Sam_Mar19 by Richard Bassett

SIMPLY

ALGARVE ISSUE NO. 34 MARCH 19

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Contents

PUBLISHER

EDITOR

4 WORTH KNOWING News, views, and some very good ideas

8 WEAVING WONDERS The work of Françoise Devroede looms large as a true art form

12 GETTING TO THE POINT A new exhibition celebrates spring and the complexity of pointillism

14 SHAKE IT UP, BABY The Conrad’s mixologist and his favourite cocktails

18 IN THE FRAME How to set off your art in style

20 THE GREAT MUSEUMS OF LISBON Setting off on a great adventure of discovery

26 EAT WELL Try and resist this creamy butternut squash bake from superchef Tom Kerridge

28 SPOT THE BIRDIE How to tell your feathered friends apart

34 ON CAMERA A snapshot view of fading features of old Portugal

36 THE ICING ON THE CAKE Special occasion? There’s only one place to go for the cake

39 RESTAURANT OF THE MONTH We start a new series: discovering eateries that will have your taste buds tingling

41 FINANCE

ART DIRECTOR

ADVERTISING

PUBLISHER Richard Bassett EDITOR Susi Rogol-Goodkind +351 965 581 831 susi@rogol-goodkind.com ART DIRECTOR Jake Bassett simplyalgarvemag@gmail.com +351 966 044 143 CONTRIBUTORS Anthony Martin Ben Austin Carolyn Kain Chris Wright Jan Hinze Ricardo Chaves Stefan Humpenöder ADVERTISING Mehreen Nawaz +351 920 470 883 mehreen0782@gmail.com COVER PICTURE Nicky Chubb at Côrte-Real DISTRIBUTION 6,000 copies monthly, distributed via 100+ quality retailers, shopping centres, restaurants and more within the central Algarve region.

Currency ups and downs and dealing with them

43 MONEY MATTERS Your finance questions answered

44 NOT TO BE MISSED Time to spare? Here’s how to fill it – from art to music to golf. Our guide to what’s on

48 GOLF Pro advice to using driving ranges

49 SPORTS NEWS Just what footy fans want to know

51 EXPAT TALK Anthony Martin and the B-word www.simplyalgarvemag.com

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

News

WORTH KNOWING We keep you informed, entertained, and hopefully coming back for more. And we want your news, your views, charity and community updates, new products and bright ideas

British Ambassador in São Brás de Alportel

he British Ambassador, Chris Sainty, will be in São Brás on Wednesday 13 March at the Cine Teatro in Avenida da República, to meet members of the British community, provide an update on the impact of the UK’s exit from the European Union and answer questions from residents in the area. This public session has been arranged with the kind co-operation of the São Brás de Alportel Municipal Authority. To join Chris and his team, 2.30-3.30pm, it is essential to register at https://bit.ly/2H34hjo. Questions may be submitted in advance by email to Portugal.outreachevents@fco.gov.uk Please share this with any friends who may also be interested in attending. For ongoing updates and information, check the Living in Portugal Guide at GOV.UK and follow the Brits in Portugal Facebook and Twitter channels.

VROOM SERVICE... THE OLDIES ARE THE CURRENT GOODIES

s reported by algarvedailynews.com the importation of used vehicles into Portugal has increased by more than 30% since the Troika arrived, says the Automobile Association of Portugal. Lower prices, coupled with tax advantages, are the reason why used car imports in the past year alone, increased by 16.7% in 2018 to 77,241 units. Five-year-old models are the favourites, reported Vítor Gouveia, President of the Portuguese Automobile Trade Association. Pedro Pedro Gouveia Alves of Montepio Crédito confirmed that buyers are saving 20% to 30% by buying a used car, but warned that older vehicles: “are a riskier purchase because they don’t have the manufacturer’s warranty.” The Portuguese, he says, “prefer to buy cars from the mid-to-low end sector on the market and that cars with lower carbon dioxide emissions, as well as lower engine capacity, are of greatest interest.” The used car import market worries ACAP Secretary General Helder Pedro: “Due to the different tax levels between countries, we are witnessing the arrival of a large number of used vehicles, in proportions normally only seen in countries such as Romania and Poland.” He points out that this situation has contributed to the advanced age of the nation’s cars. When the Troika rolled into town, cars were in average 10.1 years old; in 2018, five years after the ‘clean exit’ from the Troika’s grasp, cars averaged 12.6 years old. Surprised? If you’ve ever looked at the price of new cars here, you certainly wouldn’t be. The costs are staggering.

Strut your stuff

a Dolce Vita’s ‘Model for a Day’ fashion show will be held at Capisce restaurant in Almancil at the end of May and will feature mothers and daughters on the catwalk. The selection of potential runway stars will start soon so make a date early. Call Marité on 917 773 202 for audition information.

8 MARCH IS WOMEN’S DAY

here’s lots of celebratory activity at Mar Shopping on this special day including tea tasting at Rituals; special deals at Opticalia, eating tips and product samplings at Celeiro, and various promotions at Centros Unico.

BOLD AND BRIGHT

n exhibition, Transparências e Migrações, of the dazzling works of well-known local artists, Vera Christians and Brigitte von Humbold, opens on Saturday 9 March at 7pm at the Museu do Traje in São Brás and continues 2pm-5pm daily until 6 May. Both artists have exhibited in national and international galleries, museums and cultural centres, and their work is a joy of brilliant colours. Left is Vera’s Colour Migrations 9.

Hand luggage justice

ravellers are cheering the Italian Competition Authority, thanks to whom Ryanair has been fined ¤3m for its hand luggage policy which confused and angered passengers. The airline has been charging for cabin baggage of up to 10k with only small bags that can fit underneath the seat going for free. The Italian watchdog stated that passengers should be allowed to travel with a larger carry-on bag and that airlines were raising ticket prices in a “non transparent” manner with extra payments of between ¤5 and ¤25. “Hand baggage,” they said, “is an essential element of the air transport service and its transport must be permitted without incurring any additional costs.” The Italian Competition Authority also fined Wizz Air, the Hungarian airline, ¤1 million.

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News

NEED A REALLY GOOD HAIRCUT?

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

he Barbers is a new name opening this month in Mar Shopping. Place to go for a seriously cool new cut.

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toldos - awnings sun wind rain protection

toldolanda

Here comes the sun

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s the days get longer and the outdoors beckons, it’s time to think about the latest trends in furnishings. Head down to Dunas in Almancil for the new collections from the designer-driven likes of Manutti, Dedon and Tribú.

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All steamed up

on’t change your oven just yet – wait until you’ve seen the new Falcon Nexus Steam Cooker, the free-standing injection steam oven. What does it do that’s different? It is quick to heat up for a start; it has a multi-function oven, a hob with five gas burners including a wok cradle and a griddle, and a glide-out grill. Injection steam is the key advantage – there’s no need for oils or fats when cooking, food is kept moist and retains more nutrients, so it is a truly healthy option to traditional cookers. The latest offering from José Martins in São Brás, it will be available at his showroom in June. There are four colour choices. For more information call 917 812 155.

VENEPÃO REVAMP

his Almancil bakery and coffee shop is famous for its pastries and cakes that actually are home made right there on the premises (rather than some place else that home-makes for everyone!). At the risk of sounding like Tripadvisor, this is the place to go for hearty snacks including burgers and salads, the biggest and best-ever tosta mista, and scrumptious cakes that will have you going back for more. Think of Venepão as the Café de Paris – sit there long enough and you’ll see lots of familiar faces. The recent refurb is really good looking.

Angelic wall art

osto in Boliquieme has long been a magnet for homeowners with a taste for the unusual – those one-offs that become a real talking point. But there’s something in store now you cannot take away – a vast mural that covers an entire wall. It is the work of Zimbabwe-born artist and sculptor Toin Adams, now based in Boliquieme, who creates extraordinary large-scale pieces in steel, acrylic, paper, glass, bronze – you name it. We’ll be looking at her work in the next issue of Simply Algarve, but in the meantime, Gosto is the place to go for a taster of her impressive talent.

WATCH THIS SPACE

e asked Matt Alden of luxury watch dealership Aldens Watches for some buying tips at the top end of the market. Here are his thoughts. 1 Brand: pick a brand that you are familiar with and has a proven record of good investment pieces. If you are not familiar with any brands speak with a specialist. 2 Budget: depending on your price range you may limit your options on some luxury brands. Set your budget and keep it in mind at all times. 3 Size of casing: making sure the watch is the right size and fits perfectly on your wrist is essential. Keep in mind the size of the watch face in relation to the size of your wrist. It should not appear too big or too small. 4 Lifestyle: matching your watch to your lifestyle is essential. It’s important to know how and when you will wear it. 5 Features: after picking your style and brand of watch it’s important to consider its features. There’s many things a luxury watch can do besides telling the time.

