Tomorrow Aljezur to Lagoa - January 2021 by Tomorrow Algarve Magazine

EE FR

JANUARY 2021 | EDITION 110

In this edition Meet Big Wave Surfer Alex Botelho How he survived a near-death experience

A Dying Art -Net repairing An interview with local fishermen

Crime Fighting - The PJ Discover more about the serious crime squad

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Editor's note The last might not be in your vocabulary, so I will enlighten you: it has emerged on social media to describe the merging of minutes, hours and days since lockdown. Before the pandemic, it was generally just a term to describe a drunk or hungover day, according to the urban dictionary.

So here we are in 2021. No doubt all breathing a sigh of relief that we got through 2020 with our sanity.

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As a writer and editor, rather than reflect on the highs and lows I would like to bring your attention to the new words that 2020 gave us.

Sophie Sadler - Editor

The BBC reported that the word of 2020, as defined by the Collins Dictionary was…..wait for it…..lockdown. Well, I think that says it all, doesn´t it?

 sophie@tomorrowalgarve.com

So there we have it, this year summed up in the new words it brought about, here goes … A global pandemic of coronavirus meant we all had to go into lockdown and self-isolate while socially distancing from our family and friends. Key workers became our heroes while others lost their jobs or were furloughed. The death of George Floyd resulted in millions of Americans taking to the streets in support of the Black Lives Matter campaign. In our boredom, we all became tik tokers as every day became a Blursday and the only other news to distract us from our pain was MEGxit.

 +351 912 176 588 The word lockdown had a 62% increase in usage from 2019 to 2020, which raises the question of who were the 38% using it in 2019? One can only assume those working in the prison service! According to Collins, a lockdown signifies “the containment measures implemented by governments around the world to mitigate the spread of COVID-19”.

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 +351 913 320 509 Happy New Year Everyone!

The other most used words in 2020 are also a profound statement about the year we have had. Coronavirus (obvs!) BLM (Black Lives Matter), key worker, furlough, self-isolate, social distancing, MEGXit, Tik Toker, pandemic and Blursday.

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On the cover: The cover shows huge waves crashing near the Fort of Nazaré Lighthouse on Portugal´s Silver Coast. Nazaré has become famous for presenting surfers with the challenge of some of the highest waves, possible to surf, on the planet. It is now part of the Big Wave Tour. The very high breaking waves that form are due to the presence of the underwater Nazaré Canyon. Photo © R.M. Nunes / Shutterstock.com

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Falling from the Crest of a Wave Lagos hero and big wave surfer Alex Botelho stopped breathing for ten minutes after a horrific surfing accident in Nazaré. His miraculous recovery means he was able to talk to Sophie Sadler about his journey and what surfing means to him.

"I had a feeling of submission and my instinct was to relax into it to give myself a better chance of survival."

In February 2020, Lagos big wave surfer Alex Botelho suffered a terrible accident while competing in the Nazaré challenge. After surfing his final wave of the competition, he was picked up on the jet ski. As he and his partner Hugo Vau attempted to reach shore they were caught in the middle of a freak wave. Formed from two waves, the mountain of water was horseshoe-shaped. The wave travelling from south to north was a huge shore break careering down on them from the height of a building. They decided to face the smaller whitewash, travelling north to south. At the moment they hit the foam and the jet ski powered up to climb away, the other, bigger, wave crashed down and created a backwash, projecting both of them and the jet ski in the air. Alex was projected onto the jet ski, puncturing a lung. As his airways slowly filled with water in the tumultuous waters, Alex felt strangely calm.

“I was aware I was going to black out; it didn't happen suddenly. I experienced a gradual loss of consciousness, but I never felt like I was going to die. I had a feeling of submission and my instinct was to relax into it to give myself a better chance of survival. That is the last thing I remember.” As the rescue team searched for him in the water, remarkably, Alex, was washed towards the shore where he was given immediate medical attention. He was in the water for six minutes and then it took four minutes on the beach for the medics to resuscitate him. There are no other recorded incidents of anyone’s breathing stopping for that long, without them suffering permanent brain damage. “My next memory was hearing voices. This immediately made me feel calm as I knew I was no longer in the water.” As he was being put in the ambulance, he opened his eyes to see his girlfriend Celeste and partner Hugo, and he felt enormous relief.

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That night in the hospital, he suffered from secondary drowning and had to be intubated orally to be assisted in breathing as well as a tube draining his right lung. His most frightening moment was waking up, unable to move with tubes in his mouth. Alex was assessed for brain damage and, incredibly, there was none. He has subsequently become a case for a clinical study.

It was here that Alex got a “spontaneous opportunity” to surf a giant wave. “I have always wanted to push my limits. I am motivated by the pure fun and joy of riding the wave. As a big wave surfer, you can sometimes be in the water hours and not ride a single wave, you have to calculate the risk against the level of reward you can get from the ride.”

He lost 12 kg in a couple of days, got grey hairs, and didn’t have enough muscle to walk. “It felt like my body extracted all of its spendable resources to survive.”

Although he was already receiving sponsorship, Alex decided to take a break from surfing and went to Lisbon to study Fine Arts, but by the time he was 19 he had become a professional surfer and Lagos and the waves drew him back again. Growing up in the centre of Lagos, where he still lives, Alex was instilled with an appreciation for the area and its beauty just as much as the act of riding a wave.

It is almost inconceivable that the man I’m talking to now went through this trauma less than a year ago. More impressive is that he is surfing again, although he does not yet have the lung capacity to return to assisted surfing with the jet ski. Alex was born and brought up in Lagos; his paternal family hail from Lagos and Sagres and his mother is Dutch. When he was six, he joined the Clube de Velho (sailing club) but while at sea admits he was more fascinated by the waves than the wind so switched to surfing aged nine. Joining the Algarve Surf School in Sagres, he was coached by Sergio Brandaõ, who still mentors him today. “Sergio always cultivated a positive attitude in me to overcome challenges; this is part of how I evolved into a surfer.” He completed all his schooling in Lagos attending NAUS and Julio Dantes secondary schools. Then, when he was 18, he had an opportunity to go and surf in California at the renowned surfing beach Mavericks. Here, the waves routinely crest at over 8 m with a break formed from an unusually shaped underwater rock formation.

“I want surfing to be shared with everyone, but it needs to be taught properly. It's not just about standing up on a surfboard. It's about nature, respect, the natural surroundings and everything that makes it possible to enjoy this sport. It is vital that surf schools pass this information onto those that learn. We should respect the natural world in which we surf and this philosophy needs to be at the forefront of the tourist surf industry. Let's not just sell the surf as a one-day experience, but as a cultural and moral responsibility. The Algarve is growing as an attraction, but we must not change it but leave it better than when we found it.” For Alex, surfing has shaped most of his life and been his main focus; however, he believes his connection to the environment is more profound than his connection to the sport. “Nature challenges me, emotionally, psychologically and gives me a huge feeling of reward.” 

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 It is nature which drives Alex to face the big waves once more. “My accident has only affected my connection to nature in a positive way. My injuries were not from the waves, they were from the jet ski and I feel Nazaré saved my life.” In Nazaré, there are many currents and tides and the fact that the waves pushed him to the shoreline where he could receive medical attention quickly he attributes to the divine forces of nature. This is followed closely by the love of his family, his girlfriend Celeste and her six-year-old daughter, friends and well-wishers who he feels expedited his recovery. His girlfriend Celeste is an osteopath and was a tower of strength for him as well as cooking him healthy food to get his strength back. His best friend and surf partner Hugo was with him every day, his parents were a pillar of support and he feels the love he felt made him strong again. It took him three months to get back in the water, and initially, everyday tasks took a colossal effort. I wonder if any of his family who he credits with having nursed him back to health have begged him not to return to the arena of the Big Wave Tour? “It is a sign of their love that they have not, although I understand how difficult it must be for them. I will only go back when I am fully recovered and ready but I am not afraid to return.” Alex still has scar tissue in his lungs which he is trying to heal with exercises; in the meantime, he retains the support of the sponsors who enable him to surf professionally. The most enduring of these is Volcon who he says, “have stood by me through thick and thin for 20 years”, including when he went to university and others lost faith. He also receives support from Ferox, Ocean and Earth, Shapers and the Câmara Municipal de Lagos.

He says the experience of riding a wave is like “an explosion of emotions that sits in your body but is mainly associated with the challenge of overcoming fear and turning it into positive energy. This gives you a feeling of accomplishment, happiness and adrenaline”. Alex Botelho's escape from death could be seen as luck, his personal fitness or the result of good medical team. If, like me, you are a romantic, you might believe that the mighty Atlantic washed him back to shore to educate us all in the power and beauty of nature.  www.instagram.com/alex_botelho

What is Big Wave Surfing?

Big wave surfing is a discipline where experienced surfers are towed into waves which are at least 20 feet (6.2 m) high, on surfboards known as "guns" or tow boards.

In a big wave wipeout, a breaking wave can push surfers down 20 to 50 feet (6.2 m to 15.5 m) below the surface. One of the greatest dangers is the risk of being held underwater by consecutive waves.

In 1992, big wave surfers such as Laird Hamilton and Darrick Doerner introduced a cross over sport called tow-in surfing. This type of surfing involves being towed into massive waves by jet ski, allowing for the speed needed to ride successfully. By the end of the 1990s, tow-in surfing allowed surfers to ride waves exceeding 50 ft.

Nazaré in Portugal is on the Big Wave World Tour and a mecca for big wave surfers. The big waves season in Nazaré is between October and March. The Brazilian, Rodrigo Koxa, 40, is the Guinness World Records title holder for the largest wave surfed, which measured 24.38 metres (80 ft) at Nazaré on November 8, 2017.

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Capturing the Ocean

BY SOPHIE SADLER

As the horror of the wipe-out at Nazaré unfolded, onlookers scoured the sea for any sign of the surfer. Finally, they saw his lifeless body wash up in the surf.

the climate and light conditions. "People used to go to South Africa to shoot a commercial, now they are realising they have similar conditions right here in Europe."

Watching from the cliffs stood next to Alex's girlfriend and family was film-maker Olaf Crato. He watched horrified as Alex was surrounded by the medical team while making a documentary about surfing.

Coming from the birthplace of surfing, Olaf was uncomfortable with the way the sport had become so commercialised. His work in the Italian fashion industry showed him major brands jumping on the surfing bandwagon. He hit on the idea of wanting to make a film about surfing in its purest form. As a way of man inhabiting the ocean in an authentic way and feeling the connection to nature. He was discussing the idea with a friend who told him about Lagos-born big wave surfer Alex Botelho who epitomised this ethos. He made the call to Alex and the rest is written in the surf!

