SIMPLY
ALGARVE ISSUE NO. 40 AUGUST 19
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Contents
RICHARD BASSETT
JAKE BASSETT
SUSI ROGOL-GOODKIND
PUBLISHER Richard Bassett
4 WORTH KNOWING News, views, and some very good ideas
8 LOOKING UP You can’t miss Teresa Paulino’s work
12 E PARA BEBER? Top restaurateurs on the summer wines in demand
16 FARO, THEN AND NOW A journey into the city and its amazing history
20 ON REFLECTION Mirror, mirror... a very visible focal point
23 THAT WAS A GREAT WEDDING Nuptials at home, now that’s the way to celebrate
26 MAGDALENA AND THE MINHO How colour brings out the artist
30 RECIPE OF THE MONTH Chris Bavin serves up smoked salmon and horse radish fish cakes – serious yum
33 WHY ARE YOU HERE? Gerard Hotelier fell in love with Loulé
34 QUEEN OF THE TEGUS Here’s what you didn’t know about the Cutty Sark
36 PROPERTY UPDATE Now could be the rght time to buy
39 RESTAURANT OF THE MONTH Chá Chá Chá your way to Olhão for a real treat
40 GADGETS & GIZMOS Keep an eye on your home while you’re by the pool
43 FINANCE
EDITOR Susi Rogol-Goodkind +351 965 581 831 susi@rogol-goodkind.com ART DIRECTOR Jake Bassett +351 966 044 143 simplyalgarvemag@gmail.com CONTRIBUTORS Anthony Martin Anthony Neto Brian Redmond Carolyn Kain Chris Bavin Chris Partridge Chris Wright Gerard Hotelier Grazielly Siqueira José Almeida José Carlos José Rodrigues Loris Verganista Piet Warink Ricardo Chaves Richard Hudson Robert Bijker Rui Anjos ADVERTISING Denis O’Leary denisoleary48@gmail.com DISTRIBUTION 6,000 copies monthly, distributed via 100+ quality retailers, shopping centres, restaurants and more within the central Algarve region.
2019 currency trends
45 MONEY MATTERS Your finance questions answered
46 NOT TO BE MISSED
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. Unipessoal Lda
Our guide to really special events
51 GOLF How to target the best possible shot
53 SPORTS NEWS Where it is all happening
54 EXPAT TALK Anthony Martin goes for a threesome www.simplyalgarvemag.com
DENIS O’LEARY
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News
WORTH KNOWING We bring you more news, local happenings, shop openings, bright ideas as well as helpful hints and charity updates, so you know what to look out for where. Send us your news, too – we’ll always include anything of special interest
HORSE TO HORSE
Q
uirky home accessories add personality, individuality and charm to any room and any setting. We found this delightful pair of hand-carved and painted wooden horses on stands looped with real horse hair ropes, at House2House on the Almancil/Loulé road.
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August 2019
4.5M UPGRADE OF DOM PEDRO CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF COURSES
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eadlining the world-class venue’s investment is the addition of 60 brand-new GPS-enabled golf carts from the industry-leading Club Car, aimed at improving the comfort of players’ rounds as they experience everything that Dom Pedro has to offer. For those looking to work on their game before hitting the links, Dom Pedro has increased the size of the Victoria Course’s chipping area that, not only makes it ideal for the professionals warming up ahead of the annual Portugal Masters, also ensures everyone can experience European Tour quality practice facilities all-year round. This is in addition to the revamped tees at the Old Course driving range, meaning there is never an excuse for not working on your game during a visit to Dom Pedro. Step out on the course and the changes are perhaps a little more subtle, following landscaping work and the planting of trees on the Victoria Course to ensure it plays its best going forward. In addition, not only have they strategically thinned out the trees in certain places on the Old, Millennium and Pinhal courses to make it easier than ever to play from the better-maintained turf, but the edges of the lakes have also been manicured to bring the hazards more into play and create a neater visual. Renovation work on the pro shop is also set to begin soon, allowing guests to browse the range of branded merchandise housed at Dom Pedro in even greater comfort.
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SUMMER ENTERTAINMENT AT JULIAS
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ears ago – like 35-odd years – Julia’s restaurant had just one tree stump as a table, and a few benches on the beach and whoever got their first, got to eat. Horses galloped in the tide and riders would pitch up for a plate of chicken piri piri or a bowl of clams that were stored in kiddies’ plastic buckets in the sea. Today Julia’s, which can seat up to 500, is one of the best-known of all beach eateries, elegant but relaxed and a magnet for Algarve residents and holiday-makers alike. The menu is big – there is something for just about everyone – including, of course, chicken piripiri and clams, faithful to the original recipes. And the buzz is amazing. Book ahead for Sunday lunch and enjoy live music (1.30-4.30pm) and an atmosphere which gets diners on the terrace up and dancing. There’s a DJ in the lounge until 7pm, and live music on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Owner Shelley Porton, and Martin and his team, know how to treat their customers so, unsurprisingly, Julia’s is in demand for weddings and special events.
TOURISTS It’s not just the airport that’s busy at this time of the year, trains are packed too.
DESIGN STYLE
C
orte Real Gallery, perched atop a sunny hill above the village of Paderne, always has a glorious selection of handpicked home accessories. These are just a few of our current favourites.
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News
7 EASY WAYS TO AVOID HOLIDAY ‘WEIGHT CREEP’ Advice from nutritionist Emma Brown of Nutracheck: 1. Start at the airport – take a packed lunch and save yourself calories and money on plane food. 2. Be breakfast savvy – have some fresh fruit to start and to fill you up for fewer calories, then have an omelette for a vegetable-filled protein boost. 3. Avoid smothering food, especially salads, in sauces – try a drizzle of vinegar. 4. Try to skip the bread basket at dinner, or stick to one piece – you can easily have over 300 calories in bread even before your starter! 5. Share a pudding so you get a taste, but don’t feel the need to eat the whole giant portion. 6. At the bar, ask the bar staff not to bring nuts or crisps with your drinks – if they’re there, you’ll just eat them for the sake of it! 7. Choose non-syrup or cream-based cocktails – and alternate alcoholic drinks with a glass of water. Visit nutracheck.co.uk for more helpful suggestions.
FLORENTINTA OPENS NEW STORE
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lorentinta of Almancil is opening its second shop in the centre of Tavira at the beginning of August. Located over the Roman Bridge, through the stone arch on the left, the boutique is brimming over with a big collection of exclusive ladieswear and stylish accessories gathered together from specialist design houses. Ladies of Tavira... you are in for a treat!
GET INTO TRAINING
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he journey by train from Algarve to Lisbon, travelling through parts of the Alentejo that you will not see by road, takes you back in time, and is thoroughly enjoyable despite the often grubby windows. Go first class (essential) and take the fast-train, the Alfa Pendular – the small extra cost in well worthwhile; there are lockable racks for cases and refreshments are served in china plates rather than easy-bend plastics and, surprise surprise, there are sockets for charging your laptop or ipad. The last bit of the journey into the capital is breathtaking, and Oriente station never fails to stun. Check for details at cp.pt/ passageiros/en/train-times but we have found, having tried to book many times over online, going down to the nearest station is a much better and easier option.
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Landmarks
LOOKING UP New arrivals to the Algarve cannot fail to miss the group of chiselled limestone figures on the airport roundabout, staring to the sky as if checking out the incoming and outgoing flights. They are the work of young sculptress, Teresa Paulino, who moves from medium to medium and place to place leaving a mark that is very much her own 8
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s an artist, Teresa Paulina is particularly interesting because her work is always changing, always evolving, always introducing new concepts. Her first and still most important piece – Os Observadores – was the result of an ‘ideas’ competition. Teresa was a thirdyear student at the University of the Algarve and took up the challenge promoted by the university in conjunction with ANA Aeroporto de Portugal, to create a ‘tourist axis’ between land and air. In addition to the design draft, Teresa produced a scale model, and the technical specifications, with the materials and finishes. A year later, ANA contacted Teresa and commissioned her to bring her design proposal to life. The project it took one and a half years; Teresa was helped by her husband Pedro Félix the plastic artist, and the
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calcario (limestone) figures were made in Alentejo in Vila Viçosa. “Os Observadores – the observers – are my children,” she says. And it is this extended family that has made her so in demand. “All the pieces I do, I do with passion and love… it is difficult to create something successfully unless you care deeply about it.” Early beginnings That passion can be traced back to her childhood years. Teresa’s father was from Faro, her mother from Olhão, and although their daughter was born and raised in Lisbon, she visited the Algarve almost every weekend and during school holidays, staying with her grandparents in Olhão. In 1993, at the age of 23, she moved down here full time and started a career in teaching. “I don’t come from a family of artists,” she says. “My parents were good at mathematics and engineering and technical drawing, while my grandmother sewed and
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Landmarks
painted. But from an early age I liked to work with my hands: I made clothes for my dolls and enjoyed drawing. In school, wood-working, textiles and electro-technology were part of the curriculum so I learned about the possibilities of wood, tapestry and weaving, electrical circuits and more. “As a child I dreamed of being a costume designer and my love for clothing stayed with me. I took some specialist courses and as a result I completed my own wedding dress in just three days. Since then, I have made various house decorations and textile-based pieces for myself as a hobby alongside my work as a sculptor. Teresa’s education in the arts progressed from nurturing an interest, to continuous experimentation. It was the latter that excited and inspired her and motivated her to consider every option that would allow her to express her creativity in new and different ways. “My initial choice was painting; my first exhibition was In Hotel Tivoli Marina, Vilamoura. I then moved on to sculpture and my most recent pieces are a mix of the two, where I first make the forms and then paint them. “Originally, and with a young baby, my biggest challenge was time – I painted after dinner and was immersed until late at night. With sculpture, the challenges are deciding which material to use and convincing clients that that the project in question is appropriate to the location. Recognised “My potential was first noticed with the airport project. Since then I have become known but it is still hard to work in the arts area in my country, where there is insufficient investment. Commissions today come from private collectors and municipal councils. I continue to develop proposals for public pieces and compete in design
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contests, as well as promoting my portfolio to individuals.” Go past the dome-topped market in Loulé and any time of the day, and you cannot miss visitors to the area waiting in line to take a photograph of a friend or family member seated beside Teresa’s charming The Market Woman figure. And her Tourists in Albufeira are equally popular as holiday momento material. Been through Quarteira? The Fisherman on the roundabout is unmistakeably Teresa’s work. The Shopping Lady, bold, bright and brash, is perfectly located at the Apolonia roundabout in Almancil. “The inspiration came from an informal conversation with the owner of the supermarkt. Later, I presented ideas to the Municipality of Loulé and Almancil, and they commissioned the one you see today, complete with shopping bags and the colours and patterns representing various nationalities.” Teresa, whose studio is in Quarteira, works in many mediums (though fibreglass, because if its smell, is her least favourite) and recently completed a piece in Lagoa in honor to the folkloric Ranch of Calvário in Estombar; her Lavadeiras da Fonte Santa Quarteira, was finished just a few months ago. “I loved doing both,” she says. “When I take on a project I always learn about the history of the people and place, which is fascinating and inspiring and also a privilege for me as an artist.” The Quarteira work is particularly special to Teresa. “As a child I took baths in this very fountain and I have photographs of my father as a young man there. The meaning and the memories are always a great influence on my work.” With permanent pieces in Holland, the UK, France and Spain, and a forthcoming exhibition here, Teresa is constantly in demand. Large pieces – particularly those in metal and stone – needed space while they are in the making, and helper Natalia gets involved and other workshops are used. “I do not mind going anywhere because I learn from every artist and the way they work. But the projects are entirely mine – even the precise placement of the finished work. Currently, Teresa is working on a sculpture of a female body for an exhibition. “My dream project is one that best represents me – for example a human figure painted with various patterns and full of colour, that will become an icon not only in my country but across the world, in public places like roundabouts, in museums, and as landmarks and also, on a small scale, in private homes.” E: teresaspaulino@gmail.com W: teresapaulino.com/works
August 2019
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What’s yours?
