Tomorrow Aljezur to Lagoa - August 2020 by Tomorrow Algarve Magazine

AUGUST 2020 | EDITION 105

furniture

mobiliário

Interior • Design • Exterior • Accessories

Rua Professor Dr. Luís de Albuquerque, lt.44 - 8600-615 Lagos - Algarve - Portugal (+351) 282 762 070 - info@furnishyourabode.com - www.furnishyourabode.com

Editor's note

 TomorrowAlgarve

We urge you whenever possible to support local businesses. Frequenting local bars, restaurants and all local activities is now more vital than ever for many to survive the next few months.

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On behalf of Tomorrow and all our readers we would like to sincerely thank Bernadette. It is people like her that really make a difference, in our community.

Sophie Sadler - Editor  sophie@tomorrowalgarve.com

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Tom Henshaw - Sales  tom@tomorrowalgarve.com

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Janine Nieper - Sales Assistant  janine@tomorrowalgarve.com

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Creation Media - Design  phil@tomorrowalgarve.com

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work and all the people she and her team have helped, she is moving to be closer to her family in Spain. I hear there is another grandchild on the way so her good works will, presumably, never stop!

Bernadette

Nadia

Keeping the Community Spirit Alive Many of you will know Bernadette Abbott through her Facebook page Algarve Families in Need. Her appeals for donations have mustered the community spirit, providing food, clothing and domestic goods to the most needy in the Algarve. In fact as we spoke this morning she was being met by an American couple giving a large contribution of food, which her and other volunteers work tirelessly to distribute to the most vulnerable in the Algarve. Bernadette has worked for these families, travelling from one supermarket to another all over the Algarve and has been an inspiration to us all. Sadly for every one of us that know her good

The happy news is that Nadia Cann felt very honoured to be asked by Bernadette to step into her shoes and lead the already established team. Nadia says that to progress further they desperately need storage preferably in the Lagos area to keep the donations ready to distribute to the needy families. We wish Nadia and all the volunteers our best wishes and best of luck. Call Nadia on +351 938 044 790 or email familiesinneed@hotmail.com One last request from the Tomorrow team is please remember, wherever possible, to buy local. Sophie, Tom and all theTomorrow team  www.tomorrowalgarve.com

PERIODICIDADE: MENSAL . TIRAGEN: 6,500 TIPOGRAFIA: C/ AL MEDITERRÁNEO, 29, POLÍGONO DE SAN RAFAEL, 04230, HUÉRCAL DE ALMERÍA CIF: B04250056 Whilst we take every care to ensure details are correct the publisher will take no responsibility for errors or omissions. Where prices or dates are quoted they are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change. Links to third party websites are by no way an endorsement of the linked material and the publisher takes no responsibility for the content or security of any third party website. Unless specifically stated Tomorrow magazine does not endorse any product or service appearing in the directory, classified, editorial or display advertising featured on the website.

Areas we cover  Aljezur  Vila do Bispo  Lagos  Portimão

 Lagoa  Monchique  Silves

Monchique Aljezur Portimão Burgau Vila do Bispo

Lagos Luz

Alvor

Silves Lagoa

Porches

Carvoeiro

Sagres

What's on the cover this month: A sunset wave on Cordoama beach, Algarve, Portugal. By Andy Troy

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Boa Esperança. Courtesy The Algarve Tourist Board

Chief mechanic António Silva and Commandant José Gravata on board the caravel.

Exploring the high seas BY LENA STRANG

Bartolomeu Dias. Scene from the Portuguese Discoveries Wax Museum.

The replica caravel Boa Esperança takes pride of place by Lagos marina. While it looks tranquil enough anchored amongst the yachts and fishing boats bobbing in the water, its 15th century predecessors were launched on perilous voyages of exploration that changed the world. Commander José Gravata has kindly invited me to visit the caravel and is more than happy to show me the ship and relay stories of past exploits. He speaks with palpable pride standing at the helm, looking the part with his bronzed, weather-beaten face and bushy beard. He is ably assisted by chief mechanic José António Silva, who has had a long career in the Portuguese navy. I’m told the Boa Esperança was built in 1990 at Vila do Conde shipyard in the north of the country. It’s an authentic replica of the ships that were used for the Portuguese explorations in the 15th century. “Naval experts used archaeological finds from caravels in Aveiro and the Tagus river, along with drawings from museum archives,” Commander José says, adding with a glint in his eye: “We have some additional creature comforts for our present voyages though!” In 2001, the Algarve Tourist Board acquired the caravel to promote the culture and history of the Algarve and its importance in the Portuguese Discoveries. As José outlines the history of the caravel, I begin to appreciate its significance in the development of seafaring. It has its origins in the earlier Portuguese

fishing boats built in the 13th century, derived from the Moorish quarib. Keen to launch exploratory voyages in the mid 15th century, Henry the Navigator saw the potential in these nimble, manoeuvrable vessels that used triangular lateen sails capable of tacking against the wind. They were a boon to sailors who could explore the African coastline and, with their shallow keel, were also able to sail upriver. This was in contrast to the ancient heavier Mediterranean cargo vessels with one mast and a fixed square sail used at the time. The speed, economy and agility of the caravel made it the best sailing vessel of its time. “We mustn’t underestimate either the knowledge of astronomy, mathematics and technology that the Arabs brought to Europe and which was then further developed by Portuguese mariners,” José emphasises. There was limited crew and cargo space as these ships were used for exploratory purposes. Later carracks or naus were developed to cater for longer voyages with the ability to carry more provisions.

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Boa Esperança is a prime example of an early caravel. It has two masts, one 18m and the other 16m tall, with lateen sails to facilitate navigation against the wind. Both carry the symbol of the Cross of Christ harking back to Henry the Navigator, who was the Regent and Governor of the Order of Christ. We stand by the helm, sheltering from the hot sun. José points to the enormous wooden tiller and explains: “This is where the ship was steered on the orders from the pilot or captain above deck. If the weather was rough, it sometimes took two men to steer.” This caravel has 22 berths in the hold with separate space for the captain and visitors, three toilets and a kitchen. It can sail for up to five consecutive days with a minimum of 17 members of crew. “We are all volunteers,” José explains, “Many are youngsters with some sailing experience and an enthusiasm for the sea”. What kind of events has the Boa Esperança been involved in over the years? José’s face lights up and there is no stopping him. Its inaugural voyage was to Bruges to commemorate the anniversary of the first trading post of the Portuguese in the early 15th century. It has visited innumerable ports in northern Europe and the Mediterranean, participated in several regattas both here and in the North Atlantic, attended the Queen’s Jubilee in London and represented the Algarve as the ship of honour at the Festival of Cannes, to name but a few. At the biannual Medieval Festival in Lagos, the caravel hosts many activities too. There is a regular programme of school visits involving thousands of youngsters. I can't pin either Commander José or Chief Mechanic Silva down as to what has been the most memorable. “Each voyage has been fantastic in its own right!” they assure me in unison. Have there been any problems along the way? As with everything, there have been issues but mostly due to human error. The worst that can happen is putting human life at risk. José remembers a particularly challenging incident when the ship was caught in a severe storm off the southern Sleeping quarters in the hold

coast of France. "Huge waves were crashing in on us from all sides but luckily we were able to ride it out and arrive at our destination safely." I know that the explorers at the time of the Discoveries faced enormous challenges both in terms of safety and the fear of venturing into the unknown. There would have been 25-30 members of crew on a smaller caravel such as Boa Esperança, while the larger ones would have accommodated up to a hundred. The sailors, many of whom were young boys, worked in quartos and each group navigated for four hours each unless inclement weather required everyone to be on duty. Nestor Guerreiro, the owner of the Portuguese Discoveries Wax Museum in Lagos, is able to fill me in on more details. He tells me that there was always work to be done – cleaning, maintenance and continuous repairs with little time for rest or diversion. “Sailors received daily rations consisting of water, wine, biscuits, olive oil and vinegar, dried meat or fish. Each man provided for himself and, if there was wood, was able to cook. Fresh vegetables and fruit would have only lasted a few days.” The hold that accommodates the sleeping quarters of the present caravel was reserved for cargo and live animals such as chickens, pigs and goats that were slaughtered during the journey in order to have some fresh meat. And what about the sailors? “Well, they slept on deck wherever they were able to secure a place. It was only the captain who had a particular slot,” Nestor explains. The unhygienic conditions almost defy imagination. The men were only able to have a wash when there was rainfall. José points to a wooden bucket in the corner with a rope attached with the end unravelled for ‘sanitary purposes’. “That was the communal toilet,” he muses. No wonder that disease was rife, with many succumbing to fever, dysentery and scurvy. They also had to contend with other perceived dangers from monsters, mermaids and waterfalls, to strong currents and storms, and the threat from pirates and corsairs. 

Courtesy Fototeca de Lagos .F. Castelo

www.tomorrowalgarve.com

COMMUNITY All photos on the page courtesy Fototeca de Lagos .F. Castelo

What is the origin of the caravel’s name Boa Esperança? It has all to do with Bartolomeu Dias, who achieved another milestone in the explorations. In 1488, against all odds, he discovered the passage around southern Africa and the Cape of Good Hope (Boa Esperança) making it possible for the Portuguese to trade directly with India and the Far East, bypassing the cumbersome overland route. He first named it the Cape of Storms (Cabo das Tormentas) but King John II of Portugal renamed it to reflect the new optimism with the opening of the passage to India.

Did you know... There are three replicas of caravels constructed at Vila de Conde, Portugal. Luís Guimarães Lobato (19152008) of the Gulbenkian Foundation in Lisbon, made the project possible. Bartolomeu Dias constructed in 1987. Sailed to South Africa to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the circumnavigation of the Cape of Good Hope (Cabo de Boa Esperança) by Bartolomeu Dias. Still there as a museum. Boa Esperança built in 1999. Anchored in Lagos. Vera Cruz built in 2000 to commemorate 500 years since the fleet commanded by Àlvares Cabral arrived at the island of Vera Cruz in Brazil in April 1500. Anchored in Lisbon.

 I feel increasing admiration for the dedication and courage of the early explorers. Many will have heard of Gil Eanes of Lagos. A main town square is named after him, a school consortium bears his name and there is a statue of him by the main town wall. Born in Lagos and closely associated with Henry the Navigator, he achieved what most considered to be impossible. At the time it was thought that Cape Bojador off southern Morocco was the end of the navigable world where the sea disappeared over the rocks like a waterfall and all boats vanished. Many had tried but it was Gil Eanes who in 1434, on his second attempt, managed to reach Cape Bojador making further Atlantic voyages possible. Lagos was a hub of activities at this time. Commerce of all kinds flourished, including that of slaves with the first slave market in Europe established here. Seafaring provided much local employment. Henry the Navigator also took up residence in the town. However, poverty was rife. José tells me that it was common for parents to send young boys to sea in search of a better life. “As most couldn’t swim, they weren’t able to escape ashore to avoid difficulties on board!” he adds.

Returning to the present, I finally ask Commander José to describe the sensation as he is sailing the caravel on the open sea. “You clear your mind and all problems are left behind. There is only a huge expanse of sea in front. I have a sense of freedom, calm and utter serenity.” Despite the enormous challenges, perhaps the early explorers had similar sensations on their voyages all those years ago? The caravel is awaiting its regular maintenance at the dry docks in Portimão and is presently closed for visits. When it reopens, guided tours can be booked via the Algarve Tourist Board. In the meantime, it is well worth visiting the Portuguese Discoveries Wax Museum to participate in an exciting journey through the history of the explorations. +INFO: Algarve Tourist Board:  +351 289 800 400 / 408 / 502  cdi@turismodoalgarve.pt Portuguese Discoveries Wax Museum:  +351 282 039 650  www.museuceradescobrimentos.com

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The True Taste of the Algarve BY SOPHIE SADLER

My visit to the Saboreal factory in Parchal uncovered a story which started with a chance meeting on a beach and ended with a shared ambition to reinvent the Algarve’s extinct fish canning industry. I am there to meet one of the partners, Manuel Mendes, at the company’s spacious and immaculate warehouse. The smell of fish emanates from the interior, which is slightly incongruous with the industrial estate where it is located on the east side of the Arade river. We sat down outside the factory in an area which was once the hub of a thriving industry employing over 20,000 people. Tinned fish has been part of Portugal’s culinary heritage since 1853 when the canning industry was introduced. It became Portugal’s fast food, providing a cheap and convenient source of protein in times of economic instability and food shortages. Canned fish was a practical way to feed soldiers during military conflicts and was exported to the Portuguese colonies. In the 1940s, there were around 200 fish canning factories in the Algarve. By 1983, Portugal was one of the largest exporters of canned fish in the world: 34,000 tons a year were produced in 152 factories. In the late 1980s and throughout the 1990s, the canning industry suffered a terrible period of decline, in part because of the end of the colonial wars. The final blow was when Portugal joined the EU, which meant the country’s labour force came at a higher price. Many canneries were run by companies in Spain, France and Austria, who moved production to countries like Morocco where wages were low. When factories and producers closed their doors, canned fish slowly became a thing of the past.

Jumping forward to 2014, Manuel, a pharmacist from Ferragudo, was looking for a change in direction, after nine years in business. It was during a year’s sabbatical to decide what he wanted to do that he saw a stranger on the beach and casually waved. That stranger was Vincent Jonckheere, a Belgian who had been working in the hotel industry and was also looking for a different career path. The two men got chatting. Vincent had learnt about the Algarve’s past industry at Portimão Museum, which is located on the Arade river. He left thinking: why is there no factory along the Arade River? Would it be possible for me to reignite the past? Vicente explained his idea of restarting the fish industry to Manuel. He mentioned it was hard for a foreigner to know how to start a business, so Manuel offered to help him with no idea of entering into the business himself. It was later that Manuel started to mull over the idea; the possibility of reclaiming some of Portugal’s proud heritage sparked a passion in him. “I have met many elderly people who worked in those factories and remember those days. And yet, the canning industry had been forgotten and replaced with tourism. Those former workers are delighted to see us trying to resurrect this industry. In the Algarve, our plentiful fish is a gift which we should be utilising. As we have seen with COVID-19, if we only focus on tourism we are setting ourselves up for a terrible fall.” Manuel and Vincent did not intend to repeat the mistakes of the past with low quality and low cost. In fact, the opposite is true: they send fish buyers to the docks as dawn is breaking, selecting the best of the night’s catch. 