To him, Alex embodied an ideal he had of a surfer who captured the sport in its purest form. As the medics surrounded the surfer's lifeless body, Olaf switched off his camera. “I was totally devastated, he had become a friend and to have continued filming would have been the type of sensationalist drama that I abhor.” The journey to this point began for Olaf when he arrived in Lagos looking for a place to settle after a nomadic life. Born to German parents, he grew up in Hawaii before leaving to study in Europe. He has lived in Germany, then Austria and Italy for six years before embarking on a round-the-world year-long trip with his wife and two young boys. “Hawaii had changed a lot since I grew up there and it wasn't the place for me any longer. We tried Australia, but then we found the Algarve, which was closer to our European family. As a surfer, it was a perfect location with the advantages of having a west and south coast without the downsides of living on an island.” Originally working as a marketing and strategy consultant, Olaf left most of his clients in fashion and sports behind when he decided to travel but fell back on a life-long passion: photography and filmmaking. “When I was young in Hawaii, I was injured and couldn't be in the water so a local photographer took me on as his assistant and it became an interest and then a parallel career.” He now makes documentaries, clips and commercials mainly for online advertising through his company EMC (Emerald Media Creative). He believes the Algarve will become a Mecca for filming in the future due to

“I wanted to make a movie that showcased what surfing is really all about. Enjoying the ocean, with friends in a non-competitive way. I feel that Alex balances this act between being a professional surfer and loving the water.” The documentary named Mar is a visual feast of surfing action, beautiful seascapes and interviews. He has shot over 500 hours of film showing Alex surfing, interviewing him and his family and friends and showcasing the Algarve and its unique connection to the power of the ocean. Alex told me, “Olaf has captured in the film the essence of the sport by demonstrating an appreciation and respect for nature". The film premiered online just before Christmas – you can view it on the link at the end of the article. The soundtrack features some original songs from a local singer/songwriter Luis Do Vale who appeared on The Voice Portugal. In the same way as his surfing muse, Olaf loves his artform so is not driven by commercial success but hopes the documentary will help people to understand what surfing should be all about.  www.emeraldmediacreative.com  www.vimeo.com/ondemand/marfilm

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Dialect BY DAVID LUGG There is no doubt that language is an extraordinary social construct. It is constantly evolving, with words being added (and removed) from dictionary usage on a regular basis. It is ‘culturally transmitted', meaning it is passed from one individual to another across generations. It is this cultural transmission which makes language such a fascinating (and often confusing) part of life. Portuguese is the third most spoken European language in the world in terms of native speakers. It is spoken by some 220 million people worldwide and over 10 million in the motherland of Portugal. Yet despite such numbers, why do so few tourists manage to muster no more than a greeting or a gratitude? It would be easy to argue that, as a relatively small country, Portugal does not get the same exposure as other nations. But with 16.3 million visitors in 2019, there appears to be more to it than just its size. Like many other European nations, Portuguese has much of its origins in Latin. Though it has evolved further than, say Spanish, its historical roots are unlikely to be the key issue when it comes to the apparent aversion to learn the lingo. After all, so many of us have been taught the basics of a Romance language within our education. The fear factor for most visitors appears to stem from the actual sound of the words (the phonology). How many of us have been given a blank look when we have confidently used what we thought was a straightforward sentence in Portuguese? For those that would like to progress beyond bom dia, perhaps it would be prudent to highlight both the good news and the bad

news. On the positive side, compared to many widely spoken languages, Portuguese is not too difficult to learn. It takes a keen student a mere 600 hours to speak it to a high level. The bad news is that the Algarve has an unusual dialect, adding a further linguistic barrier for us non-natives to cross. In fact, Algarvio is one of the most distinctive dialects in the country. There are two principal reasons for this rather unique way of speaking. First, despite being part of Portugal for almost 850 years, the Algarve has (until recently) been somewhat isolated from the rest of the country. Good quality roads were few and far between, especially to the western areas. Secondly, because of the isolation, the Algarve has had longer periods of Arab influence. Even the name comes from the Moorish word Al-Gharb meaning ‘the west’, though there have been murmurings to change the name to something more aligned to its Christian roots. To add to the complexity, the dialect has variations from west to east and from coast to inland. For example, an east Algarve native is likely to have had more influence from the Spanish, whilst on the south coast, there would be more exposure to arrivals from the sea. But let us not dwell too much upon its complexity. We should focus instead on making more effort to speak a language that, due to its rich naval history, has travelled to all parts of the globe and is just as important today as it has ever been. There is a word in Algarvio that accurately describes the speed at which the majority of us non-natives will learn Portuguese – empachade – someone who takes a lot of time to do something.

The

Club

BY STEVEN SUTTON Being single has its advantages. Even on Valentine’s Day! As a singleton, you can go where you want and when you want, with no one to answer to. It gives you the freedom to please yourself. If you fancy ice cream for dinner, you can! Or just a bowl of chips! However, there are times when you want to mix with like-minded people and do things in a group. Being One is great, but sometimes it can be difficult joining a new group of people if you are on your own. Also, sometimes, being one can get a little bit lonely and you can feel as if you are missing out on things. This is something we want to help with. By starting The One Club, we want people who are independent and on their own to have an opportunity of meeting and adding the Ones together. We are not sure where this group will go or where it will end up. This is why we are going to take our lead from the Ones who come along. We are initially thinking of meeting biweekly to start with, then seeing where it goes from there. Whether it’s a bowling evening in Portimão with a meal afterwards or a trip to Porto for a few days. A train journey up to Lisbon or across to Seville. Maybe just a drink in town with a game of cards. You choose and you decide. It's your club! We have some great ideas already, but as yet, nothing set in stone. It will be up to you. This is an opportunity for Ones to get out of the house and break from their regular routine and try something new. So, with this in mind, if you are a One and are looking for something different to do, come along to our first meeting, which is being held at Quay Lagos on the marina on 14 February 2021. Yes, on Valentine’s Day! There will be a table for us all from 4pm There will be the usual menu available, Sunday roast or just tapas. The afternoon will be our first meeting and we are looking forward to the start of something great. If you would like to book a space or would like to know more about The One Club drop me an email.  steven@tomorrowalgarve.com

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A Dying Art

BY HELEN DANIEL

Net repairing in the Algarve may look effortless, yet many hours are spent by the fishermen fulfilling this essential work. This oftenoverlooked skill is passed down from generation to generation.

Bonefácio

Chico

Rato

"I started fishing at the age of nine," explains Henrique Ferrão, known as Rato, a 57-yearold fisherman from Armação de Pêra. "Wages doubled if you were able to repair nets, so I learnt quickly." With the growing tourist industry in the 1970s came the increase in demand for fish. "The boys loved being on the beach, myself included," Rato points out. "We were encouraged at a young age to leave school and support our families by fishing. Elders told us that our work options were building, catering or fishing, that's all; so I chose fishing."

tradition may die." Not long ago, the fishermen could supplement their income in the summer by sprucing their boats up, with a good clean and fresh paint, to offer tourists trips to the nearby caves. Unfortunately, this is no longer possible, as new regulations state they cannot use the same boat for both businesses.

fish. Once caught, they slip and slide around in the nylon, which slices into them and causes the scales to be damaged. This means the fish suffer more and are less presentable for selling. A special kind of needle – an agulha – is used to repair the nets. Bonefácio, an 80-year-old fisherman, regularly takes on the net mending and the cleaning of fish for the other fishermen if they don't have time. Too old now to go out to sea, he can often be found on the beach, working from dawn to dusk.

Armação de Pêra is quiet in the winter. Just the locals and a few foreign residents wander the cobblestone streets and drink in the cafes. The vast stretch of beach from Senhora da Rocha to Galé is deserted, except for a small part that is known as A Praia Dos Pescadores. Here there's a buzz of life, almost like the hustle-bustle of a market. The fishermen have a camaraderie amongst them and a community spirit. "Of course, at times, we do have our disagreements," laughs Rato. "But we are always ready to help each other out." Banter flows between the men, cats and dogs are running around or sleeping peacefully, and eager seagulls flap around the boats and nets. The fishermen's beach is colourful and has a sense of cheerfulness. It's not all upbeat though, as Rato explains. "The number of boats has dwindled in the last 15 years. There used to be 45 wooden fishing boats here. Now, there are only 12 fibreglass ones. Soon, there will likely be none, and the village fishing

"We, as independent fishermen, don't get any support," reveals Rato. "If we don't catch any fish, we don't get any money. If we are ill and cannot work, we get nothing. Without a regular income, we cannot get a mortgage to buy a house. There is no incentive for the youth to carry on the legacy." In 1976, the nets changed from being made of cotton to being made of nylon. Rato, a lover of the traditional ways, believes nylon nets are worse for the environment. He insists the broken nets found washed up on the beaches do not come from the selfemployed fishermen. "We are very careful with our nets, so we rarely lose them. The only way it could happen is if we put them out before a storm, but we always know when a storm is coming." Rato explains that nylon nets are cheaper to produce than cotton ones, but are terrible for the

Although the future outlook for the independent fisherman looks bleak, and times can be tough, Rato is proud and jovial. "I love my life. I have worked in the UK. In Edinburgh, I worked for The Scotsman newspaper and have even fried fish in a fish and chip shop in Bath. I had regular wage packets and met some amazing people, but I was always drawn back to Armação de Pêra. Here, I am my own boss. I love being outside on the beach and at sea, using skills I learnt as a child. I can work the hours I want and I have my independence. I would rather be sitting on the beach with the laborious task of hours of net mending in front of me than be anywhere else in the world!"

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Meet-up of digital nomads in Lagos. Joana Glória on the right.

Digital Nomads in the Algarve BY LENA STRANG Working remotely and relying on telecommunications has become the 'new normal' for many as a result of the pandemic. However, long before this, many people chose to adopt a flexible lifestyle that allowed for travel, adventure, and the opportunity to work as long as there was access to the internet. Exotic locations such as Bali, Mexico, and Thailand were attractive as they offered remote workers something different from routine deskbound jobs. Now Portugal has entered the scene. The Web Summit, considered to be the most important international technology conference, has been held annually in Lisbon since 2016. It has put the city firmly on the world technology map, attracting new start-ups and yes, digital nomads too. Since the pandemic has restricted international travel, many have found that the Algarve fulfils their requirements – a safe location, an amenable climate allowing for leisure activities, and an increasingly supportive community. A variety of groups have sprung up to assist digital nomads to settle and create useful networks. Lagos Digital Nomads is one such group. I was able to speak to local resident Joana Glória who has run the group since last August. Joana is no stranger to entrepreneurship herself, having managed guesthouses in the city, founded an innovative project Eat at Local's (currently on hold because of COVID-19), and run a series of workshops for young entrepreneurs. We meet at Giramar Cowork, part of the Aparthotel in Lagos where some of her work is based. Joana fills me in on the details of the project. Last summer, she realised there was a need to coordinate the arrival of so

many remote workers in Lagos. "The most important thing is to integrate them into the growing digital nomad community here," she explains. "Many come alone and cherish meeting like-minded people with whom they can connect." She helps to organise accommodation, be it in shared houses, private rooms or rented apartments. There are regular meet-ups, brunches, tapas evenings, and other events. "It's crazy," she laughs, "I launch the events and in ten minutes they're full!" She uses the Facebook page for the private group Lagos Digital Nomads where information is shared and events advertised although a dedicated platform will be available in early spring. There are close to 1000 signed-up members and numbers are growing by the day. Who are the digital nomads that make a beeline for Lagos? "Most are between 23 and 40 years of age from European countries, the US and Canada. Some are here temporarily, but many have decided to stay for the long-term," Joana explains. "The kind of work they do ranges from on-line marketing, graphic and fashion design to life and business coaching, etc." I can't help but be impressed by the facilities at the Giramar Cowork where we are having our conversation. The spacious, well-equipped room is one of the coworking spaces that Joana provides for remote workers. There are separate tables, printers, comfy sofas along one wall, coffee-making facilities and lockers to store belongings. And it all faces green, palm-fringed lawns and an inviting swimming pool. On a balmy day, nomads do make plenty of use of the pool, I'm told! The other coworking space that can be rented by the day, week, or longer-term is situated at Mar d'Estorias in the centre of Lagos, opposite Santo António church. I am also able to talk to 27-year-old Briton Lucy Streule, who would describe herself as a digital nomad. She is a graphic designer who has spent the last two years travelling and working in Central America but wanted to move somewhere nearer home. After having done extensive research, she thought Portugal fitted the bill. Joana helped her find an apartment in Lagos and make connections with others. "Being a nomad and not having worked in an office for such a long time, you do lose the sense of being in a team. 

