Sam_Mar20 by Richard Bassett

SIMPLY

ALGARVE ISSUE NO. 47 MARCH 2020

REF: 7Q15220

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

8 A TRIP TO SALIR A historic town with amazing views

12 ABBE’S AMAZING BOOKS Thanks to Abbe, great books for kids of all ages can be delivered straight to your doorstep

14 LITTER BUGS - THE LAST STRAW! Cleaning up Faro’s beach

16 A TOUCH OF NATURE Walking over water at Fonte da Banemola

20 RESTAURANT GUIDE A look at some of our readers’ favorite venues

24 LONG OR SHORT OF IT Long term vs Short term letting

26 PROPERTY OF THE MONTH Could this be your dream property? COVER: A visit from a busy Bee whilst visiting Fonte da Banemola, taken by Ana Schiavone.

28 WHY ARE YOU HERE? For a better, happier lifestyle

30 DESIGNING YOUR DREAM HOME Isabela Goncalves gives us tips on creating our own beautiful space

32 GALLOPING THROUGH THE WAVES Whether you’re a novice rider or professional Equestrian, this stroll along the beach is a must

36 YOUR HEALTH Our latest fitness tip from Carly Richards

38 MARCHING FOR A CAUSE Get involved and raise money for a deserving cause

39 SALT COD Try this traditional recipe for yourself!

40 RESTAURANT OF THE MONTH Vegan Joe’s, delicious and plant based

42 FINANCE Your questions, answered by our expert

43 CURRENCY The ups and downs of the exchange market

44 NOT TO BE MISSED Get the diary out and plan your month

48 GOLF Get it right and things are swinging

49 SPORTS NEWS The latest in sport from Chris Wright

50 PARTING WORDS Often mistaken for planes, these birds do amaze!

March 2020

PUBLISHER Richard Bassett ART DIRECTOR Jake Bassett +351 966 044 143 simplyalgarvemag@gmail.com CONTRIBUTORS Chris Wright Isabela Goncalves Ricardo Chaves Richard Hudson Stephan Humpenöder Purple Carrots Carly Richards Currencies Direct Jake Cleaver Portugal News AlgarveDailyNews Jake Bassett ADVERTISING 966 044 143 simplyalgarvemag@gmail.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 Unipessoal Lda publication.

News

NEED TO KNOW We bring you more news, local happenings, shop openings, bright ideas as well as helpful hints and charity updates, so you know what to look out for where. Send us your news too, we’ll always include anything of special interest

FARO SET TO WELCOME REVAMPED TOURISTIC ROAD-TRAIN WITH MORE ATTRACTIVE ROUTE AND CHEAPER TICKETS

aro Council has renewed the tourist train operator’s contract for another four years and introduced new features for the road bound Faro Tourist Train. There will be new stopping points, and the tickets will allow you to get out and explore the city at different locations. The idea is that tourists can explore the region’s capital with greater ease. This revamped small-scale public transport system of touristic interest will reopen in early April. Faro Council decided to extend the route to more points in the city, such as the Jardim Alameda; the renovated viewpoint of the Hermitage of Santo António do Alto, and the Municipal Market of Faro, thus providing further courage of the city. Thus, the user can opt for a single use ticket, which corresponds to only one trip, complete or partial (adult), for the value of 3.77 euros (plus VAT) or for a daily ticket, which corresponds to several complete trips , as long as they are used up during the same day, for the value of 5.66 euros (plus VAT). Thus, the latter option allows tourists to make the stops they want at the various points along the route, so they can go off on their own and look around the city as they please on foot, and then continue their journey at the specified times.

The cost of both types of tickets are reduced by 50 percent in the case of individuals aged 10 years or less. The transport will be running every day of the year, however, with seasonal adaptations. That is, from April 1st to October 31st, it will operate between 10 am and 9 pm; from November 1st to March 31st, between 10 am and 5 pm. The tourist train will be operated by the company Delaturis, which is headquartered in Vilamoura. The contract is the result of a public concession tender approved at a Faro Council meeting on November 18th, 2019. The value of the concession is 1206 euros per month, up to a total of 57888 euros for four years. The contract may be renewable for equal periods, up to a period of 12 years. According to the specifications, the Faro tourist train will include an audio guide with headphones and the possibility of choosing a language. Mayor of Faro, Rogério Bacalhau, expressed his satisfaction to journalists, stating that “this is another step towards the increasingly recognized affirmation of Faro as a great tourist destination”. source: algarvedailynews.com

March 2020

VILAMOURA INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW RETURNS

ilamoura Marina will be hosting the International Boat Show between June 6 and 14, an event that has been held at the marina since 1999. Bringing together several of the sector’s leading companies, the event will showcase all kinds of boats as well as boat-related accessories, equipment and services. The show allows visitors to directly try out the boats. “The goal of the Vilamoura Marina International Boat Show is to once again bring together the main boat companies and operators in a privileged location with the best conditions for such an exhibition, similar to what is done in other international

markets,” says Isolete Correia, the marina’s managing director. This year, there will also be a lifestyle area which will feature a car exhibition and several fashion and decoration items. Vilamoura Marina has 825 berths for boats ranging from six to 60 metres, a shipyard, a training centre, shops and restaurants and has hosted several major nautical events, such as the 420 World Championship. More information about the event can be found at www.vilamouraboatshow.fil.pt. Source: www.portugalresident.com

OLHÃO RECEIVES ‘GREEN LIGHT’ FOR CCTV CAMERAS

lhão Council has received the ‘green light’ it needed from the Secretary of State for Internal Administration to implement a CCTV surveillance system in the town. Around 26 CCTV cameras are due to be set up very soon in Olhão’s downtown, namely the 5 de Outubro and República avenues and Rua do Comércio. source: .portugalresident.com

March 2020

News

FACING THE FLAMES

ortugal is one of the countries in Europe most threatened by wildfires, and as the climate changes, the government has decided that it wants to be prepared. Part of that motivation comes in the wake of the summer of 2017, one of the worst fire seasons in the country’s living memory. A record area of over 500 thousand hectares burned; hundreds of homes were lost; and over a hundred people died. The area around the municipality of Pedrógão Grande still bears the scars of the fires that ripped through the area. Acres of burned trees appear randomly as you drive the rural roads, and stretch from the asphalt to the horizon. Thirty of those who died were killed in their cars along one stretch of road as they attempted to flee. It’s not something that people here have forgotten, two years later. Being prepared is a big task to undertake. After 2017, the Portuguese government legislated that trees and brush must be cleared from roads, to create a “buffer zone” of 10 metres on either side, using the tarmac to slow the progress of the blaze — and to create a safer road if people need to escape, something that was desperately needed three years ago. However, Portugal has the highest percentage of privately owned land in the European Union at 97 per cent, and land is often left to grow wild. It can be difficult to even identify the owners, and even more so to enforce fines for overgrowth. Clearing the fuel makes for slower-moving fires, which are more

easily controlled. So, when the owners don’t manage the land, the newly-created rural fire service, the AGIF, is stepping in. They deploy chainsawwielding teams to chop down the excess growth, in particular the flourishing eucalyptus which burns well and is thus a main culprit in the rapid propagation of forest fires. The government is also investing in even lower-tech solutions. A pilot programme was launched to pay for people to work as shepherds in vulnerable areas, with a specific goal in mind; get the goats to clear low-lying shrubs and plants. Additionally, the government are hoping to use fire to fight fire. “Fire is a good employee, and for sure during the summer a bad boss. So we need to use it wisely during the winter time,” says Tiago Oliveira, a scientific expert in wildfires and now the chief of the Portuguese Rural Fire Service. His teams light up areas of the countryside in what is known as a prescribed burn, turning tinderbox zones into cinders, creating fire breaks which will halt the flames in fire season. But they can only burn when the landowners agree to it, meaning his job is half fire chief, half public relations guru. Explaining how fire can be a good thing is often a challenge. Mr. Oliveira says it’s a matter of when, not if, Portugal will burn again. But if the country can adapt and be prepared for the new conditions it faces, it stands a better chance of saving both homes and lives. source: algarvedailynews.com

INTERMARCHÉ GROUP DONATES €17,500 TO FARO CHILDREN’S HOME

s Mosqueteiros – the group that owns the Intermarché, Bricomarché and Roady brands in Portugal – has donated ¤17,500 to Faro children’s home Refúgio Aboim Ascensão. The children’s home was one of eight institutions in Portugal supported by the group’s ‘Good Wishes’ campaign, which during the last festive season asked shoppers to send their good wishes to the institutions. Each ‘good wish’ was then converted into a ¤2 donation by the group. All in all, the group donated ¤140,000 to the eight institutions: Refúgio Aboim Ascensão; Fundação O Século; No Meio do Nada; SOS Animal; Pão e Paz; APAV; CECD and ADM Estrela. This was the second year that Os Mosqueteiros organised this charitable campaign. Refúgio Aboim Ascensão is renowned for the work it carries out providing a safe, loving home for children in need. Source: portugalresident.com

March 2020

by Dora Guerreiro

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AMI 14557

Worth a visit

A TRIP TO SALIR We take a look around the charming little Village of Salir. A short distance away from Loule, it has some of the most amazing hillside views and incredible History that makes it well worth a visit.

et in the breathtaking central Algarvean hills is the enchanting Village of Salir, filled with character and surrounded by nature it is a wonderful place to spend the day and has many trails to enjoy that take you through the Barrocal and gives you the opportunity to appreciate nature and all its beauty. Reaching as far back as the 12th century, Castelar (now, Salir) was occupied by the Moors who built the Castle of Salir to protect the region against the Christian re-conquest. The legend behind the name is said to have come from the cries of the Saracens as they fled from D. Paio Peres Correia, “Salir, Salir!” meaning “Escape, escape!”. The Castle of Salir Now left to ruins, the castle sits on the hill with a great viewpoint over the green hills of Serra do Caldeirão. The

Castle was part of a regional defense system conquered from the Moors between 1248 and 1249. In an Archaeological study of the site between 1987 and 1998, Prof. Helena Catarino and her team revealed a dense urban area consisting of six houses and two streets, with each house containing various rooms, each with different functions. These rooms are identified as being bedrooms, kitchens, livingrooms, courtyards, etc... The kitchens being identified by the recovered ceramic kitchen utensils and the courtyards by their paved stone slabs. These houses were used during the 12th century and were abandoned after the Christian conquest. The Archaeological record shows that the conquest of the castle was very hard on the population of Salir and caused a lot of destruction to the people and structures of the village.

