Tomorrow Algarve Magazine - December 2022

Feliz Natal

5,500

EDITORIAL

Sophie Sadler

sophie@tomorrowalgarve.com

+351 912 176 588

SALES

Tom Henshaw

tom@tomorrowalgarve.com +351 919 918 733

DESIGN

Phil Harding

phil@tomorrowalgarve.com +351 916 606 226

Dear readers of Tomorrow magazine,

You may be reading these pages with your feet up, enjoying the public holiday on 1 December, which is Restoration of Independence Day. This national holiday is always celebrated on the same day in Portugal and marks the reinstatement of sovereignty after Spanish rule between 1580 and 1640. It is also the beginning of advent.

This date is not only significant because you can open the first door of your advent calendar. It is the beginning of the liturgical year deriving from the Latin word adventus (arrival or coming). In the Christian church calendar, advent marks the beginning of preparations for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ and also for the Second Coming of Christ.

You won’t have to wait long for the second public holiday in December, which is marked for religious reasons on 8 December. The Feast of the Immaculate Conception celebrates the sinless lifespan and the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary.

Then it's jingle bells all the way to Christmas. Are you, like me, already overly excited, donning an array of Christmas jumpers, your decorations up, with Michael Bublé blearing from every speaker in your house? In that case, you will no doubt enjoy our plethora of seasonal articles. However, if you are yet to get into the Christmas spirit, fear not. The following pages of Christmas cheer will hopefully get you in the mood!

It is easy to forget that Christmas is not joyful for everyone and we also have some serious content about people that need our help. The Tomorrow Glitter Ball got those in attendance into some early festive partying while also raising a lot of money for local charities. It was magical to host a charity event once more and give to people and animals that need our help.

The Tomorrow team felt that this cartoon summed up Christmas in the Algarve, the beach, sunbathing Santa, merriment, and good food!

We wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

Sophie, Tom, Phil and the Tomorrow team

Sand Art

Vitor Raposo - Art to be erased by the sea

WORDS & PHOTOGRAPHY Bob Tidy

I asked if he used to draw in the sand when he was a kid and there was a definite ‘child in the eyes’ look when he answered yes

Along with a handful of other early risers, I am enjoying a walk along Albufeira’s Maria Luísa beach on a gloriously calm morning. The sun has risen, but there is still a refreshing chill in the air. Today has one of the longest tidal reaches of the month and this is very important for the artist that I am about to meet up with.

Vitor had already started his creation in the sand and, with a simple hand wave to acknowledge my arrival, he continues to work with both haste and concentration. I say haste because it is only a matter of hours before the tide will turn and dictate the amount of time he has to finish the work and I have to photograph the result before the sea reclaims its territory.

Without the need to talk, two other important factors about why he has adopted this particular

beach cove became apparent. The sand under my feet is very compact, which is due to its fineness, making it a great medium to work with. This location is also a natural amphitheatre. This form of art is best viewed from above, and the low cliffs surrounding the beach cove perfectly allow for this. It is apparent that Vitor is taking full advantage of the geography. What look like rough markings in the sand really sharpen up with a little distance.

When I put these specific elements s together, I can understand just how difficult it is to find the perfect location to work and also why he considers this to be one of the best beaches in the world. I get the local bias on this comment, but I couldn’t help to ask if he had ever been to Thailand.

The location also answered the obvious questions about his motivation for sand drawing, although, for him, this is just a wonderful place to be and work in. When I asked if there was any spiritual connection or meaning with the mandala’s ‘circular designs’ that he creates, he says not, but somehow, I sense that his passion for the place and the intuitive nature of his work are deeply rooted, even if he is not aware of it.

To search that theme a little further, I asked if he used to draw in the sand when he was a kid and there was a definite ‘child in the eyes’ look when he answered yes.

We didn’t talk about this, but it occurs to me now that these mandala designs are perfect for sand drawing because concentric circles are easy to draw with a couple of sticks and a piece of rope. Add a rake and hand trowel, and that is all he needs to work.

A simple tool kit does not, however, imply the same of Vitor's work. Like any artist, mastering a technique is vital and while I watched him at work it became apparent that the swishes and flicks of these tools involved in the drawing require as much practice and control as a painter using brushes. Although there is the advantage of stamping out any mistakes by flattening the sand, there is no time to constantly climb up the cliff to check the overall design for precision in the same way that the painter can simply step back from the canvas.

Vitor was born in Mina de São Domingos in the municipality of Mértola in the lower Alentejo and has lived most of his adult life in Barreiro, near Lisbon. It is because he has family in the Albufeira area that he is able to take advantage of trips to the south to pursue his art. Interestingly, he does not produce artwork any other way and has never been interested in painting or drawing. Neither did he speak about any catalyst event or the moment of inspiration which set him on his path. Of course, his work is recorded with a camera, but there is something about the activity of drawing being more important than the end result going on here.

Usually, when I ask a fellow artist about their motivation, I get answers like their desire to reconnect with nature or finding a balance and harmony with colours or emotions. None of this happened with Vitor; he struck me as a man who just gets a lot of satisfaction from drawing in the sand on his favourite beach in the sunshine. I liked that.

Is he generating an income from his art? Absolutely. As our conversation moved on with a well-deserved coffee, it seems that he has more enquiries for work than he has time to reply to. He has definitely found a niche market and has, over time, built a reputation, which in my opinion, is justified. I could see real value in his work when he talked about when he was commissioned for a wedding. The sand drawing included the names of the happy couple who then came down to the beach for a very special photo session.

There are beachfront hotel resorts (and magazines) who are attracted to having their

logos presented this way and the concept of beach drawing could be used for a temporary political statement or a personal message, a bit like an Instagram story. Vitor is also commissioned to create memorials for people tragically lost in an accident.

Whether sand drawing is seen as an interesting novelty or as serious artistic expression is always down to the perception of the viewer, but I can tell you that everyone who came over to Vitor’s ‘outside office’ and saw his work in the sand stopped in their tracks, walked around to explore it and took a few photos. While they made it difficult for me to take my own, it was a pleasure to see others getting something unexpected from their morning stroll.

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Facebook: Vitor Raposo Arte Que O Mar Apagar Instagram: @vitinha_rr vitinha80@hotmail.com

Vegan Fashion

Soon after, she investigated this hard-shell pod that tastes sweet, is dry and is mainly used for culinary purposes. Portugal is the main producer of carob which comes from an evergreen robust tree (alfarroba) that requires only five litres of water a year. In February, Monica studied its elements under different conditions in the open air. She explains that carobs have to be hydrated in order to be elastic, then left to dry to a point where they don’t sweat or turn into honey. The stabilisation process takes a long time, and after many trials and errors, she finally got the right ingredients of 80% carob with 20% recycled cellulose and natural rubber.

Fashion designer Monica Gonçalves has been at the frontier of developing textiles from the most unthinkable, and yet natural, materials that substitute animal leather. She began with fio de cortiça (cork wire) 12 years ago in order to replace wool. A few years later, Sonae, a giant multi-national business company, invited Monica to develop products from tons of banana skin which she converted into book covers. Her work won the European Innovation Award.

Monica grew up in Lisbon in a family where creativity and academics were highly praised. Her mother, who was a seamstress, encouraged Monica to use her natural ability to create patterns and designs whilst her siblings, who were university students, exposed her to scientific investigations.

Monica has a degree in Fashion Design and later went to Italy to further her skills. She specialised in sustainable materials and began her career by researching natural resources and turning them into textiles for multiple purposes: clothing, shoes, jewellery, and even in architecture. Monica emphasised that her love affair with Italy and her counterparts will always be in her heart. Her textiles are exported worldwide.

Some years after her commercial success with textiles, she started to feel a detachment from her innovative products, as she knew she had more to offer. In no rush, and devoting time to her newborn daughter, she let the ideas flow from within her heart. Last year, she decided to visit her father who is a native of Algoz and, as she was walking through the woods, the idea of turning carob into a textile sounded promising. Feeling excited, she went home and asked her father to provide her with this versatile fruit.

She does not use any chemical products; therefore, the cloth has its own tones and colours. Monica describes her textile as being resistant, resilient, and sweet. Her biggest challenge in developing this textile was its dryness. She is very mindful of utilising natural resources to maximise the sun hours that Portugal offers and to minimise electricity consumption. All this she says is so the textile is affordable to the customer and eco-friendly. A few months later, Alfarroba.tex was born.

In early October, Alfarroba.tex participated in the Portugal fashion show where it was a huge success. Her intention was to show other fashion designers the applicability of carob textiles in the clothing industry. She explains with a lovely smile that everyone was surprised as they kept asking her if it could be ironed or if it tasted sweet. She even laughed out loud when she recalled that someone spotted a stain on the carob skirt she was wearing. Monica proceeded to get a glass of water, she then splashed it all over the skirt and to everyone’s delight and surprise, the stain disappeared.

Monica does not produce ready-made clothes, only the textile which she presents at workshops. She is a very engaging and creative individual willing to pass on her knowledge and is open to consultations.

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www.instagram.com/alfarroba.tex www.facebook.com/courodealfarrroba www.alfarroba.tex

WORDS Natercia Godinho

Alfarroba.tex is an out-of-this-world textile made of carob which is a substitute for animal leather.

Ashes to Ashes

WORDS Helen Daniel

Nelson plays an unusual but essential role in the community of Lagos and the surrounding area. Guerreiro e Guerreiro was established almost 40 years ago by Nelson’s father-in-law, José Guerreiro.

Just over a year ago, a close friend of mine died. Not knowing what to do, I contacted Tanja from the Madrugada palliative care team who advised me to contact a funeral home immediately. As Guerreiro e Guerreiro was advertising in Tomorrow magazine, I phoned their office in Lagos. I had always found their team friendly when delivering the magazines to them over the years.

Nelson Lopes, head of services, arrived shortly after the phone call at my friend’s home in Aljezur. At a time when I was in shock and stricken with grief, he provided the perfect balance of empathy and professionalism.

“I was born in Évora in 1982 and studied there until I was 21,” he recounts. “I then joined the Escola de Tropas Aerotransportadas, where I became a paratrooper. In 2005, my work brought me to Lagos and here, in 2009, I met my wife, Alexandra.”

Nelson helped out at the funeral home in his spare time for nine years. “I learnt the tricks of the trade from my father-in-law, who was the very best teacher. In 2016, I married Alexandra, leaving military service to work full-time at the funeral home,” he recounts.

The law in Portugal states that a person must be buried or cremated within 48 hours of death, so quick decisions need to be made. Relatives of the deceased are often still reeling and in heightened states of distress, so making big decisions within this short but crucial time frame can be difficult. Nelson is very sensitive to this and he guides them expertly through the entire process. The authorities will extend the 48-hour time limit in cases where an autopsy, repatriation or investigation is required.

My friend died in hospital, so firstly, Nelson needed to see the testament to identify the executor. Hospitals will only release the body to the funeral home when provided with photos of the testament and the personal identification documents of the principal heir. Nelson stresses the importance of having a will and the family’s knowledge of its whereabouts. “If someone dies without a testament, the law states that the spouse (or partner) is responsible for signing documents, and if there is no spouse, it will be the next of kin. The process is more efficient if there is a will in place,” he emphasises.

When a person dies at home, a doctor is needed to provide a medical certificate, and Nelson will organise the other necessary paperwork for the funeral. If an autopsy is requested, he will arrange for the deceased to be taken to the unit at Portimão

hospital. The local court will then dispense an order for an examination. The bereaved do not have to arrange anything. “Each hospital has its own procedure on the rare occasion where there is no family and no testament. In cases of poverty, there are death benefits from a social fund to support the families with the funeral costs,” he says.

Nelson will advise families as to whether to bury or cremate the deceased. The decision was straightforward for me as my friend had already specified that she wanted to be cremated. “Now there is a crematorium in the Algarve, more people are choosing this method. Family and friends can attend the cremation at the appointed time, but sometimes people prefer not to. The urn containing the ashes will be brought to you by us a few days later, and the law in Portugal permits you to do what you wish with them,” Nelson explains.

“In my opinion, burial in a cemetery has more associated expenses than a cremation. In Lagos and most municipalities in Portugal, the cemeteries are overcrowded, so when you choose to bury someone, you can only lease a temporary plot. After three years, you may cremate the bones or place them in the cemetery ossuary, which in Lagos is in the cemetery wall. You are not allowed to bury a body anywhere except in a cemetery.” Until recently, the Portuguese custom was to have open caskets. However, during the pandemic, this practice was prohibited. Since then, most Portuguese people have opted for closed coffins.

“For the grieving process and acceptance of the death of a loved one, I feel that an open coffin is a better way,” Nelson expresses. He and his team always beautify the bodies and dress them as the family chooses. This way, if someone does want to see the body, it is presentable!

For foreigners, there is the option to repatriate the body. To transport corpses, a method called thanatopraxia is used, which involves replacing the blood with a hygienic preserving solution. The body is laid in a wooden casket with a watertight inner coffin made of zinc, and a purifying device is installed to equalise the internal and external pressure. Dead people can be transported anywhere in the world by employing this technique.

Donating your body to medical science is a great and widely accessible alternative. By simply googling ‘Body Donation to Science’ and following the English instructions, you’ll find the required Body Declaration Form. Once printed and filled in, send it to the address supplied, inform your family, and include your wish in your will. The donation office must be notified at the time of death. Anybody who dies in intensive care is automatically a potential organ or tissue donor unless, in life, they have registered in the National Register of Non-Donors. If you do this, you will be issued a non-donor card that you should carry with you.

“We deal with the funeral processes of numerous nationalities, religious beliefs and cultures

and are able to provide lawyers and a British celebrant. Also, we can arrange catering for the funeral and transport for the family,” Nelson points out.

“Facing death daily, I am not immune to the immense sadness of losing loved ones; sometimes, my work is heartbreaking,” Nelson adds. “Death often disrupts my weekends, evenings and holidays, but nevertheless, I find my work rewarding. My long-term plan is to stay in the family business and spend as much time as possible with my wife and three-year-old twins!”

When my friend died, I felt paralysed – both by my emotions and by the daunting prospect of the bureaucratic process ahead. Calm and compassionate, Nelson was a godsend. He helped me immensely, and I will forever remain grateful to him.

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+351 918 389 436 agfguerreiro@gmail.com

The Christmas Choir

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and the Western Algarve Community Choir is delighted to be able to share our favourite Christmas carols and songs with you over the festive season, with an even bigger and better programme than in past years!

You can catch up with us at some great venues and events – including the following:

Saturday 3 December – Ocean Padel Club Craft Fair, Luz –performance starts at 2.30 pm.

Tuesday 13 December – Bar 6, Almádena – performance starts around 7 pm.

Saturday 17 December – The Lighthouse, Lagos Marina –performance starts around 7 pm.

Wednesday 21 December – Annual carol singing around Luz followed by Christmas at Barroca event (please contact for locations and timings) – starts 5.30 pm outside Baptista supermarket, then moving on to Spar supermarket.

Saturday 24 December – Family Special Christmas Eve Carols – Praça Gil Eanes, Lagos town centre – 5.30 pm.

We hope you can join us for one or more of these events this year, particularly our early-evening Christmas Eve performance in Lagos, which promises to get you fully into the Christmas spirit in time for the big day. Wherever and whenever you can join us, you'll be sure to leave with a warm, festive glow!

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy 2023 from all of us in the Western Algarve Community Choir.

The Western Algarve Community Choir is an all-inclusive choir with no auditions or previous singing experience necessary, with a strong emphasis on singing for fun. For more details on where you can meet up with us for carol singing events, about joining the choir, or for booking future events, please contact choir leader Elizabeth Roberts Honey.

WORDS Elizabeth Roberts

Nelson

Living our Dreams

Luis Simões, the world traveller

WORDS Sílvia Carvalho d’Almeida

Ten years ago, when I saw Luis Simões giving an interview to a well-known alternative TV channel, I (not yet a journalist, but aspiring to be) always had a tremendous will to meet him and perhaps interview him someday. When Tomorrow’s editor asked if anyone in the newsroom wanted to do this article, I just could not believe it. I immediately accepted, thinking this could only be the universe conspiring in my favour again.

I followed his journey, through the years, across the globe, which he called the World Sketching Tour. Intended to be for five years, I guessed he enjoyed it so much that he just kept travelling.

Finally, I set the time for the interview I had dreamed of and Luis was just as nice as I had imagined. He told me about the wonderful places he had discovered worldwide. I could only think it required both a certain dose of courage and insanity to leave his life behind to explore the world all by himself. From the cathedrals of Europe to landscapes of South America, to random people he met along the way, he observed everything, mesmerised by its diversity, richness and beauty, and immortalised those moments in his sketches.

I asked him about the logistics of organising such an enormous trip. It did not come without sacrifice. Even though he got a remote job in a partnership with a magazine, he had to sell his home and car to give him the financial stability to continue his journey.