"Many come alone and cherish meeting likeminded people with whom they can connect."

COMMUNITY  Although we work on different things, it's great to be part of the community here," Lucy says. She plans to make Lagos her base, seek residency, and learn Portuguese. Joana's long-term aim is also for digital nomads to be able to integrate with the local community, creating links with local entrepreneurs. She is convinced that sharing ideas and experiences can only be of benefit to all. Lagos Municipal Council is paving the way for the development of technical innovations in the city and has joined the Algarve Systems and Technology Partnership (STP) to this end. Many other co-working spaces are springing up in the city encouraged by the municipality, including investments in facilities at the former Gil Eanes School. It is aimed at local self-employed professionals, micro-companies from different areas, and visiting remote workers who need suitable working spaces. There are similar developments in other areas of the Algarve. From surfing the ocean waves and co-working in Aljezur on the Atlantic west coast, in Sagres, at the westernmost point in the Algarve, to the upmarket resort of Quinta do Lago near Almancil. Here Regus, the international provider of serviced offices, has recently opened an extensive complex offering private offices, smart meeting rooms and co-working areas. The Holiday Inn at the small seaside village of Armação de Pêra is hosting a series of conferences

Roll on the Spring! BY BRIAN TORA

for remote workers. I want to know what this is all about and speak to the organiser, Michelle Maree. A former globetrotter, Dutch-born Michelle has found the perfect niche. Now based in Lisbon, she runs The Nomad Escape, organising conferences and retreats, including the ones in the Algarve. Why the demand? "The remote workers, many of them now concentrated in Portugal, have a need to make meaningful connections with other like-minded professionals. We provide personal and professional development and help them expand their networks," Michelle explains. She thinks the region needs to seize the opportunities that the digital nomad phenomenon presents in terms of tourism. The industry needs to adapt to the new longer-term visitors, very different from the classical tourists flocking to the Algarve in high season. "They seek accommodation with good facilities for work, collaboration and relaxation. Hotels and hostels take note," she urges. "They also bring new ideas and perspectives that local councils should explore. Valuable local initiatives can be created with their willingness to contribute."

Lagos Digital Nomads at Mar d’Éstórias

This is exactly what many, including Joana Glória in Lagos, have realised. Attracting digital nomads to the region and providing for their particular needs will be of benefit for all.

 www.facebook.com/groups/lagosdigitalnomads  www.thenomadescape.com

Oh Luz beach, where are you? Worried over how Brexit might affect their ability to bring me on their travels to and from the Algarve, we all returned to England before Christmas. The journey wasn’t too bad. At least they had to wear their muzzles more than I did. But no sooner had we all got back when it started snowing. Now, I wouldn’t want you to think I’m a killjoy, but I hate the white wet stuff. Actually, I don’t like getting wet. Those other dogs I meet on the beach can frolic in the waves as much as they like, but I steer clear of the sea. Apart from anything else, it doesn’t taste very nice, and I’m usually not fussy over where I get a drink when I’m thirsty. Rain is just as bad, which is why I prefer Luz to England. It usually does nothing but rain when we’re back here and I hate taking my walks when it’s pouring down. I may have a short coat, but it takes forever to get it dry. I’m happy to leave swimming to spaniels and labradors. They’re all mad anyway. But to cut to the chase, my owners have been checking to see if anything is likely to change if they take me abroad. Apparently, the British government’s website is not very helpful. It says to allow four months to prepare for taking your pet

overseas, but it looks as though this is in case you do not have a passport or a chip. Fortunately, I have both. Anyway, the vet I saw for my arthritis seemed to think I wouldn’t have any problems. The vet’s OK, but not as nice as Lars in Lagos who originally diagnosed my problem. I have to have these injections because my legs are a funny shape. They call them Queen Anne legs. I wonder what sort of dog she is? So, with luck we’ll be able to get back early in the New Year, providing Covid doesn’t create more problems. There is a risk that the EU might put England on a list which means my documentation won’t be recognised. It could be the sort of thing M. Barnier might do out of spite, but my passport is Portuguese anyway. Paws crossed! Well, all this writing has made me hungry. I know it’s a bit early for my supper, but if I sit outside the cupboard where they keep my food and look expectant, they should get the message. Hope to see you all soon. Boris the Jack Russell continues his terrier’s eye view of the world.

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 www.mania.beer

 www.facebook.com/cerveja.vicentina

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A tale of

three breweries BY DAVID LUGG Anyone fancy a beer? How about a Blueberry Peanut Butter Pancake Pastry Sour? Or maybe a Caramel Fudge Stout? It’s fair to say that the variety of craft ale is now nothing short of staggering. The industry has been growing exponentially as many small breweries struggle to keep up with demand. However, an internet search of Craft Ale Algarve will reveal surprisingly few results. In a region where we welcome three and half million tourists per year, something is clearly amiss. Serious craft ale drinkers care passionately about their beer and not only about the flavour. To them, craft ale is more than just a social drink with friends; it is a community. A group of independent breweries exist, not only to make a living, but to produce something they love. Unlike the ubiquitous multinational brands, their customers feel a sense of trust. These are people they can relate to. The ordinary man or woman brewing beer from their garage or shed or industrial estate unit. So why then does the Algarve appear to be desperately short of craft ale producers? Step forward three local breweries that have managed to get their foot on the slippery beer ladder. Mania Brewery plans to relocate to a plant just outside Lagos in early 2021. Head brewer Stefan Hunold explains why he will take residence outside of town rather than in the centre of bustling Lagos: “There is no doubt that people are looking for local craft ale when they visit the Algarve, but setting up a taproom in Lagos has proved to be too expensive”.

Business rates are indeed high in the city, especially when you factor in that the tourist season only lasts around seven or eight months. That leaves four to five months with very little income. When Stefan moved to the Algarve eight years ago, he was disillusioned by the lack of good quality beer available. He created Mania and now produces eight beers of his own, albeit on a small production scale. Someone who shares a similar frustration is Vicentina head brewer Olivier Vincent who believes the Algarve “has a long way to go” if it wants to start challenging the likes of Spain or the UK in beer bragging rights. “There is so much legislation here in Portugal,” he explains. “It makes it very difficult for one guy with a small business to succeed.” His frustration is evident as he talks about the “red tape” he has faced on every turn. For new businesses, it seems that this legislation is not only a hindrance but a deterrent. He adds, “with so many barley fields, the Algarve has a lot of potential”, but for Vicentina to break into an industry dominated by Superbock and (Heineken-owned) Sagres, the current situation is, as he puts it “almost impossible”. Dos Santos Brewery is nestled handsomely within the vineyards of Quinta Dos Santos wine farm near Carvoeiro. Its idyllic situation has led to the addition of a taproom and tapas bar, which has proven to be extremely popular with both tourists and locals alike. 

COMMUNITY  In contrast to the breweries of Vicentina and Mania, Dos Santos has benefitted from generous financial assistance. However, the journey has been far from smooth, as head brewer Greg Dos Santos knows only too well. “Simply put, without the financial backing of my family, we would have had to close down. There are so many rules and regulations that it actively discourages you from wanting to start a business.” He talks about an exorbitant 'compensation tax' that had to be paid as building in the countryside was classified as 'urbanisation'. Yet, one look at the sublime setting and there is a strong argument that the brewery has brought much to the area, not just visibly, but also for the local economy. You get a sense that Dos Santos Brewery has paid its compensation many times over.

Mania Brewery

Mania, Vicentina and Dos Santos are three examples of independent breweries that are shining lights in a struggling market. Their efforts thus far should

Gateaux et Chocolats

be commended, but they are under no illusion about the difficulties that lie ahead if they wish to expand and become more commonplace in bars, restaurants and supermarkets. 2021 will bring great changes to the world and even greater challenges. It will be a time where we must welcome innovation and embrace a new way of thinking. One sure-fire way to do this will be to encourage the creation of new businesses to help kickstart our economies. If the Algarve wishes to inspire a bright, young generation then it must set an example and not smother it with rules and legislation that will extinguish the flames of inspiration before they have been truly lit. Business creates employment and employment creates taxes which in turn fuels the economy. It’s quite simple. Then, and only then, can we all sit down and share a Caramel Fudge Stout together.

BY ANNICK

Last month we met Les Copains de Lagos, a French-speaking social group who help their countrymen repatriate to Portugal. This month member Annick explains how she is bringing French patisserie to the Algarve. Inventing succulent dishes and sweet desserts has always been my passion and to the extent of wanting to make it my job. Now in Portugal, where I have been living for the last three years, I continue to prepare new pastries and cakes. During the construction of my house, I had to reflect and study the creation of my patisserie workshop, using the right equipment and adhering to the obligatory health standards. I am now, therefore, in a position to provide satisfaction to future clients wishing to taste my selection of patisserie. I pay special attention to the selection of the right ingredients and select the best quality for my buns, croissants, tarts and cakes etc. and await

the pleasure of offering you a mouth-watering experience. I look forward to preparing some classic french pastries and cakes for your special occasions or for your everyday pleasure. Being a member of the Les Copains de Lagos association, I will be preparing the very special puff pastry almond tart for the celebration of Galette des Rois. This event is celebrated in January where all French households eat this sweet delicacy. Annick Mabillon-Fabre:  33 7 63 55 59 07  annick.fabre@yahoo.fr Association Les Copains de Lagos:  +351 282 074 485  www.lescopainsdelagos.com

Did you know...

Galette des Rois is the French version of Portugal's Bolo de Rei. It is traditionally shared at Epiphany, on 6 January. It celebrates the arrival of the Three Wise Men in Bethlehem. It is composed of a puff pastry cake, with a small charm hidden inside.

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A little pottery provenance

Ian Fitzpatrick hand paints a dish

BY TRACY BURTON

Ian Fitzpatrick scoops some colourful shards of pottery from the ground and studies them. “This piece is from Porches Pottery,” he tells me. “And this looks like one of Jorge’s.”