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6 Commodities: depending on your budget you can also invest in precious metals as well as a luxury watch. There are a range of watches from different brands that are available in yellow gold, rose gold, white gold and platinum. 7 Box and papers: this is a must when investing in a watch. The paper work and warranty card is what authenticates the watch. Without this you can lose 50% of the value of your watch. 8 Pre-owned: you don’t always have to buy a brand new watch. Pre-owned watches in fantastic condition are also a very good investment. 9 Collaborations: keep an eye out for brands that have collaborated with well know celebrities. The price is only expected to rise over a period of time. 10 Maintenance: taking care of your watch is very important. Sending it back to the manufacturer once every two years is a great way to keep it in pristine condition. Want to see what Matt has got? Call 910 242 788 and visit aldenswatches.com

Crafts

WEAVING WONDERS In the tranquil hills above Loulé, Françoise Devroede is busy at her loom weaving unique works of art. Jan Hinze went to visit and was bowled over by what she saw and learned

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rançoise Devroede is a Licier Créateur (weaver designer), which is the professional term for persons who make tapestries based on their own designs. She first became interested in weaving at the age of six. Her parents had bought her an embroidery set but this failed to ignite a creative spark; Françoise had seen woven tapestries in museums and decided that was what she wanted to do. A bit of background Tapestries were most commonly used in the Middle Ages by the aristocracy and the wealthy, providing decoration and insulation for castle walls, covering openings and giving privacy. Probably the most famous tapestry is La Dame à la Licorne (The Lady and the Unicorn) woven in the beginning of the 16th century and currently exhibited at the Cluny Museum in Paris. Tapestries are now widely available to buy, with many replicas being machine made. However, Françoise is one of only around 25 people in the world today creating warp

tapestries perpetuating the art that made Flanders famous in the Middle Ages. Currently in Europe, these tapestries are made only at the Manufacture des Gobelins in Paris, at Aubusson in France, at the Crecit in Tournai in Belgium and at the Manufactura de Tapeçarias de Portalegre here in Portugal. Born in Belgium, Françoise gained a Masters degree in Roman Philology and, while pursuing her career at the Université du Travail in Charleroi, she spent five years attending the School of Arts in Braine l’Alleud – one of the few places where the ancestral art of warp tapestry was taught – as a student under weaver designer Marce Truyens. She is a member of the Domaine de la Lice, the renowned Belgian Association of recognised and certified wall tapestry artists. After spending time in the USA, Françoise moved to Portugal in 2006. Françoise does everything from the design to the finished product. Her very first tapestry – Marine – was completed in 1981. Her inspiration comes from the environment, sometimes flowers, or from photographs where she will be motivated by a small section

Crafts

of the image. Once she has decided on a design, she will create a real-size template which in itself can take three to four months. The tapestries then take up to two years to complete. Most of her works are enormous although she will occasionally make much smaller ones. One particular tapestry, Jazz measures 213 x 140cm. Françoise signs each tapestry and this alone takes 30 hours of work. Her latest creation, The Wave, took 1,000 hours to weave, with wool purchased from a specialist manufacturer in Belgium. All of her tapestries are unique works and while the materials and techniques are classical her designs are utterly contemporary. On show Françoise has exhibited around the world including the USA, Belgium and Portugal, in particular at the prestigious Monastery of Santa Maria d’Alcobaça, a World Heritage site in central Portugal, some 120km north of Lisbon. Her most recent exhibition was held in São Bras. There will be another there in June of 2020. “The problem is that I need a very large space to be able to show my works,”she says. “You have to stand back to appreciate them fully and fulfilling that requirement is difficult”. Prices for these amazing works of art – that is the only way you can describe them – are high. But then that’s hardly surprising when you are buying a treasure. E: contact@wall-tapestry.net W: wall-tapestry.net

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41 11

Art to Art

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GETTING TO THE POINT The first rays of spring sunshine come early to the Algarve, and the almond trees are decked with blossom; by February the landscape is totally transformed. Carolyn Kain reports on a celebratory exhibition

nspired by the start of the new season, British artist Nicky Chubb captures moments in time and changing light using a multi-layered combination of gold leaf, ink, paint, collage and resin. Commissioned by Galeria Corte-Real in Paderne she adopts a pointillist technique to create glowing images with surfaces like fabric. With a BA Hons in Fashion, Nicky graduated from the renowned St Martin’s College of Art. She pays attention to texture and it is an admired aspect of her paintings. Following in the footsteps of Georges Seurat and Paul Signac, the pioneers of pointillism, Nicky dots the canvas with distinct patterns meticulously applied to form a cohesive image. Known informally as stippling or dot art, it developed late in the 19th century as a branch of the Impressionist movement. When composed together, the tightly-packed dots of pure colour create their own unique palette of tones far greater than the individual elements. In the late 1880s, art critics failed to appreciate the beauty and creative complexity of pointillism, yet today three of the world’s most highlyrespected paintings are of that very school: A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatt and Bathers at Asnieres, both by Georges Seurat, and Paul Signac’s The Pine Tree at St Tropez. Influenced by these and other pointillist images, Nicky’s large canvasses of blossom-laden trees are visually stunning. They convey an optimistic picture of the year ahead and the beauty of nature in the Algarve. Galeria Corte-Real is located on the outskirts of Paderne and signposted from the centre of the village, and from Boliqueime and Ferreiras. Open Thursday to Sunday, 11am until 5pm T: 912 737 762

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Cheers

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SHAKE IT UP, BABY While a Sommelier is the expert of wine and food pairing, the mixologistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s talent lies is blending ingredients to create new sensory experiences. Duarte Pereira is the man behind the bar in the Conradâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lago Lounge, and the maker of a mean cocktail www.simplyalgarvemag.com

Cheers

TALKING POINTS...

aro born and raised Duarte Pereira went from the School of Hospitality in his home town to an internship at The Conrad in Quinta do Lago. Four years later, he is still at the hotel, and very much the practised professional, creating new and innovative cocktails for an appreciative audience. His signature menu is called ‘Natural Elements‘ and comprises eight elegant drinks that are complex in their make-up, delicious in their taste, and a sparkling example of mixology inventiveness. Duarte is passionate about his subject and always experimenting to discover a new blend of ingredients. “It is all about consistency of balance and taste. And it is hugely important to note every idea, and all the tests, and the tasting notes that result,” he says. Does he have a personal favourite? Oh yes. Top of the list is negroni and negroni sbagliato (the latter is ‘mistaken’ in Italian, so let your imagination runneth over here), but he keeps an open mind – food and travel often inspire him to try something new and adventurous. What gets the thumbs down, are premium rums or whiskeys or cognacs, topped up with cola. And what would he suggest when a couple arrives and want something special (perhaps to propose over)? “My Waterloo is perfect, a Champagne-based cocktail that is glamorous and delicious. And if the question is popped when the cork is, so much the more exciting!” Feeling enthused? Head down to the Lago Lounge, splash out on a Duarte special and en route home, stop off for a shaker – it’s an essential for any mixologist – including the wannabees.

First, a bit of history… actually, there are as many mixed stories as there are mixed drinks here. According to Wikipedia: “Traditionally cocktails were a mixture of spirits, sugar, water, and bitters and the first publication of a bartenders’ guide which included cocktail recipes was in 1862”. However, foodrepublic.com claims that the word cocktail was first defined in 1806 by The Balance and Columbian Repository of Hudson, New York, as “a stimulating liquor composed of any kind of sugar, water and bitters, vulgarly called a bittered sling.” So, same ingredients, different origination claims. That said, the first time the term cocktail is recorded in the US was on 28 April 1803 in a publication called The Farmers’ Cabinet while in the UK there is a reference to the ‘cock-tail’ even earlier, in The Morning Post and Gazetteer in London on 20 March 1798. Could the cocktail be an English invention? Another popular story comes from New Orleans, where a certain apothecary by the name of Peychaud served a mixed brandy drink in a French eggcup. Eventually the drink, says chowhound.com, was named coquetier, the French for an eggcup, then shortened to ‘cocktay,’ and later to ‘cocktail.’ So now you know… or perhaps not. The world’s pick Business Insider Drinks International – businessinsider. com – has published its annual list of the 50 mostrequested cocktails in bars across the world. Thse are the top ten: 1 Old Fashioned remains champion for the fifth year in a row as the most popular cocktail in the world. This American classic is made by muddling a sugar cube with Angostura bitters, then adding bourbon or rye, a few dashes of water, and finished with a citrus rind. (A muddler is a bartender’s pestle.) 2 Negroni (Duarte’s fave, made with gin, vermouth rosso, and Campari, garnished with orange peel.) 3 Whiskey Sour (whiskey, lemon juice, sugar, and sometimes a dash of egg white.) 4 Daiquiri (The classic recipe calls for white rum, syrup, and lime juice, but there are countless others involving other juices and sweeteners. The Daiquiri was supposedly created by American miners working in Cuba around 1900 in an iron mine of the same name – no shortage of rum and citrus at the time then.) 5 Manhattan (Sweet red vermouth, rye or Canadian whisky, a dash of Angostura bitters, garnished with a maraschino cherry.) 6 Dry Martini (One part dry vermouth and six parts gin.) 7 Expresso Martini (Coffee-based, this one combines vodka, espresso, coffee liqueur, and sugar syrup.) 8 Margarita (Tequila, orange liqueur and lime juice and served with salt on the rim of the glass.) 9 Aperol Spritz (Aperol, prosecco, and a splash of soda, with ice, and served with a slice of orange.) 10 Moscow Mule (Vodka, spicy ginger beer and lime juice, garnished with a wedge of lime and mint leaves.