What made him leave such a comfortable situation in his hometown, Alcobaça, where he had a good job and therefore financial stability, friends and family? Perhaps the notion that we do not know ourselves fully if we keep being in our comfort zone, that there are corners of us screaming to be seen, cherished, and brought to life. That there is so much more to discover within ourselves. That our soul needs poetry, adventure, and beauty.

Along the way, he met his partner, Anisa, in Indonesia, and since then, they’ve travelled together. Last year, Anisa finally had the opportunity to discover Portugal as they travelled along the coastline. As I finish these lines, the couple are ending their journey travelling from the interior of the country by bike. They have just arrived in Lagos.

Luis has written books about his journeys. They are filled with marvellous drawings of himself, and tips for travellers. "It took me 32 years to follow this passion of mine that, at least for now, I can’t live from, but it feeds my soul more than any job I’ve had until today."

Luis is an example of how we can feed our souls, become ignited with passion and fulfil our dreams. All it takes is a bit of courage. I confess I am a bit jealous!

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worldsketchingtour.com www.instagram.com/worldsketchingtour www.facebook.com/worldsketchingtour wsketching@gmail.com

Christmas in Portugal

Christmas in Portugal is a time for family, food, and celebration. While it’s similar to festivities taking place in other countries, there are notable differences that make Christmas here a particularly joyous time – especially for our Portuguese friends.

The ‘official’ start of the Christmas season is 8 December, the Day of the Immaculate Conception. It’s a national holiday, honouring Mother Mary, and the day many people start dressing their homes with Christmas decorations. There’s no firm rule around this of course; others start on 1 December or even earlier. Father Christmas (Pai Natal) and his grotto arrived at MAR shopping midNovember and will be there until 24 December, after which he will make a speedy exit to start his frenetic journey around the world, delivering presents and goodwill.

While Christmas trees feature prominently in many houses, pride of place is usually given to the presépio (nativity scene). The presépio is taken seriously and rightly so. It is often adorned with handmade ornaments and figurines passed down from generation to generation. The presépio will include both religious figurines (Mary and Joseph) and cultural, with farmers and oranges featuring prominently. Baby Jesus isn’t added until Christmas Eve when the children aren’t looking, so the little ones get to experience the ‘miracle’ of his sudden arrival. Christmas decorations often include shoes (as opposed to Christmas stockings), as a means to give and receive gifts.

Portugal’s love of nativity scenes has even entered The Guinness of Records. In 2012, the town of São Paio de Oleiros was recognised for hosting the largest moving nativity scene in the world, with an

amazing 7,500 artefacts. Today, one of the most impressive (and biggest) nativity scenes can be seen here in the Algarve, in Vila Real de Santo António.

The main Christmas meal is a hearty one, called consoada. Eaten on the evening of the 24th, it’s the high point of the Christmas festivities. The consoada typically comprises starters, a main course, dessert, and a plentiful supply of wine. The starters are likely to be fish-based savoury dishes such as bolinhos de bacalhau (cod dumplings) or rissóis de camarão (shrimp patties). The main meal of bacalhãu de consoada (Christmas cod) consists of bacalhau, cabbage, boiled eggs, and boiled potatoes, all presented with lashings of olive oil.

Desserts, and particularly sweet pastries, are a big part of the dinner and often the more indulgent aspect. Fatias douradas (French toast with a wine sauce) is a popular treat along with sonhos (doughnuts) and azevias do grão e amêndoa (a thin dough crammed with fried chickpeas and almonds).

A Portuguese friend told me how each region (and each family) nurtures its own traditions and dishes. "In the north of the country and here in the Algarve, the meal might include octopus or shrimp. Bacalhau, turkey or rooster, are usually the preferred options for the main course.”

Presents are typically opened immediately after the consoada or early the following morning. Christmas Day is often an opportunity to meet with members of the extended family, uncles, aunts, and cousins. The day after Christmas –Boxing Day as we say in the UK – has no particular significance and is not a public holiday.

The Portuguese friends I spoke with talked fondly of Christmas back in their hometowns in central and northern Portugal and the connections with the church and the midnight mass, known as Missa do Galo (the Rooster’s Mass). In certain parts of Portugal, it’s not uncommon for there to be a large communal fire in the church car park, giving everyone a chance to meet with friends and neighbours, and wish each other ‘Feliz Natal’ (Merry Christmas).

Many people return to work on 26 December, if not on Christmas Day itself. I was reminded by Maria of the boutique store, Palmas Douradas, that "Christmas has different meanings for so many people. For some, it will be focused on the church, while others will take pleasure from simply seeing others enjoying themselves. And of course, for some people both here and abroad, it can be a difficult time."

As we count down the days to Christmas, let’s spare a thought for everyone, both here in Portugal and elsewhere, and wish them ‘Um feliz e saudável Natal e Ano Novo

WORDS Vaughan Willmore

Merry Christmas

A History of Algarve Expats

Immigrants and Expats in Lagos from 1897 to 1972 (Part 5)

WORDS Marta Nogueira

The book Livro de registo de bilhetes de residência de estrangeiros (Registration book for foreigners’ residence permits 1897–1972), held by the Arquivo Municipal de Lagos (Municipal Archive), takes us once again on a journey. This time we will focus on people with occupations linked to hotelaria (hospitality).

The book provides us with information regarding occupations dating back to 1916, but the first record we find with occupation linked to hotelaria was recorded on 30 January 1947: Francisco Martinez Graña, 56 years old, married, from Nespereira, Pontevedra, Spain, son of Daniele Martins and Maria Domingas Graña. His occupation of camarero (waiter) is recorded in Spanish (the word in Portuguese being empregado de mesa). This could reveal a lack of familiarity with foreign terms on the part of the person that made the record. Similarly, the record for Francisco Martins uses ‘Martins’ (a Portuguese name) and also ‘Martinez’, the correct Spanish spelling (pp.26–27). Francisco Martinez Graña requested a licence for the years 1948 to 1951 (pp.26–27). No further information was included in the book from 1952 onwards.

On 25 July 1967, we discovered a record for Roger Poole, chefe de cozinha (chef), from Canterbury, England, single, and 21 years old (p. 35). He requested a licence for the years 1967 and 1968 (pp.35 and 36).

The location recorded in the documento de residência (residence document) field is the restaurant Os Arcos. This restaurant located on the Rua 25 de Abril, in Lagos, is today known as Lacus. It’s still located in the same place occupying the numbers 32 to 36. The street was previously named Dr. Oliveira Salazar. Military intervention ended Portugal’s dictatorial period on 25 April 1974 and, as a consequence, many Portuguese streets, previously named after the dictator, changed and were instead named for the date on which the military intervention took place.

The restaurant Os Arcos began as an English restaurant and bar owned or managed by expats: Douglas William Borley, David Stoneham Hankem, Darcy Glover and, more recently, by the company Rosemary & Neville, Lda. Douglas Borley is also

mentioned in the book Livro de registo de bilhetes de residência de estrangeiros (1897–1972). He requested a licence for the years 1966 to 1971 (pp.26–27). Besides the restaurant Os Arcos, he also owned a fresh food factory at 16 Marreiros Neto Street, in Lagos. His wife, Winifred Blanche Borley, requested a licence for the years 1966 to 1970. In 1971, the marital status of Douglas Borley had changed to widower so we know that Winifred Borley had died. The couple had at least one daughter, Elizabeth Borley, who asked for a residence licence in 1967 (p.33).

In the seventies, advertisements for Os Arcos placed around the city read "Os Arcos, English Tavern Bar. Customers could eat the steak Arcos style, apple pie and cream and poached pears Portuguese style". The name of the restaurant was undoubtedly inspired by the interior arches (arcos). But how did the original restaurant look in the olden days? A rare photo from the records of the Municipal Archives, more precisely from the series Anúncios e Reclames Publicitários, allows us to take a look at the facade of the building in 1969. In the photo, we can see the plan to display a front door awning.

Rua 25 de Abril, Lagos date unknown. Courtesy of xrx.pt/foto-arquivo

Record of Roger Poole. Pormenor of the book Livro de registo de bilhetes de residência de estrangeiros (1897-1972), (p. 35).

The facade remains almost identical today. From the photo, we can see part of the calçada Portuguesa pavement (also known as Portuguese mosaic) and part of the road. This detail suggests that, in that year, cars were still circulating in the now pedestrianised street. And what about the inside? How was the atmosphere of the restaurant? Due to the lack of images, or private records of the old restaurant, it’s not possible to compare the inside of the original restaurant with the modern-day version, although the arches remain. We have tried to find more information but we were not successful, despite the efforts of Sandra Oliveira (city councilor at Lagos Municipality) and Cristina Costa (head of the organisational development division at Lagos municipality).

In the sixties, there were other establishments such as the snack bar O Charco at number 3 (still open), the Cervejaria Jotta (number 13, previously the Típica), the Shaker Bar (number 68, still open) and the restaurant Cataplana (number 85). The Farmácia Silva, (number 9, still operating) was next to the building where the Casa dos Pescadores de Lagos (at number 7) was located. We found this information by analysing the records of the Farmácia Silva in Anúncios e Reclames Publicitários (one record has a photograph of the entrance, but also from the identification plate/nameplate, the number 7). This was confirmed in the correspondence exchanged between Lagos council and the Casa dos Pescadores de Lagos.

Located in this street was also the residential premises Mar Azul (number 13, still active as a hotel) and the Pensão Caravela (number 8, still active). A lot of establishments endure from those years, or are even older! To know more about their history, the series Anúncios e Reclames Publicitários offer a unique insight, not only in terms of the history of the local economy of Lagos but also in terms of local design and urban advertising. It would be amazing to have a full photographic history of Lagos’ commercial places during the forties, fifties and so on as their stories would definitely enrich the history of Lagos.

A further study of the record reveals Ernest Harvey Dodd, 58 years old, hoteleiro reformado (retired from hospitality activity) and his wife, Edith May Dodd, 52 years old, also hoteleira reformada, (p.41). The location identified in the residence document is Estrada Burgau, Luz. Both requested licences for the years 1970 to 1972 (pp.41–47). Unfortunately, the book concludes in 1972, so we have no further information about Ernest Harvey Dodd or his wife. However, we have managed to discover more information about the couple using the website of the Family search project: Ernest was born on 8 September 1911 and married Edith May Taylor on 2 September 1939, in Liverpool, England. Ernest died on 6 August 1991, in Faro, Portugal, at the age of 79. Edith was born on 27 March 1917, in Accrington, Lancashire, England and died on 26 December 2000, in

Blackpool, Lancashire, England, at the age of 83.

On 3 January 1972, we notice the final record that falls within the occupation linked with hospitality: Eric John Ring Fernando, hoteleiro, 55 years old, from London, widowed. The location listed in the licence is Caliças. The book concludes in 1972 so we have no further information about him.

During our research of the archive, we noticed that the year of 1966 was a turning point in the number of expats coming to Lagos. The book records an upwards increase in the number of licences: a total of 40 compared to the previous years of 7, 8 and 9 licences each year. The classification of turista (tourist) starts to appear and reformado (retired) also increases. This data definitely seems to reflect the development of the tourism industry in Lagos during the seventies and is likely to be linked to the opening of Faro airport in 1965.

The book Livro de registo de bilhetes de residência de estrangeiros still has some more stories that deserve to be discovered. If you have any more information or photos in relation to the above we would be delighted to hear from you.

Part 6 – to continue

Marta Nogueira – Arquivo Municipal de Lagos – Câmara Municipal de Lagos

Photo of the facade of the restaurant “Os Arcos” in 1969. AMLGS – Fundo da Câmara Municipal de Lagos – Anúncios e reclames publicitários (1960- 1986). Vol. 2, (AMLGS – E143).

Restaurant “Os Arcos” - Integral record of the changes request in 1969. AMLGS – Fundo da Câmara Municipal de Lagos – Anúncios e reclames publicitários (1960- 1986). Vol. 2, (AMLGS – E143).

It’s interesting to watch some of the old programmes from the sixties available online at the website of RTP Archives: Arquivos RTP arquivos.rtp.pt: A Década de 1960 em Portugal and Da Década de 1960 até ao 25 de Abril de 1974 The website also has some old documentaries about Lagos and the Algarve.

Eve r y s i ze o f s h e e t i m a g i n a b l e

S o f t a n d fl u f f y q u a l i ty towe l s

L i n e n s m a d e i n Po r t u g a l

Q u a l i ty a n d p r i ce g u a ra n te e d

L i n e n l a b e l l i n g s e r v i ce

D e l i ve r y s e r v i ce C a l l i n , o r c a l l u s fo r eve r y t h i n g yo u n e e d to k n ow a b o u t b e d d i n g , towe l s a n d h o m e co m fo r t s

Algarve Moments

beaches in the Algarve. Resplendent with white sands and crystal-clear waters - making it perfect for those who love to while away the hours - it also offers a unique insight into the region's history.

this important era and offering a poignant reminder of Portugal’s maritime history.

In the November edition, we reported on the launch of the Algarve Moment's calendar, created from winning entries to a photography competition to raise awareness and money for the Madrugada charity, which provides end-of-life care in the Algarve.

One of the photographs was taken by Belgian Gerty Geerts of Praia do Barril (Barrell Beach), near Tavira, one of the finest and most unusual

The site was once the home to a small tuna fishing community but, in recent years, has been transformed into a welcoming destination with plenty of beach facilities, including lifeguards (during high season), sunbeds, bars, restaurants, and toilets. The scenery and birdlife is wonderful, especially during the spring and summer seasons with the sun beating down.

In the sandbanks where the boats were once hauled, there is the Cemitério das Âncoras (Anchor Cemetery), a rusting memorial to the abandoned fishing community. With over 200 anchors, it is an amazing sight, commemorating

Prai do Barril is the only part of Ilha de Tavira (Tavira Island) which is connected to the mainland. It can be reached by foot or even by the mini railway, which provides a fun and relaxing way of accessing the beach and its many facilities. Praia do Barril is a popular destination for families but please be aware that part of the beach sits close to a designated naturist beach, which might (or might not) appeal. Also, facilities during the off-season are significantly reduced, so please check before visiting one of the Algarve’s most wonderful beaches.

The Algarve Moments 2023 Calendar is available at the Madrugada Support Centre in Luz and at the following Madrugada retail outlets: Encore Boutique in Luz, Homestore in Lagos, Homestore in Lagoa, and Encore 2 in Ferreiras. Laws Property Portugal has copies available at its sales office in Burgau.

A suggested minimum donation of 5€ per calendar is expected for this ideal stocking filler.

Christmas for Everyone

In November 2020, Margareta Einarsson, a real estate agent based in Lagos, started a project which she called Christmas for Everyone.

She had realised a lot of people in Portugal and the Algarve were struggling financially because of the COVID pandemic and lockdown. Many had lost their jobs and therefore their income.

“With no income, you have to prioritise in order to pay for rent, food and other necessary items,” explains Margareta “So there is no money left to buy Christmas gifts for your kids or grandchildren. Maybe not even enough to buy some holiday candy.”

Margareta felt things could be changed and she contacted a couple of charity groups and started working with them to achieve Christmas for Everyone. She then reached out to people in Lagos and the Algarve

through social media etc and asked for donations of children’s presents. It was a great success so the project continued in 2021 with the same result.

Margareta is now working for the real estate agency Casa Merame and with their help, is arranging a charity event in 2022. This year, helping others is more important than ever. Even though the pandemic is less intensive, people are still struggling with debt and the cost of living crisis. From 7 November, people can hand in their donations at Casa Merame’s office at Rua Victor da Costa e Silva 32 B in Lagos. The Christmas presents should be new, in good condition and unwrapped and for children between 0 to 18 years old.

The office is open from 9 am to 6 pm Monday to Friday and 10 am to 2 pm on Saturdays. The last day for donations is on 16 December when there will be a special event with a visit from Santa Claus. The Casa Merame team will be serving Swedish mulled wine and some gingerbread cookies.

Christmas for Everyone is working with the charities:

Food & Supplies in Lagos – who work alongside Fonte da Vida, Santa Maria Church, etc

Algarve Network for Families in Need Lar de Jovens do Centro Social Lucinda Anino dos Santos.

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+351 282 096 285 info@casamerame.com www.casamerame.com

Marc's Story

Marc was born and grew up in Praia da Luz. He was born with Down Syndrome but was able to enjoy many normal activities. Like many children, he loved playing the piano, painting, karate, and running on the beach while splashing in the water. Sadly he hasn’t been able to do the last two for a long time, and he wants to get better to enjoy his life again.

Now 18, he was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s disease and psoriasis, and then later on psoriatic arthritis, which means his joints and muscles are deteriorating. Since September 2021, his health has gone downhill, and he is now in a wheelchair, as his muscles are getting weaker as time goes by.

“I want to get better! Not only for myself but so that I can show others with disabilities and health problems that so much more is possible,” Marc says. “I have a big vision for my life and want to be an inspiration to others.”