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Did you know... Fish preservation in Portugal began in the Iron Age when sea salt was imported to the Iberian Peninsula. Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, followed by the Romans, used the same process.

 In the early days, Manuel was spending two hours a day with pharmacy customer and former tinning factory worker Fernanda just learning how to select fish. “Fish canning machinery is also expensive,” explains Manuel, “so we put our fish in jars, which required a lower investment and gives more of an impression of quality”. In 2019, they received EU funding for the promotion of fish-related companies; this helped them get on the right track. Manuel believes their success shows their business model was correct, and most importantly, that he made the right decision to get involved with the venture. “I am doing something I am proud of, which reflects the history of the region where I was born,” he says. Their product is more than just fish. They create delicious combinations of flavours by adding other high-quality ingredients. Mackerel is blended with almonds and olives, sardines with tomato, onion and lemon juice. “We enjoy experimenting,” explains Manuel. “Last week we tried fish and figs, and it didn’t work! Then we tried something else and it was delicious”. I don a hat, mask and feet protectors to explore the factory, which is a textbook lesson in minimalism and efficiency. The process requires only six employees and starts with the arrival of vegetables from local producers. Portable tables are moved around the space for different elements of the preparation. A large steamer partially cooks the fish, allowing them to remove the bones. Vegetables, lemon, juice, garlic and tomatoes may be added and everything is mixed by hand before being put into jars. Manuel’s training as a pharmacist helped him develop the finishing touch. The jars are placed in a huge pressure cooker, which

finishes the cooking and sterilises the product, allowing it to remain fresh for two years. Finally, the attractive packaging is added, and it is ready to hit the shelves of a range of specialist shops retailing at around €3.80. Larger, unpackaged jars go to hotels and restaurants and Saboreal has developed unique recipes for some of its commercial customers. The company exports their delicacies to many other European countries, Hong Kong, Singapore and Macau; however, they are still looking for a retailer in the UK. Another ambition is to expand their factory to incorporate tastings where visitors can learn more about the art and history of the region. You can already book tours directly through their website. I held my own tasting for some friends, and the appreciation was unanimous, even from the kids. We sampled the various flavours on Carr’s biscuits and the result was delicious. For a healthy lunch you could layer the fish on a bed of salad. It is not a paté – you can see the original ingredients in small chunks – so it doesn’t need to be spread on bread or biscuits. A vegetarian range using organic vegetables is currently in development. The company name is a play on sabor (taste) and real (true). I can concur on its aptness. Not only is Saboreal producing exciting new flavours, but the company is reviving the former taste of the Algarve’s sadly depleted canning industry.

+INFO:  geral@saboreal.pt  +351 282 498 170  www.conserveiradoarade.com

Archaeologists discovered Roman clay amphora in Peniche, giving evidence of a developed industry for salted fish during this time. The first commercial cannery in Portugal, Ramirez, was opened in 1853 and is now the oldest in Europe. It founded factories in Setúbal, the Algarve and Vila Real de Santo Antonio to can sardines in olive oil. Setúbal eventually became the main hub for sardine canneries. The early 1900’s brought the first machinery which could seal cans and led to the growth of more factories supplying the local and international market. Today fish canning has been reinvented with many gourmet stores or restaurants using canned fish as their core business.

Saboreal's products are sold in the following retail outlets: Mercearia do Algarve – Portimão Mar d'Estoriás – Lagos Loja Canastra – Estoí Mercearia das Moças – Faro Earth – Carvoeiro

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King Charles II and Catherine of Braganza, English School painting, circa 1665

The Treaty of Windsor

Best of Friends? BY PHIL EGGINTON

Portugal and the UK have the longest alliance between countries in existence. But has it always been a friendly relationship?

“Don’t make friends who are comfortable to be with. Make friends who will force you to lever yourself up”.

In the 14th century, the Treaty of Windsor was signed between King Edward III of England and King Ferdinand of Portugal. The oldest still active treaty in the world established "perpetual friendship, union and alliance" between the two nations. The treaty states, “It is cordially agreed that if, in time to come, one of the kings or his heir shall need the support of the other....the ally shall be bound to give aid and succour to the other….” We all have good friends and we all know that friendships are not perfect all the time. A wise man once said, “Don’t make friends who are comfortable to be with. Make friends who will force you to lever yourself up”. Recently, relationships have been fragile between Portugal and the UK over the subject of an air bridge for tourists from the UK. But has the relationship always been good? An early problem arose during the only time that Portugal and Spain were united from 1580 to 1640. It was a time of war between Elizabeth I’s England and Philip II’s Spain. The Portuguese coast became a target for English raiders, including Sir Francis Drake. Consequently, Drake is remembered for being a pirate in the Algarve. Drake’s contemporary Robert Devereux also features. In 1596, he led a military raid on Faro. During the raid, a collection of books from Bishop Mascarenhas was stolen. Devereaux presented them to his friend Thomas Bodley. The books are still part of Oxford’s Bodleian Library! Following the return of Portuguese independence, good relationships were confirmed with the marriage of Charles II to Catherine of Braganza, daughter of the Portuguese king. Catherine brought the Portuguese tradition of drinking tea and eating cakes to England. This is now enshrined in the

Painting of Sir Francis Drake from Buckland Abbey, Devon

Photograph of Winston Churchill from 1941

(not so English) tradition of afternoon tea! Relationships were further cemented during the Napoleonic Wars. Arthur Wellesley, Duke of Wellington, defeated and ultimately threw out the French invaders from Portugal. However, the British Ultimatum of 1890 marked the lowest time in relationships to date. The ultimatum forced the retreat of Portuguese military forces from areas in Africa which were disputed by Britain. The British demands were viewed as a breach of the Treaty of Windsor. Portuguese republicans saw it as a national humiliation and denounced the government, which fell as a result. It also resulted in the end of the Portuguese monarchy. The incident inspired the lyrics of the current Portuguese National Anthem A Portuguesa. It was considered by many Portuguese to be the most outrageous action of the UK against its oldest ally. In the April 2020 edition, I told the story of how Portugal supported its oldest ally during the First World War. However, after the war, Britain sent Portugal a bill of £40 million for the arms, ammunition, etc, used. Portugal’s national debt soared, ultimately leading to a change of government and the rise of António Salazar. So friends don’t always agree but they do help each other in difficult times. On 12 October 1943, prime minister Winston Churchill announced to the UK parliament, “I have an announcement to make to the House pertaining to the Treaty signed between this country and Portugal in the year 1373 between His Majesty King Edward III and King Ferdinand and Queen Eleanor of Portugal”. Churchill went on to report that the United Kingdom had requested, and Portugal had agreed, a base in the Azores to protect merchant shipping in the Atlantic. It ended up being key to the outcome of World War 2. Despite difficult times, the friendship between Portugal and the UK has survived nearly 700 years. I’m sure it will continue for many years to come. Phil Egginton is a journalist and photographer and now lives in the Algarve.

+INFO:  www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anglo-Portuguese_Alliance  bit.ly/30xeyMI

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Country's Bonnie and Clyde BY HUGH CARSLAW

The Bonnie and Clyde of country music who – for sure – are going to steal your ears! Steve and Heather are a country music duo who arrived in the Algarve in November 2017. Nicknamed the Bonnie and Clyde of country music by the media, the couple’s musical journey has been a real rollercoaster, featuring many successes but also a crooked USA label whose unscrupulous actions nearly brought them to their knees. It has taken them from France to Nashville and eventually brought them to the Algarve.

By 1986, Heather, who was born in Nassau in the Bahamas but had also lived in New York, Boston and Sydney, had moved to France. She travelled south to meet her aunt and some friends, and met Steve. Their initial meeting did not go well, but after hearing him improvise a song for her in a pub one Thursday evening, she melted. By the following Monday, they were an item. Thirty-four years later, they are still together and have three children.

Their list of achievements makes for impressive reading. There have been countless TV and radio appearances in Europe and the US, plus three albums which have received excellent reviews.

In 2004, Heather successfully undertook an MBA focussing on the music industry, her main thesis being country music in France. This involved creating an album, putting it on the market and creating a record label.

At our meeting in Odiáxere, where Steve and Heather now live, they told me their original plan was to stay for a few months before moving to America. The Algarvian lifestyle had such appeal, however, that they elected to stay. They can now be seen performing in a variety of venues here. Despite starting to write his own songs when he was just eight, Steve – who is French – didn't take a single piano lesson until he was ten. He went on to study piano at the National Conservatoire in Lyon, where he was awarded the prestigious first prize of the conservatory as a pianist, orchestra director and music composer. He became a Maître Chopin and was set for a classical music career giving recitals and masterclasses. It was only when he listened to Dire Straits in 1982 that he was inspired to explore other musical genres – jazz, blues and country.

The couple recorded that first album in Nashville in 2006. They used the best local country musicians available and called the album Made In Nashville. Heather’s studies meant she was well placed to set up a record label and promote the album. Another album Country Party was released in 2009, again with great reviews. In 2013, Stories was produced but never put on the market. Both albums were recorded in their studios in France, using their own talented musicians. In 2011, after the release of their second album, the couple and their nine-piece band entered a competition to find the best European country band in Germany. The six hundred competitors were whittled down over five days and they came

out top. First prize was a number of engagements to promote their group. By now, Steve and Heather had a high profile and were regarded as the top country music representatives for France, with many radio and TV appearances.. They were invited to play at the popular CMA Music Festival in Nashville. To finance an album is not for the faint-hearted. It is extremely costly and the couple re-mortgaged their house to raise funds needed to produce their first album. It was a risk but the contract was sound and it proved to be a good investment. Unfortunately, there are some unscrupulous operators in the music industry as Steve and Heather’s experience with their third album Stories proved. Having agreed a contract with a US label and engaged an industry lawyer, they subsequently lost a significant amount of money. The label’s boss registered their songs in his own name for copyright purposes despite them already being copyrighted in France, and subsequently failed to honour the agreement. When he declared himself bankrupt, they knew they had no chance of getting their money back. It was a huge financial blow. Nine years later, Steve and Heather are happily settled in the Algarve and are optimistic about the future. They have performed at the Pestana Hotels, the Autodrome, the Penina Hotel and other restaurants and bars, and have other engagements lined up. During the pandemic, they performed on Facebook and YouTube. Their particular brand of country music is sure to add an extra dimension to live music performance here in the Algarve. After sitting in a drawer for many years, Stories has finally been launched in a downloadable version. It stands as a testament to this remarkable couple as their story reaches a crescendo in the Algarve. +INFO:  www.steveandheather.bandcamp.com  PageSteveAndHeather

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Out of this World BY SOPHIE SADLER

There is something other-worldly about Aterra. When you type in the code, and the wooden gates open to let you in, you can imagine it is akin to finding the door to Narnia in the back of your wardrobe. Although describing itself as an ecological campsite which offers guests a unique glamping experience, Aterra embodies so much more. Little bridges lead you into different areas of this magic kingdom where peacocks wander freely showing off their beautiful plumage. We rented all of the accommodation for a celebration weekend with seven other families. Located near Odeceixe, it was only a short drive yet as soon as we entered the gates, we felt as if we were in a parallel universe. As well as the palatial teepees, there are Rajasthani tents, stunning yurts and a wood cabin. All giving a feel of luxury with comfy beds and good quality linen. Mosquito nets were hung opulently over the beds, and all had decking to relax outside. The reception tent where you eat is open on all sides, overlooking the green lawns and has a taste of India. Claudia tells me, “Aterra can be translated as ‘the earth’. We invite people to experience what we have on land but to also remember the potential we have on this planet. There is an alternative way to live in a sustainable, more resourceful and ecological way”. Claudia was originally a primary school teacher from the UK. She is keen to give children staying here the freedom to explore, play and discover through fun and practical experiences. Bizarrely, the story of Aterra begins in Brighton where Claudia and Francisco met. Originally from Lisbon, Francisco was working as a landscape gardener. His previous work in gardening, permaculture and ecological construction has given him the skills to design and build all the structures, garden and furniture at Aterra from locally sourced or recycled materials.

in this lake was heaven, flashes of wings from the weedy banks made me think of fairies in this enchanted place, but they were, in fact, blue and red dragonflies. “We wanted to create something where people could spend the day without feeling they needed to leave,” Claudia tells me. They have succeeded, the children played happily in the water all day while we enjoyed drinks and cocktails from the beach bar. A children’s playground gave diversion to the kids while the incredible masseuse worked wonders on the adults. The toilet facilities are all compost and remarkably opulent with fresh flowers and Buddas decorating the hand basins. The solar shower offered me a pleasant view of the countryside and the very vocal donkey as I prepared myself for dinner. Which leads me onto the food, which was divine. A resident chef prepares breakfast, lunch and dinner during the week. At the weekends, they invite chefs to give their guests a unique gastronomic treat. The highlight was mouth-watering crispy pizzas where we selected our own toppings which were scattered on freshly rolled dough and finished in the stone pizza oven. The resort is staffed by friendly and beautiful workers, who live at Aterra and give the impression you are hanging out with them, which contributes to the laid back vibe. Aterra has grown organically. “We began with tents then added decking and bathrooms,” explains Claudia. “We always endeavour to improve and expand our services yet retain our ‘home-grown’ personal touch.”