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Surroundings

IN THE FRAME You can go to the likes of Ikea and pick up a standard, see-â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;em-everywhere frame, or you go to an expert who will offer something bespoke and spectacular that will turn your painting or print or photo into a work of art. We went to visit Quadro who does just that

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ucked behind the sprawling warehouses that make up Loule’s industrial estate is a framing business run by Domingos and Inês Paulino where serious art collectors are regulars, galleries visit daily, and photographers go to for inspiration and the very best practical advice. In the past 26 years, front-of-house Inês has seen trends come and go, and clients becoming increasingly adventurous. With an endless number of options available – hundreds and hundreds and more hundreds – Quadro has added that all-important finishing touch to thousands of works. “Some people have a good idea of what they want,” Inês says, “and we are here to help them realise their wishes. That said, we will often suggest something quite different that they haven’t considered, and they adopt our recommendtion.” The trend over the past decade, it seems, has been for silver frames but, more recently, natural colours – greys and taupes – have become really popular. For oils however, the L Frame, a simply box frame that leaves a space around artwork, is a perfect solution ensuring that nothing distracts from the piece itself. Something classical, Inês says, is best shown off by gold or silver leaf frames, or even a colour-painted frame to add a more modern touch. The chosen frame can unquestionably add to – or, at the same time, completely spoil – a piece of art, which is why Inês sees her role as an advisor and design director as key. “We have to pay attention to

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both the frame and the picture itself ensuring always there is harmony,” she says. One thing she is fast to point out is the research needed when it comes to an original work or a limited edition. It is crucial that the owner has confirmed authenticity as well as the value of the piece, she says, for insurance purposes as well as peace of mind. An investment in art needs the backing of official and recognised verification. Getting hung up But there is more to Quadro’s service than helping with the frame selection; hanging is, in fact, something of a work of art itself. The company represents Newly, a reputable gallery system from the Netherlands that can be adapted for the home and incorporate lighting; you tell Quadro what you want to hang, and where, and Inês and team will come up with the best and most contemporary solution. Challenges fire the imagination and that applies here, in the framing business. Recently, Quadro was commissioned to make a 2.5x2.5m mirror with an engraved 18cm gold leaf frame. Big stuff – creative, dramatic and reputation building. Got something that needs to be surrounded with love and the highest possible standard of expertise? Inês is the woman to see. T: 289 328 424 E: quadromolduras@gmail.com W: quadromolduras@gmail.com

History and Culture The museum of Ancient Art

THE GREAT MUSEUMS OF LISBON No visit Portugalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s capital would be complete without a visit to the prestigious museums and galleries that form its vibrant personality. Ben Austin views the best 20

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h, Lisbon, a veritable fairytale city, modern and dynamic yet steeped in history and culture. Its long and colourful story is told in the hills, the trams and in the cobblestones. Here and there you will find little alleyways and hidden-away places – an antiquated bookshop, a gallery selling old, fading printed maps of the city, when Lisbon was the hub of discovery and family-run cafés serving up a bica and pasteis de nata in the traditional way. These authentic finds jostle with the brash and the new, the uniformity of global brands and dreary restaurant chains. The art experience of the city is one of a rich homegrown culture infused and influenced by other nationalities, races and religions.To my mind there is one place to start to get a handle on this multifarious society... The Museum of Ancient Art It houses an enviable collection of artwork from the 12th to the 19th century. It has painting, sculpture, silver, gold, jewellery and the decorative arts from Portugal, Europe, Africa and the Orient with many pieces classified as ‘national treasures’ including the famous Panels of Saint Vicent by Nuno Gonçalves. The six paintings present a group of 58 people gathered together around the double figuration of Saint Vincent. This solemn and monumental assembly represents the Court and various groups within Portuguese society at the time. The full narrative and significance of the work remains somewhat of a mystery and it is believed that the artist was the royal painter to King Afonso V and the panels formed part of the altarpiece of Saint Vincent in the chancel of Lisbon cathedral. There are many and numerous wonders to be found in the Museum of Ancient Art – beautiful crafted religious artifacts, drama-filled crucifixion scenes and curious set pieces of the nativity, which are a bit garish to the modern eye but nevertheless intricate and intriguing.

The real star of the show is the completely bonkers Hieronymus Bosch – The Triptych of Temptation of St. Anthony, which depicts the mental and spiritual torments endured by the saint. One could literally lose hours in examining the bizarre and fantastical imagery within this incredible artwork. The museum also has a good restaurant attached with a sensational view of the Tagus. The Calouste Gulbenkian Museum From the Museum of Ancient Art it makes sense to go on to the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum, a true and remarkable treasure trove. The Gulbenkian takes you from Ancient Egypt to the present day across its two collections: the ‘Founder’s Collection’, amassed throughout Calouste Sarkis Gulbenkian’s life, is considered by many to be one of the best private collections in the world. It comprises more than 6,000 pieces, from antiquity to early 20th century; the ‘Modern Collection’ is one of the most complete collections of modern and contemporary Portuguese art, boasting approximately 10,000 pieces. There are too many jewels in this crown to really count, but I have always enjoyed objets d’art and the 80 pieces by René Lalique are exceptional examples and were acquired by the Collector directly from the artist between 1899 and 1927. The two men shared a fascination with the transition of the so-called Belle Époque, which is seen in the set of remarkable Art Nouveau works. Their friendship was well documented and is seen in the words of the Collector: “My admiration for his unique work increased throughout the 50 years our friendship lasted... I am proud to own, I believe, the largest number of Lalique’s works...”. The story of the Founder’s Collection is one of schemes at the highest level involving international cultural politicking. At one point, London was considered to be the location to house the collection. This came to nothing with the outbreak of the Second World War and an odd diplomatic

The Berardo Collection

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History and Culture

The Gulbenkian

incident in 1942, leading the British Government to declare Calouste Sarkis Gulbenkian a “technical enemy”, which was then later revoked. After the War, the Victoria and Albert Museum offered to house the entire collection, as did the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC. The main collection remained at Calouste Gulbenkian’s house on the Avenue d’Iéna, Paris until his death. His definitive Will in 1953 specified that his works of art should come to Lisbon, and a Foundation should be instituted. After some bureaucratic wrangling the collection arrived in Lisbon in 1960 and was finally grouped together under one roof in 1969, when it left the Palácio Pombal for the new museum. The museum itself was constructed to the prevailing Modernist architectural tastes and was designed to remain in close harmony with the surrounding park. The architects received the Valmor Prize in 1975, which included the space of the gardens. In terms of fine paintings one can find works from the Flemish, Dutch, French, English and Italian schools from the 16th to the 19th century, with highlights including works by Domenico Ghirlandaio, Frans Hals, Rembrandt van Rijn, Peter Paul Rubens, Jean-Honoré Fragonard, Édouard Manet and Edgar Degas. The Founders Collection has a superb sculpture section, especially from the 18th and 19th centuries. Italian and Flemish Renaissance tapestry and French furniture from the Louis XV and Louis XVI periods. The Modern Collection features significant examples of 20th century British art. The Collection’s Portuguese artists run from Amadeo de SouzaCardoso to Paula Rego and Vieira da Silva. It is a living collection, with new works being added through donations and purchases. The main purpose of the Gulbenkian Foundation, founded in 1956, is to improve the quality of life through art, charity, science and education often by providing scholarships and grants for other institutions and social organisations. Finally, worth knowing about the Gulbenkian is that they have an excellent music programme, so check out their website for information. There is also a new book out on Calouste Gulbenkian – Mr Five Per Cent by Jonathan Conlin, which charts the tycoon’s life, marking the 150th anniversary of his birth. Conlin estimates Gulbenkian’s fortune in today’s money to

The gulbenkian gardens

be around £19.4 billion. The man who enjoyed the pleasures of life and the ultimate citizen of nowhere, “always a visitor, never at home.” Another must-see museum for a more contemporary experience is next to the Jeronimos Monastery and the showstopper of the Belém Cultural Centre. The Berado Collection This collection belongs to the billionaire entrepreneur and philanthropist, José Manuel Rodrigues Berardo. The permanent collection showcases over 900 pieces by more than 500 artists representing all the great modern European and American art movements, from Minimalism and Conceptualism to Cubism and Surrealism. If one were to be a tad snooty about the collection, it would be fair to say that even though it contains work by art world heavyweights, such as Roy Lichtenstein, Pablo Picasso, Marcel Duchamp, Francis Bacon, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Cindy Sherman and Andy Warhol, it lacks the top tier examples, with the Tate, the Met and MoMa showing off the very best. But considered in the context of a personal and private collection, it is very impressive indeed. What is more, the collection has a fantastic programme of ‘Temporary Exhibitions’ with the most recent being a group show entitled – WAIT and an immersive six-screen video installation piece called Purple by British artist and filmmaker, John Akomfrah.

The Berardo Collection

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The Museum of Ancient Art

TALKING POINTS... There are, of course, numerous other museums and galleries to visit in Lisbon and the surrounding area, if you manage to visit just some of them you will get broad insight into the incredible culture to be found in this vibrant city. The National Azulejo Museum, which celebrates the long history of glazed tiles in Portuguese culture. Highlights include the blue, green, yellow and white azulejo with an armillary sphere – the so-called ‘heaven and earth machine’. Plus the Our Lady of Life panel, attributed to the painter Marçal de Matos in the late 16th century. Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology (MAAT) is well worth a visit, primarily for its setting. The undulating building, designed by British architect Amanda Levete, is covered in white ceramic tiles and capped with a rooftop terrace. MUDE (Museu do Design e da Moda), on Lisbon’s famous pedestrian street, Rua Augusta, is due to complete its renovation shortly and currently stages a series of pop-ups paying tribute to design and culture over the decades. Casa-Museu Mederos e Almeida – Another entrepreneur’s collection, shown in his palatial home close to Avenida da Liberdade, the mansion features 27 galleries throughout two wings, the older quarters and a modern gallery-like space. Museum of the Orient – this museum opened in 2008 and explores the dialogue between East and West, with many of the featured works examining Portugal’s influence on Asia. The Museum of Ancient Art

National Coach Museum – the lost and beautiful art form of horse-drawn coaches are celebrated here in Belém, chronicling the evolution of stunningly ornate coaches in the pre-automobile era. Queen Maria Francisca of Savoy – Nemour’s 17th century ceremonial ride is something to behold. Casa das Histórias Paula Rego is located in Cascais and is dedicated to the work of Portugal’s finest living contemporary artist – Paula Rego.

