SIMPLY
ALGARVE ISSUE NO. 50 SEPT 2020
Contents
Welcome!
Take a look at what’s coming in this months issue. Do you have an interesting story you think should be shared? Email us at simplyalgarvemag@gmail.com 6 WORTH KNOWING News, views, and some very good ideas
10 CARVOEIROS CLIFFS Our first time Stand up paddleboarding
14 FLAMBOYANT FLAMINGO’S Jake Cleaver shares his findings on everyone’s favourite pink birds, the Flamingo
18 THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF GINGER 20 TO DETOX OR NOT TO DETOX Janet Shook discusses detoxing your body
22 INTERIOR DECOR Sesil’s Isabela Goncalves gives us some rustic tips
24 MOVING TO A WARMER CLIMATE An update on the property market by YellowHomes.
26 PROPERTY OF THE MONTH Could this be your dream property?
28 AS SALINAS A look at the Algarve’s highly regarded Salt pans.
32 RECIPE OF THE MONTH Try this amazing Tiramisu full of natural flavours
34 FONTE BENEMOLA We revisit Fonte da Benemola as we didn’t quite get to enjoy it earlier this year
36 BOOK CLUB
COVER Peeking through the eyes of the cliffs in Carvoeiro. A look at what’s to come on page 10. Snapped by Jake Bassett PUBLISHER Richard Bassett ART DIRECTOR Jake Bassett +351 966 044 143 simplyalgarvemag@gmail.com CONTRIBUTORS Chris Wright Ricardo Chaves Richard Hudson Robert Bijker Janet Shook Jake Cleaver Portugal News AlgarveDailyNews Portugal Resident Jake Bassett ADVERTISING 966 044 143 simplyalgarvemag@gmail.com
Calling all book worms!
38 RESTAURANT OF THE MONTH Welcome to Green Valley Restaurant
40 FINANCE
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.
Your questions, answered by our expert
42 GOLF A tip from the pro’s!
44 SPORTS NEWS The latest in sport from Chris Wright
46 PARTING WORDS How much do you know about our moon?
September 2020
Unipessoal Lda
5
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
MONCHIQUE TO LAUNCH ‘MOBILE ANIMAL RESCUE’
M
onchique is to launch a mobile animal rescue unit for emergencies like fires, or any other ‘catastrophes’ that hit the hillside borough.
Integrated within the municipality’s ‘Animal Seguro’ (Safe Animal) programme, the idea developed after the last devastating fire in 2018 which threatened the lives of many animals. “You think in a fire that you can let animals loose and they will save themselves”, mayor Rui André explained. “But it’s not like that”. A lot of animals died in the 2018 fire, and many needed veterinary assistance.
6
Thus the unit will work in these situations, ideally to gather animals up in areas that look like they could be in the path of flames. The plan was one of a number presented during a visit to the borough by environment and climate action minister João Pedro Matos Fernandes this week. Mr Matos Fernandes heard how the municipality is also planning vaccination and sterilisation campaigns for cats and dogs and raising awareness among locals that dogs should not live their lives on the end of a chain. source: portugalresident.com
September 2020
PORTUGAL BEATS ‘WORLD RECORD’ FOR CHEAP SOLAR POWER “The auction was a success, even greater than the auction that took place about a year ago [...]. We beat a new world record, which was achieved with absolutely clear negotiations”, announced the Minister of Environment and Climate Action, João Pedro Matos Fernandes, at a press conference in Lisbon. According to the ministry, the South Korean company Hanwha Q-Cells was the “big winner” of this second solar auction, which took place on August 24th and 25th. Matos Fernandes said that with this auction, gains for consumers in the order of 559 million euros are achieved over 15 years. This value corresponds to a unit gain of about 833 thousand euros for each MW awarded (over 15 years), which represents an increase of about 80% compared to the unit gain obtained in the 2019 auction (about 464 thousand euros for each MW awarded), clarifies the ministry. Matos Fernandes revealed that the 12 lots auctioned correspond, in fact, to 13 awards “because, for one of them, the orders corresponded, approximately, to half of their own availability”, he explained. Each competing company could award a maximum of half the total auction capacity. As for the remaining lots auctioned, the Spanish companies Iberdola and Endesa left with one each, the French Tag Energie took two lots, the German Enerland took one lot, and the Spanish Audax left with two. Asked about the reason for not having Portuguese companies
in the group companies that came away successful from the solar power auction, the Minister of the Environment stressed that Iberdrola and Endesa are “two great ‘players’ in Portugal”, but, since it is an auction of network points and not tariffs, “a ‘player’ who is already in Portugal gives less value to being able to access the network than a ‘player’ who is not in Portugal”. In the fixed price modality, in which the lowest value in the world was reached - 11.14 euros per MWh (in the 2019 auction it was 14.76 euros per MWh, considered the lowest tariff in the world at the time) – only one lot was sold off at this auction. Of the other lots, eight were awarded in the storage modality, the great novelty of this auction, and four in the modality of compensation to the system, explained the minister. In the storage modality, the Government initially defined a capacity premium of 33.5 thousand euros per MW / year, but the winners were available to pay, themselves, a capacity premium to the system of approximately 37.1 thousand euros per MW / year. Furthermore, the winners in this modality will have to “insure the system against high price events in the market”. “We are here objectively to create the conditions to reach, by 2030, 80% of our electricity being from renewable sources, and we are achieving this with enormous economic gain”, concluded the Minister of the Environment. source: algarvedailynews.com
September 2020
5 7
News
PRESIDENT MARCELO HELPS RESCUE TWO WOMEN ON ALGARVE BEACH CAUGHT AT SEA
P
ortuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa has helped rescue two women who came into difficulty at an Algarve beach when their canoe capsized.
The president, 71, was pictured swimming over to the kayakers who were struggling in the water. He later told reporters that the women had been swept by currents from a neighbouring beach into the bay. President Rebelo de Sousa is currently on holiday in the Algarve in a bid to promote tourism there. The president had just spoken to journalists at Praia do Alvor beach when he noticed the women struggling. Video footage caught the moment he swam into the sea to assist them.
The president said he was helped by another “patriot” on the jet ski. He warned that the women should be careful in future. Source: algarvedailynews.com
R
charity golf event will be taking place on Saturday, 5 September to raise funds for the Associação Obrigado Bombeiros. The 18 hole, Stableford tournament will be held at the Silves Golf Pestana Golf Resort from 8am Source: theportugalnews.com
8
The man on the jet ski then managed to tow the kayak back to the shore. After assisting the women, President Rebelo de Sousa told journalists that the women had come from another beach. “As there is a very large west current, they were dragged out, turned around, swallowed a lot of water and were not even able to turn [the kayak], nor to climb [on it], or swim, such is the strength of the current,” he told local press.
ANOTHER SHARK SIGHTING
CHARITY GOLF EVENT FOR BOMBEIROS
A
Another man was already there, trying to help turn the canoe over while a person on a jet ski also approached to offer help.