The founder of Olaria Pequena is rightfully proud of the provenance of ‘the little pottery’ just outside Porches, where he set up his own ceramics studio in 1983 and continues to produce beautiful handmade pieces. It was Ian’s idea to create a garden path from thousands of pottery fragments, including those long discarded by distinguished ceramists Jorge Mealha and the late Patrick Swift. The resulting pathway is steeped in colour and history, just like Olaria Pequena itself. Originally from Glasgow, Ian studied ceramic design at art school in Scotland. He planned to stay in the Algarve for one year to work alongside Jorge, who was based in the centuryold farmhouse previously occupied by Porches Pottery. “I came from the north where the tradition – especially in ceramics – was of muted colours,” Ian explains. “Jorge is from Mozambique and had a very different style.” As his year drew to an end, Ian found himself presented with an unmissable opportunity. Jorge was relocating to Lagos and the property would soon be vacant. “Jorge was taking everything with him: the kilns, the equipment, even the shop fixtures,” Ian recalls. “I would be left with an empty shell, but it seemed like a great opportunity to establish my own studio. I thought I could stay for a few years then go back.” Ian never did return to Scotland. In the intervening decades, he has pursued his passion for creating striking pottery pieces, from plates, dishes and tiles to pots, vases and mugs. His hand-painted designs are distinctive and include olives and lemons, fish, cats, chameleon and storks. Each piece of pottery is designed to be functional. “My best customers are Portuguese, mostly from Lisbon and Porto, who are buying things for their own homes. They see I’m trying to do something related to Portuguese tradition but fresh and with a new twist.” All the work is fired to temperatures of up to 1100 degrees centigrade. Each item is fired twice – once before glazing/

painting and once after – with the firing/cooling down process taking a couple of days.

Throughout, Ian and his family have maintained the traditional vernacular of the pottery’s farmhouse premises and until recently, painstakingly limed its eye-catching blue and white façade (it is now painted). In fact, the thick stone walls, wide ledges, enormous chimney, terracotta brick floors and general layout of the original property lend themselves perfectly to its current use, with the shop at one end and the kilns/workshop at the other. “I think what I do is a good use for a characterful old building reaching the end of its life,” Ian reflects. “Nowadays, people like to come and visit, not just to see the pottery, but because this is an authentic old building with a bit of charm. It’s not suitable for family living, but as a workshop, it’s almost perfect … apart from a few holes in the roof.” Molly Fitzpatrick at the kiln It was here that Ian met and married his Irish wife. The couple have two daughters, Molly – a recent graduate and artist who works alongside Ian and is already testing her own creative ideas – and Martha, an engineering undergraduate. Over the years, Ian’s enthusiasm for ceramics has never waned. “I think the more you do something, the more interesting it becomes,” he reflects. “You add little things and refine things. Now I’m doing more tiles and more prints, so it keeps things interesting. It’s always a balance between producing work I believe has quality, and making a living. People are surprised that I’ve been here so long and a Scot is doing a traditional Portuguese craft.” Fortunately, with so many Portuguese customers, Olaria Pequena has not been too adversely affected by the pandemic. Olaria pequena is Portuguese for ‘little pottery’.

 www.olariapequena.com  www.instagram.com/the.little.pottery

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Crime Fighters Vaughan Willmore looks at the work of the Polícia Judiciária, the national agency dedicated to fighting serious crime in Portugal.

Filipa Melo of the PJ’s communications team explained, “The PJ has approximately 150 employees at its service here in the Algarve, of which about 40 work for the Criminal Investigation Department”. Filipa said from her own experiences at the agency that, “The best thing about belonging to the PJ is having the opportunity to contribute to a fairer and safer society, and work with high-quality professionals”. In terms of high-profile cases, then for many British nationals, they don’t come any higher profile than the disappearance of Madeleine McCann.

“The PJ will do everything we can to make your stay in our country as safe as possible” – Filipa Melo, PJ.

The origins of the Polícia Judiciária (PJ) date back to the 19th century and the reign of ‘The Popular’ King Luís, but it was only in 1945 that it adopted the name Polícia Judiciária and took on a role most comparable to that of today, namely that of fighting serious crime. It is probably best known – to British nationals at least – for investigating the disappearance of Madeleine McCann and for the prosecution of Rui Pinto, the ‘Football Leaks’ whistle-blower. The PJ is the lead agency for investigating a vast array of serious crimes including:  First-degree murder, most typically where the murderer is unknown  Slavery, abduction, kidnapping and hostage-taking  Criminal gang activity  Serious drug trafficking  Misconduct and abuse of power by holders of political office. It has been led for the last two and half years by former inspector and now National Director, Luís Neves, and it is organised into several national units and four territorial units. Responsibility for the Algarve is held in the southern territory, based in Portimão.

It is nearly fourteen years since Madeleine’s disappearance. The investigation was initially led by the Portimão office before being escalated to the then Deputy National Director. It was an investigation for which the PJ received a good deal of criticism, particularly from certain quarters of the British press. Despite recent developments and the views of German investigators, the case remains on the PJ website as that of a missing person, with anyone having any information being asked to contact their Portimão office. As for Rui Pinto, depending on your point of view, he is either a well-intentioned whistle-blower committed to highlighting financial malpractice in the higher echelons of football, or a troublesome computer hacker intent on financial gain. Pinto, a Portuguese national, was extradited from Hungary late last year into the custody of the PJ and the prosecution against him is currently proceeding. In terms of messages to the British community, Filipa went on to say, “At the PJ we will do everything we can to make your stay in our country as safe as possible. The British community can help the agency by demonstrating knowledge and respect for Portuguese legal norms, as well as through collaboration with the PJ whenever needed”. More information on the work of the PJ, including how to report a suspected crime, is available at www.policiajudiciaria.pt Southern Territorial Office:  Rua Pé da Cruz, nº2, 8500-640 Portimão  +351 282 405 400,  dic.portimao@pj .pt

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On a Mission BY SOPHIE SADLER

When I was contacted by a missionary inviting me to meet and learn about his latest work in Africa, I was not sure what to expect. On walking into the coffee shop, I imagined either someone in monk’s robes or maybe wearing some Victorianstyled clothing. I just managed not to say, “Dr Livingstone I presume?” when I gave John a socially distanced greeting. John, of course, looked very normal, but his story is not!

and conferences and seminars in the churches. I was reminded this week of how we were able to rescue a family who was under the threat of death for their faith, who have now started a new life in another country.”

John's early life was nothing to note. Born in 1948, he spent 50 years working in the property and building industry in the UK up to 2014. After a very challenging time, he had what he describes as a “Damascus Road experience”, which brought him to Jesus and faith.

2020 was to have been Christ's Fire's most extensive campaign in Tanzania and Kenya with an international team of ten travelling to Africa; however, due to the pandemic, John was the only one who could make this trip, with others prevented from flying from their nations.

He tells me he had 'a calling' to come to Portugal. “This may sound all very Harry Potterish, but I just listen and hear instructions in my head.” At the end of 2014, he moved to the Algarve as a missionary, living in a motorhome for about 18 months. “I desired to reach out to the populace, and to help transform people’s lives through working in the community with the local church.” He started working with people living on the streets, talking to them and trying to help them. Since arriving in Portugal, John has married Pam, who is from Wales; between them, they have six children and seven grandchildren. He has been ordained as a pastor and missionary through a local church in Portugal, and international ministers. John is an itinerant minister without support from a church. His reasoning was that this allowed him to be able to establish relationships across the many denominations that exist within the church. In 2016, he was invited on a mission to Tanzania, working with a church leader who opened many doors to many denominations in that country. The mission to East Africa was successful, with many conferences and seminars where John taught heads of the church about leadership and understanding the Bible. John was also involved in many crusades where he often preached to hundreds of people, “These events caused me to create an organisation called Christ’s Fire International, which involves many leaders from a global community.” Since then, John has returned to East Africa every year and has now included Pakistan in his mission. “Pakistan is a challenging nation for preaching and teaching about Jesus, but there I was able to hold many crusades in the streets,

“This made the mission very hectic, with just me to carry out the training. I spoke to leaders and church congregations across multi denominations. The primary purpose was to bring a sense of unity to these diverse denominations, creating a legacy of biblical teaching that they should not rely on the west for its support, and to make clear the reason for the church, and its purpose. Sadly, the church generally has been invaded by false teaching, and some are trying to create a business making personal financial empires. This had to be exposed.” The journey through the pandemic was challenging, as John was determined to comply with every COVID-19 regulation which meant 36 hours of travelling with a mask through various flights and nations. Flying on from Tanzania was a challenge though, as John had to have evidence of being virus-free before getting a flight to Rwanda and again on to Nairobi. Temperature checks had become normal by now, and precautionary measures were becoming imperative, i.e. wearing masks and hand cleansing. “Kenya was amazing. It was my first time there. The people were extremely welcoming, and I visited many churches, working with many bishops and church leaders.” John took COVID-19 tests to ensure he would be allowed to travel back into Portugal after a successful trip. John is a man on a mission and with his faith and strength of purpose, I am confident that he will achieve great things.  www.christs-fire.org

Images, from top to bottom: Ministering to a sick boy many with Aids Training the next generation Working with children and adults brick kilns bonded slaves in Pakistan Socially distancing in Kisumu

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Things to do...

in Alvor

Alvor is still a working fishing village, with the Odiáxere river forming a natural marina. The front is full of colourful boats that bob in the water and clank in the breeze. The modern and extensive wooden boardwalk leads from the marina right round to the beautiful, long, sandy beach this area is famous for. The beach stretches for three-and-ahalf kilometres from Praia de Alvor at one end of the estuary, to Praia dos Três Irmãos at the far eastern end. The sand is soft and sweeping and perfect for walking along. The area is surrounded by sand dunes and the beach is wide, flat, and unspoilt. The perfect spot for a brisk walk in the fresh air. Why not make a home-made kite and take it down to the beach and see if it will fly?! The elevated boardwalk also takes you along the Ria de Alvor Nature Reserve, which is a peaceful place to enjoy the local wildlife, especially the estuary birds. The reserve is one of the best locations in the Algarve for bird-watching, with its combination of sand dunes, salt marshes, wetlands and mudflats. For a real feathered treat, the field study centre A Rocha operates bird ringing throughout the year and offers demonstrations every Thursday. The field station, also known as Cruzinha, has been open since 1987. Located at the Ria de Alvor, the site is dedicated to scientific research and nature conservation. Their ‘Open Thursday’ visits are free (donations are welcome) but because of COVID-19, places are limited and must be booked in advance via their website.

They also run bird-watching tours – if you subscribe to their newsletter you get a 50% discount on a tour. Alvor itself is a mix of traditional Algarvian houses, narrow streets and alleyways, with a busy selection of bars, cafés, and restaurants. It is a nice place just to wander the streets and enjoy the sights, and enjoy the aroma of sardines being grilled outside. Every Sunday morning, in the riverside area of Alvor, you can visit the local market. Enjoy perusing a wide range of regional products, vegetables and fresh fruit. The market runs from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

All images © Dave Sheldrake Photography.