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Ermida Nossa Senhora do PĂŠ da Cruz

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Worth a visit Igreja Matriz de Salir

Igreja Matriz de Salir

Rocha da Pena Besides the castle, the main landmark of the region is Rocha da Pena (pictured above), a natural park with an area of 637 hectares that stretches from Salir to the town of Benafim. The park has a maximum height of 479 meters, making it a great spot for climbing and hiking enthusiasts. Spring is the best season to visit Rocha da Pena as the plants begin to flourish, covering the hills with layers of colour. Wild orchids, narcissus and wild peonies are a few species you can expect to find in this protected area. As for the fauna, the park is home to several birds, like the Alpine accentors, the Ring ouzel and the Bonelli’s Eagle. The Pedestrian Trail The Pedestrian Trail is very popular amongst tourists, it starts along the EN525 where Sector 7 of the via Algarviana also begins. The Trail crosses the Algarvean Barrocal, Ribeira dos Moinhos, Fonte Figeira and more. Along the

way you can expect to see traditional dry Orchards, Citrus Groves, old tanks and water wheels, Almond, Fig and Olive trees and of course a plethora of Fauna to go with the beautiful serene countryside such as the Genet, the Beech Marten, the European Rabbit, Red Foxes, the Moorish Gecko, Sharp-ribbed Salamander and more. If you’re lucky you might even see some Otters, though they are very hard to spot. Though quite small village, Salir has much to offer and we thoroughly enjoyed our visit. We hope you are conviced to experience it for yourself. To reach Salir we recommend following a quick Google maps search, the Route from Loulé is quite simple and is a very enjoyable drive in itself. Let us know about your experience in Salir! Email us at simplyalgarvemag@gmail.com we would love to hear what you thought of this Historic little Village.

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Pรณlo Museolรณgico de Salir In 2002, the Loule Council decided to build a small musuem next to the castle ruins in order to preserve and present the findings from archaeological studies that have taken place in the area. This little museum has a glass floor above the 12th-century Moorish foundations. Other local archaeological finds include Neolithic menhirs (standing stones), Iron Age stelae (stone carvings) and Roman pottery.

March 2020

For the kids

ABBEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S AMAZING BOOKS Struggling to find interesting, suitable books for your children? Abbe Jensen is exactly the person you are looking for, providing thousands of fun and interesting titles for all ages!

ew people have had such an adventurous life as Abbe Jensen, having worked on cruise ships for many years along with her husband, she has travelled to many places around the world and experienced many different cultures (Various countries in Europe, The Caribbean, Hawai, South America and Alaska to name a few), so when she and husband Hans decided to expand their family beyond the two of them and settle down in a more permanant location, they had plenty of places to choose from, however, due to the weather, the proximity to Family in the UK and the lifestyle (amongst other reasons), they chose the wonderful Algarve. After settling down and finding their home, Abbe decided to put her free time to good use and find a job, however, her time was limited as a full time mum and finding a suitable job was proving difficult until a friend of hers suggested being a organiser for

Usbourne books, As a Usbourne organiser, Abbe is here to provide personal recommendations, helping you choose the perfect books for your child, plan fun events for Schools, Libraries, Homeschools and more, where she brings selections of Books, Puzzles, Dictionaries, Encyclopedias, Card games and more to be viewed. Not only do the events provide the opportunity for people to buy great books, 60% of money made from events at Schools is given back to the school in free Books! The Books are also available on Abbeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website and Facebook page and can be bought and delivered worldwide. If you are interested in finding out more on purchasing books or organizing an event with Abbe, visit her website: org.usbornebooksathome.co.uk/URL_abbe_bookshop email abbedabbydoo@yahoo.co.uk or call +351 925 979 855

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from s n i 5 M lé Lou

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March 2020

13 11

Environment

LITTER BUGS THE LAST STRAW! On the beautiful sunny morning of the 9th of February, a group of volunteers started appearing out of the sand and gathering together outside the Zé-Zéa Café, on the west side of Faro island. After a quick game plan, they were given gloves and rubbish bags, and for the next hour and a half set about cleaning up Faro Beach. Written by Jake Cleaver

suppose we’ve all become quite accustomed to seeing rubbish that it doesn’t really register, but when you actually go looking for it you find that, unfortunately, it’s everywhere. But thanks to the wonderful work of a total of 73 volunteers, that ranged from children and students to fully grown adults, who gave up their time on Sunday morning - there is now 522 kilos less! 57 kilos of which were plastic. But as they scoured the coastline they also found 20 old “covos” (nets that fishermen use to catch octopus, langoustines, lobsters and the like), construction materials, glass bottles (People enjoy swigging on a few cold ones while bidding farewell to the fireball. Which is great - but they forget to take their bottles back with them afterwards. And i’m sorry, but the argument that glass is made from sand and it’s just come home - is not going to fly!), wire, “ferros” (iron poles), and somebody even came back with a rusty old bicycle! All in all Straw Patrol - the organisation that arranged the event - were very happy with their latest Haul. The event was a collaboration with biology students from the UALg university in Gambelas (just up the road), and

Sea Shepherd - a worldwide organization set up to save the oceans. And there was even a member of MAF Movimento Pro Animal de Faro, who not only participated in the event, but also helped save an animal that had been run over near the pickup site. If you are looking for something to do on the weekend, and fancy a walk on the beach, meeting some nice new people - while simultaneously helping to keep this beautiful place we live in - beautiful. Then the next event is set to be on the 14th of March (this month!) on the Ilha Deserta. But for more information, and to get notified about any future events get on to Facebook and follow - StrawPatrol. Feel free to practice your beach cleaning in the meantime, and if you do go - here’s a pro tip! Start by walking as far away from the collection point as you plan to go, and then collect the rubbish you find on your way back. Don’t, as our group did, set out with this idea in mind, walk for ages, but then - continue along collecting rubbish. Because then you end up with masses of garbage to drag all the way back! Sounds logical doesn’t it, but you’ll see it’s hard to be that sensible.

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Worth a visit

A TOUCH OF NATURE

Natural running water is a rare thing to find all year round here in the Algarve, but after a short walk along the serene Fonte da Benemola Trail, that is exactly what you will find

he Fonte da Benémola Trail is situated just 20 minutes away from Loule, this well known circular walk is a little over 4000m long, though this trail is not sought after for it’s spectacular Sea or Hillside views, instead, the rural scenery at Fonte da Benémola is peaceful, pretty and very bucolic. This trail crosses a Protected Landscape composed of woodland, meadows, and traditional farmland on the banks of the little river Menalva, deep in the Algarve’s Barrocal. What sets the Barrocal apart from the rest of the Algarve is its fertile limestone soils, rainfed orchards, and the rocky

terrain. The porous rock substrate of this region prevents the formation of most surface watercourses – in fact, water usually only flows underground throughout the Barrocal. Fonte da Benémola is one of the few exceptions to this geologic rule since it flows over bedrock. Here, a few freshwater springs, watermills, dams, channels and ancient wells punctuate the leafy countryside. Located on the furthest stretch of the trail, the largest of these springs is called ‘O Olho’ (The Eye). There is speculation that the Arabs were possibly the first settlers to build complex hydraulic structures across this valley and many of these structures are still there to

March 2020

be seen by visitors as well as lime kilns, but almost all of them are now in ruins. In ancient times, lime was produced across this water-rich area by cooking the limestone that composes the area’s bedrock. Contrary to most other watercourses in the Barrocal, the stream that feeds this fertile terrain is not seasonal. The Flora Water flows throughout the year, supporting a vibrant ecosystem composed of many distinct animals and plants: the lush banks are covered by White Willow, Poplar, Tamarisk, and Ash trees; in turn, these large arboreal species are accompanied by fragrant shrubs that include Lavender, Mastic, Thyme, Rockroses, Laurestine, Oleander, Rosemary and Strawberry trees, among many other species. Further afield there are also Olive, Almond, Orange and Carob trees, as well as Kermes and Cork Oaks. Spring brings swathes of colour and perfume to the valley, a time when many of the abundant little orchids also start to flower. Fonte da Benémola is a great place to ‘hunt’ for notable orchids.