E PARA BEBER?
Over the years, the wines of Portugal have become hugely respected and widely enjoyed by both afficiandos and those who simply want something delicious to accompany a meal. We asked some of the top restaurateurs what’s in demand right now, and by whom
Parilla Natural Restaurant Grazielly Siqueira “At the beginning of the year we made our annual pilgrimage to the North of Portugal, to the Douro region, visiting the Herdade do Passadouro Vineyard. During the visit we sampled their Passadouro Red which was an instant favourite, and I am pleased to say that after adding it to our wine list this Spring, it has already become one of our best sellers at Parrilla Natural, for not only our Portuguese clients but also the British and Irish. Full bodied, with a velvet floral palate, it makes for a very pleasing all round wine. Of course, being a Uruguayan steak house, our Garzon
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Red 100% Tannat is a year-round favourite and a perfect addition to our ‘Never Ever’ Beef. The ever popular Whispering Angel is still our number one Rosé wine and the beautiful Portuguese Chocapalha Chardonnay is drinking incredibly well this year; our customers are giving it fabulous reviews, even amongst the Sauvignon drinkers.” T: 289 350 040
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A Estatua Anthony Neto “At our Loulé restaurant, our clients are definitely preferring a rosé for summer drinking specially our Lacrau rosé with 100% Touriga Nacional; it is dry but floral and very fresh – perfect for this time of year.” T: 289 413 171
Barbacoa José Rodrigues “Current favourites? Tons Duorum Red, from Douro, with its intense aroma dominated by fresh red berries such as strawberry and raspberry, and loved for its freshness, softness and elegance; Tons Duorum White, which is a citrine yellow colour with citrus notes and a wonderfully fresh finish. And Pouca Roupa Rosé from Alentejo, a pale salmon colour and a taste marked by red fruits and plants.” T: 911 021 775
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What’s yours?
Julia’s Rui Anjos “Our British customers are drinking magnums of blush... Whispering Angel, Quinta da Sequeira Blush and Prosecco. Our clients from Ireland love a Mateus Rosé as it goes down so easily in the Algarve sunshine and our Dutch love Alentejo wines like Monte de Peceguina and Herdade do Sobroso which have a touch more body to them. Our French clients also enjoy Alentejo wines especially of Cortes de Cima as they have a richer finish. And favourite with the Germans are the stronger wines – Grainha Reserve White from the Douro and Herdade do Sobroso barrel selection red. My personal favourites are the Cortes de Cima Red and the Quinta da Sequeira white reserve which is exceptional.” T: 289 396 512 Retiro do Campones José Carlos “During the summertime our customers in general prefer their wines cold. Without doubt, white wines and rosés – which combine very well with our seafood dishes and juicy meats – are the most requested. To satisfy all tastes we usually suggest the high-quality wines from Quinta do Soito, a farm located in the Portuguese region of Dão. Soito White (Encruzado) and Soito Rosé are our suggestions for the lovely hot days of August. “ T: 289 328 412
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Florians Piet Warink “Champagne is favourite as an aperitive for all nationalities – nothing is better on a summer terrace. Popular are wines from the north because of their freshness and minerals. Think of the Alvarinho and Loureiro grape. Rosé is popular but people make the mistake to thinking the paler the blush the lighter wine. This is not true, it is just the result of a shorter fermentation period. Our sommelier will always recommend the wine to accompany a particular dish – for example a white reserva from Alentejo is perfect with our house-made cold smoked salmon. Red wines in summer must be slightly cooled to 16-18 degrees – they warm up very fast in your glass on hot summer nights. A pinot noir from the Lisbon area, Casal Santa Maria is best at 14 degrees – it’s an amazing red wine for summer and fits with both meat and fish dishes.” T: 289 396 674 Capisce Loris Verganista “I am partial to the Fagote wines from the Douro Valley: besides the fact that the name is an instant icebreaker, the quality of these reasonablypriced wines is excellent. The red is soft on the palate but full-bodied, with intense fruity notes and the white is dry and fragrant, with a great aftertaste of tropical fruits and citrus. They are also food-friendly, as they do not overpower even the lighter dishes. As for the summer preferences of the British, I would say that they tend to like the Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay type of grapes. Same for the French. I would add the Merlot, Syrah and Touriga Nacional grapes for our Dutch and German clients. Probably because of great marketing, the popularity of the dry rosé and blush wines is on the rise as they are also associated with sun-kissed terraces. But in my opinion, the real phenomenon is the meteoric rise of our sales of Prosecco,
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which seems to have become the number one choice internationally. I have lately noted an interesting trend at both Capisce and Aquarelle: foreigners, whether resident or just visiting, tend to ask for and take our recommendation on Portugueses wines rather than choose the imported ones. As I am half Portuguese, I can’t deny that I am very pleased that Portugal has become an increasingly popular culinary and wine tourism destination! T: 289 393 347
TALKING POINTS... Pass the Port TAYLOR’S SELECT RESERVE is a ruby port wine from the Douro region and Florians’ house Port. Says Piet: “It is a must for me after a good meal, with some cheese, chocolate or after the coffee. Pricewise, it is the best choice.
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Discovering
FARO: then and now To many, Faro is the airport, the train station, the theatre, the Forum (as in shopping). But when you learn its history and discover its secrets, you see something very different. Brian Redmond goes back in time and then moves forward
O
n the morning of All Saints Day 1755 at 09.40 hours, an earthquake of magnitude 9.0 with an epicentre 200kms WestSouthwest of Cabo São Vicente, Algarve, occurred and lasted up to seven minutes. Its impact was catastrophic; Lisbon was severely hit, but it was the tsunami that followed the quake that changed the the face of the Portuguese Empire forever. The same tsunami that swept up the western coast that would ultimately destroy the capital, thrashed its way along the Algarve into the gulf of Cádiz where it swept away a third of the population of Cádiz city. Much further afield, a three-metre wave hit Cornwall on the southern coast of England and even the town of Galway on the west coast of Ireland and Kinsale on the south felt its effects. The tsunami’s aftermath on the Algarve, her people and her towns was immense. The town of Lagos, the capital of the region at the time, had its walled defences consumed and the town within razed. Every settlement along the coast was wiped out but Faro was luckier than the others.
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The city is set in a lagoon and the water barriers and hundreds of small islets took the brunt of the wave so that the town, although badly damaged, escaped catastrophe and subsequently took over the mantle of administrative seat from Lagos. Yesteryear Faro was never simply a lady in waiting. Since prehistory, the lagoon – the Ria Formosa, which modern-day Faro occupies – has been inhabited by settler tribes. The Romans named her Ossonoba. They built a wall around the city with temples and a forum within. As the town grew, so new districts developed away from the protection of the city walls to create a ‘suburb’ of patrician homes in a place called Milreu, which is located in modern-day Estoi some eight kilometres north of Faro, and where Roman ruins can still be seen. The Moors occupied the city in the 8th century and gave it its name of Faro. They ruled until the Portuguese King, Afonso the Third, conquered it. As in the rest of southern Iberia, the Moors’ ingenuity and understanding of
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the essence of life created an agrarian society. King Afonso respected this and allowed them to stay and much of what we have by way of irrigation and plantations of carob, fig, olives, pomegranate, vines, almonds and more is due to the knowledge they propogated. In the 15th century, the Jewish community grew in prominence and in 1487, thirty years after Guttenberg the inventor of the movable type printing press printed a latin version of the Bible in the city of Mainz in Germany, Samuel Gacon printed the Torah on a Guttenberg press in Judeu Español at his workshop in Faro thereby producing the first printed book in Portugal. The community’s dominance in the areas of commerce, and artisanal development was halted in 1496 when an edict was handed down expelling all those who did not convert to Christianity. Many of these ‘conversos’ changed their surnames taking names from nature, such as Oliveira, Coelho, Pereira and Madeira. One hundred years of expansion followed and in that time Faro received eclesiastic status and the seat of the Bishopric was moved away from Silves to the city. In 1596, the 2nd Earl of Essex ransacked Faro. His men burned, looted and destroyed. They pillaged the library and stole Samuel Gacon’s Torah; it is now part of the collection at Oxford University’s Bodleian Library. Faro today Despite the destruction visited on the city by the mercenaries, Faro recovered and still retains many buildings from that time, in particular the city walls and the old town they surround. The Sé Cathedral has a viewing point that overlooks the lagoon, the Ria Formosa. The narrow cobbled streets are lined with charming cafés and restaurants – notably Vila Adentro which has a beautifully decorated interior of azulejo murals. There is a neo classical arch, the
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Arco da Vila, that is the main pedestrian access to the old town fronted by the calming shade of the Jardin Manuel Bivar on the fringe of the harbour and marina. Unlike other marinas in Algarve, Faro’s is principally a working harbour with fishing boats and water taxis and ferries that run to the surrounding islands; there are berths for leisure craft, but as entering the harbour means passing beneath the train line, the height of craft that can use the marina is restricted. On the seaward side is a wonderful fish restaurant, Marisqueira Faro e Benfica. Narrow streets fan out from the waterside into the town itself; a walk around will bring surprises in small squares and courtyards with traditional drapery suppliers, clock repairers, bookshops, hardware stores, art studios, cobblers, many of the old-style businesses that remain at the heart of small towns and allow them to survive. When night falls, the eateries come to life and stay open till late, serving something to satisify every taste and mood. If you’re in need of a snack, rather than a full meal, there are a couple of bakeries offering delicious straight-fromthe-oven pão com chouriço, hot and crispy bread rolls stuffed with sliced sausages. One of the bakeries, Padaria de Baixa, is behind the fast food giant near the marina and another, Padaria Lisbonense, is close the Largo de Carmo. Be prepared for a queue! Nearby, the church of Nossa Senhora de Carmo with its chapel of bones is worth a visit. The church itself has an ornate altar but it is the prospect of skulls that is the main attraction. This macabre chapel where the walls and ceilings are lined with the bones of thousands of the faithful, is ghoulishy fascinating and sobering; ‘our lives are finite but life itself continues’ is the message. Another church worth visiting is the Ermida de Santo António do Alto on the Rua de Berlim. Like the Sé Cathedral, it has a viewing point but from here the aspect
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Discovering is toward the eastern parts of the Ria Formosa, the town of Olhão and panoramic views to the mountains. The Ria Formosa encompasses an area of 180 square kilometres. It is protected from the open ocean by five islands and two peninsulas or beaches. These are Ancão known as Faro Island, Barretta known as Ilha Deserta, Culatra with its magnificent lighthouse, Armona, Tavira, Cabanas and ultimately Caçela. All have ‘Blue Flag’ environmental status and are sites recognised under the Ramsar Convention for the protection of wetlands as a waterfowl habitat. You can hop on a ferry from the harbour outside the old town walls, or phone for a speedboat which will whisk you off to the island of your choice, and arrange to collect you at a designated time. On the western edge of the Ria Formosa is a site familiar to every traveller, Faro Airport. Inaugurated on 11 July 1965, it began life as a humble collection of sheds and tented shelters. Before its construction, travellers to the Algarve flew to Lisbon and travelled by charabanc, bus or car on a gruelling journey over narrow badly-maintained roads. These were the very early days of tourism when the Algarve was regarded as an exotic alternative to the Costa Brava and Costa Del Sol in Spain, exemplified by the Schweppes ads hand painted on tiles with the slogan Algarve e Schweppes that fortunately still exist on gable
walls around the region. The number of passengers arriving at Faro Airport have grown from a few thousand in 1965 to a whopping 8.5 million in 2018. The area in between the airport and Quinta do Lago is worthy of exploration. A walking trail begins close to the end of the runway and leads into the salt pans and bird sanctuary. It is called the Ludo Trail and is approximately 7kms in distance. Like many natural parks in Algarve, it is a bird watchers’ paradise, the primary focus being flamingos. In the forested area on the eastern part of the natural park, the peace is shattered – in a good way – every July by the world’s second-largest gathering of bikers. They travel from all over Europe and beyond to enjoy three days of socialising, music and beer – 80,000 litres of the stuff are sold over the weekend. The Concentração as it’s called, started in 1982 and today draws crowds of up to 30,000 fans. It is organised by the Moto Clube de Faro and is notable for its interaction with local charities and its promotion of rider safety. The highlight of the festival for the general public is the parade of riders on the Sunday morning when thousands of them leave the festival grounds and form a colourful procession into Faro, the sound of rumbling bike engines and the smell of bike exhaust fills the air; it’s a spectacular sight, and a picture of a throughly-modern Faro.