His parents, Paul and Joana, have always believed in Marc's potential and encouraged him to pursue his dreams. They taught him how to read and write, and he speaks two languages (English and Portuguese). They have done a lot of research into his condition and have put Marc on a strict diet full of nutrition and supplements. This regime helps a lot – the inflammation is very slowly disappearing, a few patches of psoriasis are clearing and Marc now has almost no pain. After a lot of research and trying many therapies, they believe the only man who can help is Patrick Matthews. He used to have a Bowen Therapy clinic here in Portugal and treated Marc when he was younger, which helped keep his whole system balanced. He returned to England about ten years ago. Afterwards, they tried different Bowen therapists without success.

The family has started a GoFundMe page to raise the money to stay near Patrick in Devon, England, for three months while other therapists treat Marc for his fears and anxiety. Despite working hard and caring for Marc 24/7, they cannot fund the trip on their own.

Determined to draw a positive outcome from the experience, Marc wants to be trained in Bowen Therapy or a similar type of bodywork and hypnotherapy so that he can help others in need in the future and make a difference in their and his world.

Paul comments, “Marc is a very intelligent and loving young man with a lot of potential and dreams. We want him to live a long and happy life, so when last year his physical state worsened, we found ourselves in a difficult situation. What to do? There must be an answer. We hope that people will help us.”

Now all Marc dreams of is walking with his parents along Luz beach without a wheelchair.

 gofund.me/9aac32ce

WORDS Sophie Sadler

“Mama, papa, please help me!

I want to get back on my feet again. I don’t want to be in a wheelchair anymore, but I’m so scared! “

The guests were sparkling at this year's Tomorrow Glitter Ball. Following a two-year break due to COVID, the tickets sold out in less than a week. One hundred and eighty lively partygoers attended the event which is held by Tomorrow's charity TACT to raise money for local causes.

On arriving at the Tivoli in Lagos guests were welcomed with a drink to the glitterthemed event and the room was positively effervescent with many of the ladies dazzling in sparkly frocks. The room was made even more dazzling by Glitter Bar Algarve.

As everyone was seated at their tables for a delicious three-course meal, they were moved by a touching plea from Salomé whose little girl Alice has the rare condition Rhett’s Syndrome. Then Cadela Carlota's treasurer, Konstanze Alex, spoke to the guests about their work to ensure the dogs and cats in their shelter do not become homeless this year, when the land where they live, is sold.

The emotional stories encouraged guests to dig into their pockets and a record number of raffle tickets were sold contributing 2500€ to the causes. This was truly heart-warming as the most ever raised before was 1200€. With ticket sales, this made 5000€.

Tomorrow also received two generous private donations for each cause. Once he heard about Alice’s story, José Afonso who runs the BP garages in Lagos, Penina and Portimão reached out to BP. They jointly agreed to donate 1500€ each for treatments for Alice.

Following another successful John Aldridge Charity Golf Classic in September, John kindly offered to donate 2000€ towards the Cadela Carlota land appeal.

Thank you

A huge thank you to everyone who helped make the evening a great success:

The Tivoli Hotel and their amazing staff.

Sebastian and Marina from Emocean Restaurant kindly donated the welcome drinks.

Roger, Pedro & Paulo for the welcome drinks music.

Lara and her team from Glitter Bar Algarve for adding that extra sparkle to the evening.

Samantha Afonso and Vicki Harding for their help in organising and during the event.

Sarah Neves and Paul O’Byrne who helped sell raffle tickets.

Fatima Vargas, the photographer who captured the magic moments displayed on this page.

All the local businesses who donated raffle prizes including, Days of Adventure, Delhi Darbar, Marina Bar, Faby Salon, Algarve Accommodation Agency, Laws Property, The Green Room, Katja Kaller, Quay Lagos Restaurant, Portofino Restaurant, Boavista Golf, Espiche Golf, Palmares Golf, Classy Orchid, Nadia Amores Nail Artist, Eva Cahill & John Pierce, NUR Aesthetics, Fly 365, Tivoli Hotel Lagos, Linen Etc, Alex Vliege from The Lemon Lodge and Boogie Bounce.

Finally, a huge thank you to The Protons who got everyone dancing the night away.

The biggest thank you goes to everyone who attended and kindly donated so much money to these very worthy causes.

View and download all the photos on this link: tomorrowalgarve.com/community-news/glitter-charity-ball-22

Photos © Fátima Vargas

Alice’s Fight

Alice is only five years old but bravely battles Rett Syndrome. A rare genetic disorder it affects brain development, resulting in severe mental and physical disability. It is estimated to affect about 1 in 12,000 girls born yearly and is rarely seen in boys.

Her mother, Salomé dos Santos Soares, who is also a mother to Guilherme, aged 12, admits that it is not an easy thing for her to do to ask for help. But, as her daughter is now in stage three of this condition, she is determined that both herself and Alice must ‘fight’ to stop her from regressing to stage four. One of the cruellest aspects of this condition is the uncertainty of symptoms development. Alice could stop walking at any time.

Alice now has physiotherapy three times a week, but the government only subsidises one session. She is constantly frustrated by the lack of statefunded treatments available to help her daughter. Salomé pays privately for two therapy sessions which are 35€ each and now wishes to give her daughter private hydrotherapy lessons. Alice is on the waiting list for private speech therapy, which would enable her to integrate better into school. Salomé would also love to start her on some more intensive treatments to improve her neurofunctional skills. “These are the therapies that are essential for Alice to have some form of quality of life.”

Alice will never be able to use the toilet and the nappies she will wear as she grows up are costly. Alice only receives 63€ a month from the government, and Salomé only receives 100€ a month for being her carer, so she is struggling to meet these costs on her own. She works as a beauty therapist and lives with her parents in Budens.

“I wish to bring awareness to people regarding Rett’s Syndrome. I also wish to give Alice as much help as I can to allow her the quality of life that she deserves. I personally find it difficult to ask for help, but this is for Alice and sometimes you must swallow your pride. My only hope is that we can keep fighting until there is a cure.”  www.gofundme.com/f/pela-alice-contra-o-rett

Give a Dog a Home

Cadela Carlota is a non-profit organisation for the protection of animals in the Lagos area of the Algarve. They have been caring for abandoned dogs and cats since 2008. Their ultimate goal is to find a caring human and a forever home for every animal in their care, but for some, the shelter will be their forever home.

The charity's treasurer, Konstanze Alex, explains, “No matter how long an animal stays with us, our mission is to guarantee their well-being, health, safety and quality of life without fail or interruption. We can only succeed if we ‘Own the Land’ they live on. The current owner wishes to sell the land and our family has nowhere else to go.”

They have raised 26,000€ of the needed 85,000€ so far from various channels (GoFundMe is just one of them). The charity made a small down payment which gave them one year to raise the money, but they only have nine months remaining.

Their next target is to get to 44,000€ to qualify for the gap money to meet their goal to buy the land. They have received two gap promises, totalling 15,000€ from NANDI and the APAA. So if they raise 70,000€, the organisations will guarantee the final 15,000€.

The land is a 1.8 ha plot (approx. 4.4 acres or 18000 sq m) east of Odiáxere along CM1051 between N-125 and A22. Konstanze says, “ The Tomorrow ball was such a positive experience and a great boost for us. All the volunteers were calling me the next day to see how it went. A magical part of the evening was that I connected with Alice's Mum, Salomé. She is going to bring Alice to the shelter for a Christmas outing to meet the dogs and have a picnic along with the kids from the children's home CASLAS. It was a beautiful connection.”  Please donate to the dedicated Own the Land fund. Cadela Carlota & Companhia - Associação de Proteção de Animais Lagos IBAN PT50 003601799910005324002 BIC (Montepio Geral) www.gofundme.com/f/own-the-land-o-nosso-terreno

Building a Better Future

WORDS Sophie Sadler

Four passionate entrepreneurs, two Palestinians and two Israelis, decided to leave behind one of the world's most enduring conflicts, religious intolerance, and a corporate lifestyle to form a harmonious business based on their ecological convictions and friendship.

The result is Cânhamor, a carbon-neutral enterprise based in the Alentejo, which helps people build a living space with nature, not despite it.

I interviewed Elad Kaspin, co-founder of Cânhamor, which produces natural, sustainable alternatives to conventional building materials. Formerly a software engineer working in the hi-tech industry in Tel Aviv, he left his career 10 years ago to live a simpler and quieter life. He spotted that the Alentejo was on the rise and cheaper than the Algarve and became an amateur property developer from which he came to understand the challenges of building in Portugal.

He became fascinated with hempcrete – one of nature’s most miraculous building materials – and when he met with the other associates, they discovered a common purpose and friendship.

They started the project two years ago and spent the first year researching and developing the product. The raw hemp is mixed with hydrated and hydraulic limestone and clay. It is placed in a mixer and then pressed by a machine. After 24 hours, it is moved onto pallets to dry for two months without any heat, meaning zero emissions. On the contrary – during curing, the lime absorbs even more carbon from the air as it hardens. Together with the high efficiency of carbon sequestering of the hemp plant itself, these blocks are truly one of the most carbonnegative construction materials known to man.

Elad explains the benefits of this for the environment. “We are very close to achieving 100% zero-waste and zero carbon footprint in the production of our hemp blocks. Our block mix uses no chemical additives even though this lengthens the curing time.”

Although this building material has become popular in other European countries such as France, the Netherlands and Belgium, Cânhamor is excited to be the first and only manufacturer in Portugal.

WANTED by our CLIENTS!

www.togofor-homes.com contact@togofor-homes.com Lagos +351 282 476 568 Vilamoura +351 289 322 134 Tavira +351 281 027 570

“The superior, self-regulating thermal insulation properties of our blocks mean that you benefit from significant heating and cooling efficiencies in both summer and winter, saving you substantial energy costs for years to come” Elad tells me.

Hempcrete’s vapour permeability characteristics help regulate humidity and act as a natural repellent. This feature helps create significantly healthier living environments, free from toxins, viruses, bacteria and mould-producing spores. Cânhamor’s blocks have been rigorously tested in labs and are fully licensed. They will not burn even if placed next to a naked flame.

I spoke to another passionate convert to the cause, one of Canhamor's factory workers Nuno Teixeira. He left behind a life in the city after becoming committed to sustainable living. “Working for Cânhamor has given me what I didn't believe was possible: a comfortable living without taking from nature. This is a paradigm I didn’t think was possible.”

Like me, you are probably now reflecting on how expensive this building material will be. Think again. Nuno tells me that a hemp wall is the same price as a traditional building method using cork insulation. It also only takes one-third of the time to build when compared to a traditional technique, as you only need one single layer of blocks and no additional insulation layer. The hemp block gives you thermal insulation, fire and pest resistance and leaves behind the ‘traditional’ Portuguese concrete construction method, which is too hot in summer, cold in winter, damp and prone to mould. Building from hemp is also 100% natural. Even cork has chemical binders in it when it is made into insulation panels.

Their construction also does not require a special building contractor. Lighter than conventional bricks, they are easier to assemble and require no special machinery, while builders benefit from the material’s versatility. They are suitable for new builds and renovations, single dwellings or residential facilities and can also be used to provide insulation in existing structures. Not only that, but Cânhamor undertakes to supervise and assist with the construction process.

Prices would also come down further if the hemp did not need to be imported and this is where phase two of their scheme comes into play. “We are excited to spearhead a project to offer farmers a realistic business model for a sustainable crop", Elad tells me. “By resurrecting the ancestral cultivation of hemp in Portugal, farmers can profit from an ecologically beneficial crop that will not erode the soil of their fields. As we forge partnerships with the local agricultural community to grow the hemp that we will use to make our blocks, we hope to contribute to a revolution in the farming practice of the Alentejo region and all over the country.”

Although farming is a conservative industry, the new company has invited farmers who have experimented with the crop on a small scale to share their experiences with other local farmers. Hemp regenerates the soil, is a natural repellent and uses very sparse water, so it is beneficial all round. Elad hopes to eventually have the resource of 1000 hectares planted to hemp to make Portugal a new hemp hub in Europe.

Their enterprise was supported by the mayor of Ourique, Marcelo Guerreiro, who recognised the importance of new investment in the area. The new business will create 30 new jobs in Ourique after settling in Garvão, where they are building a new factory to help reduce production costs. This facility is the first and only manufacturer of hemp and lime blocks on the Iberian Peninsula.

Not content with growing their business, Elad is also keen to get the word out there about the highly sustainable properties of hemp. On 19 November, Cânhamor was the main sponsor of Cannadouro in Porto. This year the conference hosted a new event, the Cannadouro Hemp Meeting: a day of talks with international speakers from various areas within the industrial hemp industry, of which Elad was one. Elad has also been interviewed by the BBC about the project.

With so many pros and no apparent cons, it seems inevitable that both Cânhamor and a new hemp crop will flourish in this region, bringing a healthier and more sustainable future.



Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn www.canhamorhemp.com

Elad with the hemp blocks

Through the Keyhole

and Michael Sun-Fidelman are building Portugal's first hemp house in the western Algarve.

WORDS Sophie Sadler

Originally from Israel, Michael had explored many natural houses that exist in Jerusalem. “When you are in a stone house, it feels alive,” Michael explains. “Even in the Israeli desert, I have been in mud houses where the air quality is perfect and through which you feel connected to nature.”

The couple did not have a similar experience in Portugal. After renting in the Algarve for eight years, they have always felt cold or hot and discovered mould. Smadar explains, “I realised that my ideal house would have good insulation, be able to breathe and be free from fungi.”

The couple discovered Portugal after travelling to Lisbon to visit friends in Sintra. They fell in love with the country and made their home in the Algarve, working as energy and holistic healing therapists. After settling and having their daughter, aged four, they began looking around for a plot to build their dream house.

They bought an abandoned building plot in Barão São Miguel, which offers beautiful views of the Portuguese countryside and a chance to create a living, breathing house. Michael explained his vision to me when I visited. “I wanted to feel like the house was alive, totally natural and breathing. So you can stare at a wall as if you are admiring a plant.”

After researching natural building materials, Michael discovered hemp blocks. It offered the natural characteristics he was looking for together with the modern straight look with none of the negatives of other natural building solutions. “Hemp's ability to regulate temperature and be sound and fireproof felt like exactly the right solution for our family.”

Michael was frustrated, though, as the only suppliers were in Belgium or other European countries and the costs of delivery were too expensive. It was then that he came across Cânhamor. When he first contacted them had no idea it was his old friend Elad behind the project. It felt like fate was working in his favour.

He became the first residential property to use the hemp blocks manufactured in the Alentejo. “Cânhamor has been completely present in the project; they really care. The first time that Elad saw the house, he cried.”

Smadar was excited to watch the house rise from the ground. “We found a great builder who, although did not have previous experience with natural construction, was open to this new material. Along the way became highly enthusiastic about them and is keen to implement them in his new projects. This was a bonus, as other natural building techniques require specialist

contractors. The blocks are so light that the walls went up more quickly than in normal construction.”

I examine the blocks, which, although light, are very solid. They contain a mesh of fibres entwined in a densely packed permeable brick which, in cross-section, resembles extremely hard-pressed stalks. The hemp blocks are then covered with lime plaster which is indistinguishable from traditional plaster, giving the walls a smooth finish.

The single-storey house has an internal area of 164 m2. The accommodation is laid out with an open-plan living space with a vaulted wooden ceiling adding to the organic feel of the house. There are two-bedroom suites and a guest annexe. The couple have also incorporated a working studio for them to give consultations. The house will be heated using a heat-exchange system.

They plan on using other natural techniques in the house with a Tadelakt finish in the bathrooms. Tadelakt is a waterproof plaster surface used in Morocco to make baths and sinks, as well as exterior walls, ceilings, roofs, and floors. It is made from lime plaster, which is rammed, polished, and treated with soap to make it waterproof and water-repellant.

Michael is so pleased with the house, which is due to be completed in the spring of 2023, that he would like to spread the word about hemp building. He is inviting anyone who is interested in this efficient and sustainable building material to contact him. He is happy to show you his new home. He is also keen to stress that the blocks can also be used to insulate existing houses if you are plagued by the cold and mould of traditional building techniques.

Although this property is the first of its kind in the Algarve, it will likely be the first of many with so many advantages to offer for those wanting to make a house a home.



If you like to know more or schedule a visit, feel free to contact Michael via what’s app or email: michaelif11@gmail.com +351 927 271 067

Do you have a property that has a story or a unique design concept that you would like to show off to Tomorrow readers? Contact sophie@tomorrowalgarve.com

Smadar

Gardener's World

WORDS Tamsin Varley

The Surprising World of the Amaryllis Family

Seven years ago, on holiday in the south of France, I spotted some magnificent flowers in a botanical garden. A long stalk emerged from a large bulb with thirty or so tubular red flowers, each on a long stem resembling an exploding firework. The label said Brunsvigia josephinae and I resolved to track one down as soon as possible.