ed flags were raised along Cacela Velha beach on 26 August after a beachgoer said they spotted a shark in the water. The incident happened around 7.30pm. The captaincy of the port of Tavira and Vila Real de Santo António confirmed the report but said they did not spot any animal similar to the one described by the beachgoer. A shark was also sighted off Barril beach in the Eastern Algarve on 2 August. Source: theportugalnews.com
September 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: Rua vale Fromoso, 8100-267, Almancil or contact us on T: 960 116 396 E: donna@algarveelegance.com W: algarveelegance.com
Explore
CARVOEIRO’S AMAZING CLIFFS Join us in exploring the mind boggling cliffs of Carvoeiro, some of the most amazing natural attractions the Algarve has to offer. From the Miradouro da Falesia to the natural pools of Algar Seco, it is without a doubt a must visit! 10
September 2020
I
f you drive along our beautiful Algarvian coast you will come across the charming fishing village of Carvoeiro. A parish slowly developed over time into the well known touristic area it is today, there are still signs of human settlement dating back to the Roman times as well as Naval activity. The region was historically disturbed by pirate and military assaults along its coast with a number of Naval battles known to have occurred, most notably, in 1544, a squadron of ships under D.Pedro da Cunha, battled the Turkish Barbary coast Pirates. From historic records, the earliest occupation found was of Islamic-medieval period and resulted in the village being named “Carboiere” (now Carvoeiro) an old name for a hamlet of fishermen. The cliff zones in the Algarve are some of the most
famous locations in Portugal and the cliffs of Carvoeiro are a prime example of why, with its amazing caves and beaches it used to travel around the world daily on postcards, now they are shared far and wide on social media. The Carvoeiro council built a boardwalk along the cliff edge that leads from the Nossa Senhora da Encarnação fort to the Algar Seco rock formation. This short walk is along an elevated wooden walkway, which skirts the top of the cliffs and offers wonderful views over the stunning coastline and Miradouro da Falesia do Carvoeiro, a stunning group of natural rock pools, caves, windows and archways all carved over an unfathomable amount of time by the elements. The Algar Seco are a series of fascinating cliff formations that have been carved out of the limestone bedrock. The western side climbs down to a series of rock
September 2020
11
Explore
formations and honeycomb pitted strata, but more interestingly is the cave fondly known as “A Boneca” (the doll). The short cave passage leads to a small chamber and the most famous viewpoint of Carvoeiro, two eroded arches with views out over the deep blues of the ocean. The “A Boneca” cave name originates from the seaside exterior, which resembles a doll, with the two cave arches forming the eyes of the doll. On the eastern side leads down an exposed sinkhole where the sea waters have penetrated the base and formed a shallow saltwater pool. The cliffs of this region are carved in massive carbonated rock (limestone) with a high content of marine invertebrates fossils. their age is estimated to be between
12
24 and 16 million years old. These rocks were formed by the gradual accumulation of marine sediments over millions years. They are extremely vulnerable to water contact, thus being easily carved by it and creating the so called karst landscape. The term karst refers to the relief resulting from the dissolution of limestone by surface and groundwater, the wear of the rock creates even more crevices and cavities, leading to a complex network of wells and galleries. The present landscape of Algar Seco results from the coalescence of several of these cavities and the action of marine erosion. The same complex geomorphology that originated those particular forms, also gave rise to curious structures called “Algar”: vertical shafts connecting the surface to an intricate network of underground galleries
September 2020
that eventually flow into the sea. The whole mass is crossed by caverns, cracks and cavities of all forms which are shelter to a variety of wildlife, most notably, the cave bats, some as rare as the Moorish horseshoe Bat, which are a valuable asset to the region’s biodiversity. You can frequently see these small mammals in fast and accurate flight around the lamps in the streets and squares, in pursuit of insects which make up a large part of their diet. If you are planning to take a brave cliff dive into the water be warned, whilst the water might seem incredibly inviting, it is generally very cold as there is no sand bed below to absorb the sun warm up the water so if you have one, bring a wetsuit! The rocks are also incredibly sharp by the waters
edge so a pair of water socks. If you are a frequent reader of the Simply Algarve magazine then you would have noticed a trend of outdoor focused activities being featured each month, of course we try to focus on outdoor activities during the summer but a big reason is also to provide safe activities during the current climate. Unfortunately, whilst visiting these amazing areas we have noticed a lot of waste (including many face masks) and as much as we like to share these places with our readers we also like to keep our beautiful Algarve beautiful, so please, if you do visit one of the wonderful places featured in the magazine, make sure you clean up after yourself and if possible, others. Thank you and enjoy the beautiful Algarve!
September 2020
13
Wildlife
PRETTY IN PINK
Or maybe not... Jake Cleaver shares what he learned about these intriguing birds. And after doing some digging, it seems they are more than just flamboyant Flamingos
H
ave you ever seen a flamboyance of Flamingos here in the Algarve and thought to yourself, “Aren’t they supposed to be pink?”. Maybe you even heard somebody say that it’s because they don’t eat enough prawns in their diet, you know, in a “you are what you eat” kind of way. Like how if we eat too many carrots we turn orange and glow in the dark. And like the carrot thing you felt that it sounded a little far-fetched. Well, I’m here to tell you that I looked into it, and it’s actually true. The Flamingo thing at least. I’m not sure about the carrot, however, I’m slightly more convinced now as I found out that the same beta carotene that makes Flamingos pink is found in high levels in carrots too. So, Flamingos are what they eat. But it’s not quite as simple as that.. They do turn pink from eating shrimps, but only if the shrimps have eaten lots of red algae. If there is no red algae around, they can eat all the shrimps they want, and they will still be as white as snow. So actually: they are what they eat - eats.
14
There are 6 species of Flamingos in the world. The ones that grace our shores are known, rather immodestly, as the Greater Flamingos. But we’ll let them off, as they are unarguably the largest of all the Flamingos. They can grow up to a considerable 150cm tall, but the most they weigh is a little over 4kg. So, despite their superior size, they can still take to the sky. And they do. Flamingos aren’t native to the Algarve; they are just flashy tourists here from North Africa and the Middle East. In fact, the Algarve only started to become a popular holiday destination for them (and us humans too for that matter) as recently as the 1980’s. However, Portugal is one of the few places they don’t nest. They just come here for their honeymoon, and move along to Spain, Italy, France and sometimes all the way to Turkey to have their babies (maybe the maternity leave deals are better?). But before all that, Flamingos have to find a partner, and they have a great dating ritual. First off, they secrete some sort of preening oil. Where from isn’t clear, nobody would tell me, maybe I don’t want to know? But it’s filled with the
September 2020
same pigments that make them pink in the first place. They use it as a sort of makeup that they rub all over themselves in the breeding season to make them even pinker. You see, for the Flamingos it’s the lady with the most fabulous pink dress (and a slight blush on her cheeks) that gets her pick of the boys, and, unfortunately, it’s the guy with the loudest most obnoxious flamboyant shirt - that she usually picks. Typical. Anyway, once they are all preen and proper and conditions are right (it’s a nice day and love is in the air) they hold a sort of village dance, or like they have here in Portugal, a Baile. The bravest males head to the dance floor, bobbing their heads up and down trying to get the party started. If they get it right (timing is important) then they all start to dance. I was delighted when I found this out, as I was dying to say that the Flamingos dance the Flamenco. And they sort of do.. There’s certainly a lot of fancy footwork involved. But for the Flamingos it’s all or nothing. Nobody in the town is allowed to sit it out. Everybody’s crazy Grandma and grumpy Uncle have to join in too. They all huddle together and move as one. And, if some of the younger ones in the club find someone with some sweet dance moves, and doesn’t step on their toes during the slow dance - they mate for life. And life can be quite a long time. They can live up to 50 years in the wild. Although on average they only make it to about 30. In captivity though there was apparently one in Australia who got up to an impressive 83. Unlike Storks, who you can hardly fail to spot downtown,
September 2020
15
Wildlife
Flamingos, despite their flamboyant reputation, aren’t so easy to come across. You have to go looking. They have very long legs and like a paddling pool and places where the water is a consistent depth. Consequently, your best shot will be to head down to the Ria Formosa. Try walking along the Ludo Trail between Quinta do Lago and Faro beach. Or, along either side of the Gilão River in Tavira there are many saltpans and mudflats and it is a serious hotspot for them. Or, in the other directions there’s a saltwater Lagoon on the north-western side of the Ria de Alvor which is a good bet too. Although they can be found all year round, the best times to look are between November and March. They also have an unusual hunting technique. Now, I’m not a fisherman. But I would have thought you’d want to keep the water peaceful and clear so you can see what you’re doing. Flamingos use their webbed feet to stir up the water into a big muddy mess, and then - they stick their faces straight into it. This works for them as they have a highly sophisticated filtration system in their crooked beaks. It’s this odd shape of their beaks and how they hang their heads almost upside down (that’s also why their necks are all so curvy and shaped like S´s) that allows them to let in all the muddy water and then push it straight out again with their tongues. Kind of like straining spaghetti, they catch all the good stuff like shrimp, insects, larva, algae and small fish; while the water and mud pours out the sides. They do this all very fast and continually, and it is quite an odd way for a bird to eat, and is a lot more similar to that of whales. Another feature of their high-tech beaks is they can also produce milk. Yeah, I know, wild right? You may have thought that you had to be a mammal (and have nipples) to be able to provide milk for your young. But no, some birds can too. Pigeons, Emperor Penguins and Flamingos all have this ability. When Flamingos are born their beaks are too small and flat - and they have no filter (like most kids they haven’t learned to censor themselves yet and will just blurt anything out). So both their mum, and it gets
16
even weirder, their dads, produce milk that they shoot out through their beaks for their children. The milk is also filled with that beta carotene that makes the Flamingos pink. But it comes from their own reserves. Parents everywhere give up a lot of themselves in order to see their progeny grow up big and strong, but nowhere is it so startlingly apparent than with the Flamingos. As their children grow and become brighter and more radiant, the colour starts to drain out of the exhausted parents. But don’t feel too bad for them. They usually only have one baby at a time, and they are extraordinarily attuned to what The Joneses are doing, and either everybody has babies, or nobody does. So soon the kids get off to Kindergarten and they all help each other out (with school runs and the like). Also, you might think if you saw them standing around on one leg in their signature stance, that their knees are bent backwards. That’s not the case, as strange as it may seem, that’s their ankle. Which they can lock in place and then they balance on one leg, which is actually easier for them than standing on two, and ensures they have a leg free to help them get out if they get stuck in the mud. Their knee is actually in their torso and works a bit like our hips to move from side to side. * I originally thought it was just Flamingos that walk on their tippy toes like this, but no, dogs, cats, horses and lots of other birds have their ankles where we think their knees should be, too. I’ve never used the word flamboyant so much in my life, but I think I’m allowed in this case, as the word seems to have been made especially for the Flamingo. They travel in huge Flamboyances, and are very social animals. Safety in numbers seems to be their motto. And, since there are so many of them, maybe they won’t notice you if you put on your pinkest most flamboyant shirt and try to sneak up close to have a look at them? Careful though, you might just get inundated with invitations to dance the Fabulous Flamingo Flamenco.