TALKING POINTS... Sounds fantastic This September, the 5th to the 7th, will see the finale of the sixth edition of Festival F, which takes place within the ancient city walls on seven stages, and is billed as the biggest festival of Portuguese music in the country. It is designed as one big party with spontaneous performances by street artists and family-friendly acts. This year the organisers, in a bid to create a greater connection between the streets of the town and the waters of the Ria Formosa, have agreed a site for glamping on Faro Island with a ferry connection from the Centro Náutico there to the harbour in Faro. They also plan to have a new ‘stage’ on the water. At the end of the evening each day there will be an intimate performance for up to 150 people aboard a boat on the Ria. Like all good festivals in Portugal there will be plenty by way of street food and drink stands. More than 30 food trucks will cater for all tastes and culinary styles. At the time of going to print the acts had not been confirmed but based upon the past years expect 70 or more top-class artists. The performances normally begin around 7pm and can continue on until 4am. Access by car will be restricted but there will be bus transfers from designated car parking areas around the city.
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MUST SEES The no-name vintage tile shop in Rua da Porta Nova in the old town. It is a treasure trove of antiquities, piled high, dusty, and with treats waiting to be discovered. Ask the owner if he’ll unlock the doors of the next building so you can see some rare relics that he has collected over the decades. Teatro Lethes, at the end of Rua de Portugal, behind the walking streets, not just for some excellent musical and stage pproductions, but for the building itself. The theatre is tiny, old-world, and bedecked with wonderful tiles. Fåbrica da Cerveja in the old town. This one-time beer factory frequently stages musical events, and artisans markets. The architecture is fascinating. Faro Beach is a spit of land across the water facing the airport with rows and rows of little houses, some summer shacks on the sand, others 60s-style brick bungalows, still more bowing to the contemporary. Park and walk. The Faro Jewish Heritage Centre, tucked in a parking lot behind the hospital and the football stadium, serves as a reminder of the post inquisition Jewish presence in the Algarve. Burials took place here from 1838 to 1932. There are 106 graves and a tiny museum which never fails to fascinate.
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Statements
ON REFLECTION
Take a look at the mirrors that make a difference. Uber-stylish pieces that become focal points, adding a touch of luxury and design direction
From the UK, composed of bevelled panels, overall sizes 106x76cm, 76x139cm or 170x76cm ¤300-¤420 Lush Furnishings Ave Jose Santos Almancil 289 143 595
Made right here in Portugal, sunburst-effect mirror, in silvered fibreglass. 100cm diameter. ¤280 Manuel Antonio Interiores R. Serpa Pinto 34 Loulé 289 414 757
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Simply stunning, this mirror is framed in panels of shagreen (sharkskin), 100x140cm. ¤1,230 Equilibrio Interiores Estrada de Vale do Lobo 289 397 059
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Cool and contemporary, Melissa’s signature mirror, from Belgium, often hung in pairs. 120cm square. ¤630 Melissa Jane Quinta Shopping 289 397 194
French-style wooden mirror treated to create a stone effect, 116x87cm. ¤300 Algarve Elegance Av. Duarte Pacheco Almancil 960 116 396
Charming handmade natural beech and branch wood mirror (reflecting painting by Jane Skingley), 84cm diameter. ¤120 Corte-Real Gallery Paderne 912 737 762
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䄀 刀䄀一䜀䔀 䌀伀伀䬀䔀刀 昀漀爀 攀瘀攀爀礀 猀琀礀氀攀
A rustic charming oasis set in the Hills of Boliqueime offering Creative Courses. Cooking, Writing and Art. A venue to hold your Special Birthday or even an intimate wedding.
䤀䴀倀伀刀吀䔀刀匀 ⼀ 䐀䤀匀吀刀䤀䈀唀吀伀刀匀 愀昀琀攀爀 猀愀氀攀猀 猀攀爀瘀椀挀攀猀Ⰰ 爀攀瀀愀椀爀猀 愀渀搀 洀愀椀渀琀攀渀愀渀挀攀 刀甀愀 䈀漀愀瘀攀渀琀甀爀愀 倀愀猀猀漀猀Ⰰ 一먀 㠀 刀⼀挀 㠀㔀 ⴀ㈀ 匀漀 䈀爀猀 搀攀 䄀氀瀀漀爀琀攀氀
MAN & VAN
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•Greek Meze Supper Night at Casa de Mondo 23rd August. Please email for reservations at info@ casademondo.com 29th August Pamper Day Two treatments Lunch with complimentary drinks Cream tea with bubbles
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That Big Day
HOME MADE
Since our June issue, we’ve had questions from readers seeking advice about planning a family wedding on their own terrace. We talked to Judy and Simon Clayton, owners of the Dunas shops in Quinta Shopping, the Conrad, and Almancil, who have just been there and done it, opting to stage their daughter’s wedding at their home…
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he owners of the chic Dunas chain have been resident in the Algarve since 2004, when Simon retired from DHL in Brussels, where the Claytons had lived for six years. Londonbased daughter Emma, 30, had always dreamed of marrying at home – wherever home might be – so it came as no surprise to her parents when she met David, and they decided to tie the knot, to celebrate right here. Why home and not a luxurious hotel or specialist venue? “We all wanted the wedding to be personal and in a place that meant a lot to our families and the many friends who had visited over the years,” said Judy who spent ten months masterminding the event. This was no mean feat, with 100-plus guests on the list, flying in from across the globe. It helped, that Emma and David had their own ideas and wanted to be the main drivers of the event. To arrive at joint decisions meant a series of visits, with David’s parents, too, that resulted in long weekends of fun, laughter, and listmaking. The about-to-be-weds knew what they wanted – to embrace and celebrate everything the Algarve has to offer, from food and wine to flowers and music. “’David loves music and sourced three sets of musicians himself who came down from Lisbon, while Emma, who works in the fashion industry, knew instinctively what kind of photography she wanted and found the right team after examining all the options.,” says Judy. “Kate from Style Dining and her staff also controlled the various experts that had been sourced, including lighting designers, baby sitters,
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August 2019
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That Big Day florists…. the works. Emma and I designed most of the decorations ourselves, and Emma created and printed the Order of Service and menus herself.” Highlights Already you can see that this was no ordinary wedding. For a start, it spanned three days and a taste of different environments. In addition to the main event and dinner and dancing under the Algarve stars, there was a picnic at Malhadinha Nova Vineyard in the Alentejo with 100 guests and little children, organised by Rita Soares. Guests mingled under the old cork trees and got to know each other over rosé wine and enjoyed typical country food. Later, there was an open-house on the beach on Farol Island where guests not on early flights came together for drinks and snacks and a dip in the sea. Emma and David wanted everyone to experience as much of the real Algarve as possible. “We looked at many more expensive options but a simple feet-in-the-sand beach bar was definitely the right choice when everyone just needed to chill, says the proud MOB. David and Emma went through the legalities and a civil ceremony in London the previous weekend, so the wedding weekend atmosphere was relaxed. Guests stayed in the hills, close to the Clayton family home, to experience a taste of Portuguese life in local Airbnbs, and small boutique hotels. Would Judy do it again? “Yes,” she says, “it was simply the most joyful day of our lives and our wonderful guests made everything even more special. It was a very personal wedding with things being done by family and friends – the cake was made by Emma’s chief bridesmaid, the guests’ names were painted on pebbles by my sister, a great
friend gave us tips on flower, and the order of service was beribboned by a friend of David’s family, Simon’s battered record player brought out for Emma’s walk down the ‘aisle’, the chuppah made from Agarve stems found over Christmas walks (it was a Jewish wedding, with a Rabbi from London officiating), wild flowers picked from the valley, dried bougainvillea from the garden as confetti in locally-made baskets. How long did it take to get the house back to normal? “We left for the beach on Sunday morning and pretty much all equipment had gone on our return. I still have a hundred plants to plant in the garden but that is a happy job.”