I duly found one on the internet but was very disappointed to receive a tiny bulb, as these plants will not flower until the bulb is very large. I eventually planted it in a raised bed with some succulents where, for a few months of the year, I was treated to an impressive display of large strap leaves. However, this year, in September, after seven years of waiting, my bulb finally flowered. You can imagine my excitement as my patience was finally rewarded.

You may not have heard of this fantastic bulb, but it is the largest in the Amaryllis family. The name Amaryllis is a Greek word meaning ‘fresh’ or ‘sparkling’, which describes the opulence and exuberance of the flowers perfectly. They tend to be mainly bulbous flowering plants that are found in tropical and subtropical regions, and include many ornamental garden plants and vegetables. There are three main subfamilies including Agapanthus, Alliums and Amaryllis.

Agapanthus, or Lily of the Nile, derives its name from the Greek Agape, ‘love’ and Anthos ‘flower’ and they are native to southern Africa. Strap-like leathery leaves come from fleshy rhizomes and in summer, umbels of blue to white tubular flowers are produced on long stems. They like to be grown in well-drained soil in a sheltered spot with full sun. As they like their roots to be constricted, they make great pot plants.

We are all familiar with the Allium sub-family, which includes vegetables and herbs such as garlic, onions, leeks, shallots and chives. They are characterised by a distinctive sulphurous aroma which becomes more obvious when the bulbs or leaves are crushed. There are also ornamental

Alliums which flower in spring and have spherical heads of flowers in shades of purple and pink to white. They like moist, well-drained soil in full sun. I have tried growing them in the Algarve in the ground, but after a year or two, the bulbs wither away, so they might be best planted in pots.

The Amaryllis sub-family includes many ornamental bulbs such as the spring flowering snowdrops, daffodils, Clivia, and Hippeastrum which look spectacular in winter and autumn flowering Nerine and Amaryllis belladonna or Jersey lily. One of my favourites is the kaffir lily or Clivia miniata which is native to woodlands in South Africa and Eswatini. It needs dappled light, as found under the shade of trees, and must have a free-draining growing medium with plenty of organic matter as it is prone to root rot. Once established, it is very drought tolerant.

Another plant I love is Amaryllis belladonna, which prefers full sun and well-drained soil. They self-seed readily so you can be assured of many volunteers. I associate Hippeastrum, more commonly known as Amaryllis, with Christmas because as a child we often received them as presents and enjoyed planting them up and seeing them flower some eight weeks later. They are very easy to grow and are a fun way of introducing children to the delights of gardening.

Tamsin Varley is a member of Clube Dos Bons Jardins, a small, friendly multi-national garden club that meets at different locations around the Algarve on the 2nd Tuesday of every month with an optional lunch afterwards.  cbj.algarve@gmail.com

Top to bottom: Brunsvigia flower, Alliums, Amaryllis belladonna, Butterfly Amaryllis Clivia

Hippeastrum

Agapanthus

LOVE IN OLD AGE

Hunter Davies finds new love at the age of 83

WORDS Vaughan Willmore

It’s not often you have a chance to meet an author whose work you enjoy. Last year, I interviewed Hunter Davies for a feature in the September 2021 edition of Tomorrow magazine We have kept in touch since and a few weeks ago we met for lunch at a beachside restaurant in Porto de Mós, Lagos.

Before meeting Hunter, I read his most recent book – Love in Old Age. It tells of how, three years after the death of Margaret Forster, his wife of 55 years, Hunter found a new love at 83 years of age. As with all of Hunter’s autobiographies, it’s witty, self-effacing, and a terrific read.

‘One of the joys about finding love in old age’, writes Hunter, ‘is that you find yourself not just with a new partner but the new partner’s family, friends, pets, history, house, and interests.’

The book tells of how Hunter and his girlfriend Claire purchased a picturesque cottage (‘love nest’) on the Isle of Wight (‘it was not too dear’) and the excitement and frustrations involved. Many of these were similar to the issues people face when emigrating to Portugal, for example, finding reliable tradespeople and settling in a new location, away from family and friends. Hunter also tells of the all too familiar domestic squabbles over décor, IKEA furniture, and how children can react when a parent meets someone new. It’s an interesting read and highlights all manner of issues and opportunities that arise when meeting someone new in our later years.

As it transpired, we spent little time talking about the book (or any book) and rather our shared love of football and music dominated the conversation. One unexpected aspect of our meeting stays in my mind but I think is typical of Hunter. On the table next to us, there was a party of twenty rather excitable Portuguese guys who, due to the noise they were creating, were receiving a few less-than-welcoming glances from the other diners (boo hoo). Hunter would have none of that, however. Instead, he set about finding out what they had in common it turned out to be a pre-wedding / stag dinner.

Before too long we were chatting with the guys and once they discovered who Hunter was, they erupted into a spiriting rendition of ‘Yellow Submarine’. What fun it was.

During lunch, Hunter told me that his relationship with Claire has ended and consequently, at 86 years of age, he is once again on the lookout for love. I have no doubts that with his love of life, energy (he swims three times a week) and good humour, Hunter will not be single for too long. It was lovely to meet Hunter, an author whose work I enjoy. And more than that, to meet a person I like very much.

Love in Old Age is available to buy at www.amazon.co.uk

With over a hundred books to his name, Hunter Davies famously wrote the only authorised biography of The Beatles for which, at the height of Beatlemania, he had full access to John, Paul, George and Ringo. Hunter has owned two properties in the Algarve, purchasing the first in 1970.

‘One of the joys about finding love in old age,’ writes Hunter, ‘is that you find yourself not just with a new partner but the new partner’s family, friends, pets, history, house, and interests.’

Meet the Artist

Andrea B Designs

in real life. The fractures of the glass reflect and capture all kinds of light so that any piece will look different at different times of the day. It is this element that really sets her work apart.

Her inspiration comes from a multitude of sources, including masters such as Giulio Menossi, Olga Goulandris, Beatrice Serre Mosaiste, and Gustav Klimt.

A complete change in lifestyle and pace of life has given Andrea Bird the chance to pursue her dreams and work as an artist. 

"I try to look for inspiration everywhere. Sometimes it’s a light bulb moment when I can be on a roll and see things everywhere, which I then frantically sketch up for my own adaptation to develop into something different, other times I’m lost. I have to be in the right frame of mind, so clearing my head can help, and a walk on the beach or a ride in the beautiful hills of the Algarve really helps. In the future, I’m looking to really mix up several elements such as slate, glass and mica, but sourcing some of the elements I need is proving challenging."

Working as an artist can be a lonely job, so Andrea decided to form the Quinta Art Collective – a group of women, all friends and all with very different genres. Andrea is joined in the collective by Jessica Dunn – contemporary landscapes, Toin Adams – sculptor, Jane Rodenburg – fibre artist, Tracy Carson – portraiture. All five live close to each other and, as close friends, they are able to support and encourage each other. They have big plans for the future, with several successful exhibitions under their belt.

"Quinta Art Collective has been a great success with a diverse range of styles but a very close friendship. We have been able to support each other and bring to a wider audience an eclectic offering that caters to everyone. Each member is a success in their own right, but knowing someone has your back in an increasingly divided world is a lifesaver."

Andrea, originally from the North of England, moved to the Algarve just over six years ago and has loved it ever since. While working in finance in the UK, she always hoped she would get the opportunity to build her art career. Now from a specially adapted studio in her home in Boliqueme, Andrea has finally achieved her dream. She has developed her own techniques as well as employing ancient traditional methods with her contemporary glass mosaic work. "I started out making and designing jewellery, which I still do, but this developed and grew into something else. I trained in Silversmith work and lampwork back in the UK, along with Electroforming at the Birmingham School of Jewellery. I’ve always been a bit of a magpie and so anything that sparkles catches my eye and mesmerises me."

Andrea’s technique includes materials such as inks, resin, glass, mirror, bespoke lampwork and more traditional materials such as tiles, iridescent glass, 24k gold smalti and anything that appeals to her.

"A couple of years ago, I went to Greece to learn sculptural mosaics. The teacher, Liliana Waisman, was from Argentina and her methods and materials developed through a lack of access to normal materials. This led to a very creative process that entailed her making her own tesserae, which inspired me to experiment and not be scared to try new things, a bit like alchemy! I use resin, electroforming, which is the process of metal adhering and growing on non-metallic surfaces. I also use my own bespoke lampwork pieces, comprised of glass melted over a propane gas and oxygen torch, which is generally my signature."

Andrea's work includes recycled elements and, where she can, she will use elements that would have been discarded and melted down. These parts can be put to a far more creative use in her one-of-a-kind pieces.

More of a creation than a painting, the 3D effects of her work are difficult to capture in photographs or videos and much more stunning

Their next exhibition is on 10–11 December at Quinta Estrela Montes, Alfontes when guest artists will join the Quinta Art Collective.

www.andrea-b-designs.com www.facebook.com/andreaBDesign www.instagram.com/andrea_b_designs hello@andrea-b-designs.com

The Key to Death’s Door

by Mark Tilbury

WORDS Dan Costinas

I haven’t written a review of such a controversial book in a long while, but I have just finished reading The Key to Death’s Door and it deserves some attention. Let us start with the first lines:

“The day before I died started off pretty much like any other. Up at seven. Breakfast. Ready for school. Just one slight difference: me and my best mate Charlie Finch had cooked up a plan to tell our parents we were sleeping at each other’s houses. Clear the way to spend the night fishing at a derelict boathouse along Feelham River.”

The dark, disturbing, frightening, and depressing narrative of this book is causing controversy. It also features one extremely odious character. The book is graphic, containing plenty of blood, swearing, murders and gratuitous violence. On the other hand, there are the praisers who claim that the violence is totally necessary for the storyline. Aside from this, it is a well-written fantasy book about friendship, loyalty, fear, helplessness and love, with a paranormal element – an addictive read for mystery and thriller fans.

Baker’s Not So Secret Blog, a serious book rating site, considers Mark Tilbury to be “the new Stephen King”. Maybe it is too early for that, but their books are quite similar in style, that is true.

But who are we to judge anyone and give final sentences? Just as a kind reminder, a short list of books which were controversial and condemned when they were published and have since become classics: Marquis de Sade’s libertine novels, D. H. Lawrence’s Lady Chatterley’s Lover, James Joyce’s Ulysses, John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men, Vladimir Nabokov’s Lolita, Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, Henry Miller’s Tropic of Cancer, Sir Salman Rushdie’s The Satanic Verses, Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale, and last but not least Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code. Some titles were actually banned in certain countries but are now regarded as ‘acceptable’ reading.

I do not want to say too much about the plot of The Key to Death’s Door and spoil the story for interested readersbut one cannot help but notice how cleverly Mr Tilbury describes the haunting boathouse as the plot moves forward.

“A pitchfork of lightning flashed outside the window as if warning Charlie not to risk everything to get back at his dad. I checked my phone. Just gone ten-thirty. Jesus Christ, we still had hours to kill before daylight. I was already frozen again, when the boom of thunder rolled across the sky again as if saluting the spine-chilling shadows seeking refuge from the storm.”

We can like the book or hate the book, but we have to admit that the author is a skilful suspense master.

About Mark Tilbury: He lives and writes in a cosy Cumbrian village, although the books are set in Oxfordshire – where he was born and raised. When he is not writing, Mark can be found playing the guitar, reading or walking.

“I don’t so much get inspired to write. It’s more like I need to write. There were so many years when family life after being widowed was too full to fit writing in. Now my daughters are grown up, all my story ideas are flowing out of me and I have to note them all down ready to write them properly.”

Dan Costinas is an astute globe-trotter, former diplomat, avid bibliophile, soon-to-be-famous writer & translator, lifelong reader and learner, and whose choice was to retire in Algarve, putting in his soothing two-pennies-worth on the best books he reads.

If, after this wordy review, you still want to discover Mark Tilbury's The Key to Death’s Door, you can find it on Amazon.es from €0.00 (Kindle Unlimited) up to €13.29 (paperback) and soon at Bertrand Livreiros from €11.32 (paperback).

Christmas Artisan Fair

Craft stalls, plenty of food and mulled wine, mince pies, face painting, glitter tattoos, music and fun.



When: 3 December 11 am-4 pm

Where: Praia da Luz Ocean Club Gardens IZAKAYA-LUZ restaurant

Free entry

What's on

A Dance Journey

This Christmas the Lagos Dance School is performing a wonderful recital with great dancers choreographed by Marina Khametova, Tatiana Ursu, Yuri Stroganov and Tess Sanders.

ADL invites you to join them in a journey around the world to learn some of the most beautiful Christmas traditions. It is a journey you cannot miss.



When: 16 and 17 December at 9.30 pm

Where: Lagos Cultural Centre

Artists & Fleas Market

The coolest market in the Algarve has arrived in the city of Faro!

MÔÇES, in partnership with the Recreational and Cultural Association of Musicians, has created the Artists & Fleas Market, which will take place every Saturday of each month, in the ARCM space in Faro. There will be a relaxed atmosphere with background music. You can find a selection of stalls with handmade creations, vintage clothing, natural cosmetics, secondhand items, paintings and much more.

There will be two rooms and an outdoor space between stalls, and a terrace where you can have something to eat or even have lunch. It is the ideal place to go with family, friends or even alone.



When: 2nd Saturday of every month between 11 am and 7 pm with a special Christmas market on 10 and 11 December.

Where: ARCM space in Faro

Registration for stalls is made through the MÔÇES www.moces.pt/market

Swinging Christmas

A Christmas Concert by Orquestra Ligeira de Lagos with the sweet voices of Marta Rodrigues, Carina Lima, Mara Amaral and José Martin. The show includes great jazz orchestrations made famous by Ella Fitzgerald, Tony Bennett, and Michael Bublé among others.



When: 3 December 9.30 pm Where: Lagos Cultural Center Tickets: 10€

Friends of Burgau

The Friends of Burgau Sports Centre are hosting a number of Christmas events throughout December.

Saturday 3 December 80s Fancy Dress Night with DJ Johnny. 7 pm 'til late

Sunday 4 December Kids Christmas Party 2 pm–5 pm

Saturday 10 December Artisan Christmas Fayre with over 30 stalls. Free entry with Santas Grotto (3€ per child) / BSC Café serving food all day 11am–-6pm

Friday 16 December Xmas Quiz (teams of 4). Supporting Mustard Seed Lagos and CASLAS children’s home 7 pm



For more information and to book: www.friendsofbsc.com

Facebook: Friends Of Burgau Sports Centre Group +351 282 697 350

Church of England Services

Father Rob will be presiding over English church services in Luz church during the festive period including, once again, a crib service for families.

Regulars Sunday services continue the following Sunday after Christmas at 8 am and 11 am.



14 December 6.30 pm Nine lessons & carols Christmas Eve 4 pm Family crib service and 6.30 pm Nine lessons & carols Christmas Day service at 10.30 am

Natalandia

Every year Lagos Zoo is filled with Christmas magic as Santa and his elves arrive, with shows and colourful characters to entertain the children. There is also a chance to post a letter to Santa as well as observe the animals.



When: 8–24 December

Where: Lagos Zoo

Tickets: 50% discount for residents in the Algarve Free for children under 4 years old www.facebook.com/zoolagos

Aurea Soul Sessions

Get into the Christmas spirit and don't miss this unprecedented concert inspired by soul, jazz and nu-soul, full of Christmas magic. With music by great performers such as Aretha Franklin, Ella Fitzgerald, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Pointer Sisters, Jackson Five, Tim Maia, among many others by Portuguese soul singer Aurea.



When: 17 December

Where: Tempo Theatre, Portimão Tickets: 20€ (tempo.bol.pt)

Christmas Nativity Scene

José Cortes's nativity scene has become a Christmas tradition in Lagos. It took José ten years to create the scene by hand. He began working on it in 2011 and every year adds new figures.



When: On display until 6 January 10 am– 6 pm Tuesday to Saturday

Where: Lagos Cultural Centre Free entry

Free I.T. Support and help sessions for December 2022

The Tropical Café

Nº. 33, Avenida dos Descobrimentos, Lagos

Tuesday 6 December 11 am until 1 pm

Madrugada Office

Rua Direita 44, Luz

Tuesday 13 December 11 am until 2 pm

For all volunteers, staff and members of Madrugada

Choral Concert 'Sounds at Twilight'



When: 10 December 7.30 pm

Where: Church of Bensafrim Free entry

Entertainment in the Lagos Markets

Viv’o Mercado

7 December 5.30 pm Paulo Ribeiro

14 December 5.30 pm Sociedade

Filarmónica Lacobrigense 1.º Maio

21 December 6 pm Choral Group of Lagos

28 December 5.30 pm Lagos Light

Orchestra

Levante Market

Display of Christmas crafts by Barlavento Craftsmen Association.

10 December 5 pm–9 pm

11 December 2 pm–9 pm

Santo Amaro Market

A performance by the Sociedade Filarmónica Lacobrigense 1º de Maio.