Alvor’s square-shaped castle was built by the Moors over the ruins of an old commercial centre, and its foundations remained standing after the earthquake of 1755, testimony to the resilience of Moorish construction. It now has a free children’s play park inside its walls. The Igreja Matriz de Alvor is the main church in Alvor and is known for its Manueline architectural details. It was built in the 16th century, and its main attraction is the entrance door, which is decorated with scenes of war, religious symbols, and motifs alluding to the region's fishing heritage. The Church of Misericórdia de Alvor is one church that is worth stepping inside if only to see their famous stained-glass window. It depicts the ‘miracle of the transformation of bread into roses’ by Queen Santa Isabel, who is unsurprisingly the patron saint of the church. Born in 1271, Queen Isabel was married to King Dinis. He was alleged to have been unfaithful to her and also banned her from feeding the less fortunate of the town. She was determined to help them and had filled her apron with bread to distribute to the poor. The king found out and asked her where she was going and what she had in her lap, and the queen replied, “They are roses, my Lord!” She opened her apron to show him, and the bread had been transformed into roses. Queen Isabel went on to dedicate her life to the poor and established orphanages and a convent in Coimbra. Why not try to find out more about the history of this area – for example – which king of Portugal died right here in Alvor? Alyson Sheldrake is an artist and writer. She is the author of the best-selling books Living the Dream - in the Algarve, Portugal and Living the Quieter Algarve Dream which are available to purchase on Amazon.  www.arocha.pt/en/get-involved/visit-us/

Special Offers This month enjoy these exclusive discounts from local Alvor businesses. Mention Tomorrow magazine and receive: A 20% discount on all Magnesium Massages from Lesley at Karma Skincare based at the Sisters Hair Studio & Store in Alvor. Contact Lesley on karmaveganskin@gmail. com or +351 919 706 248 to book your treatment. Alvor Fitness with Marie offers readers one free class per person on any Thursday class during January. Find her on Facebook www. facebook.com/Alvor-Fitness-withMarie-2271808913044668/ or call Marie +351 934 393 232 A free bottle of house wine with an evening meal for two at Al Tapas restaurant and wine bar. Book via their FB page www.facebook.com/al.tapas. restaurant.wine.bar or contact Luís on luisbiicker@sapo.pt

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COMMUNITY

Transition:

2020 to 2021 BY JULIAN PUTLEY

Out with the Old – In with the New Tomorrow – it’s the name of this magazine, and it’s all about a new beginning. Everyone knows about the bleak days, weeks and months we’ve all been going through, so there is nothing more appropriate than a glimpse into a beckoning future of hope. Hey, 21 is a major milestone in anyone's life so, as the 21st century reaches its 21st year, this should give us all cause to celebrate. The Algarve is a dream destination; the temperature from April to November is T-shirt and shorts weather. Endless sunny days attract outdoor lovers, beachgoers and sun worshippers. If you can’t have a good time in the Algarve, you can’t have a good time anywhere. It’s been a tough year – it’s time to revitalise. There is nowhere better than Portugal’s Algarve. Access is easy, so tell your friends: bring yourself, your appetite, your thirst and your inquisitive mind. You will be satiated – guaranteed!

BY LENA STRANG

Singing the Janeiras At the start of January, you may well hear merry music reverberating through the streets of Portuguese towns. It’s the time of the Janeiras, an age-old Portuguese tradition. Groups of people stroll the streets, greeting their neighbours and wishing them a Happy New Year (Feliz Ano Novo) through song. It’s believed that the tradition of “singing the Janeiras” is related to pagan cults, taking place in the month of the Roman god, Janus. Janus was considered the god of doorways (entradas), a symbol linked to notions of entry, transitions, and knowledge of the past (o passado) and future (o futuro). What are the songs about? The lyrics review important events of the year with a spirit of happiness (alegria) and goodwill (boa vontade) and are frequently laced with humour. Instruments such as tambourines, triangles, guitars or accordions often accompany the songs. Traditionally, the singers challenged householders to listen to their verses in

exchange for some food or drink. This goes back to the times of severe food shortages. Singers would appeal to wealthy lords, often invoking their names, to bestow them with janeiras, such as chestnuts (as castanhas), sweets (doces), apples (as maças), chouriço, and wine (o vinho). If listeners didn’t reciprocate, some songs of mockery were sung especially for them! The new year is also celebrated with the Bolo Rei (King’s Cake), which is eaten on the 6th of January. It symbolises the Three Kings who followed the Star of Bethlehem on their way to greet the baby Jesus. For anyone who hasn't tried it yet, it’s a round cake with a large hole in the middle resembling a crown, covered with crystallised and dried fruit. Let’s see in the New Year with hope and good wishes for all! Votos de felizidade para todos! Now that you have a little vocabulary under your belt, keep learning European Portuguese at practiceportuguese.com/ get-started

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WHAT'S ON

What's on

January

Transcendence and Transformation - Hellyx Hellyx is the stage name of a German sailor and artist, who was born in Berlin, but fell in love with Portugal. A self-taught painter and photographer, she chose to live in the Algarve and you can enjoy her work in this exhibition.  When: 11 January to 12 February Where: EMARP - Empresa Municipal de Águas e Resíduos (Municipal Water and Waste Company)

January Sessions Live Tour, with Ana Bacalhau This January show aims to bring the theatre into your home. The concept is to enjoy an evening of music and relaxed conversation. Ana Bacalhau will sit on the sofa and bring some of her themes and stories to share with everyone who joins him on this special night.

Exhibition - The Life of Amália The life of the acclaimed Fado singer is celebrated in this exhibition in four modules, showing the different facets of Amália.

 When: 30 January, 9:30 pm Where: Lagos Cultural Center - Duval Pestana Auditorium

 When: Ending 10 January Where: Portimão Museum

Chamber Music Concert by the Classical Southern Orchestra  When: 21 January 21 7 pm Where: Lagos Cultural Center - Duval Pestana Auditorium Tickets: 6 € (The usual discounts apply, value still subject to confirmation)

Solidarity exhibition by Teia d’Impulsos Photographic Exhibition An exhibition of the award-winning works of the 20th Photographic Race of Portimão “special edition Covid-19”, billed as “the largest photographic marathon south of the Tagus”!  When: Ending 25 April Where: Portimão Museum

The exhibition showcases nine years of work from Teia D'Impulsos, much of which have been featured in Tomorrow magazine. You will learn about the various social projects that have created a significant impact at a local and regional level, among them Vela Solidária, the Solidarity Route, FICA, À bola para Ajudar and HOPE.  When: until 8 January Where: EMARP - Empresa Municipal de Águas e Resíduos (Municipal Water and Waste Company)

View more events at www.tomorrowalgarve.com/calendar 32

To promote your events, classes and activities for FREE on our online calendar, get in touch: for.tomorrow@hotmail.com Follow us on  tomorrowalgarve

Useful Numbers COUNTRY CODE: +351 INFO: EMERGENCY HOSPITAL RED CROSS FIRE SERVICE POLICE SERVICE (PSP) NATIONAL GUARD (GNR) TELECOM NAT. INFO CITY COUNCIL TOURIST OFFICE TOWN INFO TOURIST SUPPORT TAXI SERVICE BUS STATION TRAIN STATION CULTURAL CENTRE HEALTH CENTRE LUZ DOC (LUZ) PRIVATE HOSPITAL

WWW.CM-LAGOS.PT 112 282 770 100 282 760 611 282 770 790 282 780 240 282 770 010 118 282 780 900 282 763 031 282 764 111 808 781 212 282 460 610 282 762 944 282 762 987 282 770 450 282 780 000 282 780 700 282 790 700

APARTMENT | PRAIA DA LUZ | €325,000 | RSA100-532

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PHARMACIES/CHEMIST LACOBRENSE NEVES CHEMIST RIBEIRO LOPES TELLO CHEMIST SILVA CHEMIST ODIÁXERE CHEMIST

282 762 901 282 769 966 282 762 830 282 760 556 282 762 859 282 798 491

Balcony

TOWNHOUSE | MONTE LEMOS | €249,000 | RSA100-540

CONSULATES/EMBASSIES BRITISH FRANCE (FARO) GERMAN (LAGOS) NETHERLANDS (FARO) CANADA (FARO) SWEDISH (FARO) IRISH

282 490 750 281 380 660 282 799 668 213 914 900 289 803 757 213 942 260 213 308 200

TOMORROW USEFUL NUMBERS SALES (ALJEZUR TO LAGOS) SALES (PORTIMÃO TO SILVES) EDITORIAL MAGAZINE & AD DESIGN

919 918 733 913 320 509 912 176 588 916 606 226

Balcony

CHARITY

A Christmas Gift In the November edition, Lois Herrington appealed for people to help to brighten Christmas for young people at the children's home in Lagos. You were invited to fill a shoebox or bag for a child living in the home. The home is filled with love but does not have the government funding to give these children more than the basic needs they deserve. Aljezur International and Barlavento International Primary School, had also collected boxes of fun gifts to be shared amongst the children over the Christmas period. Tomorrow magazine went along to see the boxes handed over to the excited children and record the event. CAN YOU HELP? There are children's homes across the Algarve and they would love to be able to offer more extra-curricular and fun-filled activities which are for many of these children a challenge. These are children who are placed in shelter homes because they are in danger or because, they cannot remain in their family environment, for their personal and social development. Tiffany's Riding Centre in Lagos was one business that was able to go above and beyond the call of duty to give one of the children from CASLAS in Lagos, a dream come true. A 16-year-old girl, who has lived in the home since she was four as her mother couldn´t care for her, showed an interest in riding. Tiffany's has always donated lessons to kids living

there and it developed into a passion. Her dream was to go to the equestrian school in the Alentejo. Tiffany was so determined to make her dream come true they lent her a horse, Zoofila, and all her tack and equipment to attend the school. The girl still helps out at Tiffany’s on the weekends and spends her weeks boarding at the school.

Last month in the article Every Mile a Smile, we featured the organisation The Associação Criar Sorrisos who are trying to fill the funding void in the children's shelters across the Algarve. As well as raising money they are giving their time to help with painting walls, roof insulations, furniture repair, creating cosy environments, buying proper clothing, sports equipment or even glasses, which all make a big difference in the lives of these children. Currently, volunteers are helping the Casa de Acolhimento in Lagos renovate the boys' bedrooms and the dining room. A Gaivota in Albufeira contacted them to help to acquire reading glasses, clothing, birthday gifts, bicycles, the renovation of the outside area and creation of a herb garden. Proteção à Criança in Faro asked for computers and personal hygiene products. To help them finish these projects, all goods and donations are welcomed. If you think you can donate an activity for the home in Lagos which would benefit a child living there please contact: caslas.lar.jovens@gmail.com  www.facebook.com/Associação-Criar-Sorrisos  www.misericordiaalbufeira.com/casa-de- acolhimento-a-gaivota/

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ARTS AND LITERATURE

Book of the Month Life In Pieces, by Dawn O’Porter BY ANNIE O’DEA

Life in Pieces is a book for anyone who’s been thrown into a life they didn’t plan, or who just wants to stick it to 2020. When it looks like everything’s falling apart, we’ll piece it back together. was published in 2013 and was followed by Goose in 2014.