The Fauna The pristine waters of the tiny river are a haven for several species of fish, and for salamanders, frogs and toads; the two species of pond turtle living here – Mediterranean and European – are easy to observe, but visitors must keep very silent when approaching the banks. There are Otters (Lutra lutra) as well, but these intelligent mammals are notoriously hard to pin down. On the other hand, birds are easily seen and heard throughout the valley. Frequently seen bird species include Azure-winged Magpie, Little Egret, Grey Heron, Moorhen and Jay; dashes of colour are provided by smaller birds like the Iberian Green Woodpecker, the Serin, the Greenfinch, the Melodious Warbler, the Blue Tit and the Great Tit. Particularly flashy are the Hoopoe, the Kingfisher, the Golden Oriole and the Bee-eater; the latter pair are migratory birds best seen from early April to early September. The numerous caves along the valley also shelter two threatened species of bat, the Bent-wing Bat and the Lesser Mouse-eared Bat. There are numerous boards (both in Portuguese and English) explaining the natural and cultural features of the trail.

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Worth a visit Fonte da Benémola. Visitors must walk on small square pylons to cross the shallow river and complete the walk; however, besides these ‘stepping stones’, walkers shouldn’t attempt crossing the river in winter or when the water flows in abundance. As an alternative, there’s a longer and more difficult signposted route that takes you further inland; you’ll need stout footwear if you intend to follow this craggier route that provides good opportunities to observe raptors like the Buzzard or the Short-toed Eagle. Spring is the best season to visit Fonte da Benémola. Autumn and winter are also good times to walk, but you’ll miss many of the flowers and many of the birds. This is a very popular place among local families, mainly in summer and on weekends throughout the year. There are a couple of car parks here – one at the start of the trail (next to a derelict building) and another one along the trail, in Fica Bem. If you’re trying to find your way to Fonte da Benémola then a quick Google maps search should get you there quite easily!

March 2020

Susana Guerreiro

Interior Design & Architecture

www.susanaguerreiro.com - Tel. +351 289 392 110 - Email. info@susanaguerreiro.com Rua Manuel Teixeira Gomes nยบ 949 A - 8135-016, Almancil, Portugal

Foodies

Your ultimate

Restaurant

We are back with some of our readers favourite eateries. Some are close by, others worth the journey.

Guide

RAIZES COZINHA SAUDAVEL & VEGETARIANA Quarteira

â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is our favourite eaterie by far. It has the kind of menu that makes you want to try everything and homemade food that is clearly produced with love, wellbeing, and creativity in mind. I have tried a lot from the menu and its all delicious and the Snickers tart is just HEAVEN! The prices are very good for the quality of food and the restaurant itself is a light airy oasis of calm and good vibes, dotted with little reminders of the power of positivity, kindness, and awareness. Located just a stones throw from the beach it also has a gorgeous outdoor seating area. I highly recommend Raizes to anyone who enjoys eating clean, healthy and wholesome home cooked food made with high quality and ethically sourced ingredients. There are dishes to satisfy even the biggest of appetites, hearty winter warmers, as well as fresher lighter choices; with some amazing homemade desserts to boot.â&#x20AC;? Rua do Leste, Angloatlantico Building Lot C Store 23b, Quarteira 8125-201, Portugal +351 289 301 183

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U&CO Vale do Lobo

“Since U&Co opened we must have visited for both breakfast and lunch over 20 times. There are two main reasons we keep returning – one is the food and the second is the wonderful staff including the talented chefs. There is nowhere else in the area where you can get this type of healthy, delicious food. The Salmon Poke bowl is superb, the turkey schnitzel delicious and the daily array of ever changing salads and the constant duck bao bun are all simply beautiful to name but a few of their wonderful dishes. This is the restaurant with the staff and the menu’s that the area has long been crying out for. A job well done by everyone and long may it continue.” Avenida do Mar, 23, Vale do Lobo, Loule 8135-864, Portugal +351 289 353 440

NOA CAFE Quinta do Lago

This café packs a punch in a good way. What makes this café so special? Well first and foremost the Chef - the food is exceptional in every which way. NOA’s menu covers all different eating habits whether you are looking for good and wholesome healthy eating or something a little naughty like their divine homemade cakes. I have travelled far and wide and have lived in Paris but their croissants are simply divine and delicious. The team is highly professional and their service is outstanding. I have visited three times and on each visit the whole experience was 10 out of 10. They also offer takeaways so if you are in a hurry or fancy a picnic their Take Away Service is very much worth exploring. I noted they cater very well for families, young children and toddlers and babies - so this is a bonus too in Quinta Do Lago. I hope they listen to my (not so) little hints about them opening a second NOA in Vilamoura where I live - as their really isn’t much healthy eating here - we have the dreaded fast food outlets - then the higher price end of restaurants in the Marina and most of them cannot hold a candle to the NOA for value for money, service and an excellent dining experience. Avenue Andre Jordan, Quinta do Lago 8135-093, Portugal +351 289 352 274

March 2020

Foodies

TRIO RESTAURANT Almancil

“My wife and I love this Restaurant, the setting is very nice in a cozy style with a large bar. Food offering is not very extensive but there is everything: Meat, fish, pasta, vegan, etc... We had smoked slamon as an apetizer presented with a bit of salad and a good dressing. Then we both had the rack of lamb (5 pieces) which was delicious and cooked as requested but served without the traditional boiled vegetables. Instead, Trio choose to offer on the side, grilled veggies at a reasonable cost. We also really enjoyed “batatas gratinadas” as good and even better than the traditional French “Gratin Dauphinois”, along with delicious egg plant, pumpkin and zucchini, all perfectly grilled. We really liked the red wine: a bottle of Conde Vimioso 2016 wich paired well with the lamb. My wife had then a delicious homemade cheesecake. Prices are reasonable for the type and quality of food we got. In addition, service was impeccable. The first bottle of wine we had was tasted by the waiter (the owner); he found a slight cork taste and took it back and brought a new one. This is the first time I experience this in Portugal. We highly recommend this restaurant.” Rua manuel teixeira gomes 802 A, Loule 8135-160, Portugal +351 289 399 309

LUZZO PIZZARIA Almancil

Our first impression pf the place was wow! The decor was fabulous and the restaurant was so clean. There was a little play area for children and even a cute little kid’s toilet. We were well impressed with the novely of ordering food off the ipad, I’ve never come across this before, it did not take away from interaction with staff who were genuinely very warm and genuinely friendly. The atmosphere in the restaurant was very welcoming. Now for the food... it was out of this world. We had smoked salmon, foccacia pizzas and ganache, all of which were delicious. The pizzas are the best we have ever had, even my daughter who is a fussy eater said it was the “nicest pizza ever”. They made fresh juices and drinks on the premises which are very refreshing. Highly recommended! Av. 25 de Abril, Travessa do Beco N 3 e 5, Loule 8100-508, Portugal +351 289 414 372

March 2020

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Why not give us a no obligation call to discuss what you may like to sell? We offer honest valuations and free advise to all potential sellers.

Open: Mon - Fri 09:00 - 14:00pm Sat: Open Auction days Email: valuations@ahalgarve.com Office: 289 832 380 Tel. Mark: 914 774 438 Sitio do Besouro, Conceição, Faro

March 2020

Property Update

THE LONG AND SHORT OF IT Stefan Humpenöder, director of Yellow Homes - Land & Houses Algarve, discusses Long term vs Short term Letting in Portugal

s with most investment decisions there is no straightforward answer. Both rental strategies have their own pros and cons. Short Term Rentals (STR) are those available to tenants for an overnight stay, a week, or another limited period of time but not exceeding 28 days. These properties are completely furnished and ready to use. Popular platforms for short term rentals these days are Booking, HomeAway and Airbnb. The idea behind Long-Term Rentals (LTR) is to buy a property purely as an investment in order to rent to a permanent tenant for a much longer period of time, e.g. 1 year or longer. With the rise in tourism in Portugal, making income from Short Term Rental has become extremely popular from a financial point of view. Over the past few years investors and home owners alike preferred the STR market as the weekly rate in summer often is equal or higher than the monthly rent while at the same time benefitting from a more favourable tax rate. The State’s regulated regime for STR called Alojamento Local (AL) started originally with a very low tax regime. A large number of buyers who made their property available for the STR market were initially taxed at 3.75 % of gross revenues. In the meantime the STR market has lost some of its advantages. Recent legislation has forced a couple of bureaucratic changes and effective tax on gross income increased to 8.75%. In addition - and not many people are aware of it - owners who have an AL licence and who later remove their property from the rental AL scheme are liable to pay capital gains tax, whether they are selling their property or not. Long-term rentals are taxed at a flat rate of 28%. A recent tax law foresees a reduction in the current IRS income tax rate for longer dated rental contracts, e.g. 14% for contracts between 10 and 20 years and 10% for contracts of 20 years and longer. To help owners making a decision which rental scheme works better for them, we have put together a list of pros and cons which can be helpful to make an informed decision as to what will meet their needs. We suppose that the tax burden of both