TALKING POINTS... Want to plan an at-home wedding? Learn from Judy’s experience: – Source important contributors as early as possible – music, caterers, florists, photographers – and make sure the bride and groom visit as much as possible as there are a lot of details! Time goes quickly... Judy says they could have done with another hour between cocktails after the ceremony and dinner as the band were such fun that everyone was dancing! – Make sure you have enough space – even with our huge garden it took a lot of working out where everything was going to happen. Use an outside generator – essential if you have need a lot of power for lights, cooking, bands etc, and if necessary portaloos. – Ensure that there is good parking for all the service vehicles – we rented a nearby field. – Make sure you apply for a music licence from the Camara – you do not need the party forced to come to an early end because of neighbours’ complaints! – Listen to the advice of experts – lighting, marquees etc – and get these quoted for, and booked early. Pay deposits as all these guys are hugely busy in the main wedding season. – Emma was super-efficient in sending out emails to all the guests with advice on travel, where to stay, what to wear on each day, recommended hairdressers, and their wedding website also had a lot of information. WhatsApp groups were also created to give info on many things - taxi and bus arrangements especially important!
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August 2019
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Portugal Solicitors
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ALGARVE Yoga & Mindfulness Weekday Retreats Join us at Casa Vida for transforming mornings of Yoga and Mindfulness near Loule. Gentle yoga flow, peaceful mindful meditation and yoga Nidra relaxation. Friday 8.30 - 11.30am June to October Fee 50 Euros (includes healthy snacks) Contact 0044 07941 264621 moorwellbeing@gmail.com www.moorwellbeing.com
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August 2019
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Influences
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August 2019
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MAGDALENA AND THE MINHO The colours, textures, mood and flow of her chosen surroundings influence the bold, adventurous work of Polish artist Magdalena Morey, as Carolyn Kain discovers
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agdalena Morey paints seascapes of the Iberian Peninsula with subtlety and beauty. She pictures the most north-westerly regions of Galicia and Asturias in Spain and Portugal’s Minho; open to Atlantic winds and subjected to a huge variety of cloud and wave formations, they are a source of inspiration. Greatly influenced by her surroundings she explains her love for remote areas, mountainous scenery, the turquoise waters of the Alto Tejo and the crystal quality of sunshine. “My use of gold leaf in my recent work represents the sunshine that filters through this land that I now live in,” she says. After qualifying with a Master’s Degree, Magdalena’s career began with a secure job in a commercial studio in her hometown of Lublin. Onwards to Cambridge, England where she met and married her husband and had her first child. Picking up her paintbrush it was the flowers of the countryside and the colour blue that she used to represent her surroundings. Moving onto Geneva in Switzerland, the Alps became her backdrop and she started to explore more abstract themes using a restricted colour palette. By now with a growing family, they discovered a connection to the earth and a desire for a more soulful existence. As a successful professional artist Magdalena had a growing interest in surrealism, figurative painting, Picasso and Dali. Selecting to move to Andalucia and the land of the flamenco, it was the summer heat of southern Spain that
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August 2019
drove the family north to greener pastures where they live today. The Minho, often called the Costa Verde – the Green Coast – is Portugal’s most northwesterly province that tilts towards the ocean. The mountains in the east reach 700 metres and lower to a hilly central zone with dense woods of oak and chestnut. Nearer the ocean there are smallholdings where maize and vegetables are cultivated by the native Minhotos. A truly tranquil place to live and for Magdalena, beyond the land, floating out between the sea and sky, she observes dramatic colourscapes that are reflected in her glorious paintings. “It feels different every time,” she says. “I start seeing colours and dimensions in different ways. It’s almost like dreaming. I am able to see what the painting could become and the effects I should be aiming for. But as much as I would love it to, it doesn’t always happen.”
TALKING POINTS... The dramatic paintings that have ‘flowed’ from Magdalena’s brush can be seen at the enchanting Galeria Côrte-Real on the outskirts of the village of Paderne, signposted from Boliqueime, Ferreiras and Paderne. Open: Thursday to Sunday 11am until 5pm T: 912 737 762 W: corterealarte.com
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Property
PROPERTY YELLOW HOMES Land & Houses Algarve Real Estate Agent since 1995 T: +351 289 301 294 E: info@yellowhomes.com www.yellowhomes.com EN 125, Benfarras Boliqueime (opposite DHL)
AMI: 6232
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August 2019
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OF THE MONTH PROPERTY DETAILS
Charming 3-bed villa with newlybuilt guest annex and wonderful country views near Loulé
• 3 bedrooms with fitted wardrobes • 3 bathrooms en-suite • Bright, light-drenched living / dining room • Open-plan fully-fitted and equipped kitchen • All rooms with high, wooden ceilings • Tastefully renovated to a very high standard while keeping some of the traditional features • Utility room • Internal aluminium shutters • Air conditioning • Electric underfloor heating throughout
• Terraces with wonderful country views • Plunge pool (has permission for overflow pool) • Mains water / septic tank • Total privacy • Additional separate new building with 2 bedrooms, bathroom, living area, kitchen, pool • New building due to be finalized during the next three months • Both houses could be internally connected • Plot: 1150m2 • Construction size: 281 m2 • EC: In progress
¤460,000 Ref: STY www.simplyalgarvemag.com
August 2019
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Simply delicious
Smoked salmon and horseradish fish cakes
with garlic and lime mayo Plenty of people have a jar of horseradish sauce in the fridge for a roast beef on Sunday but not so many know it’s a great flavour to match with smoked fish – as this recipe demonstrates beautifully. It’s one of the treats in Good Food, Sorted by Chris Bavin Serves 4 Prep time: 45 minutes, plus chilling Cooking time: 10 minutes
everything together, taking care not to break up the mackerel too much.
Ingredients 800g potatoes, preferably Maris Piper or King Edward, peeled and cut into chunks Salt and freshly ground black pepper 200g smoked salmon, cut into pieces 200g smoked mackerel 1tbsp chopped dill, parsley, or chives 4tbsp horseradish sauce 6 spring onions, chopped Zest of 1 lemon 2 eggs, beaten 40g flour 100g breadcrumbs or toasted breadcrumbs 3tbsp oil Green salad or rocket, to serve For the mayonnaise 6–8tbsp mayonnaise 1tbsp capers (optional) 2tbsp gherkins or cornichons, chopped (optional) 1 small garlic clove, grated or finely chopped Zest and juice of 1/2 lemon
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Place the mash in a bowl, add the salmon, and flake in the mackerel. Add the herbs, horseradish, spring onions, and lemon zest, setting aside a little zest to garnish, then season with salt and pepper. Mix
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Shape the mixture into eight patties and, if there’s time, chill them in the fridge for 20 minutes to firm them up. Mix together the ingredients for the mayonnaise and season with salt and pepper.
4
Place the egg, flour, and breadcrumbs in three bowls. Season the flour with salt and pepper and dip the patties first into the flour, then the egg, and finish off in the breadcrumbs.
5
Heat the oil in the pan and cook the patties for five minutes on each side. If you wish, finish them off in the oven at 180ºC (350ºF/Gas 4) for ten minutes to ensure even browning all over. Serve with the mayo and salad and garnish with a little lemon zest.
TALKING POINTS...
Method Boil the potatoes in salted water and once tender drain them well then roughly mash them – they don’t have to be smooth.
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TV presenter Chris Bavin is a resourceful home cook who uses his freezer efficiently, makes the most of leftovers and prides himself on producing healthy food fast. In this, his first solo cookbook, he shares over 100 simple recipes and his approach to no-fuss home cooking, Good Food, Sorted is published by DK and can be ordered from Bertrand Livreiros, FNAC Portugal, or Amazon
August 2019
FEED THE FREEZER Make up a double batch and when the patties are ready, put them on a disc of baking parchment then into a freezer bag or container to freeze. Thaw for 12 hours in the fridge then cook as in step 5, above.
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A warm and relaxed dining experience with a highly trained friendly team on hand to make sure your visit is unforgettable for either just a drink in our beautiful lounge or a gastronomic experience in our fabulous dining area. Live music every Wednesday & Saturday Vila Sol Plaza, 8125-307 Quarteira Gps: 37º05’01.92”N 8º05’04.20”O Open from Monday to Saturday 5:00pm till late
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August 2019
Closed on Sunday www.restaurantmoon.com z+351 289 316 084 +351 925 323 098 info@restaurantmoon.com
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Reasons
WHY ARE YOU HERE?
Hey, this is a great way of getting to know people and their new-found passion… life in the Algarve. Meet Gerard Hotelier, who recently settled here full-time after years of holidaying Where you are from? I am originally from the town of Saint-Julien en Genevois in France, located close to Geneva on the Swiss border. Your profession? Hotelier, being my family name and as a third-generation hotelier, I had no choice! I consider that I have been very fortunate throughout my career, having worked on five continents and in over 20 countries. My last posting was in Bangkok where I held the position of VP Asia for the Movenpick Swiss Hotel Group, looking after operations in Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, the Maldives, India, Bangladesh, China and Malaysia. The first time you visited the Algarve and why? In the early 90s, when we were spending our summers in my family-in-law’s old farm in Vila Nova de Milfontes in the Alentejo, my wife and I drove down to Portimao, Carvoeiro and Armacao de Pera and were enchanted. The three things that made you fall in love with the place right from the start? The weather, the beauty of the nature and, most importantly, the kindness of the local population. How many times and over what period did you visit before you decided to make the move? We came back to the Algarve in 2009 and this is when we decided that it would be our place for retirement. Did you rent / buy/ build and where? We purchased our house, in the quiet of Vale Telheiro, just north of Loulé, back in 2011. When did you settle here? As of 2011, our house was our summer home and we finally settled here a few months ago this year when I retired.
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How do you spend your time here? I enjoy gardening and I am currently quite busy with the renovation of our house. We met Ana, an excellent Portuguese teacher at Kultingua in Loulé who, twice a week, makes our learning of Portuguese a very pleasant exercise. I also enjoy reading the weekend edition of the FT and historical novels, I am currently reading Golden Lion by Wilbur Smith. Your favorite place? Without a doubt, Loulé is our favorite place in the Algarve. We first chose this beautiful medium-size town because of its ideal location – its easy access to the beaches, its short distance to the Faro International Airport and its easy access to A22 making it very convenient to get around the region. Having spent our last eight summers in Loulé, we have come to appreciate what the town has to offer in terms of culture, restaurants, facilities, services and security… you can never get bored here, there is so much to do. Loulé is a very prosperous and active town; however, it has managed to keep its traditions and strong culture. In a very strange way, it reminds me of the town I grew up in France some 50 years ago, a town that I have beautiful childhood memories of but that has now become too modern and too fast-paced. Loulé is a city of our dreams and we are very happy to call it our home. Your perfect day? A workout session or a pilates class at the Galerias de San Francisco Gynasio in Loulé, a bit of gardening, brushing up on my Nivel Elemantar Portuguese and finishing the day with an early dinner with friends and family. Your favorite local dish? I can’t get enough local fresh seafood. A cataplana de mariscos with fresh fish, tiger prawns, squid, and clams in white wine, tomatoes and fresh herbs, is the perfect meal.