September 2020
by Dora Guerreiro
Buy with Confidence, Sell with Success! Your home, your lifestyle...It´s our purpose.
DG Algarve Properties | (+351) 289 355 336 | (+351) 912 391 925 | dora@dgalgarveproperties.com Estrada de Vale do Lobo, Rua Manuel Teixeira Gomes 947 1Âş Dto, 8135 - 016 Almancil, Portugal
www.dgalgarveproperties.com
AMI 14557
Health
HEALTH BENEFITS OF GINGER People have used ginger in cooking and medicine since ancient times.. Here are some of the benefits of including ginger in your diet.
P
eople typically use fresh or dried ginger in cooking, and some take ginger supplements for their possible health benefits. The antioxidants and other nutrients in ginger may help prevent or treat arthritis, inflammation, and various types of infection. Researchers have also studied its potential to reduce the risk of diabetes, cancer, among other conditions. improving digestion Consuming ginger may help improve digestion. Several studies have investigated ginger’s effects on the gasses that form in the intestinal tract during digestion. Some research indicates that enzymes in ginger can help the body break up and expel this gas, providing relief from any discomfort. Ginger also appears to have beneficial effects on the enzymes trypsin and pancreatic lipase, which are important for digestion. Relieving nausea Some research indicates that ginger can help alleviate morning sickness and relieve nausea following cancer treatment. One small study from 2010 examined the effects of ginger root powder supplements on nausea in 60 children and young adults who underwent chemotherapy. The analysis showed that the supplement led to reduced nausea in most of the people who took it. Authors of a 2011 review of studies arrived at similar conclusions. They reported that taking a divided daily dosage of 1,500 milligrams (mg) of ginger extract helped alleviate symptoms of nausea. Easing a cold or the flu Many people use ginger to help recover from a cold or the flu. In 2013, researchers studied the effects of fresh and dried ginger on one respiratory virus in human cells. The results indicated that fresh ginger may help protect the respiratory system, while dried ginger did not have the same impact. Also in 2013, a small study set out to investigate the popularity of herbal medicine as a cold or flu treatment. After polling 300 pharmacy customers in two different locations, the researchers determined that 69% of those polled used herbal medicine and that most of this group found it effective. Relieving pain Researchers behind a small study, which included 74 volunteers, found that a daily dosage of 2 grams of raw or heated ginger reduced exercise-induced muscle pain by about 25%. Meanwhile, a 2016 review of studies concluded that ginger may help reduce dysmenorrhea — pain right before or during menstruation. However, the authors acknowledge that the included studies were often small or of poor quality.
18
Reducing inflammation One group of researchers concluded that taking ginger by mouth is “modestly efficacious and reasonably safe” for treating inflammation caused by osteoarthritis. However, they noted that the studies included in their meta-analysis were small and may not represent the general population. Meanwhile, a 2017 review of 16 clinical trials determined that the phytochemical properties in ginger may combat inflammation. These authors also called for further research into the most effective dosages and types of ginger extract. Supporting cardiovascular health There is some evidence that ginger extract may help with cardiovascular disease. For example, one review found that a dosage of 5 g or more can cause significant, beneficial antiplatelet activity. The authors acknowledge that many investigations included in their analysis did not involve human participants or that participant numbers were too small to ensure reliable results. However, they suggest that, with further research, ginger could prove to be a safe form of treatment for cardiovascular disease. Lowering cancer risk Ginger does not provide protein or other nutrients, but it is an excellent source of antioxidants. Studies have shown that, for this reason, ginger can reduce various types of oxidative stress. Oxidative stress happens when too many free radicals build up in the body. Free radicals are toxic substances produced by metabolism and other factors. The body needs to eliminate free radicals to prevent them from causing cellular damage that can lead to a range of diseases, including cancer. Dietary antioxidants help the body get rid of free radicals. In a 2013 trial, researchers gave 20 participants either 2 g of ginger or a placebo for 28 days. The participants all had a high risk of developing colorectal cancer. Biopsies showed that the participants who had consumed the ginger had fewer negative changes in healthy colon tissue. This group also had reduced cellular proliferation. The findings indicate that ginger could play a role in preventing colorectal cancer.
September 2020
House 2House We buy and sell high quality furniture.
An enjoyable shopping experience with amazing choices at affordable prices. Why go anywhere else? Bedroom - Dining room - Lounge - Garden - Office - Kitchenware - Lighting - Soft Furnishings - Pictures - Mirrors - Objets d’art
Open Monday to Friday, 10am-1pm, 2pm-5pm T: 289 395 197 or visit house2house.pt Sitio do Areeiro, EN 521, LoulĂŠ 8100-225
Body & Mind
TO DETOX OR NOT TO DETOX
Janet Shook is here to guide you on your journey and make sure you are always working towards a healthier body and mind
T
he health and wellness world has several buzz words that have become so overused, they perhaps have lost their potency.
“Detoxing” or “Cleansing” as it is often called, might seem to you like one of those terms taken over by the wellness industry to make us think we need to buy more green powders and take more yoga classes. But perhaps there something valid, even critical, in this surge of detox retreats, supplies & information available to us now.
20
This is a question I have asked myself and experimented with in the last few years. Having worked for years on juice and raw food detox retreats, I saw the incredible effects the detox programs had for weight loss, clearing skin, increasing energy and even fighting diseases. But I observed as some guests got on the “De-tox--- Re-tox” cycle (Which is great for job security), and I became a bit jaded; thinking that perhaps if we just lived in a balanced and healthy way that we wouldn’t need to detox. Our bodies are always detoxing. Every time we exhale, sweat or go to the toilet we are, in effect, detoxifying.