regimes will almost equalize in the future, but there are other arguments that are decisive for one or the other regime. Long Term Rental - The pros One of the main advantages of Long-Term Rentals is to have a stable cash flow, since renters pay the same amount of money every month over an agreed period of time. Even if the income is less than you can achieve with STR for some homeowners this gives peace of mind. LTR involves less paperwork and less hassle and is less time consuming and the owner can focus on other activities. Depending on how much you charge as your security deposit at the start of the contract, most long-term tenants will take more care of your property in comparison to short term tenants. Security deposits will be returned at the end of the contract unless there is damage to the property. Management is less frequently needed (but more urgent, and often outside of office hours when needed) and the operational costs are relatively low. Utilities are not included in the rent. The property can be rented fully furnished or empty in which case you have less wear and tear as tenants bring their own belongings. Long Term Rental – the cons Renting to a long-term tenant can be risky. You can get great tenants but sometimes you will be counting the days until they leave. If you rent your property long term, you have the risk of delayed payment. Some tenants can be demanding while others may refuse to pay the rent due to financial problems. In addition, if a tenant does not want to vacate the property you must go through an often painful legal procedure of eviction. If you decide during a LTR to sell the property it can become a long process for the owner in case the tenant does not want to move out before the contract expires. Short term Rentals: Pros Short-term rentals offer you lots of flexibility as a landlord. You can use the property for your own holidays while renting it out

March 2020

for the remainder of the year. Property management gives you the option of a hands-off experience as a landlord. You can leave all aspects of managing your rentals to the professionals while enjoying your rental income. Short-term rentals tend to produce in general a higher income especially in combination with long stays during the winter period. Long stays can be billed at the lower STR tax rate and most of the time the guest will pay the utilities during their stay. Depending on the location you can rent out your property on weekly or nightly rates. The average annual income can be much higher compared to long-term rentals, especially when your property is located in a prime location. Holiday rental portals make it easy for the owner to find renters and potential damage is usually covered by the insurance and/or security deposit of the portal. If you create your own website for your property you could market it yourself.

have any questions or need further information, please feel free to contact us and speak with a member of our team. With just under 400 properties for sale in locations stretching the full length of the Algarve, Yellowhomes Land & Houses Algarve is well placed to advice you on all property related matters. Yellow Homes – Land & Houses Algarve www.algarvepropertysearch.com www.algarve-portugal-immobilien.de Vilamoura Office EN 125, Benfarras Boliqueime 8100 - 068 Boliqueime Tel: 289 301 294 Tavira Office Rua Dr. José Pires Padinha 178 8800 - 354 Tavira Tel: 281 320 281 (AMI - 6232)

Short Term Rental – cons The more clients you have at your rental property, the more potential there will be for wear and tear. If you do not want to appoint a property management company to look after the property, it can end GOLF PROPERTIES - VILLAS - APARTMENTS - TOWNHOUSES - PLOTS up being a full-time job. Demand for short term rental is seasonal; there will be times that your property is vacant and no income is generated. Operational costs are higher than with a long let, since you are responsible for all the utility bills, the cleaning and laundry services. With STR owners have to provide a lot more in the way of amenities than with LTR. For example, wireless internet is standard, if you want to stay competitive and the property must be fully equipped and furnished. AMI: 6232 Under current legislation the WELL-PRESENTED BUNGALOW SET IN QUIET COUNTRYSIDE NEAR LOULE bureaucracy for AL vacation rentals This country style villa is set in a tranquil area only a few minutes’ drive of Loule and is offering lovely country views. The has increased and owners need to villa is set on a large, partly landscaped plot with good access road. register with the local authorities Good quality construction and high ceilings throughout. Ref KSN / Price: € 445.000 Euro, EC - In Progress and report to SEF (immigration Contact us! Our email is info@yellowhomes.com or call us on (+351) 289 301 294 and border control) as well as Find out more info on our website www.yellowhomes.com making rental receipts with AT (tax department) approved billing software and the reporting of the monthly SAFT file (digital file with consolidated rental income), GOLF PROPERTIES - VILLAS - APARTMENTS - TOWNHOUSES - PLOTS quarterly VAT reporting if income is above 10.000 euros in the preceding year and in some areas of the country the collection and payment of tourist tax. It is evident that both options offer different pros and cons. If you prefer stable income then the best is to go for long-term rental. If you want to maximize your return on investment and/or make use of the property yourself, then shortterm rental is the better option. In particular for the vacation rentals we strongly recommend to hire a property management AMI: 6232 company, a real estate lawyer and BEAUTIFUL VILLA WITH 4 BEDROOMS, POOL AND SEA VIEWS NEAR VILAMOURA. Located close to Vilamoura in an an accountant to help you do your elevated position and therefore offering fantastic views over the countryside and the sea is this 4 bedroom detached taxes properly. villa. The property is close to many amenities as well as the beach and Vilamoura Marina, making this the perfect holiday In order to achieve your property or permanent residence. Ref : P-SIP / Price: €750.000 Euro, EC – C goals you need to make sure Contact us! Our email is info@yellowhomes.com or call us on (+351) 289 301 294 to choose the right location for Find out more info on our website www.yellowhomes.com your investment property. If you

March 2020

Property

Exclusive Listing

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

AMI: 6232

March 2020

OF THE MONTH PROPERTY DETAILS

Contemporary 3 bed villa with guest annex and high quality finishing’s set on a large plot close to beach near Vale do Lobo / Vilamoura

• Beautiful large plot of land with ca. 2500 m2 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 2 beach bars • In walking distance to shops and several restaurants

¤1.650,000 Ref: BHM March 2020

Reasons

WHY ARE YOU HERE?

After Years of being busy bee’s, they are finally taking a small step back to enjoy the life they have made here in the beautiful Algarve. Meet Roger and Judith, owners of forever interesting House�House Where are you from? We´re both from Fleet in Hampshire.

Algarve it is difficult to name “a favourite place”. At different times of the year most people will favour different areas. The beaches are wonderful all year round but obviously in high summer not necessarily the place residents wish to be. At this time of year the countryside and winelands are much more appealing and we have spent many weekend breaks visiting vineyards in the Alentejo and as far north as Porto.

Your profession? Roger was IT Director for a large UK Insurance Company and I was head of Marketing for a Software Provider. The first time you visited the Algarve and why? Roger came on a golfing holiday with 3 friends in 2000 and I hadn´t been prior to our coming out on 2002. Three things that made you fall in love with the place? Obviously, the weather, lifestyle, cost of living and general pace of life but also the proximity to the UK and the fact that English is widely spoken and it is considered a very safe environment to live in.

Your perfect day? We are trying to slow down a little in order to enjoy the lifestyle Portugal has to offer. We have a lovely home and garden which we both enjoy enormously and what can beat taking the top down on the car and enjoying a leisurely drive through the hills.

How many times did you visit before you decide to make a move? Like we mentioned earlier, Roger had been once on a golfing holiday and I had never visited. We’re both adventurers at heart and decided the time was right to take theplunge! Portugal certainly seamed the ideal place to retire to, although obviously that didn’t happen. Did you rent/buy/build - where? After our decision to leave UK and drive to Portugal Roger put an advertisement in the Portugal News online for possible business interests here. He had 12 responses one of which was Zonda the BBQ Shop, which had been set up at the end of the 2000, but mothballed due to bad management. It happened that the owner lived just a few miles from us in the UK so we got together to explore the possibilities. The then owner had a villa in Vilamoura which we used until we found our own property to buy, a dilapidated villa in Quinta das Raposeiras which we spent the next few years renovating.

What did you decide to do here in Portugal and why We arrived with 12 possible business opportunities to explore but very soon saw the potential for Zonda, which we opened just 3 months after arriving. This business was very successful for us and a couple of years into this I saw another opportunity in the used furniture marketplace. We started House2House in 2005 in a small warehouse, thinking this would be an interesting part time interest. Very soon we realised the demand was bigger than either of us had expected and House2house as you now see it was born. The business has grown from strength to strength over the years and has a wonderful “family feel” to it. We have a fantastic client base, which we value enormously and 4 fulltime members of staff who really are the backbone of the company. Many clients have become friends of the business over the years and it´s lovely to see them pop in for a chat and to catch up, often several times a week. Our multi-lingual staff speak English, Portuguese and French and everyone is always welcome.

Your favourite place? With so many beautiful places to visit in and around the

Info@house2house.pt house2house.pt

March 2020

BRITISH STYLE AUCTION HOUSE • Direct Sales • Business and House Clearances • Free Valuations • Online Catalogue & Monthly Auctions!

WANTED! ANTIQUE AND VINTAGE JEWELLERY AND HALLMARKED STERLING SILVER.

FURTHER DETAILS OF ALL AUCTIONS ARE ON OUR WEBSITE

WWW.AHALGARVE.COM

Why not give us a no obligation call to discuss what you may like to sell? We offer honest valuations and free advise to all potential sellers.