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Ship Shape
QUEEN OF THE TAGUS
It’s a little known fact that the old lady now on permanent display at Greenwich Docks was once a member of Portugal’s merchant fleet. Carolyn Kain explains the story of the Cutty Sark
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uilt on the River Clyde in 1869, for 25 years Cutty Sark made substantial profits for her English owner. She made eight voyages bringing tea from Shanghai to London. Laden with wines, spirits and beer on the outbound trip she was one of the fastest clippers on the route. Later, on another
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lucrative trade route, she transported wool from Australia. Earning a prestigious reputation she held a record of 69 days for the crossing from Newcastle in New South Wales, Australia to the Lizard in Cornwall. For ten years she was unbeaten until steamships began to dominate the waves. When sailing ships in general were less and less in demand, Cutty Sark’s profits dwindled. Her owner, John
August 2019
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Willis sold her for £1,250 to a Portuguese company. Despite having been closely involved in her design, Willis showed no sentimental attachment to the ship. Twenty seven turbulent years were to elapse before another Englishman brought her back from Portugal to England. New name, new world During that time, Cutty Sark lost her British identity when her name was changed to ‘Ferreira’ after her new owner. Her new homeport was Lisbon where, moored on the quayside of the River Tagus, her 43 metre mast dwarfed every other vessel. With eleven miles of rigging holding up 32 sails, Cutty Sark took up her new duties carrying cargo between Portugal and her empire. On route to and from Brazil, Mozambique and Angola, her crew boasted that she was capable of travelling at 16 nautical knots and gave her the nickname ‘Pequena Camisa.’ This was the Portuguese translation of the archaic Scottish term, ‘cutty sark’ that referred to the brief petticoat worn by the voluptuous figurehead at the front of the ship. Famously, it is the garment worn by Nannie, the witch in the poem Tam O’ Shanter by Robert Burns and by implication therefore the ship’s figurehead must be Nannie. Following 20 years of crossing the oceans under Portuguese command imminent danger lay in wait when, in October 1915, Portugal declared War on Germany. A sailing ship was especially vulnerable to attacks by German U-boats and Commerce Raiders. Just nine months later, Ferreira succumbed... but not to enemy fire. A storm off the coast of South Africa caused immense damage so that she had to be towed into Table Bay dismasted. A suitable replacement for the main mast could not be found so, over the course of 18 months, she was converted into a barquentine with fore and aft rigging. She returned to Lisbon without further mishap and resumed her duties as a cargo ship.
Changing course Meanwhile in England, a scandalous romance was unfolding that would shape the future for Cutty Sark and eventually bring her home. Catharine Courtauld, heiress to the Courtauld textile empire, had a chance meeting with Wilfred Dowman, a mate on board a cadet training ship. The pair fell in love, despite Wilfred being already married. To circumvent the problem, Catharine changed her surname by deed poll to Dowman, a decision that, in due course, persuaded Wilfred’s wife to agree to a divorce. Once married, the couple had various philanthropic interests. One of these was preparing under-privileged boys for life in the Merchant Navy. Due to Catharine’s financial position they were able to buy a suitable training ship where the young men literally ‘learnt the ropes’ under Wilfred’s watchful eye. Two years later he spotted a clipper, rigged as a barquentine arriving in Falmouth harbour. She was in a disheveled state and in need of repair having encountered a gale in the English Channel, but Wilfred recognised her as the once-famous Cutty Sark. He appreciated her historic significance and although she was quickly mended and returned to Lisbon, he and Catharine had made up their minds to buy and restore her to her former glory. They put their plans into action the following year but by then she had new Portuguese owners. Renamed the ‘Maria do Amparo’, the asking price of £3,750 was far more than her commercial value. Nevertheless, the sale was agreed and Wilfred brought her from Lisbon to Falmouth where she resumed life as Cutty Sark and was fully restored to become an important training ship for cadets along the Cornish coast. Sixteen years later Catharine, by now a widow, sold the ship for ten shillings to the Thames Nautical Training College and bestowed a gift of £5,000 towards her upkeep. In so doing Cutty Sark was saved from obscurity.
TALKING POINTS... – Today Cutty Sark is an awardwinning tourist attraction. – Visitors can meet the crew, take the ship’s wheel, walk beneath the hull and explore the Captain’s cabin. – Most of the hull fabric you see today is original. – Clipper ships share three characteristics – a long, narrow hull, a sharp bow which cuts through the waves rather riding atop, and three raking masts. – Thanks to a bequest by an eccentric maritime history lover, Cutty Sark is today home to the world’s largest collection of figureheads, the carved wooden figures that adorn ships’ prows.
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August 2019
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Property Update
MAKING THE RIGHT DECISIONS With the ups and downs of the money markets internationally, and the inevitable challenges that BREXIT will bring, property remains perhaps the most stable of investments regardless of price fluctuations, says Robert Bijker, director of Yellow Homes
I
n the months of July and August the number of people heading south for a long overdue holiday reaches a peak, creating a vibrant ambiance in many towns. These months are usually packed with festivals and activities, but many locals prefer the months of June and September as the weather is just as good but you do not have to wait in line for a table at your favourite restaurant. What also has been heading south are interest rates. Since the beginning of the year the outlook for economic activity in Europe has seen several downward revisions on the back of uncertainty of trade wars and Brexit. In our annual outlook for 2019 we stated that we expected headwinds to come. However, we have not seen bond markets adjusting this quick to the new reality any time before, with a record number of countries now boasting negative yields on ten-year government bonds (Germany -0.29%; The Netherlands -0.17%; France -0.04%; Switzerland -0.63%; Japan -0.13%; Denmark -0.24%; Finland -0.05%; Austria -0,03%). And
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it may get worse. Global manufacturing indices are now at their lowest level since June 2012, indicating a deepening slump. The Fed and the ECB (European Central Bank) have indicated that they will respond quickly to a slowdown of the economy by lowering interest rates. The latter also hinted at a new round of Quantitative Easing (QE), a process of the Central Bank buying bonds driving up bond prices leading to lower, and in many cases, negative yields. There is no doubt that this is distorting markets. How else can one explain that in the light of a slowdown in economic activity (or maybe at the eve of a recession), various equity markets are near their previous peak or are making new alltime highs? One should not fight the Central Bank’s actions, as various hedge fund managers found out at their own peril. Markets can stay irrational for much longer than you can stay solvent. Just like climate change leads to extreme weather conditions, QE leads to extreme valuations in financial assets. As both seem to be with us for the foreseeable future, we will have to find a way to deal with them.
August 2019
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Positive moves becoming the Florida of Europe. TINA has also headed south with renewed energy and property Regular readers may have noticed a more leisurely style of on her mind. TINA – as in There Is No Alternative – finds writing than usual in this issue, as we are in summer and the property an attractive option to bonds and equities. Property author is also looking forward to having a holiday. is relatively easy to understand and, if rented out, provides a Our special thanks goes to the Fed and the ECB. Without decent return versus a saving account or bonds (exotics not their QE programs the financial markets would be a lot more included, as their risk profile makes them unsuitable for the rational but life would definitely be less pleasant. We hope that average investor). In addition, it offers you the possibility to you will have a wonderful holiday in the Algarve. spend your holiday in your own investment property. Overall, the property market remains in good condition, just Vilamoura Office less buoyant than in 2018. There is good demand for property EN 125, Benfarras Boliqueime as long as the price is right. With rental yields of around 4% 8100 - 068 Boliqueime there are still good investments opportunities to be found. T: 289 301 294 / F: 289 301 439 Some properties are more suitable for letting than others. It depends on location, proximity to an international airport, Tavira Office outdoor space and having a (communal) pool or not, to name Rua Dr. José Pires Padinha 178 just a few. Moreover, if the property you are interested in 8800 - 354 Tavira purchasing is overvalued, you will struggle to make a decent www.yellowhomes.com return on investment. T: 281 320 281 / F: 281 321 901 (AMI - 6232) Most of our consultants have been living in the Algarve for almost 20 years and have been GOLF PROPERTIES - VILLAS - APARTMENTS - TOWNHOUSES - PLOTS through various property cycles. As long-termers, they are ideally positioned to give you unbiased advice and help you find the right property according to your requirements. TINA is also a great fan of topless. Over the years we are seeing an increasing number of cabriolets in the Algarve. This, in combination with an everincreasing number of retirees choosing to live permanently here, with or without NHR (Non-Habitual Residency), lead some locals to conclude that DETACHED MODERN 4 BEDROOM PROPERTY ON A LARGE, PRIVATE PLOT NEAR LOULE. the Algarve is more and more This very attractive 4-bedroom single floor villa in the central Algarve is beautifully set on a
AMI: 6232
generous plot of just over 7000m2 in a tranquil setting and with beautiful countryside views. The property, built in 2002, is located just a short drive away from the bustling market town of Loule and from Almancil, and therefore close to some of the best beaches, golf courses and all amenities. Price: €825.000 Ref: DZO EC: E.
Contact us! Our email is info@yellowhomes.com or call us on (+351) 289 301 294 Find out more info on our website www.yellowhomes.com
GOLF PROPERTIES - VILLAS - APARTMENTS - TOWNHOUSES - PLOTS
AMI: 6232
BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY VILLA WITH POOL IN A SMALL HAMLET NEAR VILAMOURA. This charming 4-bedroom villa is for sale and is set in a quiet neighbourhood near Vilamoura in the Algarve. Within a 5 minutes drive you can reach all amenities of Vilamoura like Golf Courses, Yacht Marina and the beautiful sandy beaches. Good value for money!. Price €585,000 Ref: R-STY EC class In progress.
Contact us! Our email is info@yellowhomes.com or call us on (+351) 289 301 294 Find out more info on our website www.yellowhomes.com
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August 2019
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BRITISH STYLE AUCTION HOUSE
• Direct Sales • Business and House Clearances
Direct sales, Business and house clearance service, online catalogue, & Monthly Auctions! Free valuations and Monthly Auctions!
• Free Valuations • Online Catalogue
General Auctions Plus Antiques and Collectables General auctions are held on the 1st Saturday of the month and Start at 10:00 am.Viewings on the Thursday and Friday before the Auction between 09:00 and 17:00.
WANTED! ANTIQUE AND VINTAGE JEWELLERY AND HALLMARKED STERLING SILVER.
FURTHER DETAILS OF ALL AUCTIONS ARE ON OUR WEBSITE
Do you have antique and vintage jewellery you would like to sell? Have you got some hallmarked sterling silver items you no longer want? These items are creating a lot of interest at Auction at the moment and are achieving realistic prices.
WWW.AHALGARVE.COM
Why not give us a no obligation call to discuss what you may like to sell? We offer honest valuations and free advise to all potential sellers.