The Museum of Ancient Art

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Ben Austin is available for cultural and culinary tours of Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve. For more information visit his website: benaustin.pt

Property

PROPERTY YELLOW HOMES Land & Houses Algarve Real Estate Agent since 1995 Tel: +351 289 301 294 Email: info@yellowhomes.com www.yellowhomes.com EN 125, Benfarras Boliqueime (opposite DHL)

AMI: 6232

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OF THE MONTH EXCLUSIVE LISTING Contemporary 3-bedroom villa with guest annex and high quality finishings set on a large plot close to the beach near Vale do Lobo / Vilamoura www.simplyalgarvemag.com

PROPERTY DETAILS • Beautiful large plot of land with ca. 2500m2 in sought-after location just a short walk from the beach. • 3 double bedrooms • 3 bathrooms (2 x en-suite) • Light-drenched living and dining room • Fully-fitted and equipped modern kitchen • GUEST ANNEX: * 1 bedroom * bathroom * living room * kitchen • Underfloor heating

• Solar panels for hot water • Extensive terraces with several shaded sitting areas • Large swimming-pool (heating pre-installation) • Low maintenance garden with olive, pine and fruit trees • Mains water and borehole • Only 800 meters from beautiful beaches and two beach bars • In walking distance to shops and several restaurants • EC: C

¤1.650.000 Ref: BHM 25

Simply delicious

Creamy butternut squash pasta bake Our final Tom Kerridge special from his book Fresh Start. Rich and creamy, this could easily become a new favourite at home. It’s all about the toppings: crunchy seeds and breadcrumbs, sweet chunks of butternut squash and nuggets of acidity from the sun-blushed tomatoes

Serves 6 575 calories per serving Ingredients • 1kg butternut squash, cut into chunks (about 2cm) • 1tbsp olive oil • 500g macaroni • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper For the cheese sauce • 60g butter • 60g plain flour • 1 litre whole milk • 1tbsp liquid aminos • 60g Parmesan, finely grated • 1/4tsp freshly grated nutmeg For the topping • A handful of sage leaves • 40g sun-blushed tomatoes, roughly chopped • 50g fresh breadcrumbs • 2tbsp pumpkin oil (or olive oil) • 2tbsp pumpkin seeds Method Preheat the oven to 220°C/Fan 200°C/Gas 7. Line a large roasting tray with baking parchment.

1 2

Place the squash in the roasting tray. Drizzle with the olive oil, season with salt and pepper and toss to coat.

Cook on the top shelf of the oven for 25 minutes or until the squash is tender and browned at the edges. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly for a couple of minutes. (Keep the oven on.)

3 4

Tip three-quarters of the roasted squash into a blender and blitz to a purée; set the rest aside.

Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil. Add the macaroni and cook until almost al dente (2–3 minutes less than the time suggested on the packet).

For the sauce, melt the butter in a large saucepan over a medium heat. Add the flour and cook, stirring, for one minute, then whisk in the milk and cook, whisking, until the sauce thickens slightly. Lower the heat and add the liquid aminos, Parmesan and nutmeg. Stir until the cheese has melted, then stir through the squash purée. Take off the heat and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Drain the macaroni, add to the sauce and stir well. Tip into a large, deep baking dish, about 25 x 30cm. Scatter over the rest of the roasted squash, the sage, sun-blushed tomatoes and breadcrumbs. Drizzle with the oil. Place on the middle shelf of the oven, turning on the oven grill at the same time. Bake for 10 minutes.

Take out the dish, scatter the pumpkin seeds evenly over the surface and return to the oven for 5 minutes or until the topping is golden. Serve at once, with a green salad.

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To freeze: Cool and pack in a lidded foil tray (or several trays). Defrost fully in the fridge, then remove the lid and reheat in an oven preheated to 200Â°C/Fan 180Â°C/Gas 6 for 30 minutes, until hot all the way through. If the surface appears to be browning too quickly, cover loosely with foil.

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Outdoors

SPOT THE BIRDIE…

Spoonbills

…And spot the difference. Year round you can find some 250 species of birds on the Algarve and a further 100-plus that come and go. Here’s a practical guide from Carolyn Kain that will help you tell a Whimbrel from a Curlew

luttering wings and colourful feathers moving in the bushes, a small grey bird skittering along the sand or overhead a Raptor gliding on a thermal. It is rewarding to be able to identify these birds but even with binoculars and a field guide it can be tricky. The range of species seen in the Algarve is extremely varied due to the diverse topography of the region from sea level to the heights of Monchique at 792 metres. Many migrant birds are temporary visitors and since there are around 150 breeding species, becoming familiar with them all is daunting. For the would-be bird spotter one method well worth trying out is to take a series of photographs with a digital camera. Even an out of focus, distant image, enlarged on a computer screen can help to clarify what’s been seen. The system can be more efficient than flicking through a field guide whilst trying to watch the bird or attempting to recall its appearance after it has flown away. For instance, the Blackcap and Sardinian Warbler are regularly seen in local woodlands and country gardens. Similar in size with black, white and grey markings they can easily be confused. However, once frozen on a computer

screen and compared to pictures in a field guide it is usually possible to tell them apart. Waders are particularly obliging photographic models usually seen on the ground probing their beaks into mudflats or crustacean rich sand. Greenshanks and Redshanks are identifiable by the colours of their legs but when it comes to deciding between a Spotted and a Common Redshank the photo method works. This is equally the case when looking for differences between varieties of Plovers, Sandpipers and Godwits. Seeming similar Spectacular sightings such as Flamingos and Spoonbills are unmistakable but other impressive birds can present the amateur with problems. Is it an Avocet or Black-winged Stilt, a Curlew or a Whimbrel? Aside from obvious features the shape and size of birds’ bills can also be distinctive. Curlews and Whimbrels are fairly similar with subtle differences in their streaking and colouration patterns but when seen on a computer screen the former has a longer curved bill, different from the Whimbrel’s, which is only bent towards the tip. Remarkably, in terms of bill growth Oystercatchers are world champions. Increasing in size by twice its length in a

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Glossy Ibis

Stonechat

Short-toed Eagle

Black-winged

year, an Oystercatcher’s bill grows at a rate that is double the speed of human fingernails! Often seen on our shores breaking into shellfish, their flashy red bills are constantly being worn away by abrasive action. Wildlife viewing trails created for the benefit of birds and birders often provide hides with helpful information boards. The Ria Formosa Natural Park - just east of Olhão - is open to the public seven days per week from 9am until 5pm. Tickets and parking cost ¤2.80.

Redshank

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Bit of a rarity At Quinta do Lago there is open access with an overview of saltpans attracting maritime birds and a fresh water lake that is home to dozens of Grebes and Divers. The appearance of the lake’s most famous Swamphen, the Purple Gallinule, is unmistakeable. One of Europe’s most rare species, it can invariably be spotted treading amongst the reeds where it will often pose for pictures, sometimes good enough to frame. The occasional Heron and Ibis can sometimes be seen from the hide. Since the pleasure of bird ‘watching’ can be more rewarding than bird ‘spotting’, a few photos looked at later make identification easier.

Outdoors

Blackcap

Hoopoe

Purple Gallinule

Little Grebe

SIX OF THE BEST

Avocet

1 There is a really good, detailed guide at pt.meravista. com/sites/default/files/basic_page_pdf/algarve_ birdwatching_guide_2012. whIch can be downloaded as a PDF. Published by the Tourist Board, the Birdwatching Guide to the Algarve includes lots of tips and hints and details 32 excusions including Castro Marim wetlands, the Ria Formosa and Lagoa dos Salgados. 2 Day trips and tours are arranged by highly-experienced guides Simon Wates and Thijs Valkenburg. Contact them by email birdtrips@gmail.com or phone – Simon 912 824 053; Thijs 969 579 838. They will plan itineraries according to requests – and could include specific species or, for example, other wildlife and flora. Check out their website at algarvebirdman.com 3 Organised bird watching and wildlife photography tours, including birding holidays in the Algarve and Alentejo, are part of the detailed programme offered by Becool Travel in Faro. Call them on 308 810 671 or email info@becooltravel.com for information 4 algarve-birdwatching.com is worth a visit and will encourage you to start packing. 5 Sequa Tours, based in Tavira, operate Ria Formosa boat tours, including a specific bird-watching tour that offers great spotting opportunites and includes a visit to the traditional saltpans and fishing villages. sequatours.com is where to check out what’s on offer. Or you can call 960 170 789. 6 Worth a read is A Birdwatchers’ Guide to Portugal, the Azores and Madeira Archipelagos by Colm Moore, Gonçalo Elias and Helder Costa, from Where to Watch Guides, published by Prion.