Open: Mon - Fri 09:00 - 14:00pm Sat: Open Auction days Email: valuations@ahalgarve.com Office: 289 832 380 Tel. Mark: 914 774 438 Sitio do Besouro, Conceição, Faro

March 2020

Do It Yourself

DESIGNING YOUR DREAM HOME! Sesil Homeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Isabela Goncalves is here to teach us some tips on transforming your own home into something beautiful and balanced.

hen it comes to decorating or redecorating a home there are several factors to consider: lighting, colours, style, materials, proportion, etc... For many people it can become an overwhelming experience but with some dedication, love and tips, this experience can become very rewarding. Because after all, we all deserve to have a home that reflects who we are and it definitly should be a space that we feel comfortable in and proud of. Here are some important tips to help guide you on your journey to create your beautiful space, whether its a complete project or just your bedroom!

Playing around with scale Choosing supersize objects such as key accessories or furniture make a striking style statement but it also creates a comfortable and cozy atmosphere. Lamps and Pendant lights offer the perfect way to play with scale, as they can create a big impact without taking up too much space. Playing with big art pieces like a canvas is also a good option since it grabs your attention the moment you step into a room.

Balance your color scheme If you want to play with 3 different colours, stick to 60% for your dominant colour, 30% for your secondary colour and 10% for your accent colour and you will find it hard to go wrong. To add a fourth colour into the mix, split the secondary or the dominant colour, but never the accent. If you are struggling for inspiration when it comes to colours use the colour wheel to help you come up with complementary schemes (choosing opposite colours from the wheel) or analogous schemes (using colours next to each other on the wheel).

March 2020

The power of three Three is definitely the magic number when it comes to design - as are odd numbers in general. When you group cushions, vases, flowers or candles in odd numbers, it forces the eye to move around the display, creating a level of visual interest. For example, at an art gallery we find the number of paintings on a wall to be odd numbered. This is because when there are odd numbered structures on the wall, we loose the ability to group them automatically and thereby gaze at it for a while, because it attracts your attention.

The 70-30 split A guaranteed way to give a room character is to decorate about 70% of it in a particular style then complete the remaining 30% in a completely different style. So you can spice up a largely traditional scheme with a smattering of contemporary items or vice versa. If you want to play safe, choose traditional/ intemporal on the bigger pieces and add contemporary pieces for the smaller details such as auxiliar tables, lanterns or cushions.

Meet Isabela: Isabela studied Fashion and Branding at the University of Lisbon and also completed a course on Trends at Central Saint Martins, after finishing her masters she created her own clothing brand called Hode Studio. During this time she started working as a visual merchandiser at Guess and also part time at her parentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; shop, Sesil to help when it was busy. As time went on she fell in love with the world of decor and the opportunity arose for the family to open a second Showroom in Olhao. Due to this opportunity and her new love for decor, she decided to leave fashion behind and put 100% of her effort into decor, jumping straight into a professional course in the subject. Four years and a lot of effort later she is now working full time at Sesil, progressing into full scale interior and decor projects. If you have any questions or would like to contact Isabela you can reach her here: isabelafilipagoncalves@ gmail.com +351 917 054 429

March 2020

Worth a visit

March 2020

GALLOPING THROUGH WAVES... ...Thankfully to us complete begginers, not quite galloping, but whether you are a complete begginer like we are or a seasoned rider, a trip along the Ria Formosa with these amazing animals is a must!

March 2020

Worth a visit

ou might imagine that an unforgettable horseback ride in paradise requires at least some basic experience; however, this dream activity is made a reality with or without any prior lessons by Tavira Equestrian Tourism from Quinta Baleeira, near Cabanas, Tavira. The family home of Maria Campos for generations, it is surrounded by their private scented orchards of oranges and avocados which lead down to the stunning Ria Formosa coastline. Maria is a veterinary physician who studied in Lisbon and Spain, then followed her passion - working around the world with horses. The project evolved four years ago, after discussions with her boyfriend Jesus Grandes-Melgarejo who has the established riding school, Centro Ecuestre Las Marias, in Spain. They decided to combine and Tavira Equestrian Tourism began in July 2017. Centro Ecuestre, also breed fine Spanish horses, and Quinta Baleeira is now home to the young foals one of which was to be born the following night! Riding directly from the gates of the Quinta, guests immediately find themselves calmly meandering through the orange and avocado trees

March 2020

and, after 15 minutes youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re able to see the stunning coastline beyond the eucalyptus trees. The horses are very calm and are suitable for riders of 4 years and older. The stunning Ria Formosa lagoon is calm and perfect for the horses as there are no waves, which makes it possible for the complete novice, as we were, to experience the thrill of entering the water with the horse. Experts Maria and Antonio guide clients along the beach making it very easy to enter the water as well as take in the amazing scenery. A magical experience made possible by Maria and Antonioâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s professionalism, the serene animals and the stunning scenery. This is a really empowering and fun experience that can be enjoyed by experienced riders or, as in our case, with literally no prior experience at all. We would thoroughly recommend a visit. Maria can arrange rides to include lunch for singles or groups of up to 10. A must do in the breathtaking East Algarve; it was a real pleasure. To book telephone 00351 912 350 569 Or 0034 661 907 851 Check their Facebook: Tavira Equestrian Tourism Visit their website: www.taviraequestriantourism.com Email: info@taviraequestriantourism.com

February March 2020 2020

11 35

Get fit

GET FIT & STAY FIT

Following on from last months introduction, here is our very own Personal Trainer Carly Richard’s next exercise tip to help keep us fit!

o after all the rushing around and getting into the swing of 2020 here we have our fitness tip for March.

The hip flexor stretch This stretch should be held and enjoyed for a minimum of 10-20 seconds to get full benefit, though any more is a bonus! Let your body gently gravitate down towards the floor with every exhalation. The front knee should be over your heal and towards the edge of the mat (my right foot in the pictures) the back knee should slide back as far as comfortable to the back of the mat and to the edge. The stretch should be felt around the front of the hip, my left hip in the picture & groin area.

Depending on how tight the muscles in your legs are you’ll possibly fell the stretch in the hamstrings of the opposite leg also. Always listen to your body and don’t over stretch. Stretching keeps the muscles flexible, strong, and healthy, and we need that flexibility to maintain a range of motion in the joints. Without it, the muscles shorten and become tight. Healthy muscles also help a person with balance problems to avoid falls. The right stretches can also help with sciatica problems. If you are looking to take your fitness and health more seriously then contact Carly on: Tel +351 926 671 132 / 0044 7732-801565 or email carlyrichards@yahoo.com

March 2020

FARO | TAVIRA

Get Involved

MARCHING FOR A CAUSE

On the �th of May ��, join the rest of the world in walking together to raise money and awareness for the global fight against suicide and self-harm.

Whatever your age or situation, walk with us, talk with us, so that together we can create a world where suicide, self-harm and stigma have been replaced by hope, self-care and acceptance.

arkness Into Light was created in Dublin, Ireland in 2009 where 400 people set off to walk 5km to raise awareness in the global fight against suicide and self-harm. Each year the walk provides an opportunity for people to connect with their local community and to show their support for those who have been bereaved by suicide. Their team of volunteers, in Ireland and overseas, have returned year after year to help make the experience a rewarding one and to help us all continue to raise awareness in the global fight against suicide and self-harm. In 2019 over 200,000 people took part in 150 locations, in 16 countries across 5 continents. Since Darkness Into Light began, Their dedicated supporters have helped them raise almost ¤25 million, which has enabled them to keep their doors and 24/7 helpline open for people in crisis, free of

charge. The Healthy Minds Algarve Association is now bringing this event to the Algarve for the first time and they intend to invest the money raised into local mental health services and clinics for children and adults across the Algarve. The 5km walk will take place on Saturday 9th May 2020 at 5am departing from The Shack Lake Bar, Quinta do Lago – where everyone will walk into the sunrise at the same time. Registrations for the event are open from the 25th February 2020, to book your place visit www.darknessintolight.ie/ algarve or www.healthymindsalgarve.org Keep up to date with the route, ticket information and details via their social media pages darknessintolightalgarve Ticket Prices are available on the websites and include a DIL t-shirt, water and breakfast is optional at the end of the walk for a small donation to the charity.