We wandered down a track to the lake, after arriving on a blistering hot summer day, hoping to be able to cool down. It appeared through the trees like a shimmering mirage in the landscape, surrounded by medronho trees with eucalyptus bowing their heads looking like they were wishing to touch the refreshing water.

In the future, they hope to develop their accommodation facilities to provide year-round permanent structures, using wood, straw bales, earth, stone and rocks, tyres and sandbags. Aterra is an experience not to be missed, and far from bringing you down to earth, we were all on a definite high after our unforgettable weekend.

A man-made beach has been built to allow you to walk comfortably into the water or launch one of their kayaks. Behind a pagoda there are comfy beds on which to lie and survey the landscape. Swimming

+INFO:  www.aterra.pt  ATerra Eco Boutique

COMMUNITY Anadá Filipitsch has created the Facebook page kat6aportugal, to explain the extremely rare syndrome caused by a gene mutation. The symptoms of this disease are, severe speech disorders, stunted child development, feeding problems, vision problems, hypotony (visual problems), sensory problems, severe gastrointestinal problems, cardiac anomalies and seizures. Despite pre-natal scans no one picked up on Constança's condition until she was born and doctors noticed she had a deformed nose and she was not feeding properly.

Morning Smile

She had a heart operation at six months of age and was found to have microcephaly, and was diagnosed in November 2019 with KAT6A.

A Lagos mother is campaigning to raise awareness about the syndrome KAT6A, which her daughter Constança suffers from.

There are just over 250 individuals with this diagnosis in the whole world but Anadá has already met two other families in Portugal who are dealing with the condition. Each situation is unique, but all of them require a therapeutic, educational and medical

intervention that involves support of various kinds, often costly. Constança is now two but doesn't talk, doesn't walk and has autism (she has all the symptoms of KAT6A apart from convulsions). She does however smile a lot, so her parents have named her parents have named her personal FB page Morning Smile With Constança. She also loves her big sister Carlota and always responds to her voice. Her father José António Soares Nobre is a house painter and Anadá a designer at Gii Home so they cannot afford her first intensive physiotherapy treatment, at CHS - Intensive Stimulation Centre - in Braga. in the same way as Vicente, (featured on page 30) the family can pay for medical help with bottle tops, or you can make a donation. Bottle tops can be delivered to the Gii Home store, Rua Infante Sagres 95/97 in Lagos. Or Anadá can be contacted through her facebook page. +INFO:  morningsmilewithconstanca / Kat6aportugal

Blue Flags Flying Across the Algarve region the annual recognition of clean beaches has once again seen numerous beaches attain the coveted status awarded by the Blue Flag Association of Europe (ABAE). In the municipality of Vila do Bispo, 11 flags were awarded in a symbolic ceremony that started on Burgau beach. Beliche, Cabanas Velhas, Castelejo, Cordoama, Ingrina, Mareta, Martinhal, Salema, Tonel and Zavial are the beaches that once again carry the symbol of quality and excellence. In Lagos, the ceremony was marked at Porto de Mós beach, while flags were also hoisted on the beaches of Dona Ana, Luz and Meia Praia. The award attests to the quality of the bathing water in the municipality, the support infrastructures and the information and environmental education actions carried out on the beaches, thus representing the fulfillment of a wide range of environmental, safety and comfort criteria for beach users. In addition to this quality award on the beaches of the municipality of Lagos, Meia Praia was recently highlighted by European Best Destinations, an entity promoting European culture and tourism, as one of the safest beaches in Europe in this pandemic period. Also, in Lagos, the rehabilitation and recovery of the dune cordon of Meia Praia, a project aiming to

prevent and manage the coastal risks associated with the dune instability has reached a further stage. Action to deal with the state of degradation of the five km of dunes between the salt marsh of Ria de Alvor and Ribeira de Bensafrim, a situation caused not only by the effect of weather and natural conditions, but also by human action, is set to begin. Meanwhile, the environmental association Quercus has classified Praia da Rocha, Praia dos Três Castelos, Praia dos Careanos, Praia do Vau, Praia de Três Irmãos / Alvor Nascente and Praia de Alvor in Portimão parish, with the Golden Quality Grade due to the high quality of its waters in the last five years. Praia da Rocha was also distinguished for the third consecutive year with the Five Stars Award following a market study that included the opinion of more than 313,000 people. The Prime Minister, António Costa who chose this famous tourist destination for the inauguration of the 2020 bathing season, obviously agreed with them. The beaches of Silves were also distinguished for the quality of their bathing water, receiving the award for the beaches of Armação de Pêra and Praia Grande Poente, where the water has shown excellent quality in the last five bathing seasons.

The Blue Flag of Europe Association (ABAE) recently launched a photographic competition to discover forgotten memories between you and your ocean. The initiative aims to celebrate and value our relationship with the Ocean, which gives us so much, and where we build many memories for life. Photographs must be sent by 30 September to claudio.machado@ cm-viladobispo.pt, which will then be forwarded to ABAE.

COMMUNITY

Olá, tudo bem? …. Now what? Overcoming conversation hurdles in European Portuguese

It’s Life, Jim, but not as we know it.

BY LENA STRANG Perhaps you’ve lived in Portugal for some time or spend prolonged periods here for holidays. You’ve acquired some basic vocabulary and want to try to communicate in the language. All well and good, but how do you do it? How do you sustain a conversation beyond the cheery ‘Bom dia’ and ‘Tudo bem?’. What tends to follow are a few more smiles, possibly a torrent of words you don’t understand, and after an awkward silence, the conversation ends. Many of us have been there and know the frustration. There are ways to overcome this. To respond to the greeting you can say: ‘Tudo bem, obrigado’ (for a man) ‘obrigada’ (for a woman) and then add: ‘E consigo’? (and how is it with you?). You can have a few conversation gambits ready. After greeting your neighbour, you could comment about the weather (Hoje está calor, não é?), make a positive remark about their house, how nice their garden looks or perhaps an enquiry about their family if it’s appropriate. Another useful approach is to prepare and have some vocabulary and phrases ready. If you go to a café or restaurant and know what you are going to order, write it down and practise beforehand. (‘Dois cafés e dois pasteis de nata, por favor’.) The same goes when you visit the post office or the bank. Look up the vocabulary you need. After you’ve done this a few times you may start to remember what to say but it’s useful to have your checklist handy. And pronto … you will have engaged in conversations! Fillers like ‘pronto’ (so, here you go) are useful for giving yourself thinking time when you are speaking. It can also be used in the sense of: ‘alright’…. or ‘ready’? If you listen carefully, native Portuguese speakers use these regularly when they pause or search for words. They add colour and flavour and make speakers sound more authentic. ‘Pois’ (yes, indeed, so it is) is probably the most useful

Back to Church

little filler. In order to acknowledge what someone else is saying, you can interject a ‘pois’, or ‘pois é’, to show you are listening and agreeing. Other handy fillers include, ‘Ora bem' (let’s see, right) or ‘Bem’ on its own to give you an acceptable pause for what to say next. ‘Ou seja’ (in other words) can also be useful when you are trying to explain something in different ways. As in one of the examples above, ‘não é?' (isn’t it? yeah?) added to the end of a statement, is very common. Try to pick out the keywords in the conversation you are hearing and don’t hesitate to ask people to repeat or speak more slowly. (‘Pode falar mais devagar, por favor?') Don’t worry about making mistakes. The main thing is to try to make oneself understood and gain confidence in the process. No one will judge or criticise. A very good way to improve your speaking is to listen to native speakers, imitate their accent, the rhythm of speech, and tone of voice. Practice Portuguese podcasts and their ‘Shorties’ episodes are perfect for this. There are transcriptions of the dialogues for extra support. It may be useful to record your own speech as a comparison and keep working on your pronunciation. Pois … falar a língua local é bom, não é? To hear these phrases and learn even more, visit:  practiceportuguese.com/tomorrow-august

Tudo bem?

Olá

So, we can hold services in a church again, providing we observe social distancing and the myriad other rules that now govern our lives in the COVID-19 world. In Luz, the first service was held at the beginning of July. It was the mid-week Holy Communion service and around 19 people attended. Hand sanitisers were de rigueur and attendees were well spread out. No singing was permitted and no wine distributed, only the communion wafer, but those that attended said they felt safe. For the Sunday morning service Zoom is still facilitating the get-together. Between 50 and 100 people attend this service and, under social distancing rules, just 25 would be allowed into the church in Luz at any one time. So for the foreseeable future the congregation must remain on-line. In a way this is a good thing as it allows those that are unable to return to Portugal, like me, the chance to participate. It does all make me wonder when life might return to normal, if it ever does. In theory I could return to the Algarve, but with Portugal excluded from the “safe” destinations at the time of writing, it could mean a lengthy quarantine on my return to the UK. Perhaps restrictions will ease, but I fear this pandemic will be with us for some time to come. At the very least it will mean that the way we conduct ourselves in the future will be different to the practices we have been used to before coronavirus came into our lives. It is not just the health issues that will demand a new normal. The disruption that the measures to combat this disease has caused and the massive cost attached to trying to restore economic stability all around the world will mean that we will all be living in a very different post COVID-19 world. Back in England, we are getting used to the changes that have been wrought. My friends in Luz say things are closer to normal than they expected, but life may never be completely the same again. We must all learn to make the best of whatever the future brings. Brian Tora is a financial journalist and broadcaster.

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COMMUNITY

Artistic Impressions Sophie Sadler meets the famous Brazilian artist who has just moved to Lagos and discovered how art saved him from dyslexia. The walls of the Centro Cultural do Lagos, are graced with the repertoire of Maramgoní (born Waldemar Marangoni Jùnior) until 9 October, with a free exhibition of his work. This charismatic artist has recently moved to Lagos from São Paulo where his story began. Born in 1972, the son of Waldemar Maramgoní and Maria Lúcia, Maramgoní Jnr was brought up amidst the packed skyscrapers of the hot and dusty city. What intrigues me about his work is, therefore, the way his cityscapes exude beauty and light, drawing you into the complexity of his depictions of the panorama. Marangoni started painting at nine and displayed two excellent skills, visual and sound. His paintings showed great ability with the distribution of colour and light, and he was able to play any instrument just by listening. As a teenager, his teachers thought him lazy and disinterested in his studies, but he adopted the stage name Maramgoní for his artistic endeavours. He liked and had a talent for drawing and painting, so much so that he started teaching art at the age of 15. He did not lack students either, earning enough to buy paint, brushes and canvases, to pay his bills and to help at home. The once-troubled boy began to show a unique talent as an artist and at the same time formed his first heavy metal band called Evil Minds. By the time he was diagnosed as dyslexic, he was already an adult. He was unable to acquire any knowledge through reading and so never studied the academic understanding of painting and was selftaught. Attracted by the concepts of light, shadow and dialogue between colours, he mastered the techniques of style through his eyes. In his book, Maramgoni says: “I’m dyslexic, I can not think in the traditional way, I can not learn like everyone else. To give you an idea, I failed eight times at school and ended up giving up conventional study. If it was not for art, I do not know what I would be”.

The importance placed on his dyslexia as being the cornerstone of his artistic genius is reflected at LAC with a video presentation. The President of the Brasilian Association of Dyslexia explains what the world is like for sufferers. The author of Maramgoní´s book, Marcio Pitliuk, explains:“The way Maramgoní paints is amazing. How can he portray urban landscapes that depend on perspectives and proportions, without tracing the lines that define these geometric calculations? It seems to have no explanation, but he finds one”. His charming and devoted wife Adriana, who also acts as his public relations assistant, tells me when Maramgoni starts to paint, he works for 18 hours a day. “Sometimes without stopping to eat,” she adds. “And he completes a canvas in around four days.” Maramgoni met the impressionist master Renato Pinto, who became his teacher for three months. He was invited to become Pingo’s assistant; however, after a few years, Maramgoní became dissatisfied with his work and felt the need to break down barriers and seek new lines. The artist then focused on another field of research in architecture. The first-floor display of his work shows his discovery of Greco-Roman designs. He was helped in his growth by his contemporary art master Sérgio Longo, who assisted him in the most challenging part of his career. Maramgoní then embarked on a series of works depicting São Paulo in the 19th Century. Studies on the famous sights of the city, which embody his love of the metropolis and invite us to reflect on the importance of keeping history alive. Another area of his life where he re-ignited history was his relationship with Adriana. They were each other’s first girlfriend and boyfriend at the tender ages of 11 and 13, while their respective grandparents were neighbours. They lost touch and Adriana moved to London where she married and had a son and Maramgoní also married in Brazil.