September 2020
However, with all the toxicity that we are ingesting and exposed to, our biological systems just can’t keep up. In order to live a truly clean life inside and outside, we would have to live by what would be considered in our societal norms as extreme. Incredibly extreme. Edge of the earth, no job stress, no plastics, no cosmetics, no cleaning supplies, no cars, all organic, daily meditation and fitness, clean water, etc. etc. etc. not happening. This, of course, is the direction I imagine we are headed; Extreme natural health, low stress, healthy bodies, minds, relationships, one love… you get the picture. As we cannot yet maintain that perfect homeostasis of inner and outer worlds, cleansed and vital, we must do an occasional deep clean. So, to the question “to detox or not to detox?” Detox. Definitely. And what is detoxing? A big part of cleansing is fasting; Abstaining from eating any foods which complicate digestion, slow down the system or add toxicity to the body. Fasting will make the body switch to burning fat for energy. But this is not enough. To effectively and healthfully cleanse, the body needs concentrated nutrition in order to support the cells of the body to do
their optimum work. For these two reasons, we use a liquid (vegetable and fruit juice) diet. This both gives the digestive track a break, while providing that super nutrition to accelerate the cleanse. Activities that stimulate the body’s natural detox processes, i.e.; deep breathing, healthy bowel movements, cardiovascular exercise, sweating, meditation for cleansing the mind, etc. All help to eliminate deep toxins; releasing the old, and renewing You. Detoxing by yourself is not always easy. It is best done as a mini vacation, a little break, where you can give yourself fully to the process of self-care. Want to detox?! I have just the space for you at my funfilled 4-day detox retreat, October 7-11 in Castro Marim, Algarve Portugal. 4 days of liquid diet, fitness, Yoga, nature, workshops, adventures and good fun. Limited spaces so reserve yours now by contacting me with a private message. www.janetshook.com Janet_shook@yahoo.com Instagram: Janet Shook Facebook: Janet Shook Wellness and Yoga Linked In: Janet Shook +(351) 927 393 217
September 2020
21
Do It Yourself
DESIGNING YOUR DREAM HOME! Sesil Home’s Isabela Goncalves is here to teach us some tips on transforming your own home into something beautiful and balanced.
W
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. This month Isabela focuses on one of her latest designs, a rustic look in Vale do Lobo.
The Definition The definition of ‘Rustic’ can be quite in-depth and many different styles tend to fall within the term. In its purest definition, the term rustic describes a natural, raw/coarse, aged and casual design. To create this style, one of the initial and key points is the use of natural materials such as wood or other natural fibers, to ensure a warm and relaxed atmosphere.
22
September 2020
Colour: Start by choosing neutral colours and materials. The whites will allow the wood to speak for itself and become the focal point of the space. Later you can choose the colours you like best to put in your highlights like pillows, dinner sets or small decorative pieces.
Avoid straight lines Straight and geometric lines do not match a rustic decor. Instead, adopt organic lines and abstract imperfections to create a unique rustic design.
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 working part time at her parents’ shop, Sesil to help when the shop 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 Olhão. 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 and 4 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
September 2020
23
Property Update
CHANGING CLIMATES
Robert Bijker, managing director of Yellow Homes - Land & Houses Algarve, discusses the current situation in the property market
W
orking from home either part-time or fulltime has never been as popular with both employees and employers. It took a pandemic to accelerate a trend that started some years ago and looks like it is here to stay. Both seem to like it for different reasons. Companies are quick to realize that they can do with less and often expensive office space in city centres leading to significant cost savings without causing a fall in productivity while employees appreciate
24
the flexibility that working from home offers. Although working from home may increase the cost of the monthly utility bills, it is likely to be offset by the cost saving of not having to commute to the workplace. Not many people live near their workplace and thus do not have the opportunity to walk or cycle to work. Most need public transportation or the subway. We all know that the air quality in the subways has always been poor even before the pandemic. Many people avoid to travel on the Covid-19 petri dish that is the London Underground so when offered the alternative of working from home it is welcomed. I’m sure that it
September 2020
is no different in other cities that have a subway system. Another benefit is the enormous time saving of not having to commute to work. If the average daily time to commute is one and a half hours, this amounts to 33 hours per month or almost 15 days per year!
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
Working from home from the kitchen table or from a make shift desk in the bedroom is not an ideal situation. Needless to say a separate workspace is without exception preferred, but not always available. This often means that a property becomes no Tavira Office longer suitable due to new requirements. In addition, coming Rua Dr. José Pires Padinha 178 out of lockdown many people are re-evaluating the meaning 8800 - 354 Tavira of freedom and may desire to live in a low population density Tel: 281 320 281 area outside of their town or maybe even in a different country (AMI - 6232) providing there are good internet and (international) travel connections. In the past people could not make this decision as there were technological hurdles to overcome (the lack of fast internet and video conferencing solutions) as well as the social acceptance by colleagues and GOLF PROPERTIES - VILLAS - APARTMENTS - TOWNHOUSES - PLOTS businesses to work from home. It will be interesting to see the impact of the pandemic on all of this, which may lead to new trends in demand for residential property. Early signs indicate that the desirability for properties with a large terrace or private garden with or without swimming pool have risen. This could lead people to sell their homes and buy a larger more suitable property in the countryside for the same price or less. One only really starts to appreciate the availability of having your own outdoor space during a lockdown. Not all jobs can be done from home. It is estimated that up to 30 – 35% of all employees can work from home in one form or another. Some may decide this is the time to pursue their long-awaited dream of living abroad; a long held desire for many but postponed because of the fear of the unknown. Portugal and in particular the Algarve are well positioned to be their top choice. Good means of transportation and internet facilities are a priority. In the Algarve many properties have broadband internet. The roll-out of fibre optic services continue steadily and are now also reaching urban areas of small villages in the country side, broadening the choice of places to live. Portugal has received many awards over the years as the best place to live in Europe. It is considered to be a safe, expat friendly country with a pleasant climate and relatively low cost of living. All our consultants have been living in the Algarve for a long time and would be pleased to answer your questions. They are ideally positioned to inform you about the pros and the cons. Stay safe and healthy.
AMI: 6232
NEWLY BUILT FRONT LINE PENTHOUSE WITH UNIQUE SEA VIEWS NEAR TAVIRA Absolutely unique opportunity to own a two bedroom penthouse apartment with superb quality of finishings. Frontline to the Ria Formosa Natural Reserve Park with stunning views over the lagoon towards the sea. From the terrace a staircase leads to a roof top terrace with fitted Jacuzzi and space for sun loungers. Gated condominium with infinity pool an manicured garden with lawn. 2 parking spaces in underground garage. Completion Q1 2021. Highest energy efficiency rate. Viewings highly recommended. Ref : LHA-1483p | Price: 640.000 Energy efficiency A +
Contact us! Our email is info@yellowhomes.com or call us on (+351) 289 301 294 Find out more info on our website www.yellowhomes.com
GOLF PROPERTIES - VILLAS - APARTMENTS - TOWNHOUSES - PLOTS
AMI: 6232
UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY: BEACH FRONTED 3 BED TOWNHOUSE NEAR OLHOS DE AGUA / ACOTEIAS The immaculate presented, fully furnished property is part of a small, private condominium with communal pool. It is amazingly set just a stone throw away from the beach and with beautiful sea views. The light drenched and private corner house consists of 3 levels, 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. An internal staircase leads to the basement which consist of a very spacious and private garage with automatic doors. Truly unique property 100 meters from one of the best beaches in the Algarve. Ref : R-BTO / Price: € 625.000 Euro, EC C
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
September 2020
25
Property
PROPERTY YELLOW HOMES Land & Houses Algarve Real Estate Agent since 1995 T: +351 289 301 294 E: info@yellowhomes.com www.yellowhomes.com EN 125, Benfarras Boliqueime (opposite DHL)
AMI: 6232
26
September 2020
OF THE MONTH PROPERTY DETAILS
Charming 3 bed villa with new built guest annex and wonderful country views near Loule
• 5 bedrooms (Quinta + Annex) • Quinta with 3 bedrooms / wardrobes • 3 bathrooms en suite • Bright, light drenched living dining room • Open plan fully fitted and equipped kitchen • All rooms with high ceilings • Tastefully renovated to a very high standard while keeping some of the traditional features • Utility room • Internal aluminium shutters • Air conditioning • Electric underfloor heating
throughout • Terraces with country views • Plunge pool (has permission for overflow pool) • Mains water / Septic tank • Total privacy • Additional separate new building with 2 bedrooms, bathroom, living area, kitchen, pool • New building due to be finalized during the next 3 months • Both houses could be internally connected • Total plot size: 1.150 m2 • Total construction size: 281 m2 • EC: in progress
¤490,000 Ref: STY September 2020
27
You should know
AS SALINAS
Widely seen across the Algarve, we take a dive into the artisenal production of salt, or more specifically Portugal’s gourmet “Flor de Sal”
P
ortugal has been known to produce sea salt since the Roman Empire, more notably its high quality gourmet version “Flor de Sal” a type of salt created using artisanal methods which is said to be healthier than regular refined salts. Flor de Sal is a very thin film of salt crystals which forms on the surface of the salt water and is carefully collected by hand with a special instrument, which never touches or disturbs the bottom of the salt pan, it is then dried in the sun for 5 days. As it is not washed, it retains its natural minerals which are essential to the Human body, this also gives it its unique taste.