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Property

TIPS for selling your home Regardless of whether it’s a buyer’s or seller’s market, selling your home can be difficult and stressful – few situations are more emotionally draining , especially when you can’t wait to move on. Stefan Humpenöder of Yellow Homes gives sound advice

f you want to sell your home in a reasonable time frame and with confidence, you’ll need to know all of your options so you can make an informed decision that best aligns with your current circumstances and goals. Key is what can you do to attract buyers. Yellow Homes, Land & House Algarve, compiled a list of useful tips. From developing a strong online presence to making your home move-in ready, these tips can help shorten the time between listing and selling your home. We also offer alternatives in case your property just won’t sell. Getting started List your house with a real estate agent who has a proven track record. Finding the right one is the first step and should not be taken lightly. To navigate a process involving property documentation and back-and-forth communications between agent, homeowner and prospective buyer, it is advisable to have a professional assisting you. A licensed and reputable real estate agent has the resources to list your house properly and to best effect. Beyond that, their experience can potentially save you thousands of euros as well as valuable time. The right agent will understand your needs and then tailor the services to achieve your end goal. Creating a strong online presence is a crucial component of the marketing strategy. The job of an agent is also to guide the vendor through necessary house preparation and small repairs, to price the house correctly, propose and execute a marketing strategy to promote the listing, going over the property documentation with you to make sure it is accurate and updated and to ensure a seamless transaction when agreement has been reached with the prospective buyer. In addition, they will qualify the buyer before a potential viewing to confirm that the property is within his/her budget and fulfils their needs and expectations. This avoids timewasting and frustrating viewings. During a viewing make yourself scarce. After all, you are paying the agent, let them do their job. They know what to say and how to say it. Engage a law firm Selling or buying a home is a life-changing event, significant in every respect. It involves property laws which may be unique to an area and that can raise issues that are not present in other transactions. An experienced real estate lawyer is trained to deal with any related problems. Without an expert to keep track of all the intricacies, you cannot necessarily count on the sale to go quickly or smoothly. Be realistic with your listing price Nothing kills a real estate deal faster than an over-priced property. An experienced agent will have good knowledge of the local market and will research the prices of listed and recently-sold homes in and around your neighbourhood before

putting your house on the market. This is not to say that you shouldn’t participate in the price decision but just don’t let your ego get in the way. Having a realistic asking price is critical to sell a home quickly and that doesn’t necessarily mean the lowest price. Homebuyers are astute and better informed than ever. They know when a property is overpriced and simply ignore it. Communication with your listing agent is crucial; ask them for advice. Prepare the house for viewings Preparation is everything! You don’t get a second chance to make a good first impression. This means it is vital that your property is presented in the best way possible. Make sure everything is in good working order. A prospective buyer can lose interest quickly when for instance an electric gate or lights switches are not working and may start wondering what else is wrong with the property. Inside Getting you home ready for viewers – or ‘staging’ as it is called – is important. It will not only help your property to sell faster but can potentially add thousands of euros to its value. Declutter and ask your agent to advise you on this. You need to strike a balance between a homely and welcoming environment and a cold feeling of sterility. This can be an art and some agents are better at it then others! You want to create an ambiance where your buyer is able to imagine your property as their home, not yours. Needless to say if you are serious about selling, that any maintenance issues need to be resolved before listing. The exterior and landscaping When buyers first see your home, they are apprehensive and are looking for potential issues – any that don’t match with what they saw online. The roof should to be in good condition; the entrance gate should open properly; and the front door and garage doors should be freshened up. If windows have peeling paint or brickwork is cracked or damaged, buyers will start to get the impression the home needs work. The more negatives they see, the more work they imagine could be needed. After seeing the house, the buyers will look at the garden. It needs to complement your property – buyers are looking at the whole picture and evaluating it all. The garden should be as tidy as possible. Dead leaves and weeds should be removed, the grass cut and, if needed, the driveway and sidewalk powerwashed before a viewing. If the house has a nice pool, make sure that the water level is right and the water clean. Keep the pets away Pets are family. But they’re your family. You may well be accustomed to, or not aware of, the scent which can put

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buyers off. If in doubt, ask a good friend for their honest opinion. Be aware that some buyers are allergic to animals; when they see a cat or dog they are already on their way out. Light in and light up Most buyers want to see that a home has plenty of natural light. Remove heavy draperies and open up the shutters or blinds. Maybe hide an unattractive view with window coverings that still allow in light. Need some extra light? Add lamps in any dark areas. On a dark day, switch on as many lights as possible. If it’s a cold evening or a chilly day, light your fire. Consider burning some pinecones for a delicious smell. This will make your home feel warm and inviting. If you don’t have a fire lit, then at least ensure the fireplace is clean. Obvious conversions If there are any obvious conversions or extensions such as a pool or turning the garage into extra rooms or opening up the loft, why not take advantage and capitalise? Many buyers are not interested in going through this process themselves. They just want something suitable that is GOLF PROPERTIES ready to move into. Of course any alterations and extensions should be subject to planning permission. If you don’t have enough spare cash for alterations then consider getting planning permission. This can add value to your property. Need to sell urgently? Then you must consider selling for less than the market value. Making a steep price reduction can be a solution when nothing else seems to be working – your property instantaneously becomes the best buy in the area. If this doesn’t work, consider selling for less than the replacement value. It’s an option that should only be used under extreme circumstances if you need to reliquify quickly. Speak to your agent and/or change your agent in case they’ve lost interest. Final thoughts Your goal as a vendor is to make your property appeal to as many potential buyers as possible. It isn’t a personal thing; it may not be easy but it’s business and it’s time to think of it that way. At Yellow Homes – Land and Houses Algarve we have been successfully selling properties in the Algarve for more than 20 years (actually, almost 25 years!). We have a wealth of experience to assist you and can guide you every step of the way. At the moment we are experiencing a seller’s market in most areas of Portugal. Right now it couldn’t be a better time to sell and we hope that you have found our suggestions and advice helpful. Your property may be a second home that you have enjoyed, or a full-time home filled with memories. Whichever, just keep in mind that timing and

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AMI: 6232

preparation is everything when it comes to selling. Currently, with an overwhelming demand for properties to purchase, we are more eager than ever to list quality homes or plots – particularly around the areas of Loulé, Almancil, Boliqueime, Vilamoura, Carvoeiro and Tavira. If you are considering selling your property and would like to speak with a member of our team then please call us now on 289 301 294 to make an appointment. We look forward to hearing from you soon. In any event best of luck getting your home sold! Vilamoura Office EN 125, Benfarras Boliqueime 8100 - 068 Boliqueime T: 289 301 294 / F: 289 301 439 Tavira Office Rua Dr. José Pires Padinha 178 8800 - 354 Tavira T: 281 320 281 / F :281 321 901

- VILLAS - APARTMENTS - TOWNHOUSES - PLOTS

CHARMING 4 BED SEA VIEW PROPERTY WITH ANNEX NEAR LOULE. This beautiful 4 bedroom rustic style villa is situated in an idyllic but central location close to Loule in the Central Algarve. The property sits amidst a gently sloping and landscaped garden enjoying beautiful views over the coast to the Atlantic Ocean. Rare opportunity to acquire a traditional style villa with stunning sea views.. Price: €845.000 Ref: R-FOR EC 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

GOLF PROPERTIES - VILLAS - APARTMENTS - TOWNHOUSES - PLOTS

BETWEEN LOULE AND SAO BRAS 4 BED RUSTIC PROPERTY WITH GREAT VIEWS. This charming property with 4 bedrooms is located near Loule and Sao Bras offering spectacular views over the countryside. The house boasts wood and bamboo ceilings with terracotta floor tiling giving a true rustic feel. A character filled low maintenance property with large garage in a wonderful location.

AMI: 6232 Ref: VDJ Price €550.000 EC class 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

Talent

ON CAMERA The work of Ludi Stiebner captures the soul of old Portugal with both passion and respect. She likens the broken windows and doors, the peeling paint, and the crumbling buildings to a flower that is slowly fading away

“This was taken is Albufeira old town… a golden door in all its splendour with so much intricate detail.”

“Above is a door in Tavira, with newspapers in the letterbox, that is lost in time… abandoned and calling for help.”

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“The back streets of Olhao. This door was not noticeable at first, but at the right time and with the right light, it catches your eye straight away.”

TALKING POINTS... Background Ludi was born in France but has lived in England, Holland, Israel and Germany. She rode a motorbike to India and has covered international 4x4 car competitions in the Malaysian jungle for UK and French magazines. She and her English husband moved to the Algarve eight years ago. She is a member of the Algarve Photographer’s Group in Sao Bras.

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Camera These photographs were taken with a Nikon D200 equipped with Nikon lenses. She now uses a much lighter Olypus OMD E-M10ii. Inspiration “When I go out to take photographs I generally don’t search for anything in particular. It depends on different criteria – if the light is good or not, if it rains or not. I just keep my eyes opened, observes everything and open my mind, hoping something will strike the right cord.” Favourite motto “You don´t take a photo, you make it”. Attributed to American landscape photographer and environmentalist Ansel Adams who died in the 1980s.

Good works

THE ICING ON THE CAKE

Louise Hayes, a qualified chef, developed a passion for pretty food while working with Gordon Ramsay in the pastry area of his kitchen in Londonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Claridges hotel. And her business, Boliqueime-based A Taste of Decadence by Louise, is known for creating the prettiest cakes imagineable

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hen Louise Hayes offered to make the birthday cake for her mother’s 50th, it turned out a treat. Interest - and orders – from friends and family resulted in a part-time business venture focused on special occasion baking. Her first attempt at going the whole hog – icing and all – was in 2011 for her son’s first birthday. “I made two coffee and walnut loaves – not very child-friendly but it was more for us! I cut them to a number one shape, piped buttercream icing in diagonal stripes in green, red and white with lots of little edible silver balls. Louise, and her partner Nuno and baby Fabio, had moved back to the UK from Portugal, but missing the lifestyle and the climate, and with a new addition to the family, daughter Sofia, they moved back to the Algarve in 2017. But not before Louise had researched the cake-making potential. Inspired thinking “On Facebook I had seen that a friend of a friend had got married in the Algarve. I had a sort of lightbulb moment and went on to discover how big the wedding scene is here. That gave me the confidence and we decided to save up to move back.” Louise used social media platforms to get the word out there to a big and interested audience. She posted pictures on Facebook, announcing her forthcoming arrival and that she would be working here for the 2018 wedding season. Her first order came in before she had landed! Louise works out of her home in Boliqueime, in a dedicated cake studio. “I have everything I need in there and everything has its place – I’m a neat freak! It is great for me as it gives me so much flexibility and I can work long hours without any problems or worry about childcare. My location is perfect for deliveries, too, as it’s so central to everything – although I will be delivering a cake to Lisbon shortly which is so exciting!” Louise specialises in wedding cakes and they are her key focus from April until the end of October; she already has 39 weddings confirmed for this season plus bookings into 2020. The inevitable birthday cakes can be accommodated in between weddings and always during the low season. All those choices Most requested are sponge cakes in a variety of flavours. Zesty lemon with Belgian white chocolate ganache and lemon curd is a popular choice as is her decadent chocolate number, and a salted caramel cake made with dark brown muscovado sugar. There’s a world of flavours to choose from but as a qualified chef, Louise can conjure up anything. Fruit cake, interestingly, is hardly ever requested, and usually only ordered to satisfy the older guests at a wedding party. Some clients, she says, know exactly what they want and send her photographs and lengthy descriptions; there are others who look to her for inspiration. “I love this as I get to create something unique for them. “The design process can be long and I try to gather as much information as possible to decide the design drection. I ask for things such as their colour scheme, what types of flowers they will have, décor ideas, photos of the bridesmaid’s dresses and even the bride’s dress – all of