After their marriages ended, they met again 17 years later and have now been married for 18 years. They moved to Lagos to give security to their four-year-old son, having friends in the area and wishing to enjoy a similar climate to Brazil. Maramgoní’s more opulent paintings, such as his depiction of Monaco, show us the reality of urban spaces in the modern day, described by Marcio Pitliuk as “a magical universe ruled by light and colour”. In the master’s own words: “More than discussing art, the artist needs to have involvement with what he does, especially in the aspect of seeking a technical improvement and a line of work that satisfies him as aesthetic research.” I am left rather in awe of this genius, with a mind that works in mysterious and complex ways. He claims art saved him or did he save art? +INFO:  artinspirada.com / www.cm-lagos.pt  @maramgoni

COMMUNITY

‘Well-being and safety depends on all of us’ Vaughan Willmore speaks to one of the Algarve’s most senior police officers. We’re so often told that Portugal is one of the safest countries in the world, with low levels of crime a key factor in why so many of us make Portugal our home. But what are the challenges of policing the Algarve and how can the British community help address them? I raised these issues and more when I interviewed Captain Valente, one of the most senior officers in the Algarve. PLEASE TELL OUR READERS A LITTLE ABOUT YOU AND YOUR ROLE My name is Capitão Gilberto Fernandes Fraústo Valente and I started working for the GNR nearly 10 years ago. The GNR is organised into 20 Territorial Commands and reporting into each command are Detachments. I started working initially as Deputy Commander of Detachment and now I am the Commander of Detachment, reporting into the territorial command in Faro. I have 125 personnel working with me. WHAT IS A TYPICAL DAY FOR YOU AS CAPTAIN? As a rule, my working day is dynamic and comprehensive, with emphasis on the responsibility that I assume in controlling all operational activity, which includes patrolling and policing, and all administrative activity, including management of the Detachment itself. One of the most important tasks is to monitor all occurrences, with special importance for those of greater complexity, checking the patrol procedures are correct. In addition, if it is necessary to make more complex decisions, it is up to me. It is essential to be aware of the criminal occurrences that are happening and to assess whether it is necessary to explore any particular subject, in view of the type of crime, type of victims, and area where it is occurring, in order to trigger a deeper and more comprehensive analysis, so that measures can be taken.

population. It is knowing that we are able to help or solve the problem that the citizen presents to us because for any GNR military, as for me, this is how we feel about our “mission accomplished” duty. Personally, I also recognise that all the work developed that is directed to the most deprived population assumes different relevance. It is very important and rewarding to help those in need. DO YOU HAVE ANY MESSAGES FOR THE BRITISH COMMUNITY? Yes, I present two messages to the British community. The first message is about the disclosure of information about criminal situations. It is never more important to remind and alert all citizens, whenever they are the target of a criminal offence they must communicate to the authorities. This is regardless of the damage and whether there are suspects. It helps the GNR to know and record the occurrences for better planning of patrolling, with a view to preventing new occurrences and identifying individuals responsible for the illegal acts. As a second message, it is important to appeal to the personal responsibilities of the entire population, including the British community, whether resident or holidaying in the Algarve, so that they can take full advantage and enjoy everything the Algarve provides, but always with a responsible and conscious attitude. Well-being and safety depends on all of us. My sense from speaking to people in preparing this article is of an immense feeling of goodwill towards the GNR, and an appreciation of the work they do.

WHAT ARE THE MAIN CHALLENGES POLICING THE ALGARVE? For the GNR the main policing challenges in the Algarve are the variation of the population throughout the year, especially during the holiday season as the population increases exponentially.

Perhaps it will help if we can all note Captain Valente’s words and so play our part in helping to maintain Portugal as one of the safest countries in the world and the place so many of us are pleased to call home.

There is also another one of particular concern, namely the dispersion of the resident population, with an enormous number of families who move away from population centres, seeking to settle in more isolated and rural areas. It is complex to patrol and get to know the areas in detail. This is one of the reasons for the “Safe Residence” program, which aims to obtain a register of these houses and the best means to access, also helping to build the relationship between the GNR and citizens.

After all, as the Captain quite rightly said, well-being and safety depends on all of us. +INFO:  GuardaNacionalRepublicana  www.gnr.pt

WHAT’S THE BEST THING ABOUT WORKING FOR THE GNR? The most rewarding aspect is, without a doubt, feeling useful to the

Safe Residence Programme  www.safecommunitiesalgarve.com

Telephone Translation Service

 808 257 257 For anyone concerned that language barriers may hinder their dialogue with the police there is the option of using the free Telephone Translation Service offered by the High Commission for Migration services – www.acm.gov.pt

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WHAT'S ON

What's on in August Stranded at a Drive-In! COVID-19 has certainly made us all take a step back. Now Lagos is going back to the 1950s by hosting a series of drive-in summer concerts. In order to resume its cultural activity, while maintaining safety measures, the municipality of Lagos is recreating the drive-in concept that was so successful in the 50s and 60s and immortalised in movies such as Grease. Lacobrigense summer gains a new dimension with concerts by artists and local bands connected to Lagos that will liven up Saturday nights with genres appealing to all tastes. All of these artists were part of the “Lagos at home with music” initiative on the municipality's Facebook page throughout the pandemic months. Movies will be shown in the same location on Wednesday nights, from 5 August. On-site street vending of food and drink and toilets will also be available. Safety precautions: vehicles will have a distance of 2 metres, spectators must remain inside the vehicles, only being allowed to leave for use of the toilets.  WHEN: 1 August to 5 September, at 9:30 pm WHERE: Parque da Trindade, Lagos TICKETS: Free, but with prior registration online  camaramunicipaldelagos  www.cm-lagos.pt August 1st: Daddy Jack Band and Plasticine August 8: Marta Alves, Helena Candeias and Zé Portugal, accompanied by Vitor do Carmo, Paulo Feiteira and Duarte Costa August 15th: DJ Manu and Paulo Ribeiro and DJ Toby One August 22: Humberto Silva and Ana & Edgar August 29: Staccato Lemon and Hybrid Theory (Linkin Park Tribute) September 5: Lagos Light Orchestra and Wesley Seme

Seaside Variety

Neon Run The 2020 Portimão Neon Run is back. The 4km fun run takes place in the cooler night temperatures and promises absolute madness, dancing, walking or even running, with lots of paint, lots of music and lots of animation. Sign up via the website.

Enjoy free, live outside entertainment every Sunday evening throughout August in the riverside area of Portimão.  WHEN: 7 pm until 10 pm 2 August: Juggling Pirates 9 August: Moon light. 16 August: Opera Intermezzo Concerto 23 August: Fi-lar-mo-ni-cas 30 August: The Bathers  vivaportimao.pt/a-nao-perder/e-ainda/1924animacao-itinerante

 WHEN: Friday 21 August 9 pm until Midnight  @NeonRunportugal  neonrun.pt

Creative Juice Street Art Lab returns to Lagos with Laboratório de Actividades Criativas. Set off on a journey of discovery of the urban art found throughout the city of Lagos. A guided tour takes participants to the works of some of the most acclaimed artists in contemporary urban art, unveiling the possible messages implied in the murals of the city, while looking for other particularities that reveal its cultural, historical and artistic importance. The programme also comprises creative and experimental activities, tutored by a guest artist. Materials such as stencils, paints, sprays, and paper, among others will be available. At the end, each participant may keep the work they have created. 29 August, 2020  WHEN: 10 am – Midday and 3 pm – 5 pm TICKETS: 15€  lac.org.pt  lac.associacaocultural@gmail.com

Summer Holiday Fun Portimão is promising to fill the summer holidays with sports, cultural, recreational and educational activities for children. With thousands of adventures there is sure to be something for everyone. Activities will take place at a number of venues throughout the city, including, the museum, library, Quinta Pedagogica, the theatre, sailing club, Praia da Rocha sports area, tennis complex and a number of schools will be opening their doors to other events. The project aims to provide a healthy use of children's free time, with good practices and new challenges. Registration is mandatory, so check the website for all of the activities and register.   vivaportimao.pt/images/2020/6.JUNHO/FERIAS_ DE_VERAO_Brochura.pdf

BOOK WORM

Meet the Author

BY ANNIE O’DEA

Patricia Bromley Author of Four Decades of Lies, Deceit, Corruption and Murder (2018), to be reviewed in next month’s edition, Patricia Bromley is a relatively new writer, having had a varied career in the UK. Born in 1953 to a large Sheffield family, Pen’s brothers affectionately nicknamed her after 007’s Miss Moneypenny. Now her married name is Pen Clayton but she decided to keep her maiden name as an author. Talking to Pen about her life, and what inspired her to write after such different career paths, was refreshing. She was one of the youngest magistrates in Sheffield, a role she juggled with a young family. She changed direction to business marketing for Camelot after studying for an MBA. Finally pursuing a successful career in the field of respiratory disease, Pen has had a varied career. Just before she retired in 2015, Pen was out walking with a friend who had just finished an MA in Creative

Viva Portugal Tomorrow's bookworm, Annie O’Dea reviewsThe Portuguese: A Modern History, by Barry Hatton. Combining history and anecdote, Barry Hatton paints an intimate portrait of a fascinating country and its people. He shines a light on this enigmatic corner of Europe by blending historical analysis with entertaining personal anecdotes. He describes the idiosyncrasies that make the Portuguese unique and surveys the eventful path that brought them to where they are today. Published in May 2011, Barry Hatton’s non-fiction book about the history of Portugal is a captivating read for those who want to learn more about this beautiful country. A British foreign correspondent in Lisbon for nearly thirty years, Hatton decided to write this book “to wake foreigners up to Portugal’s enduring appeal”, which it certainly does. Having been an Associated Press writer since 1997, British-born Hatton has made Portugal his home for over

Writing. Her friend asked if she had to write a book what would it be about? Thus, the storyline of Pen’s first novel came to fruition. Compelled to write it while on an extended work trip with her husband in Sydney, Pen had the time and opportunity to start the writing process. Besotted with her novel, she completed it in six weeks. Places she visited in Australia feature in the book and one of the main characters is Australian. Four Decades of Lies, Deceit, Corruption and Murder was published in 2018. Its sequel The Truths Unfold is not yet published. Pen was certainly kept busy, liaising with her publishers while she also served as captain of her local golf club in Sheffield. Now sharing her time between Carvoeiro and the UK, Pen plans to continue writing. She is unsure if the next book will be the trilogy in the series or if she will take another route. We watch this space in anticipation.

twenty five years. He has three children with his Portuguese wife, Carmo. João, Maria and Madalena, to whom this book is dedicated, are both British and Portuguese. Prior to this in 2007, he co-authored, with his mother-in-law Luisa Beltrao, the first biography of Portugal’s first and only female Prime Minister, Maria de Lourdes Pintasilgo. Hatton still continues to cover Portuguese politics for Associated Press and more recently has co-written crime novels set partly in Portugal: Lisbon Water Kills (2014) and The Cocaine Revenge (2015). The Portuguese: a Modern History gives an in-depth history of Portugal from its origins to present day along with an insight into its geography being “561 by 218 – Small Space, Big Contrasts”, its culture and love of food, but most of all its people. The Portuguese have always pulled together, especially in times of crisis, like the bull-wrestling ‘forcados’. They are calm, gentle, kind people who are renowned for their generosity of spirit and easygoing attitude. Hatton states at the end of his book: “The Portuguese remind me of those ancient olive trees you come across around the country – bent out of shape by bigger forces, flawed and suffering, but robustly surviving with an unusual beauty.”

LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts) workshops available at a new local studio in Lagos. Be inspired & Creative!  annieodea@ymail.com

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CHARITY

I want to Ride my Bicycle Tomorrow magazine was delighted to be present when Vicente received his new bike. A special thank you to everyone who attended the T.A.C.T charity events last year and also to the Luz Foundation. Due to your generosity, we were able to purchase a specialist bicycle to help our shining light Vicente in his ongoing development. We hope that the equipment may help him to walk one day. Vicente, who was born with cerebral paralysis, will use it to help strengthen and work the muscles of the legs while having fun at the same time. The four-year-old has continued to receive intensive therapy in Braga. Since the Christmas Ball last year, when we raised money for his physiotherapy, he already has more control over his body and head and increased strength in his arms and legs.

You can continue to help Vicente by collecting plastic and metal bottle tops You can leave the bottle tops at the C.A.R.D.S. in Lagos, at Clube Desportivo de Odiáxere, at Clube de Ténis e Padel de Lagos and at Pastelaria Gombá 2 in Lagos. Or make a small donation to Vicente's account because Vicente spends € 21,400 on treatments in Braga every year. Your help is vital to Vicente and his family, and we will not stop supporting him until he can walk. +INFO:  O mundo colorido do Vicente IBAN for dontations: PT50 0033 0000 4553 8620 4590 5

A Web of Social Projects 30

Teia d'Impulsos is a non-profit association whose main objective is the development of social, cultural and sporting projects with the ethos of equal rights and opportunities for all.

2018 in Portimão. The project promotes independence, social inclusion, quality of life and well-being to all participants, specifically to children and young people with disabilities.

The name means ‘web of impulses’ in English, which aptly describes the network of partnerships and projects created on the impulse of a group of friends.

The program aims to fill the gap in the provision of specialised holiday programs for children and young people with special needs. It provides children, young people and their families with life experiences, contact with nature and integration in the community, which in turn promotes independence and increases their quality of life.

Since March 2011, these friends have created and implemented some of the most dynamic initiatives across the Algarve. Executive board member, Maria Nobre Cavalho tells me, “The NGO was started by a group of childhood friends including doctors, architects and entrepreneurs who, after having their own children, decided they wanted to have a more active role in building a better future for the children of the Algarve”. They started with two projects – Rota de Petisco and Vela Solidária – teaching sailing to underprivileged children and now to people with disabilities. In the 10 years since they started they have 27 projects in diverse areas. One of these initiatives, the FICA project – Inclusive Vacations for the Algarve Community – started in July

There is a team of three paid employees; however, most, including Maria, are volunteers. The charity relies on the goodwill of volunteers, sponsorships and partner organisations. It is currently looking for companies who can provide activities for children to enjoy over the August holidays. If you can help, or would like to make a donation, please get in touch. With your help Teia d'Impulsos will be able expand and help more children and families in the Algarve. +INFO:  teiadimpulsos.pt

CHARITY

13.32, a fire started in the hills behind Monchique. It would burn for 10 days and travel down to and beyond Silves. It took 1492 personnel to put it out. All of this personnel needed feeding. Again we enlisted our trusted volunteers, from all over the Algarve from east to west, collection points were set up and restaurants supplied cooked food, as did supermarkets. We would ring the Bombeiros every morning, get a shopping list, and have it all at Silves for lunchtime. Anita van Huson, set up a catering group and supplied cooked meals.