10 and 17 December 11 am–1 pm

Lagos Cultural Centre events

UHF It Could be Christmas Concert with the children's choir of the Choral Group of Lagos.



When: 4 December at 6 pm

Where: Lagos Cultural Centre Ticket: 10€

Le Concert Spirituel, by Orquestra Clássica do Sul



When: 2 December 7 pm Where: Centro Cultural de Lagos Ticket: 6€

Dreaming with Bill



When: 10 December 4 pm

Where: Lagos Cultural Centre Ticket: 7 euros (5 euros < 12 years)

Living Statues at Christmas



When:

16 December 3 pm - 6 pm & 17 December 10 am - 1 pm

Where: Largo 5 de Outubro, Lagoa Rua 25 de Abril, Lagoa Rua Coronel Figueiredo, Lagoa

www.facebook.com/estatuasvivasnatal

Christmas in Lagos

Christmas Workshop

Workshop with face painting, balloon modelling, name tags, hats, plasticine nativity scenes, finger puppets and Christmas pine cones, letters to Father Christmas and stories.



Where: Rua Portas de Portugal

Christmas Village

Father Christmas’ house, market, ecological ice rink, entertainment for children and cultural initiatives.



Where: Praça do Infante

When (for workshop and village): 3 to 24 December Monday to Thursday 12 pm – 8 pm | Friday 12 pm - 9 pm | Saturday, Sunday and 8 December 10 am - 9 pm Christmas Eve 10 pm to 5 pm

The Arrival of Santa

A colourful parade as Santa enters Lagos town centre in his sleigh, with his elves and a cast of other characters. Santa will then distribute presents and there will be a performance by the children's choir of the Choral Group of Lagos.



When: 3 December 3 pm

Where: Lagos town centre

Street Entertainment

Entertainment in the streets of the historical centre and Avenida Market with a cast of Christmas characters interacting with the public.



When: 10, 11, 17 and 18 December | 11 am - 1 pm and 3 pm - 5 pm

Loose Ends

A social group for people on their own who might be at a ‘loose end’ to meet other likeminded people. Newcomers welcome.



When: 13 December 5 pm

Where: Gemma Events, Lagos (behind the Câmara) Christmas party: 13 December Adega da Marina 6 pm Call Tom +361 919 918 733 or email tom@tomorrowalgrave.com

Monchique Christmas Market

The Christmas Market will take place from the 16th to the 22nd of December, in Largo dos Chorões. As part of the Christmas programme, this market aims to bring together Christmas items, diverse handicrafts, sweets and many other proposals.

 www.facebook.com/municipiodemonchique

Christmas in Portimão

Between 6 December and 6 January, the city of Portimão will transform itself into an authentic Christmas Village.

The city is once again “A Christmas Dream”, where 32 days of pure magic will be provided, with unique experiences in various emblematic places in the city centre. The Christmas spirit will especially touch the imagination of the little ones, with emphasis on the Christmas stage with 23 shows, the natural Ice Rink, the Christmas Market, the House of Father Christmas, the life-sized Nativity Scene, the Christmas Train and the parades full of colour and joy, among many other innovations.



Inauguration: Decorative lighting and the arrival of Santa Claus on the 6 December, around 5 pm. vivaportimao.pt www.facebook.com/portimaomunicipio

Classical Guitar Concert

Sons D’Aquém Mar organised by: Questão Repetida – Associação Cultural and Associação Artis XXI with the support of CM Lagos DR of Culture of Algarve and Turismo do Algarve.



When: 3 December 5 pm Where: Luz Church Free admission

Lagoa and Carvoeiro Christmas Fairs

Lagoa: 8 - 11 December at Largo do Auditório do Carmo

Carvoeiro: 16-18 December at Largo da Ermida

 Facebook: @uniaodasfreguesiasdelagoaecarvoeiro

New Years Eve

Lagos

Live music by The Gift and DJ Lighthouse from 10.30 pm at Praça do Infante Free entry

Albufeira

Albufeira will host a multisensory show. The event will feature pyrotechnics, a skydiving light and fire show that promises to be absolutely mesmerising, fabulous concerts, and of course, amazing fireworks, shooting into the sky above the ocean.

Live music by Portuguese singer Rui Veloso and Tatanka. The countdown to midnight will be with DJ Gualter Santos.

Musings of a MOUNTAIN BIKER

WORDS Gilly Grateley

Hi, Gilly here. I appreciate a bike shampoo with degreaser isn’t everyone’s gift of choice, but it’s something that I know I would be delighted to receive in my Christmas stocking. Which got me thinking, this month I should look to make some Christmas gift suggestions, either for your own list or for that mountain biking enthusiast family member or friend – call it my gift to you.

First up, I thought about all the cute little gadgets and accessories I have and value, and then I called in at my local bike shop, Xtreme Lagos (you can find their details on Facebook), to check out prices and availability. I have put together what I think is a useful list of ideas for all budgets.

I hope this gives you some useful pointers and ideas and scores you some bonus points. Of course, these are just my suggestions based on what I have seen, other stores and brands are available.

Enjoy the festivities and as always, stay safe.

If you would like to share stories, tips or experiences, don't hesitate to contact me bikinginthealgarve@gmail.com

Stocking fillers and good value gifts for under

20€:

I get through at least one pair of gloves a year, so this is a no-brainer. The GES gloves I saw look durable, comfortable and good value.

Cycling-specific socks are something that I never treat myself to, so I was interested in the Coolmax performance and moisture-wicking socks.

I have a great little multi-tool that I take on every ride with me and you can get a basic one like mine for under a tenner, but for 20€ you can get one with a chain tool, a winner!

I have a really lightweight combi-lock, which I like to carry in case I need to leave my bike unattended. I didn’t see compact ones on my scouting mission but there was a good range of regular locks between 10 and 20€.

I already have a mini pump but this one is going on my list, a BH mini pump with fittings for both valve types and (the bit that got me excited) a built-in pressure gauge.

I love my Muc-off bike cleaning brush I purchased earlier this year and while I didn’t see any of these, I was drawn to a great range of Peaty’s cleaning products. I mentioned the shampoo with degreaser, there is also brake cleaner and a cool silicon finishing product to help protect expensive carbon frames, prices range from 9 to 20€.

If you’re looking for a small gift for less than a tenner you can’t go wrong with a bottle of chain lube, or a spray chain cleaner, or a couple of emergency quick absorption gels.

What 20 to 50€ will buy you:

I love my lightweight LED rechargeable lights, with easy fittings for taking on and off my bike. What I found on my recce were Moon rechargeable LED winter lights, sold separately or in sets, prices range from 25 to 40€.

With frame bags becoming increasingly popular, I saw a good range of Zefal (saddle and frame) bags, lightweight and water-repellent in a variety of sizes, priced between 15 and 50€.

I track as many of my rides as I can and I was pleased to see you can buy a wireless bike computer with GPS for under 50€.

At the serious end, for over 50€ you can get:

Glasses with interchangeable lenses are particularly useful for riding in mixed light conditions. The BBB range I looked at each has three sets of polycarbonate, high UV protection lenses and cool-looking, lightweight frames. Prices range from 50 to 80€.

Cycle shorts and helmets tend to be a personal choice and the kit most riders will have already, so I didn’t take too much notice of the ranges available. But the Northwave shoes, now they caught my attention, with prices starting at 100 € they look pretty special.

Personal preference but I choose a backpack over saddle or frame bags and Camelbacks are right up there. They have easy-to-maintain hydration systems, additional room to carry essentials and are built to allow the air to flow between your back and the bag. There are various sizes available with prices ranging from 50 to 150€.

And for my final offering, 200 € will get you an all-singing and all-dancing iGPSport Cycling Computer.

SPORTS ROUND UP

WORDS David Lugg

Golf

Touch Rugby

Do you miss playing rugby? Or perhaps you would like to try it for the first time? There may be a solution. Every Tuesday evening at 7.45pm, the ‘Untouchaballs’ meet for ninety minutes of touch rugby at the Estádio Municipal de Lagos. Men and women over the age of 18 are welcome to join, regardless of ability. The benefits of touch rugby are far-reaching. So, if you wish to improve your fitness levels and meet like-minded people, touch rugby could be the perfect activity for you!

 Phil on 913 425 892 or follow the Instagram page @theuntouchaballsalgarve.

Jordan Smith has won the Portugal Masters by three strokes for his first tour victory in five years. The Englishman finished on a staggering 30 under par and led from start to finish at the Dom Pedro Victoria golf course, near Vilamoura. A masterful final round of 63 saw him make an eagle and six birdies for his first win since the Porsche Open in 2017.

Smith said, "It’s just amazing. It’s been a long grind for those five seasons, just pushing it out and finally getting over the line today." The victory sees the 29-year-old move into the top ten of the DP World Tour rankings. Local favourite Ricardo Santos was the bestplaced Portuguese golfer finishing in 59th place after four consistent rounds of 69.

Tennis

Portuguese sisters Francisca and Matilde Jorge have won the doubles title at the second edition of the Loulé Ladies Open. The top seeds defeated Pei-Chi Lee and Fang-Hsien Wu, from Taipei, 6-3 7-5 at the Algarve event.

"We are very happy with this victory," said Francisca. "It's another title and winning is always good." Seventeenyear-old Victoria Jiménez Kasintseva won the singles competition, with the young Andorran winning 6-1 6-4 to claim her second ITF title.

Kayak Polo

Kayak polo (or canoe polo) originated in Great Britain in the late nineteenth century, but its popularity has only recently begun to grow. The aim of the sport is to shoot the ball into your opponent’s goal, which is suspended two metres above the water. The Naval Club of Portimão introduced the sport to the region a little over a year ago and, in October, organised their firstever tournament with clubs competing from all over the country. The club took victory in the under-16 category winning the Portuguese Kayak Polo Cup.

 www.facebook.com/clube.portimao

International Football

The Gibraltar national side has announced that it will play its 2024 European Championship qualifying matches at the Estádio Algarve. Qualification starts in March against Greece before they face further home games against France, Ireland and the Netherlands.

The draw for the last 16 of the Champions League has seen the two remaining Portuguese sides paired with favourable opposition. Benfica will face Belgian champions Club Brugge, while Porto is up against an Inter Milan side that has had a difficult start to its season, finding itself already eleven points off the pace. Though there are no easy ties at this stage, both clubs will have been delighted to have avoided such big guns as Real Madrid or Bayern Munich.

Women’s Football

After starting the season with four heavy defeats, Guia FCF are finally up and running following a 1-0 win over Barreirense. The Algarve’s top side has already faced some stern opposition in the likes of Benfica B and Sporting B but completed a fine away victory in Setúbal to move off the bottom of the table. Meanwhile, the third round of the Portugal cup sees the club drawn at home to Clube Condeixa who sit one place above Guia in the same league (national division two south).

If you wish to publicise a sporting event, please contact our sports editor David Lugg: david@tomorrowalgarve.com

Photo © João Lobato

Surfing

A gift for all ages!

WORDS Luis Costa PHOTOGRAPHY Albufeira Surf Club

The Algarve attracts people from all corners of the world and of all ages: pensioners, digital nomads, international investors and skilled tradespersons who have fallen in love with the region's quality of life, weather or scenery, to name but a few reasons. The three S's are often mentioned when talking about living in the Algarve: sun, sea and sand. Recently, a fourth S has been on an ascending craze that seems to be here to stay: surfing!

For decades, Sagres and the west coast, known as the Costa Vicentina, have been the hotspots for surfing in the Algarve. Being located in the ‘corner’ of the Algarve and with several beach bays facing different cardinal directions, you can usually find a beach in Sagres with suitable surf conditions for any level within a 6-mile radius. Travelling north along the coast, Amado and Arrifana beaches have proved popular for committed surfers who are willing to travel the extra mile to find the perfect waves.

Although Sagres and the west coast have traditionally been the hot spots for surfing in the region, recent years have shown surf schools popping up all along the southern Algarvian coast. Praia da Rocha (Portimão) and Praia da Galé (Albufeira) are just two of these new surf destinations.

An example that clearly demonstrates this trend is Albufeira Surf & SUP, which has been operating at Praia da Galé for nearly a decade. Initially, ASC was the only surf school at Galé, working mainly during mid/high-season months. They experienced very little activity during the winter when only a couple of people would seek surf lessons each day. Today, they can expect a dozen or more people to show up daily. There are currently another two schools operating on the same beach to meet the growing demand. Albufeira Surf & SUP estimates growth in lessons of around 80% in nonsummer months over the last eight years.

With several surf schools open and surfboard hire available 365 days of the year, you will find a buzzing and trendy atmosphere for locals and visitors. Many are trying to surf for the first time (beginner level) or developing and improving skills (intermediate level). When conditions allow, the ‘pros’ demonstrate some delicate and acrobatic skills that would delight any sports enthusiast watching from the sand or a local beach cafe.

Our south coast is naturally sheltered from the predominant north-western winds that originate in the North Atlantic. As a result, even during autumn and winter, waves tend to be small and the waters relatively calm, resulting in ideal conditions for beginners and intermediate surfers. Occasional storms will bring a bigger swell, but you won’t see Nazarésize waves around here!

As the number of all-year residents in the Algarve grows, many people are now choosing surfing as their hobby/sport just like any other traditional outdoor activity such as golf or hiking, which also make the most of our endless summers. Local public schools are also starting to promote surfing and other water sports as extracurricular activities for resident kids.

Surf schools usually offer one-off lessons, packages of 5-10 lessons or monthly memberships. Prices vary from school to school but you can expect to pay 30€ to 50€ for one-off lessons and monthly membership at local clubs will charge similar prices of a local gym. All the necessary surf gear is usually included on these prices although you will soon “get the bug” and start wanting your own surfboard, wetsuit and wax!

As for age, there isn’t an ideal age to start surfing. Catching a wave is a process that entails a few basic movements and balance that need practice, like in any other sport. Some people will master these skills faster than others. Of course, young ones have a slight advantage here, but there is no pressure! Most people enjoy the warm-up on the sand, spending some time on the beach and being in the water catching waves.

With Christmas around the corner, a surf lesson voucher could be an interesting gift that will certainly appeal to some family members or friends.

Readers Letters

We are always really pleased to get letters from our readers. If you would like to send us your views on anything that’s going on in the western Algarve or if you have any suggestions to make about the magazine please email: sophie@tomorrowalgarve.com

Dear Editor,

As if it wasn’t enough to have huge areas of the Parque Natural do Sudoeste e Costa Alentejana covered by greenhouses and monocultures for the sake of ‘food production’, now the areas in Rede Natura 2000 are being brutally cleared for the sake of ‘fire prevention’.

The clearing of a stretch of 50 m on each side of the municipal roads of the district of Odemira was approved in 2017 by the Câmara Municipal de Odemira (Town Council) and its financing was assured by the Council and the European Union. The clearing work began five years later, in October 2022.

The law states 10 m on each side of the road and the owners have the right to question or even refuse these works if they wish so, particularly if some protected or endangered species or habitats are put in danger.

I went to see with my own eyes what exactly was going on and the scenario was simply devastating.

Among the losses, was a beautiful and well-established riparian habitat (a protected area by law) that got randomly crossed over by a bulldozer. Water lines are rich ecological systems and a protective component of river water quality and diversity; they are naturally moist, working as a natural barrier in the occurrence of a fire. Only a few hours were needed to destroy this fully natural array of autochthonous species that took decades to reach its maturity.

A little ahead, a large area of strawberry trees (medronheiros), with fruits ready for harvest, was also bulldozered. A species that, just like cork oak trees (sobreiros), is naturally resistant to fire and encouraged (and subsidised by the government) to plant as fire prevention. Not to mention the economic value for

generations to come. Where is the fire protection effectiveness of this forest clearing?

Destroying all ground vegetation increases erosion – less water is retained and instead just gets flushed away - accelerating the desertification process and making the land more prone to fires.

Strawberry trees and cork oak trees are known for being well adapted to dry climates, surviving without much water, being resistant to fire and recovering quickly after getting burned, so instead of being cut, they should be planted.

And why are we clearing native forests with high values whilst letting eucalyptus plantations increase?

In our ecosystem, the eucalyptus is an introduced species, not a native one. Here, fires help spread eucalyptus by clearing out native species. Native species like oaks, strawberry trees and laurels are more resistant to fires, but eucalyptus trees burn faster and hotter, making wildfires harder to control. Eucalyptus also spreads fast and sucks water from the soil, depriving other plants and drying out the ecosystem –making it more vulnerable to wildfires.

Instead of taking a quick money-return approach that allows for intense monoculture plantations of non-native and water-intensive species that deeply depletes and dries the soil, politics should be prioritising and protecting native species, their habitats, and ecosystems. Fire protection measures are of great importance but shouldn’t be destructive to ecosystems. On the contrary, they should be beneficial to them, especially in nature-protected areas.