Open: Mon - Fri 09:00 - 14:00pm Sat: Open Auction days Email: valuations@ahalgarve.com Office: 289 832 380 Tel. Mark: 914 774 438 Sitio do Besouro, Conceição, Faro
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Dining out
RESTAURANT OF THE MONTH CHÁ CHÁ CHÁ, OLHÃO
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t’s August, which means that a greater-than-usual number of readers will be here on holiday and perhaps not familiar with the town of Olhão, on the coast and just ten minutes east Faro. A fishing village with strong Moorish influences still seen in the flat-roofed cubist-style houses, it boasts a marvellous market on the front with the freshest seafood ever, winding cobbled back streets, boats out to the nearby islands, little old-fashioned shops that haven’t changed their window displays in years and modern glassfronted stores with the latest fashion. We have wandered these narrow lanes over many years but only last month came across the charming restaurant Chá Chá Chá. No, not the dance but chá, the Portuguese word for tea. At the back of the building, many years ago was a ‘tea house’, then a euphemism for a brothel. The owner liked the idea of a building with a racy history and a unique character, opened the restaurant just over a year ago and named it accordingly. But enough of the intro. If you stand with your back to the main market building, you’ll see a tiny passageway leading to a junction of three others. There, spilling out onto the cobbles is the little gem that is Chá Chá Chá. The owner is one Kevin Gould, an ex-food, wine and travel writer for UK magazines and the Guardian newspaper, so you know you will be in for some seriously good flavours. You are most likely to be met by Sonia who, with a smile and personality the width of the room, will show you to your table and explain the menu of approximately ten starters and ten main courses, all fresh from the market opposite and changing daily. We visited twice in one week, lunch and dinner and, as a party of seven, gave the menu a thorough grilling (pun intended). My starter of black figs with nectarines and plums marinated with goats cheese was so good I almost ordered a second one, but then I would not have managed the tuna steak, introduced to the heat for just seconds.
Whether it’s wild sea bass from Culatra island, grilled baby squid with a roasted almond salsa, or mussels in a tomato sauce with white beans and a touch of chilli, chef Liliana, wife, daughter and granddaughter of Olhão fishermen, will do it proud. For those with less adventurous taste buds there is chicken and lamb or grilled sole but then you will not be taking advantage of Liliana’s expertise. But whatever you have, make sure you leave room for the gluten-free desserts; my sheep’s ricotta cheesecake was incredible. Main course prices average ¤16.50 bringing a two-course meal to approximately ¤21 plus drinks. The room is lovely, the atmosphere is laid back, relaxed and happy, with a buzz of people enjoying themselves. Go, but be sure to book; it’s packed, even out of season. Think I need a permanent table! Travessa do Gaibéu 19, Olhão T: 289 148 262 / 918 727 242 W: chachacha.pt
Images: Theo Gould at theogould.com
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Gizmos
Monitoring Your Home
So you’re on the beach, or even by the pool. The sun is out and peace reigns. Except for that nagging feeling that things might be going horribly wrong back home. Chris Partridge plays it safe
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hat you need is a web camera to feed live images of your property straight to your smartphone so you can be reassured all is well. Some cameras even double as video entryphones, allowing you to open the door to family and friends who need access to feed the cat, clear the post off the mat and all those other things that neighbours help each other out with. The good news is that the latest webcams provide crystal clear images, have microphones to pick up sound and motion sensors to alert you to intruders. They are now clever enough to distinguish between a burglar and a pet. Most webcams offer cloud storage to hold recorded footage securely, which can be vital evidence if burglars strike. The amount is quite limited, however, to encourage users to buy extra space. Webcams are available either as stand-alone units or as part of a comprehensive home automation system allowing you to turn lights on and off, adjust the central heating or boil the kettle, all by smartphone from the beach. Why you should want to boil the kettle at home, from the beach, is another matter. It’s a guy thing, probably.
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Exterior webcams are handy for monitoring what is going on in the garden, especially round the doors. They are weatherproof and usually battery-powered to make installation easier, so although a battery charge can give several months use, it is a faff to replace or recharge them. Exterior webcams have to be positioned carefully so to avoid filming passers-by in the street, which is both intrusive and illegal. They should also be mounted high up to avoid being stolen or covered by would-be intruders. A popular system is Hive, from British Gas, which is based on a wifi home hub connecting the app to items such as a smart thermostat, dimmable lightbulbs, smart plugs, door and window sensors and, of course, webcams. The Hive webcam is an attractively styled unit that can be placed on a shelf or mounted on a wall. It is held in place by magnets so it can be easily pointed in the right
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direction. It includes a motion sensor to detect people in the room but which can be adjusted to ignore pets. A microphone and speaker means you can communicate, mainly for telling dogs and cats not to scratch the sofa, like that ever works. The Hive webcam costs around ¤190, but you will need a Hive Hub so it is really only for people who have bought into the Hive system for other benefits such as the smart heating controls. There will be added costs if you want to buy cloud storage for video recordings. Check out Amazon or hivehome.com Google’s Nest Cam, on the other hand, works with any home wifi system, though it works particularly well with Google’s other smart home products. Just plug it in, connect and go. It has a variety of attachment options in addition to the plain support plate, such as a removable wall plate and a bendy tripod so you can attach it to baby’s cot, for example. The camera captures video in high definition and has a microphone and speaker. The system is so smart it can listen out for, and identify, suspicious sounds such as breaking glass or a bang that might indicate a forced entry. It automatically records such events, as well as recording when people are detected moving in the room. The Nest system automatically sends alerts to your phone when it is triggered, with an image of the key event so you don’t need to spend more time finding out what is going on if it is just the dog or something. The Nest Cam costs around ¤180. Check out store.google.com
Night vision is highly effective and the audio has noise cancellation for clarity. It even has a suitably low siren that can be triggered automatically or from your phone. The Arlo Ultra costs £330 but you will also need an Ultra Smart Hub if you do not already have one. arlo.com/eu/ An interesting specialist form of webcam that is becoming more popular with the rise of home delivery is the video doorbell. The Door View Cam from Ring mounts in a standard spy hole and connects to home wifi, making installation a doddle. It includes two-way audio communication and motion detection, and will even respond to a knock on the door if visitors seem to be unable to work out how to press the bell push. It is powered by a rechargeable battery pack (another gizmo to charge!) The app displays video images of anyone at the door on your phone, so you can communicate with them directly – handy for telling the delivery man to put the package in the shed round the back. You could even let them in if you install a smart lock. The Door View Cam costs ¤199. eu.ring.com/products/ door-view-cam
Among the best exterior webcams is the Arlo system from Netgear, the home networking company. They are weatherproof, certified to IP65 levels, and wireless (though this means the batteries must be replaced every two to three months.) The latest Arlo camera, the Ultra, features 4K ultra-high definition video and will even zoom in on people in the room and follow them around. Plus, it can be set to panoramic mode to record a 180-degree view of your property.
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Working closely with a skilled team of printers in Rajasthan to collaboratively produce exclusive collections of hand-block printed fabrics, Kozii promotes a synergy between design, development and sustainability, inspiring both good business practices and the revitalization of traditional skills.
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Kozii is known for displaying collections of garments that adapt easily to different silhouettes, providing as much comfort as a second skin and creating an identity which is never under or overdressed. Do visit their Tavira and Praia Verde shops, or their brand new online shop from wherever you are.
KOZIISHOP.COM August 2019
TAVIRA I PRAIA VERDE
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Finance
Currency outlook POUND GBP/EUR: Down from ¤1.12 to ¤1.10 GBP/USD: Down from $1.25 to $1.23 The pound has suffered from a notable selling bias over the past month, with Sterling sentiment plummeting as the risks of a no-deal Brexit appear to have risen sharply. This comes largely as a result of the Conservative leadership election, where both candidates presented themselves as Brexit hardliners who are willing to pull the UK out of the EU in October whether a deal is in place or not (correct at the time of going to press). Further weakening the pound has been some gloomy UK data, which has stoked concerns that the domestic economy may have contracted in the second quarter. Expect to see the pound remain highly sensitive to Brexit in the coming weeks, with the Bank of England’s next policy meeting also likely to keep the pressure on GBP exchange rates if the bank hints at some possible monetary easing by the end of the year. EURO EUR/GBP: Up from £0.89 to £0.90 EUR/USD: Steady at $1.12 Trade in the Euro has been mixed over the past month, with the focus for EUR investors mostly centred on the policy plans of the European Central Bank. The ECB is now widely expected to inject fresh stimulus into the Eurozone at some point this year, be it through interest rate cuts or restarting its quantitative easing programme, the prospect of which limited the appeal of the single currency. The ECB meeting in the second half of July, potentially will result in the euro moving lower if the bank more explicitly lays out its stimulus plans for the rest of the year.
US DOLLAR USD/GBP: Up from £0.79 to £0.80 USD/EUR: Steady at ¤0.89 The main catalyst of movement in the US dollar over the past month has been the apparent dovish shift with in the Federal Reserve. This has prompted some notable volatility in the US dollar in recent weeks amid fluctuating Fed rate cut expectations, with some resilient US economic data at odds with some increasingly dovish chatter from Fed
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Pound touches twoyear low as Brexit fears reach boiling point. Jose Almeida explains policy makers. Looking ahead, the Fed is widely expected to cut interest rates when the bank meets at the end of the month. However, with the move already priced in by markets any subsequent movement in the US dollar will largely depend on the bank’s forward guidance, with USD exchange rates likely to weaken if the Fed signals that this is the start of a new easing cycle. TOP TIPS Use Market Orders to respond immediately to changes in exchange rates, even outside of normal office hours. Limit Order: Capture favourable market movements. – Target an exchange rate above the prevailing rate and we’ll automatically transact on your behalf if the market reaches your chosen rate. Stop Loss Order: Control your downside risk. – Set a worst-case exchange rate. If the market moves to this point your trade will be triggered automatically, protecting you from further adverse movements One cancels the other: – Place a Stop Loss Order, protecting your lowest acceptable rate, and a Limit Order, capturing your most favourable target rate at the same time – When one of the orders is filled, we’ll automatically cancel the other. – Placing Market Orders in pairs allows you to take advantage of favourable market movements whilst knowing that you are trading within a range of comfort. Currencies Direct is here to talk currency whenever you need to, so please get in touch to hear the latest news and how it could impact your currency transfers. Since 1996 we have helped more than 250,000 customers with their currency transfers, so why not give us a call to find out more. For detailed information, contact the local office or visit our website and register to get regular updates on the currency markets. (Do mention Simply Algarve as how you heard about us). T: 289 395 739 E: algarve@currenciesdirect.com W: currenciesdirect.com/portugal
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FILL YOUR SHOPPING TROLLEY WITH SCHOOL ESSENTIALS FOR KIDS IN NEED IN THE ALGARVE!
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Backpacks; reams of paper; black A4 notebooks (all types); rulers; scissors; A4 files; pencil cases; felt-tipped pens; coloured pencils; calculators; compasses; set squares. For more details contact Sue Butler-Cole Call 282 330 242 / 968 335 856 or email coleloram@hotmail.com
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Finance
In response to your questions... Each month, Ricardo Chaves of All Finance Matters gives an insight into the legalities governing tax and general financial matters
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n a monthly basis we receive many questions from readers and select those that we feel may help others better understand the tax system here in Portugal. Please feel free to send enquiries to us.