28
It is a rare type of salt, which is formed only on the hottest days, between July and September. In the past salt has been used for cooking and of course for preservation but now, as the world discovers Flor de Sal, Chef’s are getting creative and using it as a distinct seasoning. Unlike normal salt, Flor de Sal has a higher humidity and smooth crystals making it ideal for seasoning food but not for cooking. When sprinkled over hot food like steak, the crystals melt but leave a slight crunch which adds a whole other level to the textures and flavours of the dish. Some of the worlds most well known chocolatiers even use it in their chocolates!
September 2020
September 2020
29
You should know Prices of Flor de Sal have been increasing year after year as there is more demand, with the current price around 8 euros per kilo. Due to the natural methods used to harvest it, the quantities produced are small and exclusive. The production methods are governed by a Portuguese law which prohibits the use of machinery and pumping water to harvest the Flor de Sal. It is a 100% natural production method so the Flor de Sal is free from industrial contaminants and ensures minimal damage to the environment. The salt season follows the rhythm of the seasons. It usually starts in March and lasts until September, time of the last salt harvest. The season is divided into two major phases: the preparation of the seas and the production of salt. The preparation of the seas takes place between the
30
September 2020
months of March and June and includes the cleaning of mud and sludge, the repair of any damage caused by winter weather and the preparation of water. Water preparation is the process of increasing the saline concentration of the water. Besides the extraction of the salt, the biodiversity of the fauna and flora in the salt marshes is very wide, there is a bushy vegetation in the marshes and walls adapted to the high saline content of the soil, among which are the salicorn branches, an edible plant which is already widely used as a substitute for salt in salads and sautĂŠed in other dishes. Regarding Avifauna, most of the water birds that appear in the Ria Formosa are concentrated in the salt pans, where they benefit from vast feeding areas. In the winter and post-nuptial migration period we can find a great abundance and diversity of species of ducks, herons, storks, spoonbills and waders, the latter being the dominant group. In late spring and early summer, the abundance of birds in the salt flats decreases significantly, but they also serve as a shelter for populations of species which depend almost exclusively on this habitat for nesting.
September 2020
31
Simply delicious
HOMEMADE TIRAMISU Try out this rich Tiramisu filled with wonderful natural flavours. Easy to make and vegan friendly, this is a great desert around summer as it is best served straight from the freezer! INGREDIENTS
METHOD
Base Layer: • 1 cup walnuts ( tastes better if is roasted) • 1/2 cup dry organic figs, (soft figs work best for this layer) • 1/2 tsp instant espresso powder • 3 tbsp coconut oil, liquefied • 2 tbsp warm water • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract (or 1/2 tsp raw ground vanilla bean) • dash of salt
1
Chocolate Mouse Layer: • 1/2 cup walnuts, pre-soaked and strained* • 1/2 cup raw cashews, pre-soaked and strained* • 6 tbsp maple syrup (use raw agave for raw version) • 6 tbsp unsweetened vanilla almond milk • 5 tbsp coconut oil, liquefied (sub in 1 tbsp melted cacao butter instead of 1 of the tbsp coconut for an intense and deep chocolate liqueur flavor) • 2 tbsp cacao powder • 1 tbsp Carob powder • 1/2 tbsp unsulphured blackstrap molasses • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract (or 1/2 tsp raw ground vanilla bean) • 1 & 1/2 tsp instant espresso powder (or more to taste) 1/2 tsp salt Cream Layer: • 1/2 cup raw cashews, pre-soaked and strained* • 1/2 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk • 4 tbsp coconut oil, liquefied • 2 tbsp maple syrup (or raw agave for raw version) • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract (or 1/2 tsp raw ground vanilla bean) • dash of salt Toppings: • Extra cacao powder or Carob powder for dusting * optional: 2 tbsp cacao nibs for sprinkling
32
Process all base layer ingredients to combine into a fine sticky mixture in a food processor. Scoop out into a 6inch springform pan and press down into an even crust, going up the edges a little all around. Place in the freezer while working on next step.
2
Blend all chocolate mousse layer ingredients in a power blender until smooth. Pour into the pan over the crust, tap the pan lightly on the counter and even out the top. Place the pan in the freezer while working on the next step.
3
Clean out your blender and blend all cream layer ingredients together into a smooth mixture. Spoon this mixture over the previous layer in the cake pan, being careful not to pour it in all at once so the layers don’t mix. Smooth out the top. Cover the pan and freeze for 6 hours or overnight.
4
Prior to serving, dust the top with a bit of additional cacao powder, sprinkle with some cacao nibs and enjoy! Keep the cake frozen until serving. *To pre-soak the cashew nuts: place in a glass bowl, cover with water and leave to soak for 4 hours (or overnight in the fridge). Then strain and discard the water. For a quick pre-soak, cover with boiled water and soak for 15 mins, then strain and discard water. (Note: this technique doesn’t preserve the nutrition of the recipe as well as the traditional soaking technique above). Additional Note: the purpose of soaking the nuts is to re-hydrate them and plump them up for blending into a smooth, cheesecake-like consistency. Proper soaking techniques also maximize nutrition and digestibility.