Leonor Arenga Michel de Kok

Dear Tom,

We would like to make known the immense support Tomorrow magazine give us at the Mustard Seed soup kitchen. It's a very special ongoing contribution from you all, which means a lot to us. We also wish to express our gratitude to Dennis Teixeira from DT property management, who rebuilt and renewed everything for free. They worked many times and days out of working hours, all his team absolutely amazing Thank you for everything.

Elisabete

Dear Editor,

I was reminded by the Lazy Girls in the November edition that it was time to make my Christmas cake! This weekend I had a ‘stir-up Sunday’ with my daughter and granddaughters. We baked the cake ready to ‘feed’ with Brandy on the run-up to Christmas. However, I still refer to my Delia Smith cookbook that I have been using since the 1970's! We found glacé cherries and a dry fruit mix and peel at the Overseas supermarket in Portimão. I added nuts to the recipe, which we always feel adds a bit more bite and we used black treacle and brown sugar (also from the overseas supermarket).

I would recommend to your readers wrapping brown paper around the tin and two layers of greaseproof to the top of the cake to stop it from drying out.

Ours smelt delicious. Let’s hope it tastes as good. Happy Christmas!

Sue Hollow

Festive Makeup

WORDS Donna Groom

I’m not sure about anyone else, but I blinked and December was here! So I asked a make-up artist for her little secrets for the festive season for eyes, lips and foundation applications.

It’s the season to be jolly and it’s the time of year when we put our posh frocks on and go to a few more parties than normal, so I got some tips on how to glam up your makeup from makeup artist Jess Ridley.

Jess says less can be more when it comes to the eyes. The key is to balance the eye look with the rest of the face. When it comes to Christmas time, we all love a bit of shimmer and glitter but the key to success is knowing where to apply it. The shimmer of an eyeshadow can accentuate any textured skin or lines, so it's best to use it where we have less texture staying below the crease line. A touch of light shimmer on the inner eye can really open up the eyes and make them shine.

Jess explains that we must take into account our age when choosing what suits our skin. Foundation can settle into our skin and make our fine lines and wrinkles more visible. Armani Luminous silk is lightweight and blends beautifully. Another great choice is the Charlotte Tilbury unisex healthy glow with buildable coverage

that feels like a moisturiser. As we all know, eyebrows frame the face and make a huge difference to our makeup. You can never go wrong with a good shape and tint.

Then we move to the lips. We always associate red with Christmas but bear in mind your skin tones when choosing red lipstick. Is your skin colour warm, cool or neutral? If your skin is on the cooler side, then pick a warmer tone of red. If your tones are warm, pick a cooler blue tone of red. If you fall into the neutral tones, then you’re lucky, as any red will suit you!

Finally, paint those nails a glitzy red and you’re good to go!

TOP TIP:

If you’re not sure which skin tones you have, then look at the veins on your wrist. If they look blue, then you’re cool, but if they look green, then you’re warm. If you can’t tell, then you are neutral.

Merry Christmas and a very happy and healthy new year!

Soul Food Festive feels

WORDS Chloe Ward

Over the festive period, we are inundated with social gatherings, parties, shopping trips and food preparation – it can all get very overwhelming. We book social events in our calendars but how do we schedule in time for relaxation when we can slow down and experience the moment?

A very good friend of mine taught me a beautiful lesson about gifts too, she gives the gift of her time and attention, rather than a material gift. I certainly appreciate spending time with loved ones far more than receiving a material gift.

This year, try giving a little voucher or message to a friend promising l to meet in the new year for a walk or coffee, as now more than ever, your time is so very precious. Life moves fast and before we know it another year has flown by.

Give yourself the gift of slowing down this festive time, appreciating the little details and allowing yourself space to recharge. Book in a daily or weekly time for ourselves to step back from the festivities and take a slow long deep breath and do something nourishing and calming for your soul.

IDEAS TO TRY

• Spend time in nature without your phone

• Try some breathwork sessions

• Start meditating

• Get creative and arty

• Reduce your time on social media

• Talk to a good friend

• Start journaling

And for now, relax your shoulders, close your eyes, breathe in for five, hold for five and let go as slowly as you can, repeat when necessary.

MOON MAGIC

Full moon in Gemini – 8 December

This full moon is intense at the best of times, but as it is sitting in Mars energy, the planet of anger, practice ways to keep your cool and practice forgiveness.

Super new moon in Capricorn – 23 December

If you only do one new moon manifesting ritual all year, now is time – go large and set a 12-year plan of good luck and expansion, abundance and love!

MONTHLY AFFIRMATION

‘The secret is to know you are blessed, and live your life in that knowing’

 www.bodysoulbalance.co.uk

Alzheimers Portugal

Alzheimer’s Portugal is a nationwide charity with 34 years of experience in helping to promote the quality of life for relatives, caregivers and people with dementia in Portugal. The Algarve branch is based in Portimão with a second dementia support office in Lagoa, where they receive daily caregivers and relatives of people with dementia.

Support is provided with:

• Information about dementia and care strategies (i.e. personal care, behavioural changes, nutrition and feeding, etc.)

• Social allowances, community and Alzheimer’s Portugal support

• Contacts for medical specialists (doctors, therapists)

• Referrals to social services (nursing homes, day centres, home care)

• Informational and awareness-raising sessions about dementia

• Specific activities for people with dementia and carers/relatives: memory café, music stimulation activity, and support groups (only in Portuguese at the moment)

• Certified training for formal and informal carers, institutions and professionals (only in Portuguese at the moment)

The organisation has always tried its best to cater for the foreign community residing in the Algarve, giving back the support they have received from the expat community by producing informative materials, delivering awareness sessions, and providing consultations in English.

Earlier this year, they even launched a music stimulation activity specifically developed for the English-speaking community. However, it was suspended after a few months due to a lack of attendance. They would be keen to bring it

back if they gained more interest. Alzheimer's Portugal would also like to create a support group for carers. They hope to gather a group with a significant number of carers to start next year.

Spokesperson for the organisation Margarida Ferreira says, “We feel that we can significantly help foreign residents in the Algarve by assisting them in navigating the social and health service system. We can also provide a better understanding of the progression of the illness, giving practical strategies for day-to-day living, which will improve the quality of life of these families.”



+351 965 276 690 (2ª a 6ª feira das 9h30 às 12h30) geral.algarve@alzheimerportugal.org www.alzheimerportugal.org www.amigosnademencia.org

Arlindo's Way

Have you lost the motivation to exercise as you get older? Do you feel that you should exercise for improved health and a better quality of life – but you don’t actually do it?

Don’t worry, you are not alone. It’s completely normal because we are victims of both a culture and an educational system that encourages us to perceive exercise as boring, making us feel uncomfortable or painful.

So what can we start doing to regain our motivation? Here are three simple tips:

1. Find an initial ‘problem’ that will motivate you to start a health program.

Having a strong reason to decide to change our life, such as the need to lose weight, decrease arthritis symptoms or to prevent a fall, always helps. We need this ‘discomfort’ to decide to start. However, what will motivate us to continue to be active for life is learning to enjoy the process of moving.

2. Move as much as possible every day with a purpose. Do gardening, cleaning and minor renovations to your house yourself instead of paying someone. Walk to the shops instead of driving.

3. Stop exercising and start moving. Do we see a dog, a cat or even a child doing push-ups,

crunches or leg extensions on machines? No, we don’t! Animals and children move and play as nature intended rather than seeking out specific ‘exercising’ opportunities.

So instead of doing a repetitive gym workout you hate, practice a physical activity that is fun for you,e.g. tennis, dance or golf, or find a trainer who focuses on teaching movement rather than exercise. Arlindo's Way is a system focused on healthy ageing, which uses a variety of movements and physical activities with a functional and motivational character. It aims to improve not only physical health but also mental, emotional and spiritual health, where everyone is healthier, happier, more motivated and with more inner peace.

We are part of a community where people feel motivated, inspired and enjoy inspiring others. Everyone feels wholly respected, accepted and important in this community. Everyone feels they are growing and evolving. Comparison with others and competition of any kind is replaced by collaboration, inspiration, respect and acceptance.

The founder of Arlindo’s Way, Arlindo Martins, is qualified in Sports Science and a Healthy Ageing Movement Specialist and motivational coach.

WORDS Arlindo Martins

Cold Water Therapy

WORDS Anne de Jongh

Some of these, like plunging into ice-covered waters, do seem rather extreme, especially when sitting in the warmth of your house. However, the benefits of cold water therapy are numerous and the water does not need to be icecold.

Achieving these benefits can be as simple as lowering the temperature of your shower, going for a dip in the sea or an unheated pool, or filling a bath with ice and water and going for the full icy plunge. From an arthritic point of view, I have personally found it has had a very positive impact, and this was my main driver to start to get into the water.

Cold water is something that is accessible to us all. As cold water therapy becomes more popular, research into this area is increasing. There are many physical and mental benefits which have been scientifically validated:

PHYSICAL BENEFITS:

• Boosts the immune system

• Improves circulation

• Can help to relieve arthritis and reduce auto-immune inflammation

• Helps the body recover from exercise

• Can increase metabolism

• Improves cardiovascular function

• Helps reduce hot flushes

MENTAL BENEFITS:

• Reduces stress

• Produces a natural high

• Improves mind-body connection

• Helps increase willpower

• Improve general well-being and possibly help with depression

I started to take a morning plunge in my pool earlier in the

year. Initially, it was around 20º so not particularly cold, but it still took a bit of getting used to! Even though it wasn’t cold-cold, I still found positive effects from it. It helped me to acclimatise as the temperature dropped. There is something quite magical about swimming as the sun is rising. It is definitely a good way to wake up every morning!

One of the key elements of Wim Hof is about the breath and it is by using the breath you can help to control the mind and to feel calm even as you enter the cold water. Breathwork has such a positive impact on the mind so anything we can do to incorporate it into our day-to-day lives can only improve our health and well-being.

I personally do not follow the Wim Hof method, but I tend to go for my swim after I have done a short meditation focusing on the breath. This enables me to feel calm and relaxed as I get into the cold. It gives the start to the day a good dose of positive energy, and physically really helps when my joints are feeling inflamed or my muscles sore from training.

The best way is to start slowly, beginning with turning the shower to cold at the end of each shower, slowly increasing the amount of time it is cold, and then you can start to take short dips in the water, gradually increasing the time in the water. You need to get comfortable with feeling uncomfortable, as cold water is never that pleasant. It does not need to be for a long time. Between 3–5 mins of cold water therapy has been shown to be enough to have benefits.

So why don’t you start today by turning down the shower and then build up to that plunge in the sea, pool or lake? Your body and your mind will thank you for it.

Ann de Jongh is a health and wellbeing coach.

Over the last few years, cold water therapy has become very popular. Wim Hof is the person most associated with this, especially since the TV programme with various celebrities putting themselves through his method.  To read more about the Wim Hof Method go to www.wimhofmethod.com Outdoor Swimmer is also a great source of information about how to safely swim outdoors outdoorswimmer.com

+351 913 202 621 www.fit2lovelife.com

December 1st to January 6th

Christmas in Christmas in

Join us for the magic of Christmas

Christmas Village | Santa's Ho se, Christmas Market, Ice Rink and other am sements Crea it orkshop Stor me

M sic entertainment in m nicipal markets

Sho s and performances at Lagos C lt ral Centre Na it scene b José Cortes Christmas at local shops

For more information: .cm-lagos.pt

LAGOS-EM-FORMA, ACRAL, Zoolagos, local businesses and cultural associations

WORDS Matt Deasy

Starting a small business

You might have had an idea brewing for a while, be desperate for a change from your 9–5 routine, or want to launch an incomegenerating side hustle. Starting your own business has never been more popular but where do you even start? Before even thinking about building websites, designing logos or any of the fun stuff, you need to lay your foundations correctly.

STEP 1: SPOT OPPORTUNITIES

Have you found yourself making any of these statements recently? Because if you have, other people probably have too.

I wish I could find X

I wish we had X here

I’m fed up of X problem

These are a great foundation to build a business. Business is nothing more than fixing a problem that someone has, with them being willing to pay for it.

STEP 2: BE INTROSPECTIVE

If I was investing in your business, the first question I would ask is ‘why are you the person to fix the problem (from step 1)?’

And don’t worry, you are probably much more qualified than you think. Many skills are transferrable, and your backstory could offer a unique twist to the solution.

STEP 3: SPEAK TO THE POTENTIAL CUSTOMER

You need to speak to people to ensure they suffer the ‘problem’ you identified in step 1.

Be careful not to put words in their mouth and listen carefully. Your target audience will give you all the clues you need to be able to solve their problem.

STEP 4: LOOK AT THE COMPETITION

To stand out from the competition, you need to do things differently. Look at everyone who provides a solution similar to yours. How can you stand out? Tip: Don’t try to differentiate solely by being cheaper. There is probably a reason these other businesses have set their prices as they have.

STEP 5: GET ADVICE

And finally, get help. Nobody can build a good business on their own and having other people involved increases your chances of success and makes it much more enjoyable!

Matt Deasy is a coach, author, and speaker specialising in helping entrepreneurs build purpose-driven small businesses, sharing lessons he learned from 15 years as an entrepreneur with multiple businesses across Europe. His book Fire your Boss and Change the World is being published in March 2023.

Buy Local

Remember to ‘buy local’ again this Christmas. Not only will you be helping the environment but you will be supporting your local community.

Local businesses not only pay their employees, but they also spend money at other local businesses. That means by buying locally, you help create jobs for your friends and neighbours, contribute to improved public infrastructure, and invest in your community both socially and economically.

Lagos Câmara is helping you in this endeavour by offering free parking during the Christmas season. From 1 December to 6 January you will be entitled to two hours of free parking at the Frente Ribeirinha Car Park when you present receipt(s) of purchases over 10€ made on the same day, in local shops.

As well as this, if you make purchases of 10€ or more at the participating shops, you will receive raffle tickets that will enter you in a draw to win 100€ worth of shopping vouchers. The draw will be held on 6 January 2023, Three Kings' Day. Consult the participation rules at cm-lagos.pt and good luck!

Say Cheers

After entering the Algarve Business awards, Alma first reached the semi-finals and then went through to the finals. The Alma boys were up against a restaurant from Albufeira and the Hospital Group Grupo HPA

The Alma distillery was awarded the Best Pandemic Recovery Award for their achievement in creating the product through lockdowns and launching the gin in December 2021. There were over 200 people in attendance celebrating a great night in the Tivoli Vilamoura.

Co-founder Carl Wilson says, “Alma is proud to introduce our first limited edition GIN NATAL. With only 320 bottles produced, it will be a sought-after present or unique stocking filler for your loved ones this year.”

The local distillery will be donating 2€ for every bottle sold to ‘CASLAS’ Lar de Jovem

(Lagos children's home) in the hope of bringing some Christmas cheer to the kids who live in the institution.

The boys have based the recipe on Christmas flavours, including dried cranberries, orange zest, ginger, cloves, nutmeg and a few other botanical ingredients.

The gin will be stocked in Baptista, Luz and a few Lagos-based wine and spirit shops or you can contact the distillery directly through their website or Facebook page.

So share some love and festive spirit with a bottle of Alma’s GIN NATAL this Christmas!

Winter Woolies

This is a story of kindred spirits who uncannily lived very similar lives before meeting each other. Lola and Isabel loved snowboarding, surfing and vintage clothing before fate brought them together in the Algarve to create Lolabel – a vintage clothing company curated by two passionate women on the west coast of Portugal.

WORDS Nirali Shah-Jackson

I feel a chill – my senses heighten. Visual imagery tricks me into thinking it›s five degrees Celsius. Realistically, I need to put a two in front of that figure, but my wild imagination keeps me chilled to the bone. For once, I want to be cold, just to be able to snuggle up and be comforted by the woollens on display in scenes that have been set up to resemble Scottish highlands but are actually shot right here in the Algarve.

Barren sepia landscapes tinged with shades of drownedout aquamarine, blue and grey hues showcase the beautiful vintage collection of secondhand cardigans displayed on their Instagram feed.

Originally from Spain, Lola lived in Lake Tahoe and started her own brand called LaLola baskets. After leaving California, she decided that Portugal gave her and her carpenter husband a more serene and nature-based life with similarities to the Californian surf culture they were accustomed to, but closer to home.

Isabel, originally from Switzerland, travelled extensively during her early 20s after finishing a business degree that specialised in publishing. She then attended film school in Paris in 2010, where she worked with directors like Luc Besson, director of the film Leon

Isabel continues to produce her own travel magazine in Switzerland called Spot, while married to a writer and photographer. They relocated to the western Algarve to experience a more authentic off-grid life, especially now that they have two children.

Isabel and Lola were wearing similar clothes when they first got to know each other, which sparked conversations about vintage fashion. Their union made them realise that they needed to capitalise on their love of this by skillfully using technology to get their idea off the ground.