Published 1 October 2020, Dawn O'Porter's non-fiction journal is a “bold, brilliant and totally hilarious book about life in lockdown”. Television presenter, journalist and writer, Dawn O’Porter captures the essence of the new, bizarre and surreal world we now find ourselves in. Married to Irish actor Chris O’Dowd, Dawn O’Porter now lives in Los Angeles with Chris and their two sons, Art and Valentine. Although Dawn was born in Scotland in 1979, she was raised in Guernsey by her aunt and uncle, following the tragic loss of her mother from breast cancer when she was only seven years old. Life in Pieces is her seventh book, following the success of The Cows (2017) and Richard and Judy’s Book Club choice So Lucky (2019). Her first novel Paper Aeroplanes

Dawn O’Porter started out in TV production but soon found herself in front of the camera making documentaries, ranging from Polygamy, Free Love and Breast Cancer to the movie Dirty Dancing. Now, as a working mum, she runs Bob, her own vintage clothing company and spends the rest of her time writing novels and blogs, which is how Life in Pieces started. Calling it her ‘accidental memoir’, Dawn O’Porter says that being locked down made her think, “If we all don’t share our experiences while we’re locked away then we’ll go mad”. That is exactly what she does in this book, reflecting on serious

issues – grief and identity – to hilarious ones, i.e. bad hair and parenting, while drinking and eating too much. As she writes in her blog, “I am usually talking about books, dresses or food and I have a weakness for fried carbohydrates”. As Mark Watson reviews, “There's been a lot of well-meaning but mad advice on how to contend with the strangest period of human history any of us has ever lived through. Dawn O'Porter redresses the balance by telling it as it really has been: holding out for 5pm to crack open the tequila”. Dear 2020 – can we just start over? Love Dawn x

Performing Arts

BY ANNIE O’DEA

London Academy Of Music And Dramatic Arts

The beginning of 2021 brings the inevitable new year’s resolutions, which often involve giving something up – like alcohol or certain foods after the overindulgence of Christmas – or perhaps taking up something new. So why LAMDA? Are you interested in musical theatre or curious about mime? Do you love to act in a group or prefer performing solo, want to improve your public speaking skills or explore devising drama? Would you get excited about exploring the verse and prose of Shakespeare? Whatever your interest in the performing arts, there is a LAMDA course or qualification for you. LAMDA is open to anyone looking to gain confidence, skills and experience in speech, communication and performance, or for those simply looking for a new challenge this year. There are no age restrictions and LAMDA is international. LAMDA will feed your passion, expand your horizons

and help develop the skills and knowledge you need to be a confident communicator, vital in today's society. Skills include: reading easily with fluency and understanding; improving self-expression, body language, articulation and projection; memory and recall; delivering persuasive formal presentations; creating and defending arguments and working successfully, both independently and in a team. Learners state that the skills and confidence acquired from LAMDA has helped them when applying for universities and jobs. Specific LAMDA examinations even carry UCAS points which can make a real difference for higher education. “Speech is power, and we are judged by how we use it. LAMDA examinations empower us to make oral communication a vital life skill.” (LAMDA Examiner, Eleanor McLeod.) Annie is offering courses here in the Algarve contact:  annieodea@ymail.com

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

Let's Face it BY DONNA GROOM

Post-Christmas blues means dull lacklustre skin

Another Christmas has passed, albeit a slightly different one this year. Needless to say, we still managed to overdo it with turkey and mince pies, and getting drunk to the point a brewery would have been proud!

BENEFITS OF THE DERMAPLANE GOLD TREATMENT

All this overindulging has a negative effect on our skin. It becomes dull and dehydrated, and the skin cells are crying out for a boost! We can’t blame this on COVID either! This was our own doing!

 By removing the dead cells, the skin looks fresher and the appearance of fine lines caused by dehydration improves.

Make friends with your face again, give it the love and vitality it’s crying out for. Dermaplaning is a great way to give back the radiance and freshness our skin craves this time of year.

 Improves the skin’s surface texture immediately

 Removes the peach fuzz (non-terminal) hair leaving the skin smooth and allowing the easy and flawless application of makeup.  Instant radiance and glow after treatment.

WHAT IS DERMAPLANING? This treatment gently removes the top layer of skin, then light therapy is used to encourage lymphatic drainage and collagen production. The removal of the dead skin allows absorption of all the serums and massage products that follow, finishing up with a mask to soften, calm and plump the tissues of the skin. It’s the least we can do when we’ve battered our skin over the Christmas period!

Your skin will be thanking you for weeks after. HOW LONG IS THE TREATMENT? This Rolls Royce of treatments takes 75 minutes and costs 80€. For the month of January, Tomorrow readers can receive a 10% discount on this treatment when booking.

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Beyond Wellness BY HELEN DANIEL Eileen Lafer`s yoga therapy training has helped her integrate her lives as a yoga teacher and a scientist into one. She discovered yoga whilst recuperating from a serious cycling accident 20 years ago. "I was so impressed with the healing power of yoga that I decided to first train as a yoga teacher, and then go on to become a professional yoga therapist." Eileen was born in Massachusetts in the US and pursued a path in the world of academia, earning a PhD from Tufts University followed by postdoctoral training at MIT. She ran an NIH-funded research program for 35 years and has published more than 100 scientific papers, whilst teaching Neuroscience to PhD students and Nutrition and Metabolism to medical students utilising the award-winning Therapeutic Nutrition curriculum she developed. She is also a Kripalu Advanced Teacher of Therapeutic Yoga and registered with Yoga Alliance as an RYT500.

Eileen began teaching yoga to cancer patients, stroke survivors, and those in stressful jobs, including doctors and healthcare professionals at the University of Texas where she worked as a scientist and professor. She wrote a textbook chapter for medical students reviewing the evidence-based literature supporting yoga therapy. She believes that yoga is so beneficial because, "Yoga decreases the stress response and activates the relaxation response, which can prevent many chronic diseases by reducing inflammation in the body". In March of 2020, Eileen and her husband Rui retired from their academic careers in the US and returned to Rui's native Portugal. They live in a lovely home overlooking Amoreira beach in Aljezur. It`s here that she created Beyond Wellness Aljezur, in order to bring Therapeutic Yoga and Nutrition to Portugal in a beautiful seaside setting in harmony with nature. "The

practices that I offer are individualised for the needs of each client." Eileen would particularly like to encourage people to attend her classes who are older, stiff, or recovering from injuries. She also is very happy to welcome young and fit clients that appreciate slow, mindful, breath-centred practices. She offers group classes as well as private sessions. "Yoga has been truly transformative for me, and it is extremely satisfying to share these practices with my new community."  +351 915 496 798  BeyondWellnessAljezur@gmail.com  www.facebook.com/BeyondWellnessAljezur

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Therapeutic Yoga Breath centred movement and awareness practices Promotes mobility, strength, and resilience for any body

New Year’s Resolution offer: FIRST GROUP CLASS FREE Voucher Code: BWA 2021

For bookings contact Eileen M. Lafer, PhD, RYT500:  +351 915 496 798  beyondwellnessaljezur@gmail.com |  BeyondWellnessAljezur

RECONNECT WITH INSPIRATION RECIEVE INTUITIVE GUIDANCE AND CLARITY IN ANY MATTER VIRTUAL AND IN PERSON GIFT CARDS AVAILABLE AS A PRESENT TO A LOVED ONE CONNECT WITH ME: FORTUNA TAROT ALGARVE EMAIL: FORTUNA.ALGARVE@GMAIL.COM

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Midlife Weight Gain BY ANN DE JONGH

The vast majority of women will gain weight during menopause, predominantly around the belly and often without much change to diet, so it can be very frustrating. As our oestrogen levels drop, this affects the way our bodies cope with food, stress and other lifestyle factors. We need to be more aware of managing our cortisol and insulin levels, and make changes to our diet and our lifestyle to factor these in. When we have less oestrogen, we cannot deal with stress and we need a level of fat, as adipose tissue produces small amounts of oestrogen. We just need to find a balance: staying healthy and not being skinny or overweight. What we eat is a big part of managing our changing hormone levels. We need to focus on how we feel, to notice when we are actually hungry, to eat slower and more mindfully. As we age our leptin levels (which tell us when we are hungry) decline, so it is even more important post-menopausal to slow down when we eat. There is a lot of evidence to suggest that following a plant-based diet is a major benefit and can help reduce symptoms and minimise

the risks of osteoporosis, heart disease and Alzheimer’s, which can all be linked to lower oestrogen levels. Eating lots of vegetables and fruit helps to increase our nutritional intake and increase our gut diversity, reducing potential gut issues. As our gut changes, we might find it easier to digest plant-based proteins, fish and eggs rather than steak. We need to observe our body's reactions to food to ascertain what is right for us. We are all individual so there is no one size fits all diet, but there are key pointers that we all can follow to find what works for us. The Menopause Workshop on Saturday 9th January will focus on nutritional and exercise strategies which we can implement. Following on from this will be small group classes combining nutrition, exercise and yoga.  www.fit2lovelife.com

Kids's Kitchen ‘Let thy food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food', is a quote often ascribed to Hippocrates (400 BC), and used to emphasise the importance of nutrition to prevent or cure disease.

From a very young age, I took a huge interest in food and how it plays such a big role in our life. Both my parents are fantastic cooks which inspired my brother and I to work on our culinary skills. My fascination with food, and how it can affect our health, grew as I got older, so I decided to do a nutrition course. My dream, when I got back to Portugal, was to open a clinic to help people who were struggling with health issues and encourage healthy habits. I still have this dream but life got in the way and I had my two beautiful children. A hot topic amongst the mums was concern about their children's eating habits. This spurred me on to do a children's nutrition course online and spend time doing lots of creative cooking activities with my children to encourage them to try new foods. I enjoyed working with children so much that I started teaching nutrition in schools and I soon

BY ELLA HALEY

knew I had found my calling. In my classes, we share our cultural traditions around food and talk about the benefits of a healthy well-balanced diet. When we make our natural energy balls (see recipe on the right), I love watching how excited the children get and how a group environment really encourages them to try new things. With worried mothers, I usually ask them to think of what their children ate over the space of a week rather than just that one day and find that they relax somewhat thinking this through. Here are some behaviours to look out for that could indicate that your child needs to build up their immunity with a nutrient-rich diet: very short attention span; big mood swings; pale complexion and fatigue; hyperactivity; rashes and other skin disorders; recurring colds. If you are concerned, you could always book an appointment with a health practitioner for some health advice.

 bella.health@hotmail.com

Raw energy balls

In your high-powered blender add:  Handful of dates  Tablespoon of organic chocolate powder  Tablespoon of coconut oil  2 tablespoons of organic shredded coconut  2 tablespoons of almonds Blend together until all the ingredients are well mixed and then shape your energy balls in your hands like you would Play-doh. We dip them into the shredded coconut at the end to make them look like snowballs. You could use any ingredients your children like (as long as they are healthy).

CHARITY SHOP

WE COLLECT ALL TYPE OF DONATED GOODS TO HELP FAMILIES IN NEED If you would prefer to make a direct donation: Bank Name: Novo Banco Account Name: Associação Semente de Mostarda IBAN: PT50 0007 0000 0040 3431 0522 3 | SWIFT: BESCPTPL PayPal: soupkitchenlagos@gmail.com Opening Times: Monday to Friday 10h - 19h | Saturday 10h - 13h Rua Infante Sagres 105 Bloco 2 - 8600-743 Lagos +351 915 808 490

BUSINESS & TECHNOLOGY

Health & Healing

Walking along the heights of the pedestrian zone, where the air is ocean fresh and the unspoilt views of the coastal paradise of Praia da Rocha are truly astonishing, it is easy to understand why Oksana Belyak and Denys Perch chose this special location when they opened the doors to Denoks Health Centre last year.

Denys’ vast experience and qualifications assist those who are recovering from injury. He is also finding many people who have been limited during times of lockdown restrictions are greatly benefiting from his techniques, which assist in the maintenance of good physical condition and pain reduction and management.

With a passion for health, beauty and wellbeing, this dynamic couple invites you to browse their extensive treatment menu, including therapeutic osteopathy, sports massage, acupressure, cosmetic beauty and medical pedicure. They have trained and qualified in Germany at the Academy of Spa & Wellness and the ABC Cosmetic School in Hannover. They are offering the latest techniques and products available, and operate within the Portuguese government’s Clean & Safe measures.