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these help me create something tailored specifically to them”. Her most elaborate commission? “It was for my mother’s wedding and a real challenge as she left the decision totally to me. My mother is a very elegant woman, and needed a cake to match. I made them a six-tiered cream-coloured cake which featured delicate gold handpainted details all over and it even had a working miniature chandelier inside one of the tiers.” The specal ingredients Louise orders most of her decorating supplies from England where, she says, there is a better availability of specialist items and at good prices. Her main ingredients can be bought easily from local supermarkets and places such as Makro, while cocoa powder and Belgian chocolate comes from dedicated suppliers to ensure quality. Wedding cake bookings are best made nine months in advance to ensure that the right amount of time is dedicated to each. While the cakes themselves need to be freshly made, things like sugar flowers, which are handmade petal by petal, require a much longer period to produce. We asked about trends – do they exist in the world of wedding cakes? “Yes, they do,” confirms Louise. “Right now in demand are geometric designs, gold details, white on white. I have a lot of requests for semi-naked wedding cakes, too, this year. But I always tell brides-to-be that it is their big day, and they should have whatever they want, regardless of trends.” And what about costs? A three-tiered, beautifully decorated wedding cake is around ¤400. This can include many things such as lace details, or sparkling tiers, or handmade sugar flowers. It really depends on the overall look desired. From this size cake you could feed around 70 guests for about ¤5.70 each, Louise explains. “When I give prices to my clients I like to give them the approximate cost per portion as well as the overall price. More often than not people are happy to spend ¤4 on a slice of mediocre cake in well-known coffee establishments which isn’t decorated. Giving them a ‘slice price’ makes them better understand the costings.” A Taste of Decadence by Louise T: 934 841 119 E: info@atasteofdecadencebylouise. com W: atasteofdecadencebylouise.com

Expert financial advice By Andy Oliver, deVere, Portugal.

Portugal welcomes Brits regardless of Brexit deal

ortugal has always had strong ties with the UK. The AngloPortuguese Alliance (or Aliança Luso-Britânica) between Portugal and England (succeeded by the United Kingdom), ratified at the Treaty of Windsor in 1386, is the oldest alliance in the world that is still in force. This alliance, which goes back to the Middle Ages, has served both countries well. It has been very important throughout history, influencing the participation of the United Kingdom in the Iberian Peninsular War, the UK’s major land contribution to the Napoleonic Wars and the establishment of an Anglo-American base in Portugal. In return, Portugal has aided England (and later the UK) in times of need, for example, in the First World War. Today that historic bond of friendship is as strong as ever. About 80,000 British citizens live and work in Portugal and almost 200,000 Portuguese nationals live and work in the UK. Around 3 million Brits visit Portugal every year. Britain is a huge market for a whole range of Portuguese products and Portugal is a gateway to a market of 250 million people worldwide. With Brexit on the horizon it is understandable that British folks are looking optimistically to the Anglo-Portuguese foundation for reassurance. As it stands it seems that the Portuguese government is

continuing to prevail: António Costa, Prime minister of Portugal, said existing rights of British citizens living in Portugal would continue to be respected in the event of a nodeal Brexit, including access to the national health service and the recognition of British driving licences and academic qualifications. Since the news broke of Brexit about 23,000 Britons have officially registered as residents of Portugal, but the British embassy estimates the actual number is anywhere between 45,000 and 50,000. Naturally, the Portuguese Prime minister isn't doing this out of the kindness of his heart. It is estimated that there are over 200,000 Portuguese residing in the UK and Portuguese Economy Minister, Pedro Siza Vieira, said “Lisbon hopes Britain would offer the same benefits to Portuguese citizens.” Another reason for the agreeable proposal has to do with the vital role British holidaymakers play in Portugal’s tourism industry, which contributed to 15% of the country’s annual total of 15 million GDP in 2017, and one in five jobs are linked to tourism. A record 13 million tourists arrived in Portugal last year. Prompting Portugal is to create special airport corridors to facilitate the entry of British tourists. Considering that tourism is such a large sector of the economy, it makes sense for Portugal to make it as easy as possible for their biggest consumers to

visit. Furthermore, following the defeat of UK Prime Minister Theresa May’s Brexit deal in the British parliament, Portugal has made moves to secure affected businesses. The government is extending a €50 million credit line aimed at companies that trade with the UK. In theory, it will be used to help these companies adapt to new regulations as well as diversify their exports to countries other than Britain. The impact of Brexit on Portuguese businesses should not be disparaged, with a Confederação Empresarial de Portugal study carried out by Ernst & Young finding that it could reduce exports by between 15% and 26%. Moreover, the researchers found that Brexit could have an estimated negative impact on the Portuguese GDP of between 0.5% and 1%. The British government is due to present further plans in the coming weeks before the 29th March cut off point. António Costa, Prime Minister of Portugal, said he was still hopeful for a change of heart by British Lawmakers that would lead to approval of the agreement May Struck with the EU leaders for an orderly Brexit. The likely hood of Brexit is that the outcome will please neither side, yet both may just have to learn to live with it.

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Dining out

RESTAURANT OF THE MONTH STREET KITCHEN, QUARTEIRA Katie Chads

kay, so it’s not the easiest to find as the pedestrian street it’s in goes on both sides of the main drag through Quarteira, but once you’re there you certainly won’t forget it. Owned by three friends – Ricardo Castro, Haroldo Pontes (he’s the chef) and Herminio Maceda – whose CVs include a number of good-quality Vilamoura eateries, this joint venture has been going for three years but while known to foodies and their friends, it has been kept a bit of a secret. After all, spread the word and there’s a chance you’ll never get a table! Too late now – we found it, loved it, and shared it… so you’ll just have to book in advance! Open for lunch and dinner, the place is cool and quirky and fills the gap left by others in the area; the concentration is on great food, brilliant taste and texture combinations and presentation skills that raise the bar. The seating arrangement adds to the charm. Big square tables, perfect for eight, small tables for an intimate twosome, odd chairs, a sofa here and there, pine cones hanging from the ceiling, shelves of china, books and potted plants; it’s a delightful hotch-potch of favourite things. Ricardo takes the orders and dishes up advice (though he didn’t tell me that the starter of focaccia with melted, gooey cheese was enough for two, or three or four). The menu includes really popular firsts, like fried prawns in garlic and stuffed mushrooms, but it is the main courses that get the star treatment. A rack of lamb with sautéed spinach comes dressed up with twists and twirls of silver foil and is just the perfect shade of pink at the centre; the steaks are served with different sides and a choice of freshly-made sauces; the chicken curry is perfectly spiced.

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And for fish fanciers there is sea bass, salmon, sea bream and monkfish. Then there are pizzas – including one intriguingly called Hell – hamburgers with a veggie option, salads and pasta (the black linguine with shellfish is sublime). So something for every taste bud and every dish an individual. Bearing in mind how many restaurants treat food with a cook-it-and-serve-it approach and the same overcooked veggies on the side of every plate, Street Kitchen is decidedly different, and the quality of its ingredients, its adventurous style of cooking and its finishing touches are a clear indication of the passion of the chef. If I had to critcise anything, it would be the sometimes lengthy delays from ordering to eating. But then fresh does take time, and in the end the wait is worthwhile. Street Kitchen R. Vasco da Gama 7, 8125-192 Quarteira T: 289 142 922 W: facebook.com/streetkitchenportugal

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Finance

Pound falls from highs

fter striking multi-month highs at the end of January, the pound was forced to fall back in February as Brexit uncertainty returned with a vengeance. This saw GBP/EUR rocket from ¤1.13 to a 19-month high of ¤1.16, before settling back at around ¤1.14. At the same time, the GBP/USD exchange rate climbed from $1.28 to $1.29, after failing to consolidate after soaring to $1.32. What’s been happening? The pound soared in January, largely on the back of diminishing fears of a no-deal Brexit. However this confidence appeared to fall away in recent weeks which, accompanied by some gloomy UK PMI figures, has seen Sterling fall off its best levels in February. At the same time, the Euro has been pressured in the past month amid growing signs that the Eurozone has slowed at the start of 2019. The US dollar meanwhile, has been lifted by some solid economic data over the past couple of weeks, but still faces a setback due to a dovish shift from the Federal Reserve in its first policy meeting of 2019. What do you need to look out for? As the clock continues to run down before the UK is set to officially leave the EU, any upside in the Pound is likely to be limited while uncertainty continues to cloud investor sentiment. At the same time, the Euro may also struggle in the coming weeks if Eurozone data continues to suggest that parts of the bloc could fall into a recession this year. Finally, with a second government shutdown likely averted, USD investors will have a lot more data to mull over this month, likely lifting the US dollar if the US economy performed robustly at the start of 2019.