Lola and Isabel strongly believe that we should consign fast fashion to history. Although cheap and affordable, these garments are often made in sweatshops where workers endure inhumane working conditions. Clothing trends change quickly, so clothes are often discarded after a few uses. The materials are cheap and generally end up in textile landfills.

Vintage fashion is sustainable, and most, but not all, are made with natural materials like linen and wool. Many items can be salvaged and reused for years. Lolabel will only source garments made out of natural fabrics. Isabel tells me, "this is an essential part of what Lolabel is".

Lolabel was launched in Isabel’s garden in the autumn of 2021, with champagne and food to accompany the beautiful collection – which sold out on the day. Word of mouth then worked its magic; subsequently, their pop-up shops around the Western Algarve have been an enormous success.

Right on point for the changing trends towards fashion, Lola and Isabel used their past skills to slowly and patiently curate a collection to present to their clients online. They marketed it via a drop shopping method – a kind of auction where the first person to bid on an item gets first dibs. Enticing customers with different, atmospheric and thoughtfully art-directed shots of their products, they sold out within eight minutes when they first went live in January of 2022.

Needless to say, they have been using a similar technique nearly every month and are now international vintage clothing sellers, sending beautifully sourced clothes to overseas markets like Germany, Austria, Switzerland and the US. All within a year of setting up!

The lockdown period during COVID, allowed them the time to slowly – and they are very adamant about being slow and patient – source the clothes they wanted to showcase from around the world. The experience of shoppers during lockdown armed them with the knowledge that the world was now much more tech-savvy. Customers were more

willing to shop online and preferred to, so the entrepreneurs had a hunch that their online drop shop experience would be successful.

Here in Aljezur, they appear on special occasions in a pop-up shop, hoping to one day have their own atelier but, for now, they are happy to navigate this adventure online. They are keen to progress the business mindfully as they are also successful in their own careers outside of this new enterprise.

Lolabel brings a spark of hope to this region by doing things that generate not only financial but mental, and creative wealth as well. Hopefully, this story will inspire others who live here to believe that they too, can get their ideas off the ground quickly and easily.

With the magic of technology and armed with the knowledge that more shopping is done online than ever before, Algarve entrepreneurs may be warmed to know that anything is possible!



For more information on their next pop-up location and drop shop experience, follow @lolabel_collection

C M Y CM MY CY CMY K

Cheers to Organic Wine

Monte da Casteleja, a unique Algarve vineyard

WORDS Julian Putley

‘The best things come in small packages’ is an oft-heard phrase and it could not be more appropriate than when applied to this small vineyard and winery near Lagos. I recently met with owner/operator Guillaume Leroux who gave me a tour of his family-run property.

The land was originally purchased by Guillaume’s grandfather who was a successful fisherman from Sagres. It was his idea to complement the fishing business by adding fruit and vegetable production. The development of a vineyard and winery came much later, in fact, from the year 2000.

Leroux gained his experience in the Douro region of central Portugal, where he spent seven years studying oenology. Time in Australia and France added to his experience before he qualified as a certified oenologist.

From the very early days of the vineyard, it was Guillaume’s dream to create a completely organic wine with no additives. No herbicides or pesticides are used on his

vines and only natural compost is used for fertiliser. In 2011, he achieved his goal of becoming a certified organic wine producer.

The vineyard uses a stainless-steel grape crusher to extract the juice. The juice, along with skins and pulp, is allowed to ferment for a time, perhaps seven days, and then the skins and pulp are removed and pressed with a wooden press. The carefully measured amount of skin residue introduced back into the partially fermented juice will determine the colour and flavour of the wine.

The juice is then transferred to tanks where further fermentation takes place. There are no synthetic additives, but in days gone by, albumen (egg whites) was sometimes used to clarify the wine. This created a problem with vegans and vegetarians who decry the use of animal products (the additives have to be shown on the label). Guillaume is now experimenting with vegetable products like pea pods, a clarifying agent.

The effect of clarifying wines not only separates out sediment but also has the

effect of smoothing the wine, known in the industry as ‘fining.’ It is especially relevant with the reds.

Monte da Casteleja produces reds, rosés and whites. The grapes used are all indigenous to Portugal except perhaps the Bastardo – a long-time resident of Portugal, but with roots in France centuries ago.

The white wine is a blend of Perrum and Arinto, both white grapes, and is entirely free of sulphites. All the wines on this estate are of a fairly high alcoholic content bearing witness to the sweetness of the fruit.

The rosé is a blend of Alfrocheiro, a black grape, and the Bastardo grape, a dark-skinned variety. The juice is fermented with some of the skin to produce a rich rose colour and to add more structure to the wine. Drinking this young, fresh wine during its first year in the bottle is recommended.

The red wine is made from the same blend of grapes as the rosé but with more skin to produce a rich red colour and a full-bodied wine. The signature red wine of the estate is the Abeluiz, named for and in honour of Guillaume’s grandfather, who had the wisdom to buy the land all those decades ago.

Production of wine has increased over the years and the winery now produces approximately 12,000 bottles of organic wine annually.

Like many vineyards in the region, Monte da Casteleja offers accommodation for visitors in the season. Not only do guests get to see the operation of a working vineyard but also to enjoy the sunny coast and beaches of the Western Algarve only minutes away.

To enhance the experience of a ‘natural vineyard’ there is a small shop with natural Portuguese products. Healthy and natural flower salt or flor de sal is on offer, as are dried figs, almonds and bottles of fig brandy. Jars of medronho honey are another attractive item, as well as quince marmalade.

Since Christmas is on the horizon, a visit to Monte da Casteleja is a fitting time to enjoy a tour and a tasting and to acquire a uniquely Portuguese present.

A Cake Fit For a King:

How Bolo Rei arrived in Portugal

WORDS Luka Alexander

Bolo rei – or king cake in English – is a staple of every Portuguese Christmas table. This sweet sticky bun-like cake has delighted young and old alike for almost two centuries, but you might be shocked to learn that it didn’t originate in Portugal at all.

To understand the origins of bolo rei, we have to go back to the Roman Empire, where the festivities of Saturnalia, which was a festival to honour the God Saturn, featured a pie with a dried bean placed inside it. Whoever found the bean would be crowned ‘king’ of the party. As Catholicism spread across Europe, this ancient tradition was incorporated into the modern-day Christmas festivities and Epiphany.

It was in 14th century France when the predecessor of bolo rei –galette des rois – was created based on the former Roman tradition and changed to resemble the Three Magi. One could quite easily mistake bolo rei or ‘rois’ for meaning king, as in Christ the king. In fact, it is related to the Three Kings, Saints Caspar, Melchior and Balthazar, who followed the star from the East to Bethlehem, where they found the baby Jesus lying in a manger and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

The king cake eventually became popular in its current format during the reign of Louis XIV. It is alleged that the French painter Jean-Baptiste Greuze depicted the galette des rois in his famous painting Gâteau des rois. As the cake spread across France, it was partially banned in 1789 due to the French Revolution, but not wanting to lose out on trade, French bakers continued to make king cake under the name gâteau des sans-culottes, so as not to antagonise the authorities.

Tradition states that galette des rois was to be eaten at the start of Epiphany, around 6 January. However, over time this sweet cake started to be consumed throughout the entire Christmas season. Similar in appearance to bolo rei, galette des rois is circular and originally included a crown-shaped base for the ‘king’ or queen who found the fava bean, which would have been baked inside the cake. Those who find the bean would then be responsible for buying or making the cake the following year. It is believed that in the past a small statue of the Christ child was baked in the cake but at some point this was replaced by the more edible fava bean. It has also been recorded that other ‘lucky’ charms have been used over the years, notably in the 1870s when small porcelain cat figures appeared in the cakes as well as porcelain beans which the finder would keep as a lucky token, so long as they hadn’t choked on it!

Over the centuries, as the king cake spread across Europe, it became an annual traditional sweet in countries such as Luxembourg and Belgium, and even as far away as Quebec in modern-day Canada. It wasn’t until the Portuguese monarchy’s official bakery, Confeitaria Nacional, opened in Lisbon in 1829 that bolo rei arrived in Portugal, becoming a staple of the Portuguese Christmas. It was introduced to the royal bakery in c.1869 by a French confectioner known as Gregório, who was recruited in Paris by Baltasar Rodrigues Castanheiro Júnior, who later adapted the recipe. No doubt, in the Royal household, bolo rei included a coin (likely a Portuguese real) in place of the more common fava bean. In contrast to the historic galette des rois, the bolo rei was jazzed up with crystallised and dried fruits and nuts whilst keeping the traditional round crown-like shape. As Brazil was then part of Portugal, bolo rei also made its way across the Atlantic, where it has also remained a part of Brazilian culture.

In days gone by as the family would gather around the table to celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany. The family’s youngest member would sit under the table and name each recipient who would receive a piece of cake to ensure a random distribution, with one piece set aside for a guest who may stop by unannounced.

Much like the temporary fate of the galette des rois, bolo rei was banned in Portugal for some time after the proclamation of the republic on 5 October 1910 because the name contained the word ‘rei’. Much like the French, some one hundred and twenty-one years earlier, Portuguese

bakers decided to rename the cake bolo nacional or national cake. However, many behind closed doors continued to call it Christmas cake or ‘ex-bolo rei’. Those in authority were just as imaginative, calling it ‘republican cake’ or ‘president cake’ in line with the nationalist views of the time.

Eventually, bolo rei’s name was reinstated and celebrated in the religious way that it was intended; however, the modern introduction of health and safety led to the limit of any trinkets or dried beans being placed inside food products under the introduction of Decree-Law nº158/1999, of 11 May. While Article 4 prohibited ‘the marketing of foodstuffs containing mixed gifts’, Article 3 stated that bolo rei was exempt ‘for reasons of recognised cultural tradition’. However, this loophole was short-lived, as a review of this law several years later saw the ban on mixed gifts, including bolo rei

Although now served minus the fava bean or any lucky trinkets, this nationally adopted cake has become the symbol of Portuguese Christmas and New Year, lining the shelves of our supermarkets and loved by many across the country and beyond.

In France, they continue to love their founding cake, so much so that according to a French survey in 2014, eightyfive per cent of French people celebrate Epiphany with king cake and nine per cent confessed to enjoying more than five helpings.

Little is known about the Three Kings to whom this historic cake is dedicated to but surprisingly, they are considered to be venerated in Germany. According to common belief, the Tomb of the Three Magi rests in Cologne Cathedral in Germany, having reputedly been discovered by Saint Helena on her pilgrimage to Palestine and the Holy Lands. It is said that upon their discovery, Saint Helena took the remains to the Church of Hagia Sophia in modern-day Istanbul before they were transferred to Milan and then to Cologne by the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick I in 1164.

Although bolo rei is a borrowed tradition to represent this sacred time in the Christian calendar, it reminds us of the gift of family, sharing and love, a true representation of what the Christmas season is all about.

As my story and this year come to an end, I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year, and if you haven’t already, why not treat yourself to a bolo rei? I know I will.

Galette des rois

Bolo rei

That Asian Home Cook Tuna Cakes

It’s almost Christmas and so time to host good friends and gather over good food and drink. If there is one recipe I would repeat again and again for guests, it is this finger foodstyle recipe. It is served with a super spicy mayo that is to die for.

INGREDIENTS

• 385gm canned tuna

• 1kg potato

• 1 cup parsley

• ½ lime juice

• 5 cloves of garlic minced

• 1 large brown onion

• 1 cup of bread crumbs

• 1 large egg

• 1 tbsp salt

• 1 tsp pepper

SPICY MAYO

• ½ cup sriracha

• 1 cup of mayonnaise

• 2 drops of Piri Piri Ai Ai (eliminate for less spicy version)

INSTRUCTIONS

Boil the potatoes until fully softened and then mash with a fork.

Pour away any oil or water in your canned tuna. Bring all the ingredients, including the tuna, together in a big bowl and then mix. I like to use my hands and really get in there

to marry the ingredients thoroughly. Now you can start creating each fish patty one by one in a size of your choice. I always opt for a 4-5cm diameter with a thickness of about 1-1.5cm.

Heat up a skillet with oil and pan fry for 3-4 minutes on both sides or until crisp and golden.

The dip is super-easy. All you’ll need to do is combine all the ingredients in a bowl and mix well to combine flavours.

These fish cakes will keep for two to three days in the fridge. The great thing about it is that you can reheat it for 5 minutes at 180 in the airfryer to crispen up before serving.

Wine pairing

My beautiful Portuguese sommelier friend, Sofia, of Mosto Wine and Tapas Bar in Lagos, recommends an Alvarinho & Sauvignon Blanc wine from Quinta do Sobreiro de Cima to pair with this spicy tuna cake. This wine features intense citrus and tropical fruit aromas with mineral

Did you know?

Canned tuna is a healthy, protein-rich, ironrich food option. It is loaded with vitamins and minerals like Vita A, D and B Complex as well as omega-3 fatty acids. It is also generally low in fat and saturated fat and is a fabulous choice when you want to cook on a tight budget.

Sriracha is a hot and tangy sauce from Thailand that is typically eaten with seafood or used as a dipping sauce. You can find it in Continente or Intermarche.

Joy Entry is a Malaysian home cook based in Lagos who is obsessed with the provocative, unapologetic flavours of South-East Asian cuisine

Chocolate

and Liqueur

For Maria Cristina Jambas, the most important aspects of a fine liqueur require two things: small quantities and superior products, such as locally sourced fleur de sel and caramel from the neighbouring region.

Unlike their large competitors who produce massive quantities of liqueur at once and then distribute this to supermarkets and stores worldwide, Chocolicor has made a conscious choice to take a different route.

“We don’t want to sell to big distributors because we find that it’s neither profitable nor environmentally friendly,” says Maria Cristina, who founded Chocolicor in 2006. She notes that while sales have grown steadily (apart from during the pandemic), the employee numbers remain small.

“There are only six people running this business, including my daughter and my sister,” she explains. “We care about our clients and our goal is to produce the highest quality liqueurs with completely original flavours and exclusive editions so there is always something new to taste.”

Indeed tastes range from ‘chocolate and whisky’ to ‘salted caramel’ to ‘red velvet cake’.

Chocolicor even created a summer liqueur with a creme de bola de berlim flavour. For those who may not know, this

is a beloved Portuguese doughnut-like pastry filled with cream that is uber-popular at the beach. It’s a summertime treat that the Portuguese are crazy about. The lines at the food trucks selling these at beaches across the Algarve are infamously long.

Yet although some flavours do cater to the Portuguese, Chocolicor sells to small boutiques in Holland, Spain and France as well. In fact, although Maria Cristina was born in Portugal to Portuguese parents, she moved to France with her entire family (parents and five siblings) in 1970.

“My older sister married a French man and she was very lonely without us so she sent for the rest of the family and we all came,” explains Maria Cristina. She spent her formative years in Mussy-Sur-Seine, France, a village classified in the champagne zone and the heart of Bourgogne wine production.

At the age of 18, she returned to Portugal to attend university with a love of French, first-hand experience with champagne, fine wine and liqueur and a passion for business. After graduation, she worked with her ex-husband in a liqueur company before branching off in 2006 to form her own line of quality products.

Chocolicor never produces more than 200 litres at a time of any liqueur. Their emphasis on high-quality ingredients and artisanal production methods are what set them apart for clients.

WORDS Meredith Price Levitt

But it wasn’t until the pandemic forced them to reconsider their products that they launched a line of premium liqueurs. Inspired by the local tradition of drinking liqueur in a glass made of chocolate, they decided upon Chocolicor to unite this regional custom and their product.

Located in the beautiful city of Caldas da Rainha, which is closely linked to the medieval town of Óbidos, this area of Portugal is known for its chocolate.

“If you serve liqueur in a chocolate glass when you taste it, you taste at first the chocolate and then all of it together,” explains Maria Cristina. People who like chocolate ask for a chocolate glass because that makes all the difference.”

For Christmas this year, they are launching a limited edition panettone flavoured liqueur (an Italian cake) that will be available until 31 January. “Most of our competitors continue to make liqueur with plants. We wanted to get away from this idea and make liqueurs that please younger people too and follow the new tastes and trends.”

How do you know if you’ll like it? The best way, says Maria Cristina with gusto, is to taste it for yourself. No words could accurately describe the delicate sweet blend of such unusual flavours in a liqueur. 

To order some for Christmas gifts or special meals, visit www.chocolicor.com *Shipping is free in Portugal for orders of over 40€

Cosy winter meals by the replace or sunny lunches in the covered terrace

Lunch menu with a wide choice of meals including fresh sh, grilled over wood

An à la carte menu for evening meals featuring fresh local ingredients.

Open Mon to Sat for lunch 12pm to 4pm and dinner 4pm to 10pm. Sun for lunch 12 to 3pm

Tel: 282 789 503 / 927 130 757

OPEN EVERY DAY FROM 12 TO 24 FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @SWBISTRO.LAGOS

MARINA DE LAGOS, 1ST FLOOR, 28

Estrada da Atalaia, Lagos +351 927 373 613

I

A VeganChristmas

vegan Christmas menu.