Rising from the Ashes Everyone will have followed the news on the two major fires to have hit the country so far this year. Portugal currently is at maximum fire risk. To raise awareness of the work done by the Bombeiros, we have this special report from the founder and president of the Alerta Facebook group, Debbie Burton. In 2019 Debbie was awarded the British Empire medal, by Her Majesty the Queen, for services to the community in the Algarve. When Alerta was founded in 2013, on Facebook, it was a small group, relying on eyewitness reports such as “there is smoke”, or “I can see a helicopter”. As we progressed, in numbers and experience, things improved. We discovered the ANEPC page, which is the most reliable, factual and up to date. It was just myself running the page until 2017 when the member numbers began to expand, and I realised I needed help. I asked a couple of friends to help me and a couple of ladies who had offered their time. The Alerta page as we know it today is thanks to Jacky Baker, Karen Howard Goldsmith, Barbara Leitch, Paula Mullin, Mike Eden and Michelle Wainwright. During the fire of 2017 in Monchique, we collected and delivered food, snacks, water and toiletries, every day to the Bombeiros. We would post our collection points on Facebook every morning. Then either me and my husband Andrew, the late Greg Mckenzie Brown and Regina Zimmerman, would wait in supermarket car parks. People would come and give us donations, then we would take them to a station agreed with the Bombeiros, for transporting up to Monchique. After 2017, we realised we needed to form an association and Associação para Alerta de incendio Florestal /Forest fire Alert was born. In 2018 the Algarve was severely tested, as was the Bombeiros and Alerta. On 3 August at

We also collected toiletries and first aid supplies. Some had been in the same clothes for days, especially the Bombeiros from afar who had come to help, so we also took clean t-shirts and underwear to those fighting the flames. We launched the animal rescue groups. Wendy Frost and Lucy Pither doing the domestic animals with Jane Kemp rescuing horses and large animals. Our volunteers sometimes ventured into dangerous situations to save animals. We also created another branch of Alerta, managed by Becci Rich and Keziah Gibbons, for people who had been evacuated. We placed them in temporary accommodation offered to help. We now have little volunteer groups set up for the east and west, who drop everything once a fire starts and organise supplies and collections. We have a team of over 20 volunteers on the Facebook page, reporting on fires from 08.00- 22.00 and beyond if we have an active blaze. There are 17 fire stations in total. During a fire, we need thousands of euros to supply them with water and energy bars. The uniforms we buy cost around €350 per person, for a jacket, trousers, fireproof balaclava and functional Gore-Tex boots. Alerta has been able to purchase through fundraising events and donations, 110 uniforms and over €2000 of PPE. We have secured donations of decommissioned uniforms from the UK, breathing apparatus, and infrared cameras. For the last three years, we have given every station a hamper, on Christmas Eve, for the crews working over Christmas. Every year for 10 nights, we help Silves and Messines Bombeiros with the car parking at Silves medieval festival and take donations. Sadly this has been cancelled this year. Many people also hold fundraising events for us, including Roosters in Messines, which is a massive supporter of Alerta. I have named only a handful of our volunteers, there are a great deal, and every single one is just as important in the grand scheme of things. Behind the scenes, there is a core group of nine people, who form the committee and plod along with planning and making sure all runs smoothly. This summer I am doing my stay at home swimathon for the duration of the fire season: I am completing 1 km a day to try to help with the shortfall in funds due to COVID-19. I have hit 10.000 lengths/ 45 km.” A big thank you to Debbie and all the volunteers, please keep up the excellent work. +INFO / DONATIONS:  algarvefire.info

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SPORTS

Need for Speed

Eugene Laverty Testing at the Autódromo in January, Image Phil Egginton

The Portuguese round of the Superbike World Championship comes to the Autódromo do Algarve on 7–9 August. One of the star riders has recently moved to the Algarve. UEFA Champions League Cup

It's Coming Home The 2019/20 UEFA Champions League football quarter-finals, semi-finals and final will be played as a straight knockout tournament in Lisbon, in August. In great news for Portugal, and building on its success in managing the pandemic, the major football tournament resumes on Friday 7 August. All the ties will be single-leg fixtures. The games will be split between Benfica's Estádio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica (which will host the final) and Sporting CP's Estádio José Alvalade. The 2019/20 UEFA Champions League has been on hold since Wednesday 11 March due to the COVID-19 outbreak. The UEFA Champions League is an annual club football competition organised by the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) and contested by top-division European clubs. It is one of the most prestigious football tournaments in the world and the most prestigious club competition in European football. By Phil Egginton, who is a journalist and photographer and now lives in the Algarve. +INFO:  www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague

I have known Eugene Laverty for over 10 years. I first met him when he raced for Autódromo's own team, Parkalgar Racing. Thirty-four-year-old Eugene was born in Toomebridge, Northern Ireland. His father had raced bikes and his two older brothers were also motorbikers. He remembers riding motocross bikes over the local fields from an early age. His brothers started racing with a friend and Eugene joined them. His first race was in 2001, at Nutts Corner, an old RAF base in County Antrim. Victory followed the same year at Mondello Park near Dublin. From 2002, Eugene raced in various British championships before moving to the Supersport World Championship in 2009, with Parkalgar Racing. Two seasons in Supersport saw him move up to Superbike World Championship in 2011. During this year, Eugene pulled off what he considers his best achievement to date. At Monza, in Italy, he won both Superbike races on his Yamaha. It was the first time he had been on the winners’ podium and he’d gone straight to the top step. Eugene continued in Superbike before moving up to MotoGP World Championship for 2015 and 2016. Without a doubt, the Autódromo do Algarve is his favourite track in the world. “Many other riders think the same,” says Eugene. “The way the track curves its way up and down the hillsides is unique. It reminds me of my days riding motocross.” Eugene moved back to Superbike in 2017 and for 2020 he has joined the BMW Motorrad team. “We recently tested at Barcelona circuit. I was the third fastest in long race simulation runs on the track. I hope we can finish regularly in the top three this year,” he says. But competition is tough. Fellow Northern Irishman, Jonathan Rea, has been world champion for the previous five seasons for Kawasaki. “I have unfinished business, I still want to win a World Championship,” he says.

“I’m older than some riders but that means I have more experience. Experience counts a lot.” Eugene and his wife Pippa recently moved to the Algarve. Eugene explains, “We used to live in Monaco, which had good weather, but we couldn’t really settle there. We were always aware of the Algarve because I had raced at the Autódromo. About 18 months ago, we were having dinner with friends and the idea for a full-time move was planted. The Algarve has the weather; however, the most attractive aspect is the relaxed lifestyle. It is so easy to unwind here. Racing is full action but in my off time, I look for exactly the opposite. The Algarve is perfect.” The other thing that Eugene is very keen on is learning the language. “When I rode for Italian teams, I learnt Italian. I think it very important that wherever you live you can converse in the local language.” I asked him what advice he had for anyone wanting to take up racing? “That’s easy,” says Eugene. “Keep riding your bike. Success comes from hard work, desire and constantly working to improve any weaknesses you have.” The 2020 Superbike World Championship has been drastically affected by the pandemic. Of the original schedule, only the first race took place in Australia. The second round takes place at Jerez in Spain followed by the third round at our own Autódromo do Algarve from 7–9 August. I understand some spectators may be allowed as it is easy to social distance in the vast grandstands. The best thing is to keep an eye on the Autódromo website. By Phil Egginton, who is a journalist and photographer and now lives in the Algarve.

+INFO:  www.elaverty.com / www.aia.pt

SPORTS

Creating a Racket BY DEBBIE DARGAN

The Clube de Ténis de Lagos was founded in 1987 and operated from a small clubhouse until earlier this year when the new bright and airy clubhouse was inaugurated, after new padel courts added on 29 March 2019. The majority of the 220 or so members are mostly Swedish as racquet sports are extremely popular in Sweden, but there are Portuguese, British and North American members too. Among the membership, it is good to see there is a healthy number of junior players, probably because the club keeps subscription costs to a minimum. “Kids come from all backgrounds because it's not expensive”, trainer Ivo Salvador explains. The club also welcomes people with disabilities. When I asked Ivo if he coached any disabled players, he said he’d recently worked with a girl who was visually impaired and explained tennis was also “good for kids with coordination difficulties”. Young players have regularly participated in competitions. In February, the boys' under-14s group competed at the Regional Championships in Portimão for the first time and gained invaluable competition experience. The Circuito Juvenil, a series of competitions organised by tennis clubs all over Portugal, has also previously been popular with the youngsters from the club. Tournaments, which have been hugely popular in the past, have recently recommenced for adults. Club coach Ricardo Ramos paired up with Francisco Baptista from CT Amadora in the Ace Team I Seniors' tournament in Alfragida on 4th/5th July, winning in the final. Tiago, who works at the clubhouse, told me about the social matches organised on a regular basis for players of all ages, including children. These competitions were necessarily put on hold for several months. They have recently started up

again; however, spectators are not allowed at the moment for reasons of social distancing. Member facilities include four tennis courts and four padel courts (two have recently been added, such is the burgeoning popularity of padel). N.B. You can play without being a member. There is a light and airy café-lounge which spills onto a balcony viewing area where players can relax with a drink after a game. You can also buy certain items of equipment. While most people have played tennis at some point in their lives, padel will probably be a new experience, being a sport that is a hybrid of tennis and squash. Why not go along and see if it's the right sport for you? Private lessons are available. There is also a special offer at the moment on court hire as prices have been reduced by 50% between the hours of 11.30-13.30 and 15.30-18.00. Swedish members Stefan and Mikael tell me padel is attractive to them because, “It's kinder to your body and easier to play when you're older. It's also very sociable”. Diane, who is from Canada, agrees, adding that one of the major reasons she plays padel is that the group is so friendly. She regularly plays with a group of Portuguese ladies as well as partnering Swedish players. Many people find the club introduces them to a whole new network of friends. “Tennis is a sport for life,” explains Ivo. “Some of our members leave to go to university, but, if they live in Lagos, they always come back.” It's easy to see why.

+INFO:  Clube de Ténis e Padel de Lagos  +351 936 568 858

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

It's All in the Cards Keziah Gibbons is a Tarot reader and teacher in the Western Algarve, an accredited NLP Trainer, Reiki teacher and meditation guide. She teaches a 30-day self-paced audio course, Tarot Wisdom, on Insight Timer, and twice-yearly live Tarot Immersion courses. In the first of this two-part series she explains the history of the Tarot Card. “You will meet a tall, dark stranger.” Funnily enough, I’ve never actually promised that to one of my Tarot clients. Tarot has a reputation as a tool of fortune-telling, and indeed often was used as such. In recent years, Tarot professionals and enthusiasts have become more sophisticated in how they use this deck of 78 illustrated cards. Tarot, as we know it, first appeared in the late medieval period, in Europe. Cards were decorated by archetypes of the times, a procession of attitudes and characters very much influenced by folk beliefs and practices. We know that the cards were used in occult practice – which was very common at the time, and also as a game.

Acne Attack About 85% of adolescents between 11 and 25 years old suffer from this skin disorder, but it can appear in many people at a later age as well. It causes inflammation of the sebaceous glands resulting in pimples and blackheads. It is therefore most common in places where there are many sebaceous glands, such as the face, back, chest and shoulders. When acne is so persistent and prevalent that it makes the patient feel unhappy in his or her daily life, skin therapy can be the solution. I have the following treatments available: DEPTH-CLEANSING The emphasis of the therapy will be on thorough cleansing and maintaining the cleanliness of the skin. We can do this in different ways, depending on several factors such as the severity of the acne, sensitivity of the skin and medication use. PEELING TREATMENTS We treat the skin using a peeling treatment (a liquid with a peeling effect), after which the removal of pimples and blackheads can start. Pimples and blackheads are cleansed of puss and tallow in a sterile way using pressure. During this treatment we often recommend certain calming and caring products for the skin.

Modern Tarot owes a lot to the Order of the Golden Dawn, a London based esoteric group active in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. Arthur Edward Waite commissioned the drawings for the cards, to his specifications, from fellow Golden Dawn member Pamela Colman Smith, a gifted artist. In a superb piece of injustice, Pamela Smith was not celebrated, and the deck was known for many years as the Rider-Waite (after Rider, the publisher, and A. E. Waite). The majority of modern decks are based in some way on these beautiful and richly symbolic illustrations. I don’t do fortune-telling,or make decisions for my clients. What I can do is help them to formulate their question to the cards in a way that allows them the space to acknowledge what’s happening for them, and what they want their outcome to be. I have even taken Tarot into organisations, facilitating conversations between teams and exploring company culture. What you can do with Tarot is limited only by the boundaries of your imagination. Next month Kekiah explains what happens in a Tarot Reading. +INFO:  insighttimer.com/keziahgibbons

BY SASKIA VIZ

LASER FACIAL TREATMENTS Laser treatments are an effective way to treat acne, reduce redness and discolouration of the skin and to clear your complexion. They help to heal spots by destroying acne-causing bacteria within the pores. As well as clearing spots and blemishes, laser light facial treatments will reduce inflammation and improve the appearance of pigmented and acnescarred skin. MICRONEEDLING THERAPY This treatment significantly improves the appearance of acne scars. It is an advanced micromedical needling treatment that delivers smoother, brighter skin. Tiny micro-needle perforations are performed to stimulate the skin so it can regenerate and repair itself naturally. New collagen is formed, new skin cells are generated and blood supply is enhanced to give you smoother skin. Please book in for a free consultation. We can discuss the options available to reduce your acne and improve the appearance of your skin. +INFO:  +351 919 034 677  saskiabeautysalon@gmail.com

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

Reflect and Reflex The most excluded part of our body…..our feet! BY DONNA GROOM

The feet have 42 muscles, 26 bones, 250,000 sweat glands, 15,000 nerve endings and a complexity of tendons and ligaments, yet they are a part of our body we tend to forget about.

foot works on the right side, and the left is connected with the left side of the body. The liver, for example, is linked to the right foot and funnily enough that reflex point is the most sensitive part of my foot.

It’s hard to reach down there for most of us; personally, my body cream rarely makes it past my ankles! These appendages, however, have the important role of carrying us around all day, so if there was a union for feet, mine would call a strike.