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Staying on top of the latest currency news can help you time your transfers more effectively, find out what you should look for over the next few weeks… TheEuro has been pressurised in the past month amid growing signs that the Eurozone has slowed at the start of 2019

Forward contracts Currencies Direct offers a range of specialist services to help its customers save time and money on their currency transfers – including forward contracts. With a forward contract you can you can fix an exchange rate for up to 12 months ahead of making a transfer, protecting your funds from any sudden shifts in the currency market. A forward contract might be particularly useful if you’re planning to purchase a property in Portugal or the UK. Property purchases have a tendency to drag on for longer than you expect, and the exchange rate could move substantially between you making an offer and completing on the purchase. With a forward contract in place you can budget effectively and eliminate the worry. Since 1996 Currencies Direct has helped more than 250,000 customers with their currency transfers. For detailed information and advice, contact the local office and register to receive regular updates on the currency markets and the possible impact on your transfers. (Do mention you heard of us in Simply Algarve magazine.) T: 289 395 739 E: algarve@currenciesdirect.com W: currenciesdirect.com/portugal

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Finance

MONEY MATTERS Each month, we answer questions posed by readers in order to help you to understand the often complex tax system here in Portugal

Q I am a Non-Habitual Resident and my income is only made of pensions; every time I go to the shops in Portugal, they ask me if I want an invoice with my NIF, what should I say? Customers are offered these invoices because there is a tax incentive which applies to some tax payers. However, as you are NHR, your pensions are tax exempt in Portugal so, as you won’t pay any IRS here, you can’t deduct any expenses. Deductions are a tax rebate, so if there is no tax to pay, there can be no discount or refund. It’s also not possible to deduct expenses in excess of the tax payable. Nevertheless, you should make sure that your NIF is mentioned in all purchases related to your property (refurbishments, maintenance, new air con, new kitchen appliances etc) as these may be offset against your Capital Gain Tax liability when you sell your property. Q Our father passed away last year and my brother and I, who live in Ireland, inherited his property in Portugal, which we are now selling. Can you explain how to calculate the Capital Gains on the sale? Which expenses can we offset and can we deduct all refurbishments made by my father over the years? If you and your brother are non-resident for tax purposes, the tax applicable to your capital gain, will be 28 percent; if you are non-resident and EU nationals, it’s possible to opt for the same rules as residents and be taxed just on half of the gain. In this case, as both of you are selling, each one will have to submit a tax declaration in Portugal, in the year following the sale. If you sell for ¤400.000, each of you will declare ¤200.000 as the sale price. The purchase price will be the Tax Value of the Property (VPT) on the date your father passed away. In terms of deductions, only invoices registered with your fiscal numbers will be accepted. So, I’m afraid that you can only use the real estate commission invoice, to diminish the gain. Unfortunately, the invoices paid by your father (in his name), cannot be included. Contact us, if you want an estimate of how much tax we can save you, by opting for the EU residency taxation. Q I became Non-Habitual Resident in 2018, do I have to apply each year, to remain in this tax regime? When you became NHR, this is valid for ten years (in your case 2018-2027). Providing you keep your residency status and don’t change your tax address becoming

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non-resident, you continue being a Non-Habitual Resident and benefiting from this regime until 2027. There is no need to re-apply each year, the only tax obligation is to submit your IRS tax declaration, with your income. Even in the cases where a taxpayer decides to move abroad, it is possible to return to Portugal and still use the Non-Habitual Residency in the years that are left For instance, if you decide to emigrate in 2020 and return to Portugal in 2023, although you lose the years you were abroad, you may still use the NHR for the years 2023-2027.

You should make sure that your NIF is mentioned on all purchases relating to your property, including refurbishments and maintenance, as these may be offset against your Capital Gains Tax liability when you sell your property

Q I am renting my property to a couple of Dutch citizens, do I need to communicate this fact to SEF? Very simply, no. The communications to SEF only apply to those renting properties in Alojamento Local (Local Lodging). Please remember that in the case of AL, it is mandatory to register the dates of check in and check out and details of all foreign guests, regardless of whether they are EU citizens or not.

We are here to help. Please feel free to send us any questions you may have about the systems here and we will do our best the advise you on the most efficient approach in your particular situation. Of the questions we receive we will select ones for publication that are of general interest but of course you can consult with us on a one-to-one basis. Email me at ricardo@allfinance.pt.

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 THE NAMES

ArtCatto, Loulé On now This will be an exciting year for ArtCatto with eight exhibitions and the opening of a sculpture garden at the Conrad Quinta do Lago in May which will include exhuberant pieces like this figure by sculptor Sam Shendi. At the gallery works by Voka and Alisa Lim A Po will go on show from 11 April. Leave your email address at the gallery on the Avenida, and you’ll be invited to the events planned which total to a year of brilliant art.

THE SHAPE AND THE SHADOW

Vale do Lobo Art Gallery Untll 13 June, Monday-Friday 9am-6pm Discover the bold, vibrant paintings and intriguing sculptures from acclaimed artists as selected by the São Mamede Gallery to be part of this Collective Exhibition. Powerful pieces from Georg Scheele, Jean-Frédéric Bourdier, Jesús Curiá, Manuela Castro Martins, Mar Sólis, Miguel Ponticú, Nogueira Lopes, Paulo Neves, Shintaro Nakaoka and Vitor Ribeiro feature.

SOMETHING SPECIAL

Côrte-Real, Paderne On now It will make you smile. An enchanting bike ride captured by French illustrator Jean Jacques Dussassois. “Life is like riding a bike... to stay balanced you must keep moving.”

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ART PREVIEW

Museu do Traje São Brás Saturday 9 March Bold, bright, big and beautiful, works from artists Brigitte von Humboldt and Vera Christians that dazzle the senses.

PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION Museu do Traje São Brás Preview Friday 29 March New from the Photographers’ Group of the Algarve is an exhibition entitled Trades. Expect anything from shoe makers in action, to bakers and calçada-layers. If the last exhibition is anything to go by, you will be inspired.

Brigitte von Humboldt

HAPPENINGS CARNIVAL

Av. José da Costa Mealha, Loulé Sunday 3 March- Tuesday 5 , 3pm-5.30pm Floats, music, dancing, and general partying, at the must-see celebrations, in the town where they first started – long before Rio got in on the act. There’s a small ticket fee to be paid and the monies collected go to local charities.

FARMERS’ MARKET

Quinta Shopping Sunday 3 March, 10am-1pm It’s back, and will be on the first Sunday of every month. Pop down to QdL for the best of local produce and regional specialities, enjoy a coffee in the sun, and at 11.30am, clap your hands as Grupo Folclorico de Faro perform. If you have visitors staying, they’ll love it.

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THE HOT BREAD AND FRESH CHEESE FAIR

Vaqueiros, Alcoutim 10 March, fron 9am This one is worth a day out, and the drive beside the Guadiana is a delight at this time of the year when the roadsides look like they are spray painted with blossoms. You get what it says, hot bread from the ovens and a whole selection of local eats, including the famous serra cheese, plus, of course, the inevitable crafts stuff and a fair bit of music.

Agenda

SPORTS VALE DO LOBO GUEST DAY

Royal Golf Course 16 March Another opportunity for keen golfers. The next Guest Day is open to Vale do Lobo Golf Club members and Proprietors Club members who can invite their guests to play at a special price of ¤50 per green fee. The offer is also extended to Vale do Lobo Resort and Welcome card holders (but not guests) To find out more contact 289 353 464 or email golf@vdl.pt

FOR THE YOUNGSTERS

CARNIVAL FUN

YOGA AND MEDITATION FOR CHILDREN Museu do Trajo São Brás de Alportel Mondays 5.30pm Call 966 329 073 for enrollment details.

Vale do Lobo Praça 2-9 March, 2.30pm- 5.30pm All the fun of Carnival in Vale do Lobo, with daily entertainment in the Praça itself or Parque do Golfe – games, activities and carnival cheer, especially for the little ones. Bouncy castles, face painting, balloon modelling, crazy nails, tattoos and plenty of other treats take place daily under the watchful eye of skilled child minders.

MUSIC INTERNATIONAL GUITAR FESTIVAL

Faro, 3-31 March There are concerts throughout the month, 15 in all – some cool, some classical, others wild and wonderful – in different venues that include churches, clubs and, of course, concert halls. The festival kicks off with the thrill of flamenco from the Carlos Pinana Trio and fado guitars from Luis Guerreirro Trio at Teatro das Figuras. Tickets are ¤10, but there are lots of concessions available. You can book online at teatrodasfiguras.pt

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GLENN MILLER ORCHESTRA

Teatro das Figuras Faro Saturday 10 March, 5pm A sell-out wherever they play, the Glenn Miller Orchestra, directed by maestro Ray McVay, returns to Portugal to delight audiences with the likes of Moonlight Serenade, In The Mood, Tuxedo Junction, and Chattanooga Choo Choo. McVay directs some 20 talented musicians and singers in this big band in an hour and a half foottapping spectacular. Tickets are ¤30.

NEBUCHADNEZZAR GROUP

Museu do Trajo São Brás de Alportel Sunday 17 March, 5pm Check out the poster below for details. This one promises to be a goody.