Be brave and try something new this year, go for it and cook my menu for your family dinner. For the first course, there is a beetroot cream soup, second avocado-mango tartar on a rocket salad bed and for the main course eggplant stuffed with red lentils and eggplant pulp, for dessert caramelized apple with Christmas spices. May I suggest starting with a light sparkling aperitif and a nice and smooth red wine to accompany the dinner. This is a light, delicious and healthy menu that will satisfy you and your family. Merry Christmas!

Red Lentils

Wash the lentils and drain them in a sieve. Chop the onion, garlic and cut the carrots into small cubes. Put the oil in a cooking pot, add the onions first, then the garlic and carrots and last the lentils, and cover them with water.

Put the spices in and let everything cook for 20 minutes, at the end add salt and pepper and a bit of lemon juice.

Ingredients for 4 people

• 250 g Red lentils

• 1 Red onion

• 4-5 Garlic cloves

• 2 Carrots

• Sunflower or olive oil

• Lemon juice

Spices

• ½ tsp Coriander

• 1 tsp Cumin

• ½ tsp Paprika

• ¼ tsp Turmeric

• 1 tsp Provence herbs

• Salt and pepper

Avocado-mango Tartar

Cut the avocado and mango into very small cubes and add a little lemon juice to prevent the avocado from oxidation. Wash the rocket salad and spread it on the plate.

For the dressing, sauté the garlic in olive oil and let it cool down. Add the orange juice and olive oil, salt and pepper. Mix it and merge half of it with the tartar and save the rest for the rocket salad.

Press the avocado-mango mix into a cup to form a cake and arrange it in the middle of the plate. Spread the rest of the dressing onto the rocket salad and decorate the dish with pomegranate seeds to suit your taste.

Ingredients for four people

• 3 avocados

• 1 mango

• Juice of ½ an orange

• Rocket salad

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 garlic clove

• Salt and pepper

• 1 Pomegranate (decoration)

WORDS Lita Santos

would like to show you that is possible to have a wonderful and delicious

Eggplant

Half the eggplant lengthwise and scoop the pulp out with a spoon leaving about 2cm. Cut the pulp into small pieces and put them aside.

Brush the inside of the eggplant with Italian tomato sauce and put it in the oven for 15 minutes at 160°C. Now put the eggplant pulp in a small pot with oil and stir fry for 5 minutes, then add the tomato sauce.

Take the eggplant out of the oven and fill the halves with red lentils and put the eggplant pulp on top. Place the filled halves back in the oven and bake them for another 15 minutes.

Ingredients for four people

• 2 middle-sized eggplants

• Italian tomato sauce (bio can or selfmade)

Caramelised Apple

Cut the apple into small cubes, put them in a cooking pot and add little water. Add the spices letting them cook until the apples are soft and let them cool down, then remove the star anise and the cloves. Now crush the cookies into small pieces.

First, put a layer of cookies, then a layer of apple and lastly a layer of yoghurt into the dessert glasses. You can decorate your dessert with almonds and a cherry or raspberry. Put the desserts in the fridge for at least two hours.

Ingredients for four people

• 4 Apples

• Vegan dry cookies

• Vanilla yoghurt

• ¼ tsp Cardamom

• ¼ tsp Cinnamon

• 1 Star anise

• 3 Cloves

• Water

• Almond, Cherry or raspberry (decoration)

Beetroot Cream Soup

Chop the onion, garlic, and ginger then cut the beetroot and the potatoes into cubes.

Put sunflower oil in a cooking pot, first fry the onions, then add the garlic and ginger. Add the beetroot, potatoes, bio broth and cover with water. Let it cook until the beetroot and potatoes are tender. Wait to let everything cool down before putting the soup into a blender. Reheat the soup, then add the coconut milk, salt and pepper and cook for 5 minutes.

Ingredients for four people

• 4 middle-size beetroots

• 3 small potatoes

• 1 red onion

• 3 Garlic cloves

• 1 small piece of ginger

• 1 tsp Bio broth

• Coconut milk

• Salt and pepper

Christmas Spice Cake

Put all the dry ingredients and the spices into a bowl and mix it well, then blend the milk with the plum jam, add to the bowl and mix it briefly*.

Heat the oven to 200°C Grease the baking tin with coconut oil, dust it with flour, then pour the batter into the tin and bake for 25 minutes. While the cake is in the oven you can melt the chocolate**.

Take the cake out of the oven, add the plum jam and the chocolate couverture when the cake is still warm and let it cool down and solidify.

*Tip: If the batter is mixed for too long, the cake can become tough and rubbery.

**Put the Chocolate in a pot and warm the pot in a water bath.

Ingredients

• 350g wheat flour mixed with wholegrain flour

• 100g brown sugar

• 1 small pack of baking powder

• 30g baking cacao

• 100ml oat or soy milk

• 50g plum jam

• For the couverture 100g plum jam, 150g dark chocolate

Spices

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• 1 tsp cardamom

• ¼ tsp ginger powder

• ½ tsp anise powder

• ½ tsp cloves powder

• ¼ tsp nutmeg powder

• A pinch of salt

• Coconut oil



Lalitana Vegan Kitchen

Lita cooks for Events, for private Celebrations and she offers Cooking Courses and Live Cooking Shows.

+351 914 061 143

lita@lalitana.com

Instagram: @lalitanavegankitchen

An American in Portugal

One Night in Sintra

WORDS Meredith Price Levitt

Almost three years ago, we packed up our entire lives and moved to Portugal. Literally six weeks before the entire world shut down, we put our kids in an international school and started moving forward on the dream of opening a retreat centre.

When the pandemic made it impossible to even leave the house, let alone visit potential properties, we, like the rest of the world, stayed put. It wasn’t even an option to travel within Portugal for most of that time. Every spa was closed and many hotels were shut down. Even finding a place on Airbnb was a challenge.

But now, the ability to travel is finally becoming an option again. The undiscovered treasures of Portugal’s vast and varied landscapes await us. Although the sunny skies and relatively warm temperatures in the south make it tempting to never leave the Algarve, it’s high time to see what else this beautiful country has to offer.

My mom recently needed to get to Lisbon for a flight so it was a good time to head north. With a little over 24 hours and two children who were also eager for a change of scene, the four of us packed into the car and headed for one of Portugal’s most famed cities: Sintra.

For many years I’d been hearing about this lovely hillside enclave. Ever since 2017 when rumours flew that Madonna

had purchased a hillside palace in Sintra (although it’s still not really clear to me if the rumours are true or false) it’s been on my bucket list. But Madonna aside, everyone I’ve ever met who has been to Sintra simply raves about its rich history, stunning nature, mystical microclimate and especially its beautiful architecture. Named a UNESCO world heritage site, the entire region is steeped in rich history and tightly linked to the Moors, the Masons and Portuguese royalty.

I wanted to find out what all the fuss over Sintra is really about. At first, as you drive up into the hills from Lisbon, it seems like any other upscale Portuguese town with nightmarish parking. But once you start to walk through the narrow, winding streets, you discover that the main drag borders a truly jaw-dropping natural wonderland. Behind the historic homes lies the most beautiful flowers and trees of all kinds. Some of them are so tall and have such large trunks that they have undoubtedly stood for many, many centuries. It turns out that the whole town, dotted with impressive palaces and medieval Moorish castles, is basically one gigantic national park bordering the sea.

Not only that, but the earliest archaeological vestiges of human occupation date back to the Paleolithic and Neolithic periods. Microlithic flint utensils and decorated ceramics found in the area date back to the 5th Millennium BC.

Perhaps the most famous tourist destination is the Quinta da Regaleira Palace. We spent most of the day wandering through the lush gardens, defence towers, chapels, royal mansions, underground caves and – most gorgeously creepy of all – winding our way down into the bowels of the earth through an ancient well. If you only have one day in Sintra, this is the place to visit.

Bonus tip: Sintra also borders some of the most beautiful coastline in Portugal and you’ll find a wealth of places to stay for great bargains (not in high season) just outside the city.

As you wind your way out of the mystical fog of Sintra, the landscape becomes slightly flatter but remains green and lush. Sparsely populated, this area has retained much of its authentic charm. Just a few minutes drive from the famous Cabo da Roca historical site lies a gorgeous spa and guesthouse. Perfect for a night away, the Quinta Vale da Roca in Azoia is stunningly beautiful.

Designed and built by the two architects who live on the property and welcome guests personally, this boutique hotel is the perfect place to unwind after a long day of walking through palaces and exploring gardens.

Not only are the rooms uber modern and decorated with incredible taste, but they include a hearty breakfast and the use of a small gym and indoor spa. The jacuzzi is nestled into the ground behind one giant wall of glass overlooking the vineyards and sea. In the same enclave are a dry and wet sauna.

For my mom, me and the kids, this place was the absolute perfect refuge for a good night’s sleep and a relaxing steep in hot water with breathtaking views.

This small excursion, only slightly more than 24 hours, motivated me to see more of this beautiful country and inspired me to take every opportunity I have to head north. Really, it was far easier than I ever imagined. There’s a lot to be said for local tourism. Aside from being environmentally friendlier than going abroad, it’s also less expensive and easier.

So what’s next on my local list? Off to the wild wonders beyond the Tagus River in the Alentejo.

Meredith Price Levitt is a freelance writer, an American expat who identifies as a hybrid. After 20 years in Tel Aviv, she moved to the Algarve in December of 2019. Just in time for a global pandemic.

You can contact her at meredithmprice@gmail.com

This Christmas, sponsor a wild animal in recovery!

Every year, both the wildlife rehabilitation centres run by the ALDEIA Association –RIAS (Olhão) and CERVAS (Gouveia) – run a Christmas campaign to raise funds for their maintenance and management costs. The focus of this campaign is to encourage the sponsorship of wild animals.

By becoming a sponsor, you will be contributing to the work of the two centres. There is also the possibility of participating in the release of the sponsored animal back to nature.

Become an active member in the recovery of wildlife in Portugal, ponsorship options:

STANDARD SPONSORSHIP (35 €):

• digital certificate of sponsorship

• information brochure about the sponsored species

• an invitation to be present at its release back to nature

SUPER SPONSORSHIP (50 €)

• a printed certificate of sponsorship

• information brochure about the sponsored species

• an invitation to be present at its release back to nature

• two gifts from RIAS’ store

• an invitation for a guided visit (max: 2 people) on the annual open day.

Woofland

The Algarve’s new wellness centre for dogs

A new project aims to bring together a range of pioneer services: dog daycare, animal therapies and animal-related courses for pet owners.

How convenient would it be to have a veterinarian perform a relaxing massage on your pet while you go shopping? Imagine booking a nutrition consultation for your dog or cat while having a photography session done by a professional pet photographer. If you struggle to expend all your dog’s energy every day, why not have a break while your dog spends time at doggy daycare, playing and socialising with other dogs or even learning some basic obedience?

You can find all this at Woofland in Mar Shopping Algarve, Loulé, a novel concept which provides services by different professionals in the same place.

This new wellness centre is managed by Quarteira’s award-winning dog school Iron Dog Algarve. Woofland has been completely remodelled and now features new facilities, with an outdoor space boasting several shaded areas and an indoor space designed to accommodate the three main services offered: dog daycare, animal courses and animal therapies.

One of their goals is to fulfil the needs of pet owners in the Algarve by providing theoretical and practical courses aimed at educating animal owners so they can make more conscious choices. The courses will cover a wide range of areas, including veterinarian medicine and grooming to social aid dogs, animal law and animal behaviour.

Woolfland will also host events that will be announced well in advance. The modern daycare is now more appealing and dynamic and open to a maximum of 15 dogs per day. It features new environments, decoration and planning, with the goal of stimulating and promoting the socialisation of dogs. Monthly packages are available, as well as daily visits ranging from one hour to half

a day or a full day. To be able to attend, dogs must have all their vaccines, have been dewormed recently and be sociable. Every dog will be subjected to an initial behavioural assessment.. The daycare will be open from Wednesday to Monday, between 10 am and 6 pm.

Animal therapies range from relaxing massages, acupuncture, physiotherapy, hydratherapy and laser therapy to nutrition, chromotherapy, reiki and much more. All the treatments are carried out by trained vets, physiotherapists and nutritionists and are available when booked beforehand.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

10 December: Joana Carido Cunha will be available for nutritional consultations (must be booked in advance).

16 December: Marco Serrão from KOKUA will be speaking about detection dogs.

15 January: Daiana Ferreira from the animal association KOKUA will be tackling the subject of assistance dogs.

Date to be announced: Joana Carido da Cunha will be addressing the benefits of natural food.

Offer: Tomorrow readers can benefit from a 10% discount on the doggy daycare service valid throughout December. Just quote Tomorrow magazine when you check-in and a discount will immediately apply.



+351 967 774 211 woofland@irondog.pt www.facebook.com/wooflandbyirondog www.instagram.com/wooflandbyirondog

No Puppies for Christmas

WORDS Anne Hodges

Christmas is a time of year when children are asked what they would like Santa to bring them. The answer is, all too often, ‘a puppy’.

Unfortunately, puppies are not like cuddly toys. Yes, they are soft and cuddly, they are fun to play with and most people adore them. They bring unlimited joy – until the novelty wears off.

When a puppy is born, it is essential that they learn confidence straight away in a calm and stable environment. This is why Christmas time is not ideal. As we all know from personal experience, any form of anxiety is stressful.

If you are tempted to give your child a puppy, please think seriously about the drawbacks that may arise. Not just for the puppy but for all the family. The advice given by Gail Skinner of Awesome Dogs is that to achieve a well-balanced puppy, it should be handled and trained (e.g. no

jumping up) at least 100 times before it is eight weeks old – and another 100 times between eight and ten weeks of age.

Limitless love is, sadly, not enough. Are you prepared for sleepless nights whilst the puppy cries for its mother? Can you cope with the little puddles and messages it leaves (maybe on your best carpet)? Are you prepared to take the puppy for walks several times a day? Do you have time to play and bond with your puppy and instil discipline while teaching it to interact with others? Puppies have sharp little teeth like needles – and they love to chew and bite. Gentle kisses are not known to them. If the puppy grows up with long hair, can you deal with the hairs it will shed?

Unfortunately, too many owners only think of these possible problems after giving a puppy a home. And all too often, we at Cadela Carlota see

the results. To see an unhappy, lonely, miserable dog is a truly heartbreaking experience.

Why not consider an older dog, who’s calmer, walks well on the lead, and will not need constant attention? An older dog can be rewarding and will be less demanding than a puppy. They always have lots of love. Whatever you decide to do, please remember this saying from the UK Dogs Trust. “A dog is for life, not just for Christmas.”

All our dogs at Cadela Carlota will get special treatment, cuddles and walks over Christmas –even on Christmas Day itself.



cadelacarlota.comp@gmail.com +351 917 448 583

Ho Ho Ho and a Ha Ha Happy December

For the middle of winter…the weather isn’t too bad. This author is recently back from chilly Sweden, bringing the family to meet the family. It was cold, but lovely. And full of bearnaise sauce and dill. One of the dishes for the upcoming Yuletide smorgasbord will be janssons frestelse: a lasagnastyle dish whereby the layers are onions, potatoes and pickled herring. And loads of cream. Very Swedish, indeed.

Though not as cold as Sweden, temperatures have dropped here. For those who were unfortunate enough to miss last month’s Pets Mate article – it was amazing: full of prose, some pathos and was whimsical throughout!

Mainly it referenced Librela: a new arthritis treatment for dogs. And it works. Many clients have been asking for it and contributing to its success with follow-up phone calls.

Much less diagnosed by owners or vets as much is arthritis in cats. Because they are more somnolent, as well as languorous in their activities (thesaurus used, yes), owners often don’t notice lameness or exercise intolerance in their cat (!!!) So many cats suffer the pain of arthritis in silence.

There is now also a Librela version for cats: Solensia. A once-a-month injection to relieve any, and all, arthritis pain. With no side effects, to boot.

If your old pussy is slowing down in her activities, speak with your vet about it. As for dogs, cats with arthritis are recommended by all vets to receive chondroprotectants to extend the longevity of failing, arthritic joints.

At the end of this month is that special time of the year, of course. As previous year's articles have focused on the hazards for pets at Christmas, I will save you a re-amble this year.

Remember, though: Christmassy things that are toxic for dogs include chocolate, raisins and grapes and xylitol (to be found in any Rennies you might be needing on Boxing Day). If you want a full list, email us, Google it or read a previous year’s December article.

With that, we wish you all a marvellous Christmas and a Happy New Year! Now go celebrate!



LVC - Lagos Vet Clinic +351 282 782 282 info@lagosvet.com

WORDS Lars Rahmquist (Bvsc, Mrcvs)