Sharon explains that anyone can have the treatment, but if you’ve had any recent fractures, then you should wait until the area has healed. There is no evidence to say it isn’t safe for pregnant women to have reflexology with a practitioner who has experience in this area.

I also have pretty sensitive feet: you only have to brush past them to send me into a state of giggles. Surprisingly though, I love reflexology. The pressure during the treatment is firmer, so it doesn’t send me into a jumping mess on the couch. It’s deeply relaxing, and I always promise myself to do it more often as it is absolute bliss. Reflexology is an ancient healing treatment based on the reflex points. It can help to promote sleep, eases aches and pains, improves circulation, lifts your mood and makes you feel healthier. I spoke with a reflexologist specialist Sharon Hurst who is based in Praia da Luz. She explained that each foot represents one vertical part of the body. The right

After having reflexology, you should drink plenty of water, reduce caffeine intake and get plenty of rest. Avoid alcohol for 24 hours and listen to your body. Sharon recommends having the treatment weekly or fortnightly. Reflexology really is a fantastic treatment to make our little trotters feel important and loved, easing all those tired ligaments and nerve endings in our feet. You can’t help but feel like you’re walking on air afterwards. The treatment takes around forty-five minutes and costs 35€. +INFO:  donnagroom89@gmail.com / hurstsharon1@gmail.com

Perimenopause and Training Most women have heard of menopause and tend to think of it as something that will happen when they are in their fifties. What a lot of us don't fully understand is perimenopause, which generally starts in our forties but could start from our mid thirties. It is during perimenopause that we begin to experience many of the symptoms of menopause, but we do not attribute these symptoms to it because we think we are ‘too young’. As our estrogen levels fluctuate it can affect our energy levels, cause anxiety and panic attacks, hot flushes, sleep disorders, mood swings, depression, fatigue and can also cause joint pain, weight gain and bloating. These can often start before our periods start to change. When our bodies are dealing with all these changes, it then affects the way we train; often we lack motivation, we are not sleeping well, we have joint pain and it can mean that we stop wanting to train. I know that for me personally, I struggled to find the motivation to train in the gym because after waking up ten times during the night you, I was not left with much energy! What we need to do is learn to listen to our body and to train smarter, do what our body needs and not what we think our body should do.

During this time we might start doing more low impact exercise like yoga, pilates or walking. When we do go to the gym or go for a run/ride we should train with less intensity. It is important that we find motivation so that we still move, strengthen and stretch the body but it may not be the time to go for smashing that deadlift PB or to beat our fastest time. We are all different and some of us will sail through perimenopause unnoticed, but for others it can be a very challenging and overwhelming time, unsure of why all these different emotions and moods are appearing. So always treat yourself with kindness and compassion, accept that it can be harder to keep your motivation to train so why not sample something new? Try a new class, find a training buddy, or find a trainer who can help to design a programme to support you during this time.

+INFO:  fit2lovelife.com

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Summer Style Details The old adage is true, the devil really is in the detail. And when it comes to accessories, that couldn’t be more accurate. Accessories tell a story, they have their own history, and it’s in these items of our wardrobe where we carry the most sentimental value. It’s these final touches that not only complete an outfit, but bring out your true personality. In summer, there’s an element of fun, new sizzling seasonal trends and a chance to tap into the latest chic beach looks. Sarah Ann Murray is a fashion stylist, creative director and brand consultant, specialising in luxury and sportswear.

MyMacramePt Local designer and macramé maker Débora Vaz made a promise to herself this year. This would be the year she followed her dreams and set up her business full time. Since quitting her day job, Débora, from Lagos, has taken her love and natural talent for design and craftsmanship and successfully turned them into a fully-fledged business. Dedicating all her time to hand-making macramé wall hangings, necklaces, earrings, headbands, handbag accessories, her ideas are still growing. As she says herself, “The possibilities are endless.” The handiwork and colours in these earrings is just too good to miss this summer. Weave them into your wardrobe while you can. +INFO:  www.etsy.com/shop/MyMacramePt

Tamar

The Salty Lodge HATS OFF As a stylist, I’m all about the accessories, and in this part of the world, it’s a pleasure to have the excuse to expand a hat collection. Of course, protection from the sun is the main reason, but to really complete a summer look, a straw hat with a touch of pattern and colour is the pièce de résistance. I found these two, perfect, sunny-day straw hats in The Salty Lodge store, which offers a colourful contemporary collection of beach-inspired summer pieces. Of course, you’ll find plenty of this style of chapeau in the more touristfocused beach shops, but for something different and longer-lasting, you can always dig a little deeper… hats off to The Salty Lodge for dishing out the style. +INFO:  The Salty Lodge

BASKET CASE One of the definitive bag trends of the season - the straw bag - is officially in. Not only are they supremely practical for the beach but, with the plethora of colourful interpretations and style details like long leather straps or metallic fastenings, we can now rock this look as chic day-wear or as the perfect evening clutch. Every big designer sent one down the runway this season. But my current favourites are these handwoven versions with the addition of rich colours found here in Lagos in new boutique Tamar. Walking into this store is like walking into a chic gallery curated and lovingly sourced over years by the Algarve’s very own Lena and Nuno. Everything is designed and made by hand by Portuguese artisans and offers a unique take on traditional designs. From artwork and exquisite rugs to throws, Tamar brings us the best of the country’s craftsmanship. These handwoven straw bags use only natural dyes to create the most vibrant take on this trend. Leon tells me the most important thing is that they give the artisans they work with creative freedom. “They make for us with love,” he explains. +INFO:  www.tamar.pt

Ericeira SANDALS RESORTS While they might not represent traditional Portuguese design, the comfiest summer shoe on the planet (unofficially speaking) is synonymous with the relaxed bohemian style of the region. Of course, you can pick up various familiar, bejewelled, delicate sandals in the region, but given the array of lighter colours and water-friendly versions now offered by Birkenstock, it might be time to give these chunky sapatos some love. +INFO:  www.ericeirasurfskate.pt

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BUSINESS & TECHNOLOGY

The Key to the Algarve Economy

Vasco Silva

Alexandra Cesário

With the mission of strengthening support to the community of foreign residents and boosting investment in Portugal, Sophie Sadler talks to the founding partners of Kleya, Vasco Silva and Alexandra Cesário. In a time when discussing the economy is likely to fill you with feelings of apprehension, I tackled Vasco Silva on what the future holds for the Algarve. “We need to create a system which allows foreigners to invest in different types of ventures which reinforce tourism but are not governed by it.” I agree we are now probably all on board with the idea that the Algarve needs to move away from the beach, sun, golf model that has governed it since the 1970s, but what other options are there? “The Algarve now needs to be smart about how it comes out of the COVID-19 crisis,” reflects Vasco. “It needs to focus on economic activity that goes beyond tourism and creates value for the area all year round. It needs to focus on how to bring funds and investment to the area.” This is where Kleya comes in. They aim to provide a one-stop-shop for legal and tax advice so people can set up home here and achieve their business goals. Thus capturing and retaining the country’s international assets in terms of residence, investment, work and education. To assist foreign residents in Portugal they have just launched the Kleya Membership, a digital platform to give support to foreigners residing in Portugal. “This platform becomes even more relevant, considering the particular needs that have emerged in the current context marked by COVID-19. With exclusive services designed for foreigners who want to live or invest in Portugal, we believe it is a fundamental element in the sustained recovery of the Portuguese economy and local communities.” I point out to Vasco that most foreigners fall at the first hurdle when trying to start businesses as they are unable to negotiate their way through the bureaucracy. “We are a bureaucratic country, but you need the knowledge and planning to succeed within this framework. Many foreigners are badly advised. A process that should take three months can sometimes take three years. For example, few lawyers know the ins and outs of urban law; it’s all about knowing what you can and cannot do.”

Kleya can also offer a bespoke service to fit your business concept into the law and provide you with the best advice. “People think they can fix things by getting a friend to put a word in, or offer bribes. This is no longer the case in Portugal; there is a great deal of scrutiny, so you need to go about things correctly.” What about the other killer hurdle, Portugal’s hefty tax bills? “We do have a different tax model to the UK and US, but we can help create a vehicle like SME which can offset tax within the law.” They have noticed the Algarve has become a popular destination for digital nomads. “It is an attractive location for digital startups because of the lifestyle. There needs to be more focus on this to diversify economic activity, and there is more that educational institutions like Faro university could do to facilitate this.” Alexandra observes that the internet connections in the Algarve are world-class, “This is one of the reasons the web summit was hosted here: Portugal could offer free wi-fi everywhere, which not all countries can match.” Through an online subscription, Kleya Membership allows access to an exclusive online marketplace, ensuring all useful and necessary services for foreigners to live in any region of Portugal. The user can access specialised service providers covering areas such as relocation services, tax consultancy, legal advice, home search, investment advice or health services, education, leisure activities and wellbeing. The Kleya Membership is available in English, French, Italian and Spanish, to cover several of the main linguistic worlds. Could Kleya be the key to the Algarve’s future success? +INFO:  kleya.eu/en

The Algarve now needs to be smart about how it comes out of the COVID-19 crisis

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BUSINESS & TECHNOLOGY

Think Positive Top of the Glass

BY ANN LAWS “Positive thoughts are not enough. There have to be positive feelings and positive actions.” Remez Sasson In concurrence with this pertinent sentiment, the management of Boavista and the sales team resolutely believe that the residential property market in the Algarve will progressively recover from the COVID-19 crisis ahead of general tourism. Such is the confidence and positivity of the company that an extensive programme of new homes is currently under construction. The subject of property values, at the present time, is a topic on the tongues of many with an intention to buy or sell. Inevitably, some individual owners may experience financial pressures and feel compelled to reduce prices, but, in general, new-build properties are highly unlikely to decline due to a lack of such products in the current marketplace. Resort properties, new and resale, will always offer owners a sound return on investment along with peace of mind as they usually represent low maintenance, security of location, and onresort leisure facilities. Clients internationally have recognised the benefits of living or investing in Portugal and their appetite to profit from these advantages continues to grow. How many

countries can boast such a temperate climate, a low cost of living, tax incentives, a laid-back pace of life, an indigenous nation with the warmest of welcomes, bounteous gastronomy, ease of international access via roads and airports, and above all, an enviable reputation related to national security that has protected against civil crime and terrorist attacks? It is now time for positivity in action as well as in thought. We believe that the future is bright, and we are placing our building blocks alongside our confidence.

BY STEVEN DUNWELL

Stan – yes he is Portuguese but speaks great English – started out with his partner Alex in Lisbon in 2010. Then they opened branches in Porto, Évora and Leiria. To maintain high quality, service and product standard control they manufacture all parts themselves and that includes the glassmaking too. This is how they can offer a 15-day delivery service and hard-to-beat pricing.

We have villas and apartments available for immediate occupation and properties for sale off-plan. The sales team would welcome your visit.

Stan and Alex provide a 24-hour quotation service and give a 10-year guarantee. They are dedicated to providing the best value for money, service and rapid delivery. Pop in and chat to the team in their local base behind the Sulpool showroom.

+INFO:  sales@boavistaresort.pt  www.boavistaresort.pt  +351 282 000 170

+INFO:  +351 926 707 559 / 282 763 333  windows-algarve.com  Urb. Industrial da Marateca, Lote 14, Loja 5N Lagos

WHAT ARE THESE STRANGE SQUARES? Have you seen these symbols appearing, and wondered what they are? They are known as QR codes. Abbreviated from “Quick Response” code, they are a type of barcode which was first introduced in 1994 for the Japanese automotive industry to easily label spare parts and keep track of vehicles in production.

I.T. Can Be Easy

In these hard times, when ‘buy local’ needs to be our ‘modus operandi’, it is great to meet a young man who has built a very successful and a quality inspired window business in the heart of Lagos.

Nowadays they are widely used around the world and the code can contain useful information such as website addresses, links to YouTube videos, business cards, online product brochures and public health information. HOW DO I READ (SCAN) THESE CODES? The most common way to scan a QR code is by using your mobile phone camera and a free app. Search for “QR” in your mobile phones app store and you will find many free reader apps that you can download

and use. To scan a QR code, open the app, point your mobile phone camera at the QR code and hold still. The camera will identify the code and then show you information about the code on the phone's screen. Give it a go! Scan one of the codes shown or look for some of the adverts in this Tomorrow magazine as they use them as well! WHAT ELSE CAN THEY DO? Another useful area for the QR code is the growing popularity for making mobile payments. Many retail outlets display one of these codes and by using your mobile banking app you can pay for your goods. However, be wary of scanning QR codes placed on lampposts or walls, it may be tempting to see what they contain but they may take you to an “unsuitable” site. +INFO:  +351 936 387 512  www.sdunwell.co.uk

FOOD & DRINK

A Lazy Girl's Guide to August BY THE LAZY TIGERS It's official, it is really hot. Broiling clear days, and warm balmy nights, who could ask for anything more? Also, we have just enough visitors in town to make it feel like the place has come back to life without being too crowded. Well when it's hot, hot, hot, what we want is cool, cool, cool. Not a single thing we are recommending you produce this month involves `cooking' with all that implies: stuffy kitchens, pots and pans, and roasting you, losing your temper while something boils over. As always, remember the Tigers' advice: eating out is always best. It's also good to get out, see friends, and give a little push to the local economy while everyone gets going again. This month we are recommending, in a town where there is always sea fresh fish, that you make a classic Ceviche. This is the ultimate lazy dish: all you do is a little shopping, a little chopping, and the fridge does the rest. How about some ice cream to follow? This is the easiest recipe for homemade ice cream we could find. And, if you have an extremely sweet tooth, have you tried Dalgona (Korean whipped coffee) yet? The Tigers would like to point out that we don’t condone this as a substitute for a real cup of coffee, but it has become immensely popular during lockdown. So, one extremely refreshing healthy dish, that would pass at a dinner party followed by two comfort foods for enjoying while lazing about. If you can get up the energy in this heat, come and see us at London Tiger Coffee. +INFO:  R. Marreiros Netto 14, Lagos  londontigercoffee.com

Vanilla Ice Cream (MAKES ABOUT THREE QUARTERS OF A LITRE)  Half a 350–400g can of condensed milk (not the `lite' stuff)  600 ml of double cream (not single)  1 tsp of vanilla extract (not essence) Put all the ingredients in a large bowl and beat with an electric mixer until as thick as clotted cream. Put into a covered, freezerproof container and freeze until solid. Serve with melted chocolate or puréed fruit

Dalgona (MAKES ONE LARGE GLASS)  2 tbsp instant coffee (I know!)  2 tbsp granulated sugar  2 tbsp of hot water  250 ml of milk or 200 ml of milk and 50 ml of a `brown' spirit (rum or brandy or whisky) Combine the instant coffee, sugar, and hot water in a small bowl. Beat with a hand mixer for 3 to 5 minutes until it thickens and turns golden brown. Pour the milk (plus booze?) into a tall glass with a few lumps of ice and top up with the brown mixture. Stir it before drinking.