LYRA WORLD MUSIC CONCERT

Vale do Lobo Auditorium Near Tavira Saturday 30 March, 8pm Soprano Carla Pontes and harpist Helena Madeira form a talented twosome, thanks to their desire to take classical music to new audiences. Medieval essences, old sounds, traditional Portuguese, Irish and Spanish sounds make this concert a true musical bouquet. Tickets are ¤15. For details call 289 353 322 or email tourism@vdl.pt

Almancil International Rotary Club Ladies and gentlemen we invite you to celebrate with us

International Women's Day In aid of APAV (victims of abuse)

Saturday 16th of March Conrad Algarve

Programme 12:00 - Wine Reception with music 13:00 - Opening Bell Welcome from Rotary President 3 course Lunch with wine Portuguese Women of Renown from Rotarian Ladies

Fashions presented by Bioco Traditional capes by Lurdes Silva Palmas Douradas accessories by Maria João Gomes

"Women and the law in Portugal" by Ana Ferreira, Past President of Albufeira Rotary Club

Fun Raffle Musical moments performed by students of Algarve Conservatórios Closing Bell Donation: €40 per person book your place: phone 915 399 727 e-mail: dotslats@icloud.com

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Golf

USE DRIVING RANGES THE RIGHT WAY! PGA Professionals Richard Hudson and Eddie Charnock of Algarve Golf Guru, discuss the importance of using a driving range properly so you don’t ruin your game

riving Ranges are the modern way to practice your game, but unfortunately they have caused more issues over the years than many people may think! Firstly, the name doesn’t help, Driving Range. How many times do you use a driver in a round of golf – maybe 14 at most? And yet this is the most-used club when golfers visit a driving range. TOO MANY BALLS are hit on the driving range with very little thought given to making positive changes to improve your game; this also leads to hitting shots from random positions, with divots all over the place. PICKING UP THE RANGE BALLS – this is all done for you! All you have to do is pay, hit and leave. Now if you had to pick the balls up yourself, like you would have had to before driving ranges were available and you used your own golf balls, you would be more worried about accuracy than length, a key part of scoring well. Most of the commercial driving ranges use mats – okay if you are working on your alignment or hitting woods, but not ideal for practicing your irons and short game, as your club bounces through impact which is nothing like the ball/divot which is required to strike a ball correctly. CONCENTRATION, unfortunately this is almost impossible as you are certain to be practicing next to other golfers, most of whom will be talking – especially if they are in a group of friends – making or receiving phone calls, so generally a distraction. These are just a few issues but I am sure you have experienced your own!

Here are some ideas to help you use a driving range to your advantage: • Hit an equal number of range balls with each club. • Pick definite targets, don’t just hit aimlessly down the range. • We recommend three practice swings to every one shot, and making the practice swings at 50% of the speed of an actual shot in order to better appreciate the movement. A favourite saying of Eddie’s when teaching is “Quality is better than Quantity.” • The correct way to optimise the use of the grass on the range is to start at the front of the hitting area and work back in a straight line only taking a small portion of grass at a time as you will be using the previous shots divot area rather than creating a new one. “Make the most of what you have, so everyone else has grass to use when you’re finished.“ • Practice your irons off a small tee when hitting from mats. • Use ear plugs or headphones; many tour players and top amateurs practice listening to music which helps to block out distractions. • Spend an equal amount of time practicing your short game to long game! A short game area/putting green can usually be found at golf courses that have driving ranges. 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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SPORTS NEWS

Brought to you by Chris Wright

Portimonense players acknowledge their fans

Volta ao Algarve second stage podium

Walking football goes global The EUROCOPA Walking Football Tournament being staged in Albufeira 1-2 April has attracted teams from South Africa, Spain, France, England, Scotland and Portugal. Twenty teams in the 50+ years competition include reigning champions Sheffield United plus newcomers South Africa Walkers, Aulany WF (France), Esquina Park & Smiles WFC (southern Spain), Benfica (Lisbon) and Fulham WF (England). There is strong representation from East Algarve Walking Football (Olhão & Tavira) in the 60+ years competition which will also include Aulany (France), North Lanarkshire Auld Gits (Scotland), Brackley Saints (Northamptonshire), Fulham, Oxford and Lagos Strollers. Walking Football is based on association football – the key difference in the rules from standard football, is that if a player runs (on or off the ball) then they concede a free kick to the other side. This restriction, together with a ban on slide tackles and tackling from behind, is aimed both at avoiding injuries and facilitating the playing of the sport by those who are physically disadvantaged. The way the sport is played promotes cardiovascular fitness whilst producing the least stress on the body and helping participants maintain an active lifestyle. For more information on the tournament go to: algarvefootballtours.com. There are weekly Walking Football sessions in Tavira (Mondays), Olhão 60+ only (Tuesdays), Vilamoura (Tuesdays), Lagos (Wednesdays) and Olhão (Thursdays). For more information: walkingfootballalgarve.com First day crash mars Volta ao Algarve The 45th annual Tour de Algarve got off to a dramatic start as a pile-up blighted the final stage of the first day’s 199kms stage from Portimão to Lagos. Fabio Jakobsen

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Volta ao Algarve massed start

Walking football: action from last year’s tournament

(Deceuninck–Quick-Step) took advantage of the huge crash, that occurred seven kilometres from the finish and took out the likes of John Degenkolb (Trek-Segafredo) and Dylan Groenewegen (LottoNL-Jumbo), to win the stage. The Dutchman was easily able to sprint clear of Arnaud Démare (Groupama-FDJ) and Pascal Ackermann (BoraHansgrohe) who took the respective podium spots. Some 80 riders were involved in the crash including upan-coming Irishman Eddie Dunbar who was forced to retire from the Volta ao Algarve after sustaining a suspected dislocated shoulder and head injury. Dunbar has previously highlighted the need for greater awareness surrounding the treatment of head injuries in cycling, pointing to the lengthy period of convalescence that he required after suffering a concussion two years ago. The 22-year-old joined Team Sky last September and had impressed in his opening races with the team. Fellow Sky riders Tao Geoghegan Hart, Ian Stannard and Wout Poels also went down in the same crash as Dunbar, but all three finished the stage and continued in the race. The four day event covered 778.9kms (483.7 miles) of the Algarve’s roads, tracks and highways. Frightful February for Portimonense After the euphoria of beating Benfica and drawing with SC Braga in January, last month proved a disastrous sequence of results with four consecutive defeats, including a 1-0 home defeat by second-to-bottom GD Chaves, followed by a 1-1 home draw against lowly CD Aves. Although currently mid-table in the Primeira Liga, the team are only six points above the relegation zone with tricky fixtures this month against CD National (Madeira) at home 9-10 March, away at Belenenses (Lisbon) on 16-17 March and two weeks later at home to vastly improved Moreirense.

Last word

EXPAT talk... Everyone is talking Brexit and readying for the next chapter, Anthony Martin included. But he has long felt European, from the cut of his hair to the shine of his shoes, and likes it that way

efore I start, it is necessary to state that the piece below is the personal opinion of the author who takes sole responsibility for his fanciful meanderings, written two weeks ago, and asks that you don’t shoot the messenger. So now, to the elephant in the room – Brexit. There I’ve said it, the dreaded B word, for this is the month that we have all been, depending on your point of view, either eagerly anticipating and celebrating or dreading and lamenting. I am, of course, surmising that most of the readers of this fine publication (not only fine but also monthly and free) are British. For those of you who are not but are fully paid up members of the EU club, hopefully you can sympathise with our angst for, at the time of writing, we are experiencing Brexit-wise, both the ‘winter of our discontent’ and the knowledge that ‘nobody knows nothing’. Here, in Portugal the pundits have been installing Project Fear-Lite by advising us to exchange our driving licences from UK to PT and encouraging those unregistered Brits who have been here for years to besiege the Cameras and legalise themselves (which they should have done shortly after arriving anyway) lest the UK leave without a deal. And have the owners of UK registered cars that have been here for longer than the limit allowed given a thought as to what could happen after the split? But on both sides of the Channel there are Leavers and Remainers, immigrants and emigrants, politicians and Captains of Industry, all running around like headless chickens and all because of an absence of facts. And, not only is there no Plan B but the powers that be do not even have a Plan A, just a gung-ho attitude that all will be alright on the night. But will it? At 11:00 pm on March 29, throughout the UK, shall there be Leavers toasting the Union flag, fondly remembering their old school atlas, in which the predominant colour was pink and refusing to believe, that there could be tariffs and that prices of some goods might go up. And shall there be others who go to bed that night cheered by the fact that their jobs will be safer tomorrow than they were yesterday? Perhaps others shall be wondering whether they will still have jobs tomorrow after the manufacturing company for which they work has upped and moved to ‘The Continent’, aka Europe proper? And shall we here, be battling with the Portuguese bureaucracy as to the whereabouts of our Marmite and multi-packs of Hobnobs, last seen in a customs shed this side of the Channel? What a bloody mess. And who caused it? Certainly not the man on the street who voted to leave, all he did was

I had a Spanish barber and a French butcher. I wore German suits, Italian ties, and drove foreign cars. My only English quirk was my shoes; I insisted on Northampton’s finest...

listen to the politicians...after all they are the countries elected leaders, intelligent, worldly and well-educated and who, by choosing politics as a career, obviously wanted to defend, promote and serve their country to the best of their ability. Didn’t they? Or were there some who, at the time, looked around at the lay of the land, saw chaos in the corridors of power and being interested in furthering their careers and getting closer to, or indeed taking over the TOP JOB, lied through their teeth? But, whether you are a Leaver or a Remainer, whether there is a deal or not a deal, the UK must listen to its people, honour the democratic vote, and break away from Europe. And this leaves me in a quandary because I am a European, I feel European. When living in England I ate French, Italian and Greek food; I wore German suits, Italian ties, and drove foreign cars. I had a Spanish barber, a French butcher and my closest friend was German, I had weekly Portuguese lessons and my furniture was imported. My only English quirk was my shoes; I insisted on Northampton’s finest. I saw no difference between them and us, regularly popping across the Channel for both business and pleasure. Ok, the ‘Continentals’ have different habits to the British and are sometimes difficult to understand but then the same differences exist between the people of Peterborough and Peterhead. And then I moved here and became even more European. I found myself shaking hands with everyone I came across – waiters, postmen, shop assistants and even the GNR. My usual punctual self arrived late for appointments, my driving deteriorated and my periods of procrastination lengthened. But altering one’s personal habits does not alter ones makeup – I’m still a Brit but now asking myself where my heart lies. I’ve grown to love this country, with all its faults, and I no longer wish to be an estrangeiro, I want to fit in, be part of the population, I want to stand up and be counted. Will some kind Portuguese family adopt me... please.

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