March 2020

E legance

ALGARVE

Love of furniture and interior design by Donna Algarve Elegance is the beauty within your home with a taste of difference and style. Find us here: Av. Duarte Pacheco 143, Almancil or contact us on T: 960 116 396 E: donna@algarveelegance.com W: algarveelegance.com March 2020

Dining out

March 2020

RESTAURANT OF THE MONTH VEGAN JOE’S, LOULE

on’t be scared by the V-word, if you aren’t on the strict, plant based diet then you probably have world of delicious recipe’s waiting for you to try, many of those can be found here at Vegan Joe’s where we were pleasently suprised (did you see the cake and ice cream? It tasted as good as it looks!). Being on a plant based or Vegan diet can make social events quite difficult, especially when it comes to dining out, a problem that owners Bruno and Raquel found when the couple made the switch around seven years ago. Though frustrating, this is what gave the pair the idea to create Vegan Joe’s. There aren’t many places in the Algarve that offer exclusively Vegan menu’s and though more and more “normal” restaurants are offering plant based options, it is difficult to trust that the food is 100% Vegan and follows the strict requirements. Vegan Joe’s was created to give that option to people who are in need of a “safe place” that is guaranteed to be 100% Vegan and full of flavour, but if you’re not Vegan then don’t worry, they have many immitation dishes so that you don’t miss out any of your favourites such as their Cheese board, Burgers and Pies to name a few. Their menu is extensive (including freshly pressed juices

and vegan wines!) and changes every week to make sure there is always something new for their regular customers. Their prices are more than fair and the portions will make sure everyone leaves the restaurant very happy (which is easy to see by their Happycow and Tripadvisor reviews). We hope you enjoy Vegan Joe’s as much as we did! Vegan Joe’s R. de Portugal 47, 8100-554 Loulé 289 053 723

March 2020

Finance

Personal income tax

Each month, Ricardo Chaves of All Finance Matters gives an insight into the legalities governing tax and general financial matters

IRS Personal Income Tax 2019: what you need to know about it this year. The IRS delivery time will begin on the 1st of April and will run until the end of June. So now it’s that time of the year, when we need to clarify some of the questions you may have concerning this important task. Which format should I submit my IRS tax return in Portugal? All IRS tax declarations are exclusively submitted online, so if you don’t have a password to access the tax portal, it’s important to request one for each tax payer. As the tax website is only in Portuguese this may be a difficult task, if you don’t understand the language, ask your accountant to get this for you. When do I need to submit my IRS tax return in Portugal? All IRS tax returns independently of the type of income earned, need to be submitted from the 1st of April until the 30th of June. What is the period covered in my Portuguese IRS tax return? The tax year in Portugal is the same as the calender year, so you declare the income from 1st of January 2019, until 31st of December 2019. Do I fill a joint return with my partner or one each? You may choose to do it either way, so it’s important to ask your accountant to simulate the two scenarios and see what is more advantageous to you. What happens if I forget to file a return or do it incorrectly? It’s important to be aware that the fines for non-compliance with the dates, can be very high. Fines can go from ¤37.50 to ¤112,50 for a delay of 30 days. However depending on the type of miss conduct, mainly fraud, fines go from ¤375 to ¤22.500. I’m non-resident, do I need to submit a return? First of all, are you sure that you are non-resident? Do you have a fiscal representative? If not, where do you receive your IMI council tax bills? If you receive them at your property in Portugal, then most likely you are a resident for tax purposes in Portugal. If you are non-resident, then you will only submit an IRS return in Portugal if you have income from a Portuguese source (including property rental or salem even if you haven’t made a capital gain). I arrived in Portugal last year, do I need to submit a return? In the first year of residency, you need to submit a tax return for the period you were in Portugal (from arrival to 31-12-2019). The same happens to all those that ended

their Portuguese residency in 2019, in that case you need to submit a tax return from 01-01-2019 to the date you left. What happens if I have to submit tax returns in more than one country and the information is not ready before the end of June? If for any reason you don’t have all the information required to submit the tax return in Portugal by the end of June, you may submit a request in the tax portal, to allow you to submit the tax return until the end of December of the current year. When do I need to pay my IRS? After submitting your tax return the tax authorities will validate your declaration and you will receive a tax bill in the post, giving you 30 days to pay. Please note that if you intend to be away during the warmer months and don’t have a fiscal representative to receive your bills, you will incur in monthly interest charges and penalties. Suggestions to make this years IRS stress-free We strongly advise our customers to prepare everything with time to spare, in order to complete this process smoothly: PASSWORD: Make sure you and your partner have a password to access the Tax Portal. If you do not have one, request a new one immediately; COPY OF ID AND NIF: For you, your partner and any dependents you may have; DECLARATIONS OF INCOME: Gather the statements of income and withholding taxes; BANK ACCOUNT: Your IBAN will be necessary to include on your IRS return and will make any tax refund much quicker. This also includes the IBANs from any foreign bank accounts opened in your name. CGT: if you have sold a property in 2019, make copies of the deeds (for purchase and for sale) and gather invoices for the real estate commission and home improvements. These can be deducted against any capital gain tax. Remember if you have a resident status but your income was earned abroad, you have to deliver along with the tax return the ‘J’ Annex which discriminates the values received abroad. There are taxation agreements in place between Portugal and several countries to avoid double taxation so the impact this will have on your IRS will depend on several factors. If you are registered as a nonhabitual resident, don’t forget you will need to fill in the Annex L and also include the IBAN information on all your bank accounts abroad. We can assist you with all this bureaucracy, please feel free to book an appointment with us and avoid any late submission fines. Contact our office and book an appointment. Email: ricardo@allfinance.pt Tel. +351 281 029 059

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March 2020

Finance

Currency outlook

he GBP/EUR exchange rate traded in a wide range over the past month, with the pairing trading in a range between ¤1.17 and ¤1.20 as a result of heightened Brexit uncertainty. EUR/GBP, meanwhile, fluctuated between ¤0.85 and ¤0.82 while GBP/USD held at $1.30.

What boosted the pound? After closing January on a high, after the Bank of England (BoE) opted keep interest rates on hold following its first policy meeting of the year, the pound swiftly fell out of favour again at the start of February. This came as fears of a no-deal Brexit were reignited by Boris Johnson, in a speech outlining his vision for a new trade agreement with the EU. The PM struck a decidedly combative tone, calling for a free trade agreement, but refusing outright to pursue any kind of alignment with EU regulation. Terms which will be unconceivable to the EU as it seeks to ensure the UK maintains a ‘level-playing field’ with the continent. Sterling would quickly bounce back however, with GBP/ EUR striking a fresh 2020 high following the resignation of Sajid Javid as UK Chancellor, on hopes a new team at the Treasury will be a little more willing to loosen the purse strings. The euro meanwhile, has been plagued by a run of gloomy data in recent weeks, which alongside concerns over the impact of the coronavirus led to a sustained sell-off of the single currency. Three things to watch out for in the month ahead… The currency market is always moving, but we’ve picked out the three things we think will have the most impact on the GBP/EUR exchange rate in the month ahead. UK Budget – 11 March After being delayed due to the General election, the Boris Johnson’s government will finally publish its first Budget next month. Markets are hoping for an ambitious Budget, with increased government spending helping to boost domestic growth and easing pressure on the Bank of England to cut interest rates. Potential impact on GBP/EUR: POSITIVE

Brexit Trade Negotiations Next month will also see the start of UK-EU trade negotiations. With both the UK and EU seeking to strike a tough stance on trade, clashes between the two sides

In the current climate of concern, Jose Almeida of Currencies Direct looks at potential changes to GBP/EUR... seem inevitable, likely stoking fears of a no-deal Brexit at the end of 2020. Potential impact on GBP/EUR: NEGATIVE

European Central Bank (ECB) rate decision – 12 March The European Central Bank (ECB) is due to deliver its latest rate decision on 12 March. While no policy changes are expected from the bank this month, expect to see the euro take a knock if the ECB expresses concern about the coronavirus’ potential impact on the Eurozone economy. Potential impact on GBP/EUR: NEUTRAL/NEGATIVE Top tip for making your money go further If you need to move money to or from Portugal in the weeks ahead, here’s our March top tip for getting a better return for your currency transfers. Take advantage of Forward Contracts The GBP/EUR exchange rate has experienced some notable volatility over the last four weeks and this can make planning a future transfer somewhat tricky. However, leading currency providers like Currencies Direct offer a range of handy services to make it easier to achieve the rate you want. Forward Contracts are one such service. These allow you to fix an exchange rate for up to a year, ensuring your transfer amount will remain the same regardless of any movement in the market. Forward contracts are particularly useful when purchasing a property abroad, as the often lengthy process can leave you significantly out of pocket if there is an unfavourable shift in the exchange rate between making an offer and finalising a purchase. Please get in touch if you want to know more about the latest news or how it could influence your currency transfers. Since 1996 we have helped more than 275,000 customers with their currency transfers, so why not give us a call to find out more. For detailed information, please contact the local office by phone or visit the Currencies Direct website to register to receive regular updates on the currency markets. And do mention Simply Algarve magazine as how you heard about us. T: +351 289 395739 W: currenciesdirect.com/portugal

March 2020

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

LOULÉ COFFEE & CONVERSATION FOR EXPATS

Jaya Coffee Co. & Brunch 11 March, 10:00 - 12:30 Meet ups for long term residents or newcomers to the Algarve. Subjects of interests to expats in the Algarve, such as moving to Portugal, making a living here, setting up a business or buying property are discussed. Coffee mornings, sports events, health and wellbeing and special interests. Reserve a seat: www.expatcentreportugal.com/events.