Ceviche (MAKES 2–3 MAINS OR 4–6 STARTERS)  500 grams of firm white filleted fish (anything good in the market: haddock, halibut, bream or you can make up the weight with some juicy raw prawns or baby squid)  8 limes juiced (about 250 ml), plus an extra lime for wedges  1 red onion, sliced into rings very thinly  2 or 3 green chillies, finely chopped (your decision on this one: do you want more or less heat? Seeds in or out?)  2 or 3 salad tomatoes, seeded and chopped into 2 cm pieces  A nice big bunch of coriander chopped roughly  2 tbsp of olive oil (the good stuff)  Caster sugar, a good pinch or to taste Put the fish that you have skinned and thinly sliced and any seafood in a large bowl with the lime juice, and the onion. The juice must completely cover the fish, this is what is going to do the `cooking'. Cover with cling film and refrigerate for 1.5 hours. Pick out a beautiful serving bowl, clear might be nice. Remove the chilled fish and onion from the marinade and discard the lime juice. Add the olive oil, chillies, tomatoes, and coriander and stir carefully. Add the sugar to taste, and some salt and pepper. Serve with shop-bought bread, pitta, corn chips (whatever), and plenty of beer.

FOOD & DRINK

Back to Business This traditional market in Lagos was created in 1974 to help small-scale farmers sell their surplus produce and supplement their livelihoods. Every Saturday, it attracts residents and tourists by selling healthy food and delicious regional products. The local producers market reopened to the public following the COVID-19 lockdown in June. It is now temporarily located in the parking lot of Complexo Desportivo de Lagos, in São João. With an area of 10,000 m2 and capacity for 500 customers, this location allows the public to comply with social distancing requirements. Despite being outdoors, the use of a mask or visor is mandatory, for traders and customers.

This decision is part of the municipality's deconfiguration plan that has gradually reopened public spaces in order to resume normal activity, subject to strict hygiene and safety measures. The contract to refurbish the building where Mercado de Levante operated for several decades next to the bus station, has been awarded. 299,996.07 €, plus IVA, has been allotted to improve the space. The work includes better thermal comfort conditions for sellers and the public and aesthetic enhancement to reinforce the role of the market for horticultural producers in the local economy. Every Saturday from 7 a.m to 2 p.m

Finger Licking Good Tucked away in the sleepy village of Mexilhoeira Grande is A Curva, run by the very likeable Carla. The venue is always pleasantly chaotic but never dull. Carla is a great character. Think Dawn French but taller. The first thing to say is that social distancing protocols were observed by both us, as guests and also staff. (Masks, tables apart, and outdoor seating.) It is a smallish venue, on the main drag into town with a bar downstairs, frequented by locals. It was a birthday celebration and also a chance to stretch our wings a bit now that things are a little more relaxed. Yum Yum had not been before, but the recommendation from the other guests did not disappoint. Bearing in mind this is fresh out of lockdown, we took the decision to decide on our main-course menu a few days beforehand. This allowed Carla to go to the market the morning of the meal and get the ingredients fresh and prep them for later. We all had a lovely bruschetta to start with, juicy tomatoes and fresh bread. Then the ribs arrived

on a lazy susan. No plate was big enough and it was a huge serving for three. Others had Piri Piri chicken and two people had fresh peppered steak. Let's start with the ribs which were stunning. Marinated all day in a secret BBQ recipe sauce, they did not disappoint. They were huge and meaty and melted off the bone. Definitely take a bib though for this mouthwatering delicacy. The piri piri chicken was superb and the peppered steaks were up to Carla’s usual high standard, prepared to perfection. All served with sides of veggies and chips, which just kept on coming. It was good that the conversation was sporadic while everyone tucked in. As it was a birthday, cakes were brought by us so we had them instead of dessert and of course, we gave Carla and staff a portion too. All our food

was washed down with beers and house vinho tinto, very drinkable. The bill was very reasonable and after four hours, we needed to move otherwise I’m sure we could have stayed well into the wee small hours. Do drop in if you are that way or make a special effort to travel that little bit further out. Local businesses like this need our support during these strange times and Yum Yum and chum will definitely be supporting the cause. A great first venture out and I’m pleased that Carla is adapting to the new ways and she deserves all the support we can give her. +INFO:  Rua Franciso Bivar, Mexilhoeira Grande  +351 282 968 031  acurvarestbar

FOOD & DRINK at first. I started searching for ideas, and was spending all my free hours cooking and improving my recipes. I’d take photographs of the dishes and began putting them on Facebook. At the very beginning Russell told me, ‘one day you’ll write a book’.” He was right. Cidália’s first vegan cookery book, Mais Sabor, Menos Desperdício (More Flavour, Less Waste), was published in November 2019. The book sold over 500 copies in the first four months.

More flavour, less waste

BY TRACY BURTON

When Cidália Cruz became a vegetarian thirty years ago it was near impossible to find meat substitutes in the Algarve, let alone a cookery book. As a law student in Portimão, she dreamed of one day opening her own vegetarian restaurant. In January, she and her husband Russell made that dream a reality with the opening of the Farmers Restaurante at Convent’bio in Lagoa. “When I became a vegetarian in 1990, there was nothing,” she explains. “The easiest way to become vegetarian is to use meat substitutes like tofu and tempeh (fermented soya beans), but it was very difficult to find anything in the shops back then.” Mais Sabor, Menos Desperdício costs 12,50 euros and is available from the Farmer’s Restaurante, Continente supermarkets and online at www.primebooks.pt.

She and Russell have known each other a long time, and became a couple seven years ago. Russell was not vegetarian; however, within a week, the professional chef had transformed his own eating habits. “When we met again, I introduced Russell to all the different ingredients and techniques used in vegetarian cooking, then about four years ago we went on an intensive course in Lisbon,” Cidália tells me. Despite their shared passion for healthy vegetarian and vegan cuisine, the couple had no immediate plans to open a restaurant of their own. In fact, when she found herself with free time four years ago, Cidália launched a zero-waste food project, in which she concentrated on creating and publishing (on social media) her own tasty recipes using roots, stalks, seeds and peel. “People throw peel away because they’ve been taught to do that, but the peel from organic fruits and vegetables like bananas, mangos and beetroot is often more nutritional than the parts they eat,” she explains. “You can save 30% on your food budget by reducing the amount of food you waste.” Where did the idea for the project originate? “I really can’t remember,” admits Cidália. “I think I found a recipe that used peel and thought it sounded interesting. It was just a hobby

The couple were living in Helsinki when they learned from a friend that the restaurant space at Convent’bio was available. Coincidentally, they were already returning to Portugal for Cidália’s book launch. “We’d always said when the moment comes it’ll happen,” explains Cidália. “There was a lot to do in a short time, but Convent’bio is a perfect fit for us. Everything grown and sold here is organic or bio and the building itself is unique.” Their concept is to cook tasty organic food, combining Cidália’s mouth-watering and unusual recipes with Russell’s eclectic talents and experience of running a restaurant. Russell qualified as a chef after leaving school and was fortunate to work alongside a head chef who was himself trained by the famous French chef Georges Escoffier. It was Escoffier who, in the early twentieth century, created the five basic ‘mother sauces’ which continue to provide the basis for virtually every sauce recipe. It goes without saying that Russell excels at sauce making, although he insists Cidália’s sauces are just as delicious as his own. They are assisted in the kitchen by Russell’s long-time friend Domingos, who also sticks to a plant-based diet. What advice do they have for anyone who is thinking about becoming vegetarian or vegan but has yet to take the leap? “Don’t push too hard at the beginning, just start searching for recipes and reading about the philosophy behind vegetarianism and veganism,” suggests Cidália, who became vegan four years ago. “People’s food choices come down to subconscious programming,” adds Russell. “They are not willing to change because they equate change in their life as losing out. If the food is tasty it’s much easier for people to make the transition.” Their menu changes frequently and includes the dish of the day, vegan sushi, homemade soups, fresh juice, and fruit teas, plus a variety of homemade cakes and desserts. All the ingredients used are organic and are purchased from Convent’bio. “We don’t want dining here to be a rushed affair,” Russell adds. “It’s really nice for people to come in and slow down; to take the time to really taste the ingredients.” Having been offered – and eagerly accepted – a delicious beetroot-based ‘raw cake’ with an organic biscuit and date base, and devoured it at top speed, I rather beg to differ. But then there’s always next time! The Farmers Restaurante is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday to Friday and until 10 p.m. on Saturdays (when reservation is essential). There is outdoor seating and a takeaway service is available. +INFO:  +351 935 371 466  farmersrestaurantelagoa2020@gmail.com  Farmers Restaurante & Art Café

Kiko’s Tasca Wine, food and friends. Unique, Exclusive and Distinct wines from Portugal. Portuguese food. Tapas, lunch and dinner.

Don´t forget to visit our new wine cellar. Open from 11am to 11pm. Closed on Tuesdays. Reservations only by telephone +351 282 046 037 Email: one.destino@gmail.com • f facebook.com/tascadokiko Centro Naútico Sopromar - Est. Sopromar (Meia-Praia) • LAGOS • GPS - N 37º 06.433' / W 08º 40.176'

PETS & WILDLIFE Beccy McMahon

Furry Fostering

Yulin Sun and Gus

BY DEBBIE DARGAN

Calling all potential dog and cat foster carers! Many people dismiss the idea of adopting a dog as they feel they cannot take on such a commitment. But there is something you can do instead: you can become a foster carer. So often, I hear people say, “We'd love to have a dog, but we can't afford it,” or, “We go travelling a lot so can't make a permanent commitment”. Rescue centres are full of abandoned animals but, unfortunately, many do not have the facilities for raising very young kittens and puppies. Yet it is at this stage of their lives when so much development takes place, so it is imperative that they have the input they need early on. This is why foster carers are vital to care for them and work with them until they are adopted or are old enough to return to a shelter. Established carer Beccy McMahon regularly fosters dogs for Lagos and Portimão kennels. Two years ago she saw an advert for someone to look after a puppy until it was old enough to travel to its new home and as she said, “I was hooked from therein”. She is currently fostering puppy Millie from Lagos kennel. Another local carer is Yulin Sun, who got into fostering after joining the Friends and Volunteers of Lagos Canil (Kennel) FaceBook page. Her first fostering experience was back in 2019 when she cared for two cats, then she took on dogs too. Her latest foster pup was Gus, who recently moved to his new home in London. She hopes she will get to see him when she can travel to the UK. Ina Teysch, blessed with parents who are animal lovers, has been looking after waifs and strays since she was a kid and has cared for over 30 dogs and 10 cats. She now fosters for the Pata Ativa Associação. Not all foster parents live permanently in Portugal. Cecilia and Carman Penner are Canadians who were in Portugal for the winter. “We wanted to do something meaningful with our time away,” they explain. “When we heard the canil (in Lagos) needed some foster homes, we thought it was the perfect opportunity.” They first fostered two puppies, then

took on Sable who was struggling with living in a canil environment. They worked with her until she went to her new home with Amy and Kristian Geiger. Amy believes that for timid little Sable going into a foster home was crucial: “Otherwise, she may have been in the canil so much longer, adding to her timidity. Fostering gave her more opportunity to interact with humans on a one on one basis. For Sable I believe that was critical for her to be fostered.” Similarly, part-time residents and Lagos canil volunteers Annika and Poppe fostered puppy Ilsa, who was eventually adopted by Carol Jackson in England. By the time she got to England, “Ilsa was socialised, used to being in a home, knew basic commands, was confident and just a really lovely puppy”. At Lagos canil, potential fosterers are asked to complete a questionnaire which includes questions about what they are willing and able to offer. Some are not permanent residents but can offer help from time to time. After that, someone from the volunteer group will visit you at home to talk you through things. There are also follow up visits. Finally there is a foster contract which provides the foster carers with clear guidelines of the responsibilities of the fosterer and the canil. Animal associations are always looking for responsible, caring people who can take on a fostering role. Whilst it may be hard to say goodbye, the foster carers clearly get immeasurable satisfaction from what they do, knowing they can give an animal a good start to the rest of their lives. So, even if you can only spare a few weeks now and again, please consider fostering. +INFO:  fvlagoscanil@gmail.com

Sable with Amy and Kristian

Some common concerns: Will I have to pay for the animal out of my own pocket? No. All vets' bills and food are paid by the caníl/volunteer group. What support will I have as a foster carer? There is a volunteers' message group for fosterers so help is always at hand. What contact do fosterers usually have with new owners? Through a variety of ways: via messaging, texts, videos, etc each week. You may even get a visit from your foster dog's siblings like Beccy McMahon did with puppy Millie when her sister Coco came on a playdate before going to her new home (organised by Fiona Gallagher from the volunteers'group). What happens if the date I gave for availability is approaching but the new owner can't take them until later? Another foster carer would take over.