I have applied for the NHR, but my application was denied. Although I’ve never been resident in Portugal, my fiscal number had the Portuguese address, how can I correct this? The fact that you had a Portuguese address registered at the tax office, is a reason that your application was denied. However, it’s possible to reverse this. In fact, in the event that you have lived in another country, then you simply need to be able to prove that in order to change your address at the tax office in Portugal. This change will have retrospective effect. Normally, you just need to arrange tax residency certificates from the tax authorities of your country, for the years that you wish to correct. These tax residency certificates will allow you to change your tax address in Portugal. Please note that if you were resident in a non-EU country, further to the tax residency certificates, you will also have to arrange a fiscal representative, for the years that you wish the address to be changed. If you are trying to become a Non-Habitual Resident and you fear that your current status doesn’t allow you to do so, please contact us. Sometimes the situation can be changed and you can still become a NHR. I moved to Portugal from Belgium in 2017 and now have decided to rent my property through AirBnb, but the tax authorities have advise me that they will send me a bill for the IMT. Is this correct? I am only renting the property during eight weeks in the summer. Since your property was bought as your primary residency, according to the IMT (Property Transfer Tax) rules you were entitled to either a discount or a full exemption. This happened because the house was purchased as your primary residency and theoretically you may also be entitled to exemption from IMT for the first three years. If you subsequently applied for a Local Lodging License (AL) and registered your activity with the tax office, then the IMT Code establishes that you may no longer benefit from the exemption or reduction of fees provided for at the purchase. It is worth knowing that if you bought the property in 2017, you can only change the destination of the asset, after six years, except in the case of sale. Unfortunately, the law does not distinguish between a definitive or temporary different destination (eight weeks of the year), and therefore, the taxpayer must request, the
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respective tax settlement within 30 days from the date on which the property was disposed of, in accordance with the provisions of article 34 of the same law. We own a townhouse in Fuzeta and wish to register it for touristic lettings. As we may also purchase another property, would it be better to set up a company to explore this, or do it as a sole trader? There are different implications in case you wish to set up a company and there may be some tax advantages in the future, in case of the capital gains, for instance. However, to form a company is always a lot more expensive, firstly, because a company needs to have a director and this is the norm and a salary involved, hence there is an obligation to pay Social Security. Secondly, the income from the rentals belongs to the company and not to the individual, so if you decide to monies out of the company you may need to pay taxes (either as a dividend or as a salary). Thirdly, the accountancy for a company will normally be more expensive than an individual. So, in principle and without looking into the detail of your personal circumstances, it may be better to set up as a sole trader. You will be exempt from Social Security and, because you are non-resident you will only pay IRS (personal income tax) on 8.75% of your gross income. My wife and I became Resident in Portugal in 2018 but our pensions are still being taxed at source in the UK. What do we need to do? As mentioned, in order to stop the taxation at source and providing we are talking about private pensions, you need to fill a DT form and send to the HMRC. This DT form has to be attached to the Portuguese tax residency certificates. You will require one tax residency certificate for each income stream. This tax residency certificate will then enable you to receive the gross pension income, but also to receive the tax amounts that were incorrectly retained during the years 2018/19. If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact us; we aim our expertise and know-how to work to your benefit, keeping you tax compliant while paying only the legal minimum. Contact our office and book an appointment to find out about the tax strategy that might be more effective in your specific situation. ricardo@allfinance.pt
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Agenda
NOT TO BE MISSED
Each month, Simply Algarve brings you a hand-picked selection of the events on the region’s calendar. There are, of course, many more, but we will focus on the lesser-known and possibly more interesting. Got an event coming up? Email us with the details at simplyalgarvemag@gmail.com
THE ARTS URBAN ARTISTS
PEDRO FIGUEIREDO
ArtCatto, Loulé Opens 2 August, 7-9pm, and continues Dom Pattinson – he of the much-loved bespectacled zebras – Dain, considered by high-profile collectors as one of the most influential urban artists to emerge out of New York today, and Ben Allen who works with a range of materials including acrylic, household paints, spray paints, screen printing, markers, comic books, digital print, billboard papers and US currency making strikingly bold ‘mash up’ images, come together and dazzle the senses.
Vale Do Lobo Art Gallery Till 23 October Monday to Friday, 9am-6pm Contemporary thought-provoking sculptures from Portuguese artist Pedro Figueiredo who, since 2000, has been holding solo exhibitions across Portugal, and also in Spain and Cuba. In 2003 his works were acknowledged with a prize awarded to him from the XII Bienal de Arte Internacional de Vila Nova de Cerveira.
THE SCULPTURE GARDEN
Conrad Hotel, QdL Still there – still a joy See extraordinary works like Mondo’s super-sized eel and works from talents, Anneke Bester, Eleanor Stride, Paulo Neves, Sam Shendi and Jonty Hurwitz.
EXHIBITION AT MAR SHOPPING
Loulé Until Thursday 15 August Before you settle down with a platter of just-made sushi at Hanami, do visit the exhibition on the first floor of the shopping mall, University of Algarve - 40 Years to Create Future. The interactive displays show some of the university’s relevant moments, from its foundation to the present, with iconographies, videos and photos showing the contribution being made to global development.
WOOF WOOF
Corte Real, Paderne On now Swiss-born artist Zoe Leonard lives and works in Paris and paints the street dogs. Not only does she focus on them for her art works but she works with the authorities to rescue them.
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PHOTOGRAPHIC EXHIBITION
Marina de Vilamoura By the Lake Resort hotel Until 3 September, 2.30-11.30pm This is a stunner: An important National Geographic-backed event of Joel Sartore’s New Noah’s Ark, made up of vast collection of photographs of the 12,000 species of animals that exist in captivity today. You must see this. And so must your children.
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celebratory spirit and there are shopping opportunities, too. Costumes can be rented for adults and children. Entry is ¤5 and there are small charges for special festival events.
MUST DO’S WHITE NIGHT
Loulé Saturday 31 August, 9pm To many, this is the Big One, the end-of-summer street party attended by thousands and thousands, dressed for the occasion – in white – as emblematic buildings including the castle, the church, the municipal market, Largo de São Francisco and José da Costa Mealha Avenue – the Avenida – become a gigantic living room. There is something happening in every area of the centre of town, from silent discos (dancers wear earphones), to jugglers, music, fun and games. Many of the restaurants serve up special menus, and shops stay open till late late late.
FATACIL
Lagoa 16-25 August Handicraft, agriculture, industry and gastronomy (well, local food) feature in this big annual event in the showgrounds in Lagoa. Day tickets are ¤3.50; ¤12.50 for a family of four but children under 12 get in for free. Expect to see the latest tractors and swimming pool filters, alongside wood carvers and rug weavers. There is entertainment – lots of play opportunities for the youngsters – and evening concerts. The area covered is mega so comfortable shoes are a must.
LEARN THE LANGUAGE
Coreto Hostel, Loulé 7, 14, 21 and 28 of August Another Loulé Creativo initiative, this one designed to get you speaking the lingo and understanding the local customs with confidence. Day-to-day conversation groups in a relaxed atmosphere will get you past the bom dia and obrigado stage. There are two levels, which is handy. For information and to register, call 966929240 or email atelierpalavrascertas@gmail.com
MOVIES IN THE PARK
SAND CITY
Lagoa On until September, 10am-10pm If you haven’t been there and done it already, there’s still time to see the world’s largest Sand Sculpture Festival – this year’s is the best ever. Great family entertainment is part of the package.
The Driving Range Quinta do Lago 13 August, from 7pm Great en famille opportunity. Live music, bar service, popcorn and more and, at sunset, The Lion King. Entrance is free but, but for ¤35 you can sit in a buggy and get two boxes of popcorn and two soft drinks. Should you want to splurge, there’s a VIP package at ¤350 for two adults and two children. You’ll get the best spot on the green, your own sofa, plus food and drinks. To book call 289 351 909 or email guestservices@quintadolago.com
MEDIEVAL FESTIVAL
Silves Friday 9-Sunday 18 August, starts 6am Here’s an opportunity to dress up and party – but only if you are going to don medieval costume! One of the best festas of the season this annual event, located around the town’s Moorish castle, features medieval music, food, a magical atmosphere, fire eaters, acrobats, jugglers and the odd jousting knight. It is packed with visitors who get into the
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Agenda biscuits. The sit-down snackeries do serve up some pretty good chicken piri piri, too. Follow the cars and park, if you can, in the big lot next to the cemetery. A walk round the corner to Estoi Palace, now a Pousada, is well worth the time. Amazing original architecture and tile work.
MONCARAPACHO MARKET
FOODIE THINGS FESTA DA RIA FORMOSA
Lago de São Francisco Until Sunday 4 August Eleven days of daily entertainment and fun and the opportunity to taste the best seafood from the Ria Formosa and other traditional regional specialties. Go hungry!
FESTIVAL DO MARISCOS
Jardim Pescador Olhanense Olhao 9-14 August Lots of music – a different act each evening and a chance to indulge in the best of the local seafood.
MARKETS
Sunday 4 August Another goodie on the regular calendar, and spread out (wear trainers) over a big area. The pottery, Olaria Moncarapachense is worth a visit before you get into the main market and you’ll always find unusual hand-made items alongside the usual pots and painted plates. At one end of the market area there is a good selection of saplings and healthy shrubs; elsewhere there’s the usual clothing and household plastics. And don’t forget Loulé’s Saturday market, opposite the convent. Just follow the mobs.
SPORTS
FARMERS’ MARKET
Quinta Shopping Sunday 4 August Luscious local fruits and veggies alongside local artisan food products including oils, dried figs and nuts. Take a big shopping bag.
Padel Nations Cup 2019
Vale Do Lobo Tennis Academy 1-2 August Created in 2015 by Premier Sports, the Padel Nations Cup is the most prestigious Padel held in Portugal. It is organised by PremierSports with the support of Vale do Lobo. Watch as some of the best Padel players in the world come together to battle it out. For more information 289 357 850 / info@premier-sports.org
SONG AND DANCE ESTOI MARKET
Sunday 11 August This big monthly gypsy market, along with the T-shirts and designer-look-alike handbags and watches, has a good number of plant and herb stands, and locally-grown fruit and veg, sausages and cheeses, bread and homemade
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FOLKFARO 2019
Teatro das Figueras Faro 17 August This is the grand gala that kicks off a much-loved cultural festival
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that runs in the Algarve capital from the 18th to the 25th. Traditions of the world are expressed through music and dance. In Faro, and throughout the region, there are parades and street animations, dance workshops and more.
KIDS STUFF CHILDREN’S ENTERTAINMENT
Vale do Lobo Praça Daily, until 15 September, 6.30pm to 11pm Kids can jump on the bouncy castle, enjoy exciting workshops and experiment with face painting under the watchful eye of professional child minders from Oficina dos Sonhos. And parents can sit back and watch!