LOULÉ RALLY

Serra do Caldeirão 14 - 15 March The Municipality of Loulé is preparing to host the first event of the South Rally Championship 2020. The Loulé Rally will serve as the gateway to the sporting season of rally practitioners in the south, this promises to be thrilling! For more info visit clubeautomovelalgarve.pt

FESTIVAL ENCONTROS DO DEVIR

14 March - 30 May The 6th edition of Encontros do DeVir features 24 activities, including shows, exhibitions, colloquia and performances in various spaces in the municipalities of Faro, Loulé and Lagos. For more info visit: www.encontrosdodevir.com

CONCERTO PROMENADE

Cineteatro Louletano 22 March, 12:30 Presented by Rui Baeta, this musical journey will be performed by the Promenade Concert group. Kids age 3+ are also invited to this event, they have extra activities lined up for them to keep them interested and entertained. For more info visit http://cineteatro.cm-loule.pt/

FORGOTTEN FOOD FESTIVAL

Penina, Loule 28 March, 10:30 This experience starts with a small interpretative walk to reveal the identity of the place and will have accordionists and folklore dancers that will perform algarvian corridinho. For more information visit comidaesquecida.com

BALLET AND OPERA LIVE BROADCAST

MAR Shopping 1 April, 19:15 Now you can enjoy the best of ballet and opera performances in the Algarve! Thanks to the live broadcasts of favourite works from London and Moscow at the NOS Cinemas at MAR Shopping. For more information visit www.marshopping.com

March 2020

QUINTA DO LAGO

VALE DO LOBO

ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARTY

SILVIA CAVELTI ART EXHIBITION

The Shack 17 March, 15:00 - 19:00 Enjoy St. Patrick’s Day with sun and celebration at The Shack! The summer lakeside hangout returns with a party you won’t want to miss. Join them for drinks, music and merriment with live band Ricardo and The Lads. For more info, please contact +351 289 381 225 or theshack@quintadolago.com

Vale do Lobo Art Gallery On now - 28 March This exciting art exhibition THE SQUARE by Silvia Cavelti promises to be truly memorable, bringing an exciting and thought provoking selection of works to the resort. Visit the Vale do Lobo Art Gallery and Vale do Lobo Artistic Space, Monday to Friday from 09:00h to 18:00h and enjoy free admission to view the works on display.

NUTRITION WORKSHOP

MINDFUL MOVEMENT CLASS

The Campus 26 March, 14:00 - 16:00 Learn how to Alkalise your body, prevent common illnesses, and boost your health, wellbeing, mind and body with this interactive workshop. Registration is ¤35 members and ¤50 non-members. Book now at: +351 289 381 220 or email the-campus@quintadolago.com

Vale Do Lobo Auditorium 12 March, 10:00 - 11:00 This session includes a range of posture, breathing and gentle moves from Qigong and Yoga, run by Mindfulness and Yoga teacher Per Norrgren, the Director of Training and Founder of inMindSight, you won’t want to miss this. For more information visit www.valedolobo.com

JUNIOR TENNIS CAMP

Vale do Lobo Auditorium 14 - 15 March Learn more about the winemaking process, the latest trends and taste reds, whites, greens, pinks and sparkling wines from a variety of producers over the two days... For more information: 289 353 322 / tourism@vdl.pt

The Campus 30th March to 17th April Perfect for young tennis players who want to develop their tennis skills, make friends and have fun! For more information: tennisshop@quintadolago.com

II WINE CONNECTION TASTING

S I M P L E TAS T E . P T

March 2020

Agenda

FARO

OTHERS

QUINTAS DE POESIA

Club Farense Faro 5 March, 21:30 - 00:30 Experience Portuguese Poetry with Afonso Diaz at the Poetry club, whether you’re just there to listen or you want to get involved, everyone is welcome.

JORGE SALGUEIRO PIANO AND ORCHESTRA CONCERTO

Teatro das Figuras 7 March, 21:30 Jorge Salgueiro’s Piano and Orchestra Concerto was commissioned especially for this 4th Algarve International Piano Festival, and has its world premiere at the Figuras Theatre in Faro. The Concerto will be performed by young pianist António Cebola and the Central Classical Orchestra, conducted by Jan Wierzba. For more information: 365algarve.pt / artedosul.pt +351 968 741 664 / batutamota@gmail.com

O MEU AMIGO ROBÔ (MY ROBOTIC FRIEND) Teatro das Figuras 15 March, 10:30 - 11:30 This is the story about a meeting between a girl and a robot. Can a robot be our friend? Does he know how to give hugs? Does he have a heart? This piece is for young children however is sure to be entertaining for all. For more information visit teatrodasfiguras.pt

LA CONSAGRACIÓN DE LA PRIMAVERA, ROGER BERNAT (SPAIN) | LE SACRE DU PRINTEMPS, XAVIER LE ROY (FRANCE)

CAPa – Faro 13 March, 21:30 Enjoy in one night 2 versions of Rite of Spring, a unique and surprising experience. This new version of Stravinsky’s work by renowned French choreographer Xavier Le Roy, the pinnacle of contemporary European dance, premiered at the Venice Biennale (2018) and has been touring very successfully at some of Europe’s largest dance festivals since that year, namely at the last edition of the Autumn Festival, with presentation at the George Pompidou Centre (Paris). For more information visit www.encontrosdodevir.com or cal +351 918 703 414

FCC WEEKLY MEET UP - NETWORK & CODE Portimão 5 March, 18:00 - 20:30 Join the group at Startup Portimão located at the Autódromo do Algarve in Portimão for a weekly group session on freeCodeCamp. Bring your laptop and spend some time learning/ developing/experimenting on freeCodeCamp or just networking with like-minded tech people. Everyone is welcome to participate and talk about any other topics related to technology, startups, digital marketing and business in general. For more info: meetup.com/free-code-camp-algarve

INDIAN BANQUET FUNDRAISER

Tavira 12 February, 19:00 Come to Dawat restaurant in Tavira and enjoy an Indian buffet including wine, beer and soft drinks for €30. Ticket price includes a donation to the Algarve fire stations. There’s also a raffle with great prizes! For tickets and more information: Email karenhg@ymail.com

SPRING EQUINOX MARKET & YOGA - �� SUN SALUTATIONS

Casa Do Povo do Concelho de Olhão - Moncarapacho 21 March, 14:00 - 18:00 The 108 Sun Salutations will be led by 4 different and very experienced Yoga teachers from Algarve. We encourage you to join for the whole session, but there will be a part of the space dedicated to those that would only like to participate for a portion of the Sun Salutations. For more information contact flourish.hello@gmail.com.

ALGARVE RUGBY FESTIVAL

Browns Vilamoura 28 March, 12:30 The Algarve Rugby Festival is one of the many diverse annual events that make Vilamoura such a dynamic resort, attracting people from all over the world. Great rugby followed by a fun karaoke session at Browns’ Sports Bar, it’s an event that simply cannot be missed! For more information Tel. (+351) 289 322 740 or visit www.brownssportsresort.com

March 2020

Vila Nova de Cacela: Every 3rd Sunday of the month

CENTRAL ALGARVE

Albufeira: 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month (9 am – 2 pm) Alte: 3rd Thursday of the month (8 am – 2 pm) Armação de Pêra: Monday to Saturday (7 am – 1 pm) Carvoeiro: Monday to Saturday (8:30 am – 2 pm) Faro: 2nd Sunday of the month (8 am – 4 pm) Lagoa: 2nd Sunday (8 am – 1 pm) Loulé: Gypsy market and farmers market every Saturday of the month Quarteira: Gypsy market every Wednesday (8 am – 3 pm) Silves: 3rd Monday of every month (8 am – 1 pm) Vilamoura: The nearest market town is Quarteira

WESTERN ALGARVE

MARKETS EASTERN ALGARVE

Monte Gordo: 4th Saturday of the month from 10am. Olhão: Takes place every day with a larger market (including a gypsy market) on Saturday mornings. Tavira: 3rd Saturday of the month (9 am – 1 pm) Vila Real de Santo António: 2nd Saturday of the month from 10am & Every 3rd Sunday of the month

Aljezur: 3rd Monday of every month (8 am – 2 pm) Alvor: 2nd Tuesday of the month (9 am – 2 pm) Burgau: The nearest market is in Lagos. Feragudo: Does not have a market. The nearest market is in Portimão. Lagos: Weekly Saturday Farmers Market (8 am – 2 pm) with a more general market on the 1st Saturday of the month. Markets also take place on the 1st Sunday of the month. There’s also a farmer’s market at the marina on Wednesday afternoons called Viv’o Mercado. Monchique: 2nd Friday of the month (8 am – 2 pm) Portimão: 1st Monday of each month (8 am – 2 pm) & the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month. Sagres: 1st Friday of the month (9 am – 2 pm)

www.bestcartransport.eu Regular Car Transporter Runs between Ireland & Spain/Portugal. Our transporters run on fixed days throughout the month, ensuring you know exactly where your vehicle is, at all times!

Best Car Transport, Portugal Office, Rua Almirante Cândido dos Reis,Tavira, Algarve, Portugal, 8800-318. Telephone 00351 920 376 096 email: bcttransport.eu@gmail.com UK Telephone 0044 730 9756 795 BCT Transport Ltd.

March 2020

Golf

TO GLOVE OR NOT TO GLOVE?

Richard Hudson and Eddie Charnock, Algarve Golf Guru, PGA Professionals discuss ‘Do you need to wear a glove to play golf?’

ollowing on from our previous articles in Simply Algarve where we covered the golf swing, we would like to continue by discussing the importance of wearing a Golf Glove. Wearing a golf glove is not a requirement, but we recommend you do!