Best pizza in Praia da Luz

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PETS & WILDLIFE

A Vet's View Hi everyone, I take it that if you're reading this you've survived the July temperatures, as well as the other obstacles in the modern world. Well done to us!

Your Dog's second best friend BY RODOLFO AÇO

Dear readers of Tomorrow magazine I will share some more advice about training when you first get a new dog. One of the key aspects to work on is eye contact, or visual communication. It should be worked on with deep commitment for the first three weeks minimum, and should be maintained after that as part of the daily routine. When you place your dog's food bowl on the ground, make sure your dog is seated and looking at you until you give it permission to eat. When you take your dog for a walk, you need to show that you are in control. This can be communicated by the way that you put his collar on, as well as making your dog stay seated by the door during the whole process until you tell them to come. I know it can be frustrating in some situations, but if you give it time and patience, your dog's behaviour will change.

If there's any situation that stresses your dog, make it sit, and give it time for it to acknowledge what triggered the stress. A reward is a very important element in the learning process, it can be praising your dog, giving it a cuddle, or a treat. I usually don't reward treats, but I do see most of my clients rewarding their dogs in a way that enhances the bad behaviour that they asked me to help them with. When giving a treat, make sure that your dog did exactly what you have asked him, and that he gets his treat when seated and looking at you, in your eyes, not at the treat. Place your arms by your sides and your hands behind your back, in a relaxed position. Avoid rewarding your dog when it is frightened or over excited ... otherwise you will be re-enforcing that mindset/behaviour. Any questions just email me. Rodolfo is a dog behaviorist.

When outside, it's very important you teach "your world" to your dog, and give them the chance to socialise with other dogs, and people. Once again have your dog seated looking at you, before any physical interaction takes place.

+INFO:  rmggoncalves@gmail.com

In the time since COVID-19 measure started (not East17, as has been pointed out to me), Lagos Vet Clinic has been operating in split teams in order to decrease risk for clients and staff. We appreciate the measures that our clients have undertaken whilst visiting us with their pets. Mutual respect is a sign that a community cares for each other. Even if the masks don’t do anything, as some people believe, I think it is a community minded gesture that shows people have respect for one another. Businesses are starting to return to normality (bit by bit). Lagos Vet Clinic is now back to full operating capacity. We would like to thank our clients for their patience with our smaller working teams during these times. With all three vets and our nurses back together again, we will be able to give everyone more thorough attention and time, which makes us feel better. I would also like to thank the São Gonçalo Hospital in Lagos for volunteering to be the treatment hospital for corona cases in the Algarve. It is a commitment to the community at large. Now that the hospital is back to normal service, I have heard that many people are choosing to go elsewhere (e.g. Alvor) because of fear and paranoia. If this continues, São Gonçalo may have to close down and Lagos will lose this very professional health service which has saved many lives and improved many more, including my own. If you are worried that the coronavirus is a danger in this setting, just google how long the virus actually lasts on surfaces, let alone in an environment which is constantly cleaned and disinfected. Let's not allow unrealistic paranoia to drive this local lifesaving service from our town. I hope you and your pet enjoy the Algarve with fewer visitors this August and see you next month. +INFO:  +351 282 782 282 (Lagos Vet Clinic)

info@skydivealgarve.com

TRAVEL & OUTDOORS Paulo with Maria Luisa

Hitting the road with Happy Van

BY TRACY BURTON

Former banker and musician Paulo Ferreira had a dream. He wanted Algarve holidaymakers to experience the best the region had to offer in terms of heritage, culture, nature and gastronomy, while enjoying the freedom of the road. Happy Van – the business Paulo launched in 2018 – focuses on injecting that element of freedom, fun and nostalgia into someone’s holiday. At the end of each tour, he hopes they will have a better understanding of the Algarve’s heritage and local identity. The ‘happy vans’ are three vintage Volkswagen Type 2 vehicles (known as pão de forma in Portugal), which first went into production in 1950. Paulo has been passionate about the model for years and bought his first van Maria Rita – who at 52 is the oldest of the trio – when he was living in central Portugal. “I’d always wanted a Volkswagen van and I paid 4000€ for her. The owner had done her up and put carpets down. There was also a small kitchen and a bed. He had lots of love for her and didn’t really want to part with her but he needed money for his wedding.” Paulo, who was born in Malawi and moved to Portugal when he was eight, bought a second van and originally started using them for weddings in Guarda. He bought a third vehicle when he set up Happy Van and has named all three. Maria Rita is named for a friend and he chose Maria Inês simply because he liked the name. Happy Van’s tour guides are experts in their own field. João is an actor and drama teacher with a passion for history, while Ana and Neide lead nature tours. But it’s the charismatic Volkswagen vans which are the true stars of the show and Paulo believes it’s the feelings of nostalgia, freedom and positive vibes associated with them that his customers love.

“If you look at these vans from the front they look like they’re smiling at you,” he laughs. “Lots of my customers tell me they would love to own one. Or they recall older family members – perhaps their parents or grandparents – having one. At a guess, I’d say around 80% of my customers are linked to the Volkswagen van in some way, so coming along on a tour brings back good memories for them.” Settling onto the back seat of Maria Luisa to join a Dutch family for a private tour, I think I understand. We didn’t have a Volkswagen in my immediate family, yet Maria Luisa still evoked strong feelings of yesteryear in me. With the wind blowing through my hair, I wondered where we were heading? My tour companions had expressed their interests and told Paulo how long they wished to be out: the rest they’d left to him. I was reminded of the mystery coach and train trips I’d loved so much as a child. Our first stop was Quinta do Francês, a nine-hectare winery nestling in the hills around Silves. The winery was established in 2002 by a French doctor and his wife and now produces 45,000 bottles a year. Our tour guide Tanea explained how wine is produced and showed us the huge stainless vats where the fermentation process – the transformation of the sugar into alcohol – takes place and then took us down to the cellar where the wine was ageing in bespoke French oak barrels. I found it fascinating – particularly the discovery that it is possible to turn a red grape vine into a white grape vine using a process called ‘grafting’. 

Tasting medronho

Tomorrow 90x65 05-20 FINAL.indd 2

21/05/2020 12:54

TRAVEL & OUTDOORS

Wine tasting at Quinto do Frances  Then came the best bit … the wine tasting. There were five wines to taste in all – two whites, a rosé and two reds – and all were excellent. Needless to say, Paulo did not partake in the wine drinking! The next destination on our itinerary was Silves castle, but not before we were provided with biscuits and a shot of medronho, a Portuguese spirit mostly produced on a small scale by local people. Fired up (there’s a reason medronho is known as ‘firewater’), our group made short shrift of the climb through Silves’ cobbled streets and we soon reached the castle entrance. Here, Paulo told us a little of the history of Silves, the ancient capital of the Algarve. After a tour of the castle, we visited the nearby archaeological museum, where we learned more about the region’s turbulent past and peered into the 20-metre well which dates back to the Almohade period of Muslim rule (12th to 13th century).

One of Happy Van’s most memorable tours of 2019 was when a Russian tour guide booked two vans to take twelve passengers on a tour of the Algarve’s lighthouses. Fortunately, the St Petersburg tour guide provided the expert commentary … in Russian. “Social distancing brings some challenges; however, here at Happy Van we believe in being responsible and altruistic human beings,” says Paulo.

Back at Maria Luisa, he produced some much-needed bottles of ice-cold water and we set off again with ‘Walking on Sunshine’ blasting over the sound system.

His business has accepted the Tourism of Portugal challenge for the Clean & Safe seal and the rules, which guarantee the protection and safety of customers and staff.

Unhappily, my own Happy Van experience came to an end in Portimão; however, the rest of the group went on to enjoy a gastronomic tour before watching the sun set in Ferragudo (with more wine) and then ending the day with a beach walk at Alvor.

Happy Van operates all year with departures from Albufeira, Portimão and Lagos. For private tours, customers are picked up from their hotel.

“I like to learn about my customers, where they are from and what their traditions are,” says Paulo. “I see a tour as an exchange of cultural experiences between us.” Tours run both day and night and customers can choose between existing tours, e.g. food and wine, heritage and handicraft, nature and sunsets, or book a tailor-made tour with a personalised itinerary.

For private tours, Paulo can structure the day to reflect each group’s interests and wishes. It’s not unknown for him to change an itinerary during the tour once he has a better understanding of a group’s interests and needs.

Paulo is not an obtrusive host. In truth, he feels more like a knowledgeable friend than a tour guide as he wanders around with you, sharing his knowledge and responding to questions.

Booking a Happy Van tour is an excellent way to see more of the Algarve and to better understand its history and culture.

To offer a truly diverse and rich experience, Paulo and his team work closely with other professionals and artisans who happily share their expert knowledge, e.g. wineries, canneries, restaurateurs, producers of herbs, teas and other infusions, makers of spirits and liquors, bakers and talented craftspeople. Before the pandemic, Paulo partnered with 365 Algarve to create artistic tours which recounted the Algarve’s story using theatre and music, e.g. fado musicians talked about the musical influences which led to this distinctive form of Portuguese singing. He hopes these trips will resume later this year.

The final word must go to the Dutch mother who noted how few of the other plane passengers were likely to have enjoyed as many diverse experiences in the Algarve as she and her family. It was hard to disagree.

+INFO:  Happyvan.pt  info@happyvan.pt  +351 926 162 620  happyvan.pt

TRAVEL & OUTDOORS

A Perfect Staycation

BY SUZANNE RADFORD

Sitting in the forest with spectacular views to the coast, the town of Monchique and the surrounding area has long been an attraction for artists, walkers, cyclists and foodies drawn to its rustic charm and traditions. It is known for the healthy mountain spring water that you can decant fresh from fonts around the hillside. A place to relax and replenish and to enjoy local hospitality at a slower pace of life.

Food

Accommodation

Art Enter the town and head to the central square and gardens, walk the cobbled streets and donkey steps and explore the shops, cafes. architecture and churches. There you will find Galleria MonChic which is run by Liz Nicol, a South African artist who took residence in 2018. She welcomes people into the gallery and shop, which exhibits handmade gifts created by Liz. Her paintings, inspired by nature, depict flowers and landscapes, and her large canvas street scenes capture the quaintness of the town. Liz shares her love of textiles and handpainting on fabrics and furniture restoration and creates decorative pieces for gardens and patios that bring the beauty of the outdoors into the home. LIZ’S TIP: The light and indigo skies are magnificent and you really should take in a Monchique sunset while here, they are spectacular. +INFO:  www.galeriamonchic.com

There are villas and country houses to rent or you might prefer a boutique hotel like Vila Fóia. This wonderfully intimate B&B guesthouse is located just outside the town and is set among cork oaks. The property is owned by the Kreuzberger Kinderstiftung (Kreuzberg Children’s Foundation) which is committed to educational justice and youth engagement. All profits go to the foundation. It is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the pool and garden terrace. General Manager Margarita Dommett recently celebrated 20 years living in Monchique and says, “The mountain fills me with awe every day with magical little corners which continue to surprise me”. Health and safety requirements are in place so the doors are open and ready to welcome guests including families who want to enjoy mountain life, the green space and discover rural Algarve. MAGGIE’S TIP: Take a walk through Monchique and follow the signs for the convent. It takes you through the pretty backstreets, through cork oaks to the crumbling building that looms over the town that you can enter and explore. You really feel like you are stepping back in time. +INFO: Vila Fóia is offering a 15% Staycation discount for August. Min three nights. Contact VF directly  www.vilafoia.pt

Try local tapas at Tradições Monchique just off the square, where you can sit outside at the counter or on the rooftop. Manager and owner Heitor Sousa took over from his grandfather in 2016, carrying on the family business serving meats, medronho, honey and compotes, all produced locally. A Monchique speciality is tiborna de chouriço, which includes freshly baked bread warm from the oven layered with smashed garlic, olive oil and salt and layered with chouriço making a tasty bite with a bit of a kick. Heitor returned to Monchique after living and working in Norway and is proud to be continuing the local food traditions. He says, “Monchique is very, very special, it is like paradise to me and my friends who grew up here. It’s quiet and the scenery is beautiful”. When it comes to food, there is plenty to choose from by way of mountain offerings from chicken piri piri and pork dishes to vegetarian lunches served at family-run Ochálá in the town. Alecrim food truck is situated at Fóia, where you can sip a cocktail and take in the view at 902m, the highest point of the Algarve, or taste organic ice cream at Cece’s Coffee and Gelato on your way back into town. For those who want to learn about natural ingredients, you can sign up for a ‘food is medicine’ workshop run by Sonia Carr Steyns of Mothers Finest Monchique. HEITOR’S TIP: The waterfall, Cascada de Babolote, is a special place you can walk to from below Foia. Babolote means butterfly and rare butterflies can be found here, a sign the air is clean and pure. +INFO:  tradicoesmonchique

WE ARE HERE FOR YOU WE WILL REMAIN OPEN FOR CONSULTATIONS AND TREATMENTS TIMETABLE:

WEEK FROM 9AM TO 7PM, SATURDAYS FROM 9AM TO 1PM

BANK HOLIDAYS FROM 9AM TO 1PM /SUNDAYS AND NIGHTS - A DOCTOR AND NURSE ON CALL WHEN POSSIBLE PLEASE CALL 282 780 700 OR 919 869 700 BEFORE COMING TO THE CLINIC Due to the pandemia all Medilagos services were temporarily transferred to Luzdoc

Tomorrow Aljezur to Lagoa - August 2020

Articles inside

A Perfect Staycation

More flavour, less waste

A Lazy Girl's Guide to August

Morning Smile

Country's Bonnie and Clyde

Out of this World

A Web of Social Projects

Furry Fostering

The Key to the Algarve Economy

I want to Ride my Bicycle

Rising from the Ashes

‘Well-being and safety depends on all of us’

Artistic Impressions

The True Taste of the Algarve

Exploring the high seas