JUNIOR GOLF ACADEMY
OPEN AIR ELVIS EXTRAVAGANZA CONCERT Vale do Lobo Parque do Golfe 18th Hole Ocean Golf Course Saturday 24 August, 9.30pm Tickets ¤30, available at the resort reception The exceptional musicians of the Algarve Jazz Orchestra (OJA) breathe new life into classic Presley hits alongside invited guest singer ‘Elvis’ during this sunset concert on the course, an unmissable highlight on the Vale do Lobo 2019 events calendar. There are special prices available for Resort Members Card holders.
Vale do Lobo Golf Club 29 July to 30 August Monday to Friday, 5pm to 7pm Young golfers can hone their skills on the course this summer with specially tailored lessons led by the Vale do Lobo golf pro. Lessons will cover aspects including swing, putting, chipping, bunkers, rules, competitions and on course play. Each week / course costs ¤100 per child and pre-registration is required. For further information contact the Vale do Lobo Golf Club Reception on +351 289 353 464 / golf@vdl.pt
GRAPHIC DESIGN..
TALK TO US
LIVE MUSIC
Vale do Lobo Praça Every night till 15 September, 7.30pm to 11pm Family fun on the Praça which will be home to live musical performances every night – take your place at one of the restaurants for a front seat. Mondays: Wendy & Adam Tuesday: Denzel & The Washingtons Wednesday: M90 Thursday: Wendy & Adam Friday: Dieb Band Saturday: Space Jam & Let’s Go Out Sunday: The Original
Call 966 044 143 Unipessoal Lda
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NOW SHOWING UNTIL 9 SEPT 2019 MON-SUN: 14H-17H
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Golf
BE THE BEST ‘YOU’ Richard Hudson and Eddie Charnock, Algarve Golf Guru, PGA Professionals discuss body alignment!
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ollowing on from our previous article in Simply Algarve, ‘So to be the BEST YOU on the fairways make sure you appreciate the fundamentals of golf’, we are going to discuss body alignment. People often forget, golf is a target game, and like any target game, aiming to the target is an essential first step. Your initial setup can give your mind and body the actions and complications brought into the swing by misaligned body positions. Visualise your target line, then align your body to that line. Here’s how… First, stand behind your ball and pick a small intermediate target on your target line. Then address the golf ball with your feet, hips, shoulders and eyes parallel to that target line. You’ll be surprised what a huge impact this simple fundamental can have on your shot. Align your body (and club, discussed in our previous article) properly, and let your golf swing flow. By properly aiming your body along your target line, you increase the likelihood of a free swing on a correct
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swing path. When your feet, hips, shoulders, eyes, and club are not aligned with each other – or with the target, they conflict with each other and cause all sorts of problems with your swing and ball flight. So go out there and AIM... ALIGN... SWING… Getting better at golf usually comes down to the small details. There isn’t anything glamorous about working on your body alignment, but it can go a long way towards helping you play your best golf. Getting this fundamental correct, requires patience on the driving range to work through the pre-shot routine, time after time until you have it perfect. Don’t be tempted to make radical changes to your swing that might not even be necessary. Work hard on getting your body alignment correct before every shot to see quick and powerful results on the course. Contact Richard or Eddie to discuss coaching opportunities for 2019 E: sales@algarvegolfguru.com W: algarvegolfguru.com And do mention Simply Algarve as a point of referral.
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SUMMER c r e a t i n g
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SPORTS NEWS
Brought to you by Chris Wright
PORTIMONENSE PREPARE FOR PRIMEIRA LIGA SC Portimonense kick-off the new season with a home game against Belenenses on the weekend of 10-11 August. A fortnight later another Lisbon team visit the Algarve when Sporting play at the Portimão Municipal Stadium on 24-25 August. New signings include Japan international left-back Koki Anzai, and Brazilians 20 year-old Jean Felipe, Rómulo and 18 year-old Luquinha. In addition, Brazilian centre-back Willyan Rocha, who for the past two seasons played for Cova da Piedade, and midfielder Paulo Estrela (ex.FC Porto) have been added to the squad under manager António Folha. Rodiney Sampaio, president of Portimonense SAD, is still hopeful that prolific Colombian striker Jackson Martinez leaving could still return to the club. Other players being linked with Portimonense are midfielder Jorge Vilela (D.Aves); Lury Castilho (ex Al Fahya, Saudi Arabia); USAborn Stephen Payne (ex Varzim); and Rodrigo Freitas (ex Fluminense, Brazil). THE BLADES IN BATTLE WITH BETIS On a warm summer’s evening at the Algarve Stadium, Faro, it was the large vocal crowd of Sheffield United supporters who had the most to cheer about as a David McGoldrick secondhalf strike sealed victory against La Liga outfit Real Betis (Sevilla). The evening was not without its problems as some United supporters were reported to have been attacked by Betis fans after their coach
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dropped them off near a fan park outside the ground. Over a thousand Sheffield fans roared their heroes on as Callum Robinson, the club’s new record signing from Preston North End for a fee in the region of £7m (¤7.8m), was introduced before the game. Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder, the man whose arrival three years ago transformed the club’s fortunes, was happy with his team’s performance but knows there is much work to be done if the Blades are to survive in their new environment. MONEY MADNESS – FLIGHT OF THE FELIX João Felix has joined Atletico Madrid from Benfica for ¤120m, making him the fifth most expensive transfer. Felix made just 26 appearances in the Primeira Liga and scored 15 times helping the Eagles to win the title. The youngster is reported to be on a salary of ¤7m per year in a lengthy sevenyear deal. Across the capital, Sporting are reported to have a done a deal with Manchester City for the transfer of one of their youngest players. Felix Correia, the Portugal Under-19 winger, is highly regarded with Manchester City forking out ¤3.5m as an initial fee with another ¤3.5m of bonuses depending on his performances. SUPERBIKE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP The ninth round of the FIM Superbike World Championship takes place at the Portimão Autodromo over the weekend of 6-8 September. A new exciting race format has been
August 2019
introduced this season. The two normal-length races are held on the Saturday and Sunday with a third race, a ten-lap sprint named the Superpole Race, is held on the final morning of the weekend prior to Race Two. The championship has been a tale of two very different halves, with Alvaro Bautista (Ducati) and Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki) going head-to-head for supremacy with a staggering 23 wins between them in the first 25 races. Current leader Jonathan Rea, awarded the MBE in 2017 for services to motorcycle racing, has won three of the last four rounds in Spain, Italy and the USA. Tickets, starting at a modest ¤12, can be booked online: www. autodromodoalgarve.com or by email tickets@autodromodoalgarve.com or phone: +351 282 405 600 ALGARVE TO HOST WORLD WHEELCHAIR TENNIS The final round of the World Championship for Wheelchair Tennis Teams in 2020 has been announced by the Portuguese Tennis Federation. The superb facilities at the Vilamoura Tennis & Padel Academy in Quarteira have already hosted the third consecutive year of the European qualifying round of the World Championship of Wheelchair Tennis Teams. The countries in the European qualification are: Belgium, Russia, Bulgaria, Denmark, Turkey, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Germany, Austria, Greece, Hungary, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Switzerland and Italy. www.fpt.tietennis.com/ WheelchairTenisPortugal
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Last word
EXPAT talk... Okay, good things come in threes. And here is Anthony Martin’s trio for the month as he slings the arrows at drinkers, the media and the NHS’s latest solution to deal with over-crowded surgeries
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oesn’t time fly – it’s been a year now. My wife and family tell me I’m a much nicer person – my friends tell me I’m a boring old fart and my doctor tells me I’m becoming obese. Maybe I should revert to my old self, the irascible but svelte clockwatcher I was previously – the guy whose shirt buttons did not occasionally ping across the room with the velocity of a Federer serve; the guy who could assume the vertical, after tying his shoelaces without sounding like Serena Williams aceing her opponent; the guy who, at 4.45pm would open the fridge door to promise the bottle of crisp Sauvignon Blanc that it would only be another 15 minutes when they could relax together under the olive tree on the terrace. Yes, I gave up alcohol and am now, officially, if not holier than thou, then holier than most of you lot – if you discount the biscuits, cake and all things sugar. Don’t think I haven’t seen you; you know who you are. There were four of you in the restaurant and you were on your fourth bottle as I watched your sleeve knock the glass over when you reached across the table, talking and laughing just a little too loudly. And the woman next to you – the giggly one on your left who can’t speak to you without stroking your arm – the one you edged your chair a little closer to. It’s amazing what nuances one picks up on when you spend an evening in a restaurant that buzzes with bonhomie while your table discuss health issues. I was the one, two tables away, whose waist spilled over his trousers, holding his fifth glass of bloody sparkling water, looking wistfully at the life he left behind.
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e are now well into the holiday season. That time of year when most of the world ups-sticks, brushes the cobwebs from their suitcases and allows their collective blood pressure to hit the roof as they battle with travel timetables, surly immigration officers and airline seating plans. The season touches every aspect of our lives when, for a few weeks each year, we try to be something that we are not used to being... relaxed. However, there are some things in our daily lives that are constant, namely the media: television, radio and newspapers. They, too, have a name for this time of year: they call it ‘the silly season’ and for good reason for while everyone is away, they are starved of things to report, and have to hunt out the quirky, the different, the OMG-I–didn’t–
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know–that and the downright stupid. This is never more obvious than, when reading, in a supposedly serious newspaper, a piece that is so out of character, so red-top tabloid, that you look to the top of the page and check that it is not April 1st. This week I read of a duck that dances to music and the fact that Stella McCartney doesn’t believe in washing her clothes, but the best was The Times story of 8 July which said that: “Scottish mussels are in decline and it is thought that the reason for this is the noise from passing ships.” Now I don’t know about you, but I like mussels: Moules et Frites used to be a favourite dish of mine so I have a reasonable knowledge of this particular bivalve. I have eaten them in many countries. I have seen white mussels and brown mussels; I have seen them open and I have seen them closed, but no matter how hard I look I cannot find their ears. Beards, yes. Ears no.
I gave up alcohol and am now, officially, if not holier than thou, then holier than most of you, if you discount the biscuits and all things sugar
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lso this week, the UK’s National Health Service has announced what it claims is a world first: a partnership with Amazon’s Alexa to offer health advice from the NHS website. You know Alexa, don’t you? She’s a box that sits there and, providing your home is WiFi’d up, she will do your bidding – answer questions, play your choice of music, open the curtains, whatever. And now, what joy. No more sitting in dismal waiting rooms full of ill people choking all over you, no more begging for a ten-minute-maximum appointment, and best of all, no more sitting in front of a doctor, crossing and uncrossing your legs saying “I’ve got a pain in my whatsit”. Yup, those days are over. Now you can stay in the comfort of your home and confidently address a small black box with the words “Alexa, I’ve got a pain in my shlong,” only to hear the reply: “I’m sorry, I cannot understand your question, please rephrase it”.
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