September 2020
September 2020
33
Worth a visit
A TOUCH OF NATURE
Shortly before we all went home and locked our doors in March, we visited the serene Fonte da Benemola Trail, no one would have been able to visit during lockdown so we decided to feature its beauty again
T
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
34
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 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:
September 2020
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 Fonte da Benémola. Visitors must walk on small square pylons to cross the shallow river and complete the walk; besides these ‘stepping stones’, however, 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, however, if you are in need, here are the GPS Coordinates: 37º 11’ 55,360’’N, 8º 00’ 15,759’’ W
September 2020
35
Books
ALGARVE BOOK WORMS
Jake Cleaver has called all the book lovers of the Algarve to unite, and let us in on their most beloved gripping yarns. If you are interested in sharing one of your all-time favourites, or even latest favourite, please email us at simplyalgarvemag@gmail.com
I
thought it might be nice if we could get a little book review club going here in Simply Algarve. Most book reviews these days seem to be about what’s current and upcoming, which is great, but I thought it might be nice to have a slightly different spin on it and talk about books both new, but also old. After all, we’ve been telling each other tales for a long time, and this might be a good opportunity to zero in on the great ones. To that end, at the beginning of August I put a little SHOUT out on Facebook, for exactly what its namesake suggests - to uncover the faces of some of the book worms here in the Algarve. The question I asked to get their pens flowing was this: “What is your favourite book, and why?”. Now, I got a few responses all with their own interpretations. Some of their favourite books of all time, and others simply of recent times. Which turns out to be quite a nice mixture. If you are looking for some reading material as we cool off after the Summer and head into Autumn (the season of books and tea), you might very well find something below, handpicked by your fellow Algavians, that you will enjoy. I’d like to thank everybody for their contributions, and if you, dear reader, have read anything recently, or years ago, that you would like to share, we would love it if you would write into us at simplyalgarvemag@ gmail.com and we’ll help you spread the word. Or should I say spread your words, on our pages. Because, like Dr Seus said, “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more you learn, the more places you’ll go.” Let us know where you’ve been! Fever Hello. I saw your Post. I love books. My favourite author is Deon Meyer. I usually love crime fiction but my favourite book of his is Fever. It’s a crime ‘can you guess who’ post-apocalyptic thriller set in South Africa (where I was born). It’s an on your edge kind of book which makes you sad when you finish it. Sandra Pereira
36
Not Forgetting the Whale My favourite book at the moment would be John Ironmongers “Not Forgetting the Whale.” It is highly recommendable, as it could, in many ways, very much apply to the current situation, but gives us a happy ending. It was written in 2015, but describes a world fighting the very problems we’re currently facing. Eva-Charlotte Gross Where the Crawdads Sing Hello Jake, I am an avid book reader. I don’t have a particular favourite, but I have just finished reading ‘Where the Crawdads Sing’, by Delia Owens, which I couldn’t put down until I had finished it! Engaging story of a “marsh girl” living alone in the marshlands of North Carolina, who is accused of murdering a local boy who is mysteriously found dead. Sensitively written, bringing the characters alive and believable. I looked for other books by this author as I enjoyed the story so much. Marilyn Sheridan Pride and Prejudice I adore Mrs Bennet! She is the most sassy, switchedon and perceptive of all Jane Austen’s characters. Mrs B’s raison d’etre is perfectly summarised in the narrator’s statement; “the business of her life was to get her daughters married.” Poor old Mrs B had the misfortune to produce five daughters when, rather unhelpfully, the necessity to marry them all off was somewhat exacerbated by the fact
September 2020
that all property and money would pass to the nearest male relative. So, a bit of a tall order faced Mrs Bennet in that her daughters were of less than squeaky clean reputation (not in a strumpet kind of way but more a bit nuts and wilful) and, should they remain unmarried they would be impoverished also. P & P is a marvellous social commentary of its time. Jane Austen began the novel in 1797 and it was published in 1813. Women were subjugated terribly – used to enhance relationships between families, were not allowed to initiate divorce, could not derive an income from their own property – it was a completely different time and over 100 years before women would be allowed to vote. The five Bennet sisters are all incredibly different to one another. The book is possibly most famous for the lovestory between Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam Darcy but is considerably more complex. Lydia is naughty, Jane is good, Elizabeth is intelligent and fierce, Mary is solemn, Kitty is easily led and of little substance. The girls all play interesting roles within the substance of the novel and demonstrate how dreadful a time of it poor Mrs B had in trying to marry them all off suitably and respectably. I must say – as the mother of four daughters in 2020 I’m jolly glad I’m not in Mrs B’s shoes! Dawn Annandale Early Riser Cardiff in perpetual winter sounds like a bleak setting for your novel – and it is, in Jasper Fforde’s Early Riser. The story follows Charlie Worthing, AKA Wonky, as he finds himself hopelessly out of his depth in the cold world of Winter Consuls, dormitoriums, and English Villains. Charlie’s story takes place in a Britain blanketed in snow for four months of the year, so humans have taken to hibernating through winter to survive, with the Winter Consuls acting as a security force to protect the population during their long slumber. To boost survival rates through this enforced rest, the pharmaceutical company HiberTech have developed a drug to push the populace into a deeper sleep, though not without some worrying side effects. Chief among these effects is the potential to never fully wake up, becoming a mindless zombie, capable of only the most menial tasks and prone to cannibalism if not properly fed.
the world by motorbike. In the days without these super intelligent phones to tell us which way is ‘around’ (and a million other things) this was a true adventure! And luckily for us Ted Simon, also known as Jupiter, is a writer, and when he got back, he chronicled his tale in “Jupiter’s Travels”. Which means, we can now travel back in time, get on the back of his Triumph, and ride the 63,000 miles, through fifty-four countries; with their deserts, prisons, wars, disasters, love affairs - disastrous love affairs, and prisons with him. And if we make it, we can do it all over again. Like Jupiter himself did in 2002, this time at 69 years old, in his newer book, “Dreaming of Jupiter”. Retracing his steps, or tyre tracks more accurately, his wheels spin around again, and we get to see how the world has changed in that time. Although I’m sure it’s changed again by now. The world is like that. But for now, just to give you a taste (of the dust in your face) let’s join Jupiter on his first orbit, as he makes his way through the Atbara desert in north-eastern Sudan, and it sounds a lot like he’s about to come a cropper: “So I steered a middle course and, gaining confidence, increased speed until I was doing nearly forty miles an hour in third gear. Then, quite unexpectedly, two sets of wheel tracks converged and intersected in front of me. I could not avoid them, nor could I stop. I bounced through the first track but nose-dived on the second. I saw it coming, and was interested to notice that I did not say ‘Christ’ or ‘Bloody hell’ or ‘Here we go, my darling’ or even ‘Sic transit gloria’. I said ‘Oops!’.” Jake Cleaver
Charlie is thrust into this world and must contend with all these dangers, along with conspiracies and power struggles among the Consuls. Figuring out who to trust and navigating these troubled waters will take all his ingenuity and a large slice of luck, as well as a couple of pairs of extra thick socks. Fforde’s Early Riser will have you keeping an eye on the weather forecast and reaching for a jumper as you follow Charlie and his Winter Consul compatriots’ attempts to survive until spring. Charlie Millen Jupiter’s Travels In the 1970s, Ted Simon completed the first journey around
GRAPHIC DESIGN?
SPEAK TO US +351 966 044 143 September 2020
37
Dining out
GREEN VALLEY RESTAURANT “3 GENERATIONS OF OUR FAMILY HAVE BEEN GOING TO GREEN VALLEY FOR MANY YEARS, AND WE ARE NEVER DISAPPOINTED”
G
reen Valley has quietly been a charming Family run restaurant hidden in Quinta do Lago for 26 years. Owners João and Juliene have a committed team that consistently bring you great food and quality service. A traditional Portuguese restaurant with a few international twists, you are spoilt for choice with their extensive menu that offers multiple choices from the sea and land. João selects fresh ingredients every morning from the fish to meat and veg so they can guarantee the best quality for their clients. Along with their wide variety of food they have a large selection of wines from the North to South of Portugal. With a large menu comes a large selection of specialty dishes such as their mango prawn curry, Calves Liver, Lamb
38
Shank, Chargrilled Seabass and Seabream among others. After you main comes dessert and the desserts at Green Valley are amazing, made from scratch by Chef João they taste even better than they look in the pictures. They are fully adapted to the current circumstances surrounding Covid so you can feel safe and enjoy your evening meal. They cater for any dietary needs from personal choices to allergies and even have a tennis court for kids to enjoy in a safe place for you to relax while you enjoy your meal. Monday to Saturday: 7PM to Midnight (+351) 289 396 638 greenvalleyrestaurant.com Valverde, Quinta do Lago, Algarve
September 2020
“Well worth supporting this hardworking family We just love this family who never let you down, calves liver is superb and wow lamb chops, please support GVB we want them around for years to come.”
“Gets everything right, I think with any restaurant there are three key things which make you feel it’s good or poor: the food of course, the atmosphere and the friendliness of staff. Green Valley gets top marks on all three.”
September 2020
39
Finance
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
I
Each month, Ricardo Chaves of All Finance Matters gives an insight into the legalities governing tax and general financial matters
n 2020 many UK citizens have enquired about the Non Habitual Residency in Portugal and also about the possibility of relocating here prior to Brexit. Below you can find the most common questions we have received.