Tom Maximilian, who suffered from a leg issue after spinal surgery, highly recommends the couple’s professional abilities and states, ’After three treatments with Denys, I have recovered about 90%. I can walk normally again, without any pain. It is fantastic what he can do with the body that nobody else could. I could easily recommend him to anyone". Oksana and Denys are licensed and are insured by Future Healthcare Medical Network, which collaborates with many national insurance companies. Depending on your health insurance policy, many of the treatments can be partially covered.

For anyone wishing to benefit from the anti-ageing treatments, Oksana advises that the winter months are the perfect time to begin a course. The milder UV light during the winter will not interfere with the deep level layers of the skin that will have been sensitised and for the treatment to be successful, a high level of sun protection is essential.

If your new year’s resolution for 2021 is to start a new beauty regime, then Denoks will give your health the attention it deserves.  +351 920 134 474

Apple macOS Big Sur Four New Features to Try BY STEVEN DUNWELL > Dock & Menu Bar. In the left pane, scroll down to the section for Other Modules. You can then select Accessibility Shortcuts, and check the box for Show in Control Centre.

measures to preserve your battery life. Make sure the option for Optimised Battery Charging is on. Click the button for Battery Health and be sure the option for Manage Battery Longevity is on.

Here are four highlights that you can try on macOS Big Sur:

VIEW NOTIFICATIONS AND WIDGETS Big Sur now displays notifications and widgets in the same section. Click the date and time on the Menu bar to view any notifications and see the default widgets, such as Date, Weather, World Clock and Screen Time. Click on a widget to open the corresponding application.

HEAR WHAT YOU TYPE If you have problems seeing the screen, you can now hear letters and words spoken aloud as you type them. To set this up, go to System Preferences > Accessibility. In the Spoken Content section, check the box for Speak Typing Feedback.

USE THE NEW CONTROL CENTRE The Control Centre now displays icons for commonly used features. On the top menu bar, click the Control Centre icon (it looks like two horizontal bars). Click on a control option to expand and use it. You can add more options to the Control Centre under System Preferences

CHECK YOUR MAC'S BATTERY Big Sur now offers more information and options about your battery. Click the battery icon on the Menu bar to see the percentage of charge left in it. Then select the option for Battery Preferences to determine when the display shuts off battery power, even better, you can take certain

If you would like some assistance upgrading your Apple Mac to Big Sur, please contact me. I’m always happy to help.

On 12 November 2020, Apple released an update to its computer operating system. Named after a section of dramatic coastline in California, macOS Big Sur brings a host of new features to your computer. It will work on most modern Mac computers; however you can check on the link below to ensure your computer is capable of running it: www.support.apple.com/en-us/HT211238

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FOOD & DRINK

A Lazy Girl's Guide to January BY THE LAZY TIGERS Happy New Year one and all. Well, isn't it nice to get Christmas over and done with and get back to the somewhat staid lifestyle to which we have all recently become accustomed? Traditionally, cookery and cuisine columns at this time of year advocate weight loss, clean eating, and the dreaded detox. Here at London Tiger Coffee, we will have none of that kind of defeatist attitude. We have a couple of incredibly easy puddings and a cocktail with (barely) a healthy ingredient in sight to kickstart your 2021. First, do you have any mincemeat, Christmas cake, or Christmas pudding taking up fridge space in a Tupperware container? Do you need to see the back of it for your own sanity? Try this fast dessert. It is so easy you can assemble it and eat it while you are in the kitchen pretending to make a cup of tea. Secondly, do you have an old man with a sweet tooth lying around your house, taking up space on the sofa? Do you need to pander to a jaded palate? Try this pudding with only three ingredients, which you might remember from school dinners. It is incredibly sweet, but can be served with fruit, cream, or nuts. It takes a little bit of cooling time but virtually no prep or cooking. Thirdly, if you absolutely must drink something healthy, how about the antioxidant power of pomegranates? They are also loaded with potassium and vitamin C. They are good for the hair and eyes and work wonders for your blood pressure. Fresh pomegranates are available all through the winter in Lagos and are still good in January. If you can't find fresh, there are lots of good juice brands in the shops. Fourthly, be good to yourself this January. Remember we all had a little bit of a battering last year, and none of us got out enough to be naughty over the holidays. Take it easy, and if you are out, come and see us at London Tiger Coffee in the Old Town.

Christmas ice cream sandwich To make one:  1 large scoop of ice cream (vanilla, chocolate, cherry, pistachio or what you will)  1 tbsp of mincemeat or anything leftover that has dried fruit and spice in it  2 plain biscuits of your choice (tea biscuits, Nice, digestives, or Abernethy for example) Mix together the ice cream and the dried fruit concoction, place between the two biscuits and serve.

Pomegranate Ginger Smash To make one:  50 ml of vodka (any old type will do)  50 ml of ginger beer  50 ml of pomegranate juice Throw it in a glass with lots of ice, drink down, and relish the toxins leaving your body.

Gypsy tart To make four to six portions:  320 grams dark brown sugar  1 X 400g can of evaporated milk (well chilled, best overnight)  1 x 25cm shortcrust pastry case (either buy this already baked or buy a round of pastry and pre-bake the case blind before preparing the filling) Place a flat baking tray in the oven to preheat it at 200C/Fan 180C/Gas 6. Beat together the sugar and the evaporated milk until it is glossy and thick. This should take about 12 to 15 minutes. The mixture should be a light coffee colour and hold a peak. Pour the mixture into the baking case and bake for about 12 to 15 minutes. The top of the tart should be set, but still a bit tacky. Allow the tart to cool. It is good in about an hour, but even better the next day. You can do fancy things like arranging nuts on top, or grate on lemon zest or serve with cream or crème fraiche, but we are too lazy, and it is great on its own.

FAMILY RUN BAR & GRILL IN THE HEART OF LUZ Open throughout January from 5pm - late Please call for reservations

Artisan Burgers & Cocktails

Every Friday

SUNDAY ROAST From 12 Best roast on the coast

Thank you to everyone who has supported us through challenging times. Happy New Year!

 (+351) 282 798 388   vaca.galo.lagos

FISH N CHIPS

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Tel: 282 762 799 | Mob: 916 909 494

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Linda THE BEACH BAR

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Fresh daily market sourced ﬁsh & vegetables Oysters - Clams - Seafood Weekend special menu Open 11am - 6pm every day  Meia Praia Lagos | Pre-booking recommended:  282 792 146 |  LindaTheBeachBar

FOOD & DRINK

Yum Yum Boys

Burger and Beer Yum Yum and chum decided on something different for an evening meal and took ourselves off to the Hamburgueria B&B. The reviews seemed good, so we went to see what all the fuss is about. Now burger joints can be tricky to review as, by nature, they are not given to fine dining; so, bearing that in mind, let me tell you a bit about this place. It is bright, spacious and nicely turned out. The décor is pleasing and the staff are attentive. Now to the food. We started with onion rings with garlic mayonnaise and calamari with a spicy mayonnaise. The standard was fair. They were tasty, done well, and just the right portion size considering the ample size of the burger to come. One of us plumped for the Vicentino burger which comes with fresh goat’s cheese, mustard and onion sauce. Yum Yum chum said it was

delicious. This dish comes with sweet potato fries, which was a nice change. Yum Yum wrapped his chops around the Empire State double burger. As you would expect, cheese, bacon (Portuguese) and pickles, plus the usual trimmings. The regular fries came with a dusting of pepper, which Yum Yum liked.

local. I’d say they served around a dozen covers, so it must be well known. We didn’t try the desserts as the burger was too huge. We were all yummed out for 30€ which included the tip, so we thought the food was fairly priced. The tables were cleaned and disinfected the moment they became vacant. Well done to them.

Both burgers were cooked well, slightly pink in the middle, so not cooked to within an inch of their lives like at some venues. The menu had a great selection, including chicken and veggie options, with a varied choice of starters and side dishes. One standout feature was the selection of craft beers, with lots to choose from. We didn’t participate as they are strong by nature and Yum was driving, but I thought it was clever to make this a selling point. (Hence the B&B in the title of the restaurant – Burger and Beer).

My thoughts are that the kids would love this place and it would be great if you fancied a fun family meal. I’d imagine it would be great with a crowd of people as well. I would definitely recommend trying it if you want to give yourself a burger treat.

The popularity of the venue was illustrated by the fact that most of the people in for lunch were

Sunday Roast by the Coast

BY TOM HENSHAW

I speak on behalf of two discerning diners and myself when I say you would have to go a long way to better the Barocca Bar & Grill's Sunday roast. Its reasonably priced Sunday menu and the kid's menu is a ‘familyfriendly’ delight.

There was a choice of four roasts that Sunday. Julie had the roast lamb, I had the roast pork and a friend had the Barocca ‘bad boys roast'. I have no idea how he managed to finish it off, but he certainly did!

We visited on a recent Sunday and truthfully thought it might be quiet in the midst of the pandemic, but instead, it was busy however tables were well spaced and safety was being fully observed with full DGS regulations; they even had a temperature check at the entrance.

The roast chicken, including all the extras, is 10€ and the most expensive single meat choice was 12€. All three meals were truthfully great and as I said earlier, you really would have to go a long way to better the food and the atmosphere. Well done the Wright family for maintaining such high standards!

It is a lovely airy restaurant with a genuine ‘buzzy’ atmosphere offering a really warm welcome. The helpful smiley staff does make such a difference to the experience.

 +351 282 762 799 / 916 909 434  www.facebook.com/barroca.restaurante

Please check the availability of the restaurant due to COVID-19 restrictions.

 +351 282 031 269  Rua dos Oceanos Edificio Foz da Marina Lote 4 Loja 5, Portimão 8500-823

LONDON TIGER COFFEE

Come in and see us for home baked cakes, snacks, soups, sandwiches, and seasonal treats; with the finest coffee, ground and brewed by expert baristas. We also have speciality lattes, ice cold frappes, milkshakes, smoothies, beers, wines, and cocktails.

FÁBRICA

FINE DINING & COCKTAIL BAR

Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options Come and join us this winter on the seafront in Praia da Luz. Daily lunch specials including dessert and drink for €10. Open throughout Jan and Feb closed Saturdays and Sunday's until March. Check out our social media for menu updates. A Fábrica

@afabricaluz

917 776 245

We are open 7 days a week from 9.30am to 8pm at 14 Rua Marreiros Neto in the historic centre. Open on Monday the 4th of January for 2021

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FOOD & DRINK

The Challenges of Port Wines BY GUIDO ANDRIES

Port wines come from the Douro region, where port production starts with the conception of good Douro wines to which wine alcohol (77%) is added during its fermentation process. Then a long ripening process begins, which is entirely dependent on the style of port one wants to make. Historically, port has always been very popular with the English. The old English aristocracy in their mansions, social clubs and palaces consumed a generous splash of the sweet and palate-satisfying fluid on every occasion! Up to 115 different grape varieties out of the 342 “official grapes” can be used to produce port wines. However. the most popular for red port are Touriga Franca 25%, Aragonez 15%, Touriga Nacional 11%, Tinta Barroca 8% and Trincadeira 4%. For white ports, the most prevalent is Siria 5%, followed by Rabigato 4%, Malvasia Fina 3%, Viosinho 2%, Gouveio 2% and Fernão Pires 1%. The Douro vineyard is about 42,000 hectares and the production of port wines is 108,000 hectolitres (although the Douro produces 250,000 hectolitres in total). Ports are a typical example of blended wines, made by the cellar master or the blending master. As the final taste of every port house will be different, the only advice I can give is taste, taste, taste!  If you like to read the full story about the Portuguese wines and ports, ask for your free copy of the ebook The Truth About Portuguese Wines by sending an email with your details to osflamengos@gmail.com

The different styles of port As usual, the Portuguese love to elaborate! For that reason, today we have to deal with about 20 different styles of ports. Let’s try to understand.