• A golf glove helps the golfer maintain a secure hold on the golf club. This is true when the golfer is sweating, or when the grips on your golf clubs are wet (or maybe need changing!). • Golf gloves help the golfer to keep a good grip on the golf club which reduces tension in the hands, wrists and forearms — tension is bad in golf! • Nearly all top golfers wear a glove on one hand, the lead hand (right handers on the left hand, left handers on the right hand), a small number don’t wear gloves at all and a smaller number wear gloves on both hands.

still being comfortable and not restricting your hand movements. A golf glove that is too large offers you no feel, defeating the purpose of wearing one in the first place. Do you wear the Golf Glove for all shots? If you do decide to wear a glove based on what we have said, should you wear it for every shot during your round? Our advice is no! Professional Golfers wear the glove only on swings with woods, hybrids, irons and wedges. When they reach the green, the glove comes off. Putting is such a feel stroke, that having that tactile sensation of no glove, provides more feedback on your putt. To help design an efficient practice routine tailor-made to help achieve ‘the best you’ golf swing, Contact Richard or Eddie E: sales@algarvegolfguru.com W: algarvegolfguru.com And do mention Simply Algarve magazine as a point of referral.

• You want the glove to fit like a second skin, while

March 2020

SPORTS NEWS

Brought to you by Chris Wright

TOUGH TIMES FOR PORTIMONENSE With only two league victories, prior to their game at FC Porto, the Portimão side will be hard pressed to avoid relegation from the Primeira Liga. Portimonense took the lead in their game against Sporting at the Avalade through Jackson Martinez but the Lions drew level with a Jérémy Mathieu strike before a Jadson own goal consigned the Algarve side to yet another defeat. New manager Paulo Sérgio, who spent most of his playing career at, as well as managing, SC Olhanense saw his new charges draw 1-1 at home to Moreirense. Mohanad Ali aka ‘Mimi’ as been signed, on loan from Qatari side Al Duhail, until the end of the season. The 19 year-old Iraq international, he has already racked up twenty-eight appearances for his country and found the back of the net fourteen times, will be hoping to add to his goal tally and help Portimonense climb away from trouble. Home games this month: weekend 14th/15th March - Gil Vicente and 21st/22nd March – Benfica. BMX A BIG HIT IN PORTIMÃO Pedro Amaral (CBP - Clube Bicross de Portimão) won the first two stages of the BMX Portugal Cup which took place at the popular Portimão track that opened last June. One of the best facilities in the country, the BMX track at the Parque da Juventude

de Portimão is a pioneer in Iberia, with a fully electric mechanism on the starting grid. Amaral took the chequered flag on all three days ahead of his local rival André Martins (Team BMX Quarteira). In the junior event Renato Silva (Team BMX Quarteira) took the top honours. On the 22nd June the track will host the Algarve Cup, which will precede the National BMX Race Championship scheduled for July. VODAFONE RALLY DE PORTUGAL The Portuguese round of the World Rally Championship will take place between the 21st and 24th May centred on Mortágua and Felgueiras (Viseu). The route will cover 1,582kms with twenty-two special stages. Team Vito Skoda with Algarve driver Ricardo Teodósio and his navigator José Teixeira will be among the front runners. The 2020 Portuguese Rally Championship will consist of ten races, but competitors will only be able to participate in a maximum of eight. VILAMOURA SHOW JUMPING Some 1200 horses will have passed through the Equestrian Centre at Vilamoura before the Atlantic Tour concludes on Sunday 8th March. With not inconsiderable amounts of prize money at stake it is no wonder that top entrants from many countries converge on the highly rated and

March 2020

well equipped centre. Last weekend John Whitaker MBE, silver medallist at the Los Angeles Olympics in 1984, was among the visitors. With free admission and parking, these events make a wonderful day out. In July the centre will stage the European Youth Championships. www.vilamouraequestriancentre.com/ atlantic-tour LAGOS STOP THE LEADERS Olhanense travelled to Lagos Esperança having lost just once in their quest to qualify for the play-offs in the Campeonato Portugal. Despite going a goal down the home side rallied and strikes from Chico and Lamine gave them an unexpected but well,deserved victory. The third tier of Portuguese football is highly competitive with Lagos and Armacenenses (Armacão de Pêra) holding their own in midtable. In the Segunda Liga, supporters of SC Farense were relieved to see the team win their first home game since mid-December when they beat Oliveirense 3-1. Ryan Gauld, the former Dundee United protégé, was in sparkling form laying on two goals and also hitting the woodwork. Despite losing four games in the past couple of months, the Faro based team are still in second place and on course for a return to the Primeira Liga from which they were relegated almost twenty years ago.

Last word

Parting words...

Let’ Stork about long legged birds! Jake Cleaver shares some interesting trivia and Ancient tales about the wonderful creatures.

f any animal could be considered the mascot of the Algarve; it’s the Stork. Known as “Cegonha-branca” in Portuguese, these elegant birds make their nests on anything from electricity pylons, dead palm trees to old chimneys all along the Algarve. You could say that they have many coastal properties, but also, they’ve been here long enough to know that the Algarve isn’t all beaches, and that there’s immense beauty to be found inland! Consequently they also have many townhouses, and lots also enjoy mountain living - I don’t think I’ve seen a single telephone pole on the road up to Monchique that isn’t taken. As long as they can live on the top floor, and can boast a panoramic view; they are happy. A nice thing about Storks is that the majority are monogamous, and, as such; don’t play in the fields for too long. They are nesters (that’s probably where us human beings get it from), and they choose to settle down, make a family, and collectively stick together until the end. And collect sticks together they do! And make the most amazing nests. And since it is illegal, as well as considered very bad luck, to remove them - it means that charming old chimneys that would have been turned to rubble in the name of progress long ago, still stand tall - what luck. If your house is set to be demolished; maybe consider getting a long legged feathery roommate? I mean they would definitely take top bunk, but hey. Come to think about it - they are the ultimate squatters! Having said that, a Stork has recently had his penthouse flat removed from an old dilapidated streetlight pole, in downtown Faro. It seems that despite the bad luck of taking it down, the powers that be, decided it would be worse luck; if it were to fall on somebody’s head. And, after weighing up their options, and realizing that the latter weighs about 400 kilos! They decided to do, what Storks themselves seldom do when out hunting for beetles - which is to choose the lesser of two Weevils.

Hera, the Queen of the Gods, grew jealous of a beautiful mortal Queen Gerana. Almost certainly because Zeus possibly the greatest serial philanderer there ever was (or wasn’t, depending on your viewpoint, and/or fear of being struck by lightning), had the hots for her. Zeus may have been the King of the Gods, but he was a right scoundrel. Anyway, Zeus had his sights set on Gerana, and Hera in typical fashion

Storks have always sparked our imaginations, with tales going all the way back to Ancient Greece, when

March 2020

They can’t sing like their songbird cousins, Quack like Donald Duck or tweet like Donald Trump!

became furious, and, as usual, took her fury out on the wrong person - turning poor Gerana into, you guessed it - a Stork. Unfortunately, I should have researched this first before assuming. I just read that Zeus actually wasn’t into Gerana after all (Sorry Zeus, although, I’m still not entirely convinced). Apparently she boasted that she was more beautiful than Hera, and I guess, got what she deserved? Anyhow, Gerana was heartbroken, and flew away with her child Mopsus; and the Greeks depicted the transformed bird fleeing with a baby dangling from its beak! They also featured in Norse Mythology due to their apparent family values, and their white colouring made them a good symbol for purity. They were said to be a sign of good luck, and to bring about the possibility of new birth. But when they really became known for their role as midwives, was after the Hans Christian Anderson fable, “The Storks” - where they would pluck dreaming babies out of ponds and deliver them to deserving families. But, in typical Hans Christian Anderson style, this fairy story also has a dark side; and Storks would also deliver dead babies to ill deserving families. He wasn’t big on the whole happily

ever after thing, ol’Hans. Nevertheless; the more modest Victorians loved it. As when it came time to talk about the birds and the bees they could simply explain that you could be mail ordered on the Stork postal service (9 month delivery time though. What would Amazon say?). Now, another little thing about Storks, is that they can’t sing - like their songbird cousins. And they can’t quack like Donald Duck, and they can’t tweet like Donald Trump. This means that if they want to have a chat - they have to do exactly that - and you can’t miss them chattering away to each other. The clattering chatter of their bills sounds a bit like a toy machine gun! But even though they can sometimes make you feel like you have suddenly come under fire; things wouldn’t be the same without these most renowned Algarvian avifauna. They cut a pretty majestic pose even when they are plodding through the mud looking for breakfast, but get them airborne and they are some pretty smooth aviators. They even look like planes, as they hardly even have to flap their wings..

March 2020

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Articles inside

PARTING WORDS

NOT TO BE MISSED

GOLF

SPORTS NEWS

YOUR HEALTH

CURRENCY

FINANCE

MARCHING FOR A CAUSE

GALLOPING THROUGH THE WAVES

DESIGNING YOUR DREAM HOME

WHY ARE YOU HERE?

A TOUCH OF NATURE

A TRIP TO SALIR

LONG OR SHORT OF IT

ABBE’S AMAZING BOOKS

WORTH KNOWING