Q. I am a UK citizen currently working from London but I am considering relocating and working from Portugal. Would you be able to advise us on the procedures required to establish NHR in Portugal? Are there certain steps we need to take in a particular order, before we complete the process? We certainly can guide you through the whole process. The first step is to obtain the NIF (fiscal numbers) in Portugal. As currently most of the tax offices are closed due to Covid19, you need to book an appointment with the tax authorities through the finance portal. If you prefer, we can do this on your behalf, as part of the process. To issue the NIFs you need to provide copy of your id or passports and a utility bill or driving license, with your current address. This will be from your foreign address. Once you get the NIF’s the following step is to become resident, as you are EU citizen, you can get the residency through the local council. Once you have the EU residency certificate, you then need to change the tax status, again through the tax office and finally apply for the NHR status. Q In terms of residency in Portugal, do I need to purchase a property, or can I rent? How long a rental would be required by the authorities in order to establish our intention to stay long-term in Portugal ? We intend to stay long-term but wish to rent before possibly buying. Providing is a registered rental contract (not Air BnB and similar) the contract will allow you to obtain residency. Please note that to apply for the EU residency certificate, you need to be in the country for more than 90 days, prior to applying for this document. Q In your opinion, what is the latest date we could arrive in Portugal to establish residence before any Brexit deadline? If I am going to apply for NHR, by when should I do it, before it’s too late? The decision needs to be taken in the year that you take residency, as you will have until the end of March of the following year to make the application. As the residency certificate needs to be applied after you been in the country for 90 days, you really should be starting the process no later than September. Concerning the rental contract, if the contract starts in December, that should be enough to obtain the EU residency certificate prior to the end of 2020. Q I will continue to work from Portugal, to my current employer, what is the tax under the NHR rules on my salary?
40
If you can get the income as salary and it’s from an high value activity, this income would be either free of tax if you pay any tax at source, or taxed at 20%, if not taxed at source. This is a privilege of the NHR status, that you can take advantage of. There is a list of activities on the non-habitual residency regime, that allow that you are taxed at a flat rate of 20% on the earnings from this activity. This applies to income from employment (category A) and income from self-employment (category B). Please note that even if you remain on the payroll of your current company, as the job is done in Portugal, the company may have to pay your SS here. If you are selfemployed the Social Security is also your responsibility, but you may have a one year exemption after registration. Q After applying for NHR status must I change my driving license for a Portuguese license? Yes, after residency you should contact the relevant authorities, to either exchange your driving license to a Portuguese one, or at least register your foreign driving license with the relevant authorities. Q Once I become resident in Portugal, how do I register with the National Health System? Do I need a private medical insurance to live in Portugal? The only requirement to obtain state health care in Portugal is residency. You do not require private health insurance. To be registered with the National Health System, you should go to the health centre of your area with your id, fiscal number and residency certificate. No inscription with the social security is required. Q What happens to my residency permit after Brexit? You will be covered under the withdrawal agreement if you live in Portugal prior to 1 January 2021 and continue to do so afterwards. As Portugal has chosen a declaratory system for residency, this means that in 2021 UK nationals will be required to exchange their residency documentation for a biometric card. This biometric card will state the holder is covered by the Withdrawal Agreement. UK nationals in Portugal are required to register for residency and have the appropriate documentation. If you have not registered for residency prior to the end of December 2020, the EU country you reside in may not consider you for it. However, Portugal have stated those that arrive prior to 1 January 2021 may register for residency under EU citizenship rules, until 30 June 2021. Those who arrive after the 31 December 2020 will have to apply for residency under the more stringent third country national rules. Applying means it can be refused whereas if all requirements are in place for EU residency it is automatically given. Please feel free to send us the questions you may have to ricardo@allfinance.pt. We will select some to be published.
September 2020
Golf
1
2
3
PRO TIPS
T
Richard Hudson and Eddie Charnock, Algarve Golf Guru, PGA Professionals discuss “making sure you don’t run out of right arm”
o not run out of right arm, we must keep our right shoulder moving during the downswing and through impact, so allowing you to deliver a slightly bent right elbow and slightly bent right wrist during impact (pic 2), also notice how the left side has cleared. If our right shoulder (for right handed golfers) stays back on the downswing we will run out of right arm before impact and cause our right hand to flatten (pic 1). This means the low point will now be behind the ball so causing your hands to flick (pic 3). To be able to retain these two key angles, right elbow and right wrist, we need to keep the right shoulder close enough to the golf ball, without dipping, to make an effective contact. After impact the right arm and wrist will straighten naturally. If you run out of right arm the result will usually be a pull or fat shot for a full swing and a thin or fat shot when chipping. For those many people with chipping issues, to keep a slightly bent right arm throughout the chip shot
42
will benefit you greatly in keeping the body and the arms connected throughout. Golfers who do move the right shoulder correctly, but still slice the golf ball can benefit greatly by keeping the right elbow bent throughout the downswing and at impact. This will help golfers that come across the ball during impact, an out to in swing, as they will have straightened the right arm much too early in the downswing. therefore throwing the clubhead outside the line on the way down. Your chance to WIN! Win a 30 minute golf lesson with The Gurus! Just answer the following question correctly and your name will be entered into a draw to take place on the 1st October. Where is the 2020 US Open to be played? Please email your answer to sales@algarvegolfguru.com To discuss any of the areas covered above or to book a golf lesson, please contact Richard or Eddie and please mention Simply Algarve as the referral. E: sales@algarvegolfguru.com W: algarvegolfguru.com
September 2020
DRONE PHOTOGRAPHY AND 4K VIDEO
HIGH RESOLUTION PHOTOGRAPHY AND 4K VIDEO T: +351 961 700 200 E: RICHIBASS@HOTMAIL.CO.UK September 2020
43
SPORTS NEWS
Brought to you by Chris Wright
PORTIMONENSE REPRIEVE V.Setúbal were celebrating avoiding relegation on the final day of the season with a 2-0 home win over Belenenses whilst Portimonense were in the doldrums having dropped into the Segunda Liga alongside CD Aves. Joy turned to despair for V.Setúbal as the Liga’s Supervisory Board turfed them out of the professional league set-up for failing to present the necessary registration documents, both financially and legally, ahead of the coming season. CD Aves and V.Setúbal will now compete in the third tier of Portuguese football which means that SC Portimonense will retain their place in the Primeira Liga. The league has agreed to have a two-leg end-of-season play-off between the thirdfrom-bottom club in the Primeira Liga and the third team in the Segunda Liga. In addition five substitutes, as used in the post pandemic league era, will become the norm thus giving the wealthier clubs with larger squads another helping hand. PORTUGAL TAKE ON SPAIN & ANDORRA In addition to their League of Nations games, Portugal have arranged to play Spain (7th October) and Andorra (11th November) in Lisbon. League of Nations ties: Croatia at Estádio do Dragão in Porto on the 5th September and three days later against Sweden in Solna, Stockholm. Matches against Spain are always eagerly anticipated with the Iberian rivalry being one of the oldest at a national level. It began on 18th December 1921, when Portugal lost 3–1 to Spain in Madrid in their first ever international and it was not until 1926 that Portugal managed a draw (2-2). Portugal’s first win came much later (4–1) in 1947. The two countries have met thirty-six times (of which nine matches were competitive) resulting in eighteen victories for Spain, twelve draws and six victories for Portugal.