White Ports

Rose Ports

These are excellent as an aperitif or as a summer cocktail: white port + tonic water + a spring of mint + a few drops of lime + some ice cubes ...

Are a new addition and are intended to be drunk as an aperitif.

Red Ruby Red Tawny TAWNY is a blend of grapes aged in wooden barrels and exposed to gradual oxidation and evaporation so they mellow to a goldenbrown colour. Normally sweet or medium dry and typical as a dessert wine. TAWNIES WITH INDICATION OF AGE The age is nothing more than the estimated average age of all the wines with which this blend is composed. 10 YEARS The port remains brick-red in the middle of the glass but has developed an amber-coloured border. Wines can be from six to seven or 14-15 years old. 20 YEARS For connoisseurs, this is the pinnacle of tawny ports, nicely exposing the primary taste of the fruit with a hint of almonds and nuts aged on wood. The price range is between 30€ and 50€. 30 YEARS AND +40 YEARS are expensive! CRUSTED TAWNY has spent only three years in the barrel will find it ‘bottle matured’. It might have a lot of deposit in the bottle but it is cheap and is often called ‘the poor man’s vintage port’. It’s rare to come across crusted tawny in the supermarket!

RUBY is a blend of young wines coming from multiple vintages and is exceptionally light and cheap. LBV OR LATE BOTTLED VINTAGE is wine from a single year that will be bottled between four and six years after the vintage. Quinta do Noval is often said to be the ‘founder’ of this type of wine: in 1961, it was discovered that a delayed shipment being kept in the balseiros (boat) did not need to be filtered. Today you find in the market filtered, non-filtered and, since 2002, also envelhicido em garrafa (aged in the bottle). This is an outstanding port that costs normally between 11€ and 18€. All port houses have their own LBV. VINTAGE Everybody knows these black bottles with big white letters displaying the year of bottling. The older the vintage, the more expensive the port and – unfortunately – the more ‘deposit’ found in the bottom of the bottle. Sometimes, with vintage port, it can be difficult (and sometimes even impossible!) to remove the rotten cork! SINGLE QUINTA VINTAGE If 50% of the port houses declare they have had a super good harvest they may declare it’s been a ‘vintage year’. Even when this is not the case, an individual adega having an outstanding quality harvest may declare their own wine as a ‘single quinta vintage’ and one that’s cheaper than the ‘vintage’.

 Rua das Amoreiras 14, Carvoeiro

 +351 282 185 776 / 920 169 028

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Kiko’s Tasca wishes you a Happy & Healthy New Year. Wine, food and friends.

Reopening on 14 th January Open from 11am to 11pm. Closed on Tuesdays • Tel.: +351 282 046 037 • Email: one.destino@gmail.com Centro Naútico Sopromar - Estrada Sopromar (Meia-Praia) • LAGOS • GPS - N 37º 06.433' / W 08º 40.176' • f facebook.com/tascadokiko

PETS & WILDLIFE

Boxes Upate After four months of preparation and construction of nest boxes, the Local Bird Accommodation project is now flying!

At 3.30pm, on 26 November, the Associação Vita Nativa together with the Regional Director for Nature Conservation and Forests of the Algarve - ICNF, Eng. Castelão Rodrigues installed the first nest box of the project. In this symbolic ceremony, the body of Nature Watchers of the Ria Formosa Natural Park were also present. The nest box, destined to house hoopoes or spotless starlings, was installed in one of the pines located near the ICNF headquarters, in Quinta de Marim, in the middle of the Ria Formosa Natural Park. It is now expected to be occupied next spring by a breeding pair. During the coming months, more nest boxes will be installed in the gardens and public parks of the Algarve. In addition to this nest box model, five more designs are prepared, to suit the site/habitat where it is to be installed. One of the objectives of this project is to provide nesting sites for several cave species living in urban and suburban contexts. From small species of passerines, such as tits, to hoopoes and starlings, to small and medium-sized birds of prey, such as owls, barn owls and common kestrels.

The project aims to engender a greater interest and sensitivity to birds amongst the population, especially in urban areas. It hopes to educate people about how vital these birds are in creating a healthy ecosystem and controlling pests. João Tomás who is part of the project comments, “We want to raise the following question: why don't we let nature work for itself? We know it will be impossible to eradicate the use of pesticides, but we are sure that we can move towards reducing the amount used and thus making ecosystems healthier and more sustainable. Ultimately, we are talking about human health as pesticides can affect the whole food chain". They are hoping the cameras in the boxes will show the young feeding on these prey species. They will also be carrying out scientific studies that will try to prove how beneficial birds are to the environment. João Tomás (Associação Vita Nativa - Conservação do Ambiente)

 +351 936 436 948  alaves@vitanativa.org

Pets Mate Twenty one today, twenty one today! Well done readers, we´re 21 and legal to drink and drive (though not necessarily in that order).

Happy January and happy 21st. Last year can now be consigned to the anals of history. No, that´s not a typo, I know how to spell annals. It was such a crappy year in so many ways. Many of us lost friends or family and not only to ´the virus´. A lot of money was lost and Christmas was a scant version of itself, at least for most. Maybe some of us have abandoned the notion of New Year’s resolutions, rather being happy to just cross over the line. I think my only resolution (I had already started a diet) will be to stay sentient of how lucky I am and (for the most part) we are. Less stress about the inane rat-race worries that furrow my gracefully ageing brow. I feel lucky to have got through the annus horribilis that just passed.

I read somewhere that as of this year, we can use last year almost as a metaphor. An example, “Oh, that putt was a real 2020!” Always good to have more swear words in the lexicon! Especially if you live with young children! Regaining the theme of animals in the article, I thought I would draw an analogy from the dieting topic mentioned recently. Over the year, we have seen several cases of hepatic lipidosis in cats. This is a situation mainly seen in fat cats. If obese cats stop eating for a few days (for whatever reason, e.g. a broken tooth) then loads of fat gets broken down and transported to the liver for glucose creation (yes, that´s right: gluconeogenesis). When vast amounts of fatty acids are taken in, the liver cells swell and lose their ability to function. This causes death. This is bad news.

Cats will become jaundiced when they have this condition, as things deteriorate. With rapid veterinary intervention, this can be turned around, slowly. Treatment involves many days of hospitalisation with tube feeding, amongst other things. Be mindful of anorexic fat cats (a rare but deadly combination) because once they start down the path of ´negative energy balance´, some will not survive, even with these treatments. If this is something you notice in your chubby Garfield, then contact the vets straight away. Enough about fat cats, they were a bigger problem in 2008. If you have any other cat topics (or another, preferred, species) that you would like covered this year, ping us an email at info@ lagovet.com. For now, I shall leave you with good tidings for our shared year ahead. Much love to all!

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TRAVEL & OUTDOORS Mountain Bike Trail (Images courtesy of Chris Tate)

Available routes ROUTE 1 - Rota da Mata Nacional Distance: 10,5 kms / 6,5 mi Estimated duration: 1h to 2h

On Your Bike!

The Lagos Mountain Bike Centre enables bicycle enthusiasts to use a signposted 300 km network of nine off-road routes, with difficulties to suit all abilities. Cycling is a great all-round way to keep fit. I know many professional racing car drivers and motorbike racers who use bicycles as part of their daily fitness routine. It is also common to see enthusiasts cycling along the Algarve roads, particularly at weekends. However, this does have its hazards when encountering other road traffic. Since 2019, a dedicated network of off-road routes have been established by Lagos council in the forest of Barão de São João.

taking a phone or GPS as a backup,” he continued. “A gravel bike would be okay with the easier routes, but I would say definitely a mountain bike is preferable. The thing is, there are loads of routes, there are tracks everywhere and it’s a case of getting out there and exploring.”

Ed Dargan and Chris Tate, two of my friends, are keen cyclists and I asked them to explore some of the routes. “This is a true hidden gem. There are nine routes totalling 300 km of largely off-road tracks with some overlap of routes. The tracks themselves are mostly forest roads and are graded for difficulty. Only on one route did we find small sections challenging in terms of steepness. You can preview the routes, distance, gradients, profile on the council’s website (see info). Usefully, all the routes can be downloaded onto your GPS devices,” explained Chris. “All in all, a must-do if you like a bit of mountain biking and the scenery is stunning. The routes are very well-signposted, but it is worth

Some basic rules apply for your safety, such as the mandatory wearing of a helmet, taking notice of the signage and riding at moderate speed. Choose the appropriate trail for your physical and technical abilities, look out for others, don’t scare animals, carry enough nutrition and hydration, and, of course, take all your litter away.

“As Chris says, it’s fab scenery and a chance to get away from the crowds. You can cycle for miles and see nobody,” added Ed.

By Phil Egginton, who is a journalist and photographer and now lives in the Algarve.

 www.bit.ly/379Y2qC  www.youtu.be/AgHLFAU3g1I

ROUTE 2 - Rota do Menir da Pedra do Galo Distance: 18,6 kms / 11,5 mi Estimated duration: 1h30 to 2h30 ROUTE 3 - À volta de Barão de S. João Distance: 22,3 kms / 13,8 mi Estimated duration: 2h to 3h ROUTE 4 - Rota do Golf Distance: 29,1 kms / 18,0 mi Estimated duration: 2h30 to 3h30 ROUTE 5 - Rota da Vila da Luz Distance: 33,5 kms / 20,8 mi Estimated duration: 3h to 4h ROUTE 6 - Rota do Norte Distance: 43,5 kms / 27,0 mi Estimated duration: 3h to 4h ROUTE 7 - Rota das Praias Distance: 36,0 kms / 22,4 mi Estimated duration: 3h to 4h ROUTE 8 - Rota das Figuras “Arte Popular” Distance: 37,6 kms / 23,3 mi Estimated duration: 3h30 to 4h30 ROUTE 9 - Rota da Barragem da Bravura Distance: 65,6 kms / 40,7 mi Estimated duration: 4h to 5h

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TRAVEL & OUTDOORS

The Power of Nature After hearing about a local photography group keen to get their work in print, Tomorrow magazine, challenged them to create a fabulous feature to adorn our pages. In keeping with our Big Wave theme, the brief was The Power of Nature. Ligia Glover is the founder/creator of the Algarve Amateur Photography Group and also administrates the club along with Elle von Schuler and Paulo Silva. All their members are amateur photographers and either frequent visitors of the Algarve or residents, and therefore their love for the area is showcased in their photos. If you want to view more fabulous examples of their photography or join the group go to their facebook page. ď&#x152; www.facebook.com/groups/2671590573067407/

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

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

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