetarian options. We have had help for this event from the Junta de Freguesia of Conceição and Estoi, and we are very grateful to the President, and his team, for their enthusiastic support.

There will be a selection of bulbs suitable

gardens

plant

plants from

owners.

plants and native plant seeds

be for sale, as well as ornamental and container plants, plus rare and unusual plants from arid and tropical zones. You will find fruit trees and herbs and a large range of succulents suitable for the garden and for containers. This is an opportunity to buy the most appropriate plants for

garden and benefit from the advice and guidance of the knowledgeable

the event, visitors can take advantage of the plant créche immediately next to the car park where purchases can be left in safe hands while continuing to enjoy the many attractions of the day. Hot meals, refreshments and bar facilities will be available. There will also be some organic produce and products for sale and the MGAP stall offering new and secondhand specialist gardening books. Finally, we will provide a space to recycle plant pots and we ask everyone to try to reduce plastic waste, so please bring your own bags/boxes

The Algarve Croquet Club held a 24 hour non-stop playing marathon from 10am Saturday 24th September to 10am Sunday 25th. Dusan Turcer and Stephanie Shreeve volunteered to play the 24 hours non-stop with only a 5 minute comfort break allowed per hour played.

The event was to raise funds for the volunteers of our local fire brigade in the near by village of Vila Real de Santo Antonio. This summer has yet again been ravaged by wild fires and one volunteer actually lost his life fighting one of these.

The event was held on our two new lawns at Benamor Golf the home of the ACC, solar powered floodlights were erected for us by Benamor Golf so play would be continuous. A “Beer Buggy” was on hand for drinks throughout, for both players and visitors. The event was advertised in certain local publications with an offer for anyone to come and take part, play against our best male and female players in either singles or doubles, or, to come and just try this amazing sport . Every hour they had volunteers come to play from the club and beyond, special thanks are due to Jake Bassett who came to play the graveyard shift at 4am.

A local duo “Let’s Go” Paul and Fiona volunteered to come and play a selection of 60, 70 and 80’s music in the final hours. We have succeeded in so far raising over 2400€ for this very worthy cause and have already decided to do it again next year.

If any clubs or individuals would like to come and take part, or just visit us in this wonderful part of Southern Portugal please email our honorary secretary at algarvecroquetclub@ gmail.com or find us on Facebook or the web.

The Algarve Croquet

event

V i s t a s R u i S i l v e s t r e r e s t a u r a n t a t M o n t e R e i G o l f & C o u n t r y C l u b , h e a d e d b y C h e f R u i S i l v e s t r e , o f f e r s a c o m p l e t e g o u r m e t e x p e r i e n c e f r e s h , l o c a l l y s o u r c e d i n g r e d i e n t s u s e d t o c r e a t e t h e f i n e s t g a s t r o n o m i c d e l i g h t s , a w e l c o m i n g a m b i e n c e , u n c o m p r o m i s i n g l e v e l s o f s e r v i c e a n d s t u n n i n g v i e w s o v e r r o l l i n g h i l l s , t o t h e A t l a n t i c O c e a n

R u i ’ s s t y l e o f c o o k i n g r e p r e s e n t s a r e t u r n t o c u l i n a r y e s s e n t i a l s A r e s p e c t f o r n a t u r e , p u r e t a s t e s , g e n u i n e a r o m a s a n d s u p e r b f l a v o u r s . R e c o g n i s e d w i t h a M i c h e l i n s t a r i n t h e M i c h e l i n G u i d e s i n c e 2 0 2 0 , V i s t a s R u i S i l v e s t r e b e c a m e t h e f i r s t s t a r r e d r e s t a u r a n t i n t h e E a s t A l g a r v e r e g i o n , e s t a b l i s h i n g t h e l o c a l a r e a a s a d e s t i n a t i o n f o r g a s t r o n o m y l o v e r s

HOURS