44
FARENSE PREPARE FOR TOP FLIGHT FOOTBALL It is nearly twenty years since Farense last graced the Primeira Liga and following their relegation in 2002 the club went through calamitous times. Within five years the club had reached rock bottom, dropping to the sixth tier and local regional football. Last season under manager Sérgio Vieira they were in a promotion position when all football came to a halt. Latest additions to their squad include 23 year-old winger Brian Mansilla on loan from Racing Club (Argentina) and Rafael Defendi, an experienced 36-yearold Brazilian goalkeeper who joins from Famalicão. Former Dundee United and Scottish youth international Ryan Gauld scored the only goal of the game as Farense beat Covilhã 1-o in a pre-season friendly at the Algarve Stadium. NO SPECTATORS AT PORTUGAL MASTERS In line with the European Tour’s comprehensive Covid-19 Health Strategy and following the practice of playing behind closed doors since the re-start of the 2020 Race to Dubai, the Tour has confirmed that no general spectators will be permitted at the Portugal Masters at Dom Pedro Victoria Golf Course, Vilamoura, on the 10th to 13th September or the Open de Portugal at Royal Óbidos 17th to 20th September. GRAND PRIX SET TO TAKE OFF The Algarve International Circuit is to be resurfaced ahead of October’s Formula 1 Portuguese Grand Prix. Autodromo Internacional do Algarve was used for F1 testing in the winter of 2008-09, and the teams have not returned since. Pirelli F1 boss Mario Isola says the Algarve track would be tough on tyres even without the new surface generating extra grip. “Portimão is the highest severity circuit of the
September 2020
new ones,” said Isola when asked by Autosport. “The target is to have an asphalt that is similar to the one we have now, but we know a new asphalt is always different from an old one. For example the level of bitumen that you have on top of new asphalt is a lot more than on old asphalt. The new tarmac we’ll have a much higher level of grip, and much lower wear. That means we have a lot of heat in the tread, and that is something that the teams will have to manage during the weekend”. Tickets (limited availability because of the pandemic) starting at ¤225 for the final F1 day - 25th October - are selling fast. On the two days prior to the main event, the Sports Prototype Cup Revolution Trophy will make its international debut. the new 440 hp/tonne high-downforce Revolution A-One prototype which was created by a team with over twenty years of experience manufacturing customer prototype race cars. Its carbon fibre chassis complies with the latest FIA safety regulations and the advanced aerodynamics are designed to reward professional and amateur drivers alike. Paulo Pinheiro, CEO, Autódromo Internacional do Algarve: “We first noticed the Revolution A-One when the stunning prototype undertook its development and durability tests at the circuit last year. Since then, many drivers and journalists have sampled the car on our demanding circuit and I’m confident that a full grid of these prototypes will provide a stunning spectacle for our F1 fans.”
Munich. Former Liverpool hero Philippe Coutinho scored twice in the last five minutes as Bayern Munich completed a miserable night for the five times winners of Europe’s top club competition. In the semi-finals it was Germany against France with Paris Saint-Germain overcoming RB Leipzig 3-0 and favourites Bayern Munich defeating Olympique Lyonnais by the same score. Bayern won eleven games during the campaign, a new competition record for consecutive victories, finishing with forty-three goals; eighteen more than any other side in the competition. Kingsley Coman’s goal in the final was their 500th in the UEFA Champions League, group stage to final. Coman, a former PSG player, is the first Frenchman to score the winner in a UEFA Champions League final since Zinédine Zidane in 2002. PSG failed to score for the first time in thirty-five UEFA Champions League matches; the last time they drew a blank in a UEFA Champions League game was in April 2016 against Manchester City
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE WINNERS FAVOUR THE ALGARVE Bayern Munich lifted the Champions League Trophy at the Estadio da Luz, home of Benfica, following their narrow victory over Paris Saint-Germain. Cascade Wellness Resort, Lagos had been the home of the new Champions for the final stages of the UEFA Champions League with the quarter-finals alone producing twenty goals with ten of them coming in the 8-2 humiliation of Barcelona by Bayern
September 2020
45
Last word
Parting words... Last month Jake Cleaver shared some thoughts on our very warm friend, the Sun. This month he takes on another solar subject, the Moon. Does everybody know where the Moon comes from? I hope not, as I only just found out a while ago. I never really thought about it.
46
“You have to respect the Moon’s unwillingness to be photographed by a camera phone”, said somebody once on the interweb, and they are quite right. Last month I wrote about the ‘Sun God’, but I felt it wouldn’t be fair not to talk about the other heavenly body in the sky. Now, in true Godly form you can’t even look at the sun directly. Our illuminescent Queen of the Night is much more forgiving. But still, if you want to catch an ethereal being like the Moon you need to at least invest in a proper camera. Does everybody know where the Moon comes from? I hope not, as I only just found out a while ago. I never really thought about it. She’s just always been
September 2020
there, you know? And she has really. She’s a part of the earth knocked out into space by a passing meteor many, many, many Moons ago. Shortly after earth itself was formed. But here’s a really WILD thing that has to be high on the list of cosmic coincidences. The Moon is far smaller than the sun and closer to the earth, and yet they both appear the exact same size in the sky. It’s only because of this truly serendipitous accident (?) that eclipses can happen. But what would the world be like without our Groovy Sister Moon? Well, for one thing Transvision Vamp wouldn’t have sung that song. There would be no Dark Side of the Moon (even though
Pink Floyd did make it clear that it’s all dark), Mike Scott wouldn’t have seen the crescent, while you saw The Whole of the Moon, Van Morrison wouldn’t have thought that it was a wonderful night for a Moondance, and Cat Stevens wouldn’t have spent the rest of it leaping and hopping on a Moonshadow. I could go on and on, believe me. The Moon has always inspired us since time immemorial. In literature, poetry, film.. In fact, I’m positive that you have your own favourite lunar inspired masterpiece. But also, there wouldn’t be 12 months of the year. It takes a year for the earth to go around the sun - and a month for the Moon to dance her way around the world. In fact, Moon and month come from the same root word. I really like how we set up our calendars this way. It certainly helps to give time some credibility. There would also be no lunatics. Possibly.. certainly no Looney Tunes. The Latin word for the Moon is ‘Luna’ and it’s the root of all lunacy. The Moon has always affected us profoundly, and if you don’t believe me just ask Doctor Jekyll, or even Mr Hyde if you dare approach him howling at the Moon. Now, some of you might be saying, “I don’t believe all that nonsense. It’s just silly astrology stuff. There’s no way some dusty rock that far away is affecting me”. But I put it to you, that you are at least 75 percent water, and if the Moon can pull the mighty and furious seas up and down every 6 hours, do you really think that you won’t feel at least a little tug to remind you to look UP? (Whether you howl or not is, usually, up to you.) But despite her reputation for leaving us Moonstruck (see there’s even a word for it) she actually keeps us stable. If it wasn’t for the Moon keeping us sturdy in her gravitational pull, we’d be wobbling about all over the place.
I’m not going to pretend to understand all of the Moon’s dance moves as she shape shifts around us. She comes up and down all over the place and it’s hard to know when exactly she will rise and set. A common misconception is that she’s just a lady of the night. But us here in the Algarve, with our clear deep blue sky, we know better than most - that she’s quite often out in the day time as well. But I will tell you this: Whenever it’s a full Moon and everybody’s watching the sun disappear over the horizon in the West, steal a quick look over your shoulder, quite often the real show is sneaking up quietly behind you. Now, I know this is a stretch, but I feel like if there wasn’t a Moon there would be no Noite Branca in Loulé. And not just this year, any year. I always feel when we are all celebrating in White on the ground on a hot summer night in August, and I look up above and see the Moon’s white, half crooked smile (or sometimes she’s fully beaming down on us), that, whether we know it or not - that’s who we are really celebrating. I’d just like to add that I never thought I’d say this. But I’m so pleased that the Noite Branca wasn’t on this year. With all the lunacy in the world right now it would surely have been cancelled. However, seeing as the Noite Branca is a biennial event - it wouldn’t have been on this year anyway. How’s that for a silvery white lining? Cosmic. Finally, I’d just like to say a big thank you to the team at Simply Algarve for doing what I said in the beginning was nigh on impossible, and convincing the camera shy Moon to say ‘Cheese’. And also, to local artist Fernando Colaço for setting her crooked smile in stone.
September 2020
47
Europe's Best Golf Venue *Membership prices for anual subscriptions.
