Tomorrow Algarve Magazine - October 2022 (Tablet & smartphone friendly version)

COMMUNITY MAGAZINE FOR THE

Editor's

Dear readers of Tomorrow magazine,

It goes without saying that September 2022 has been a sad and reflective month for many of us after the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Most of you reading this will never have known another monarch of the UK. Even if you are not British or a royalist, it feels like something has shifted. It is, without a doubt, the end of an era.

Historians will be left to decide how her death changes the world stage, but personally, I will never forget her Platinum Jubilee celebration at the ambassador's residence in Lisbon. It was such a celebratory occasion, made all the more special by the unexpected arrival of his excellency, the President of Portugal, who wanted to make a personal tribute to the monarch he admired so greatly. Details of how Portugal mourned her passing and memories of her visits to Portugal are featured in the following pages.

It is perhaps appropriate to Queen Elizabeth's memory that this month's edition contains so many charitable endeavours, including a report on the John Aldridge Golf Classic, which raised considerable funds for local good causes.

For the Queen, who adored animals, it is fitting that 4 October is also World Animal Day. We, therefore, have an extended animal and wildlife section this month.

To end on a positive note, we are delighted to announce that our November Glitter Ball completely sold out after being announced in the September edition. This will definitely be a night to look forward to, not least because it will raise funds for local animal and human charities!

Have a great month!

Sophie, Tom, Phil and the Tomorrow team.

What is 10,000 years old, incredibly strong, environmentally sustainable, can replenish the soil and reduce Co2 - but is much maligned and misunderstood? I’m talking about hemp. Now a Portuguese businessman is seeking to turn hemp into the good guy. All with the help of his Gran!

This is the kind of story you could see being made into a Netflix series, so it’s not surprising it was picked up by the biggest Portuguese news channel and went viral. I was fortunate enough to secure an interview with the CEO and founder of 8000kicks, Bernardo Duque Carreira, to find out more.

Bernardo speaks fluent English, having studied at Purdue University in Indiana before working in London as a PR manager for start-up telecoms. “I love the work culture in London. I miss it a lot.” However, he had a dream to start his own company and decided in 2017 that he needed some time out from city life.

He returned to his hometown near Fátima for the summer to hang out with friends and spend time with his family. After a few beers and joints with the lads, they were having one of those 5 am chats about nonsense when someone proposed the idea of creating a shoe that could be smoked. It was one of those discussions that generally gets left behind in a fuzz of intoxication, but Bernardo remembered he had seen wallets made from hemp. He got to wondering if you could make shoes out of it. He turned to a very unlikely source to develop his idea – his Gran Otília, who had 50 years of experience working in textiles. “She is 76, so obviously was not happy with the idea. I explained to her that hemp is a fabric and not a drug. After she saw the fabric, she became interested.” Bernardo started buying hemp from around the world, including Canada, the US, and Romania. He bought it from every supplier he could find, having it delivered to his grandmother’s house, where they did experiments, analysing

the fabric. Bernardo employed a designer to create a shoe design. Next, they started working with factories until they found a good partner in the north of Portugal and started making products. This process was nothing new for Otília. She started working with textiles after her father bought her a sewing machine as she couldn’t afford to buy dresses. During the dictatorship, life was so tough in Portugal that when she was a child, she and her siblings would collect leaves to make soup. When she was 18, she walked for two days to reach an industrial town where she later got work in a stitching factory. She continued to make her own clothes and for friends who admired her creations. Years later, she was promoted and worked from home. Bernardo recalls, “Factories would deliver her work. I remember an old man coming with sacks of clothing patterns and she would spend days assembling them with two other women in her house.” Bernardo uses the industrial variety of the Cannabis plant for his shoes, not the flowers or the leaves - it is not a drug. This variety is optimised to grow in height and fibres are extracted from the trunks; the bigger it is, the stronger it is. “The

greatest thing about hemp is it can grow up to 4m tall,” Bernardo tells me. Cotton has very short fibres as it comes from a smaller bulb. So hemp gives you long fibres, which will last longer. It is the strongest natural fibre available.” With the help of his grandmother, Bernardo manipulated the hemp to make it stronger. He didn’t apply for start-up grants as he knew the process would be slow. “I decided to go the American way and just go for it! I did a crowdfunding campaign to launch the business from samples and created a page on Kickstarter, so people bought the shoes before we produced them.” From this, he raised 250,000€ to start the business. He is only now applying for grants to expand.

Although Bernardo is to be congratulated on his ingenuity, hemp is not a new concept. It is 10,000 years old. In fact, you could say that Bernardo is quite literally reinventing the wheel. “We are returning to how our ancestors worked with hemp, which has led to our good quality products. In my region, hemp was a big industry before cotton. Portuguese and British ship sails and ropes were made from hemp. All their clothing

would have been made with hemp. A big museum of hemp near Tomar bears evidence of this. You can see all the old machines.” Bernardo's key to success is going back in time and attempting to recreate the past, but with modern machines. He is also working with other producers to improve the quality of the fabric. He and Otília visit factories together and while he is the business brains, he gives his grandmother total credit for being his quality control.

“When we were starting out, we had problems with glue at a factory. My grandmother was analysing the shoe and was unhappy with the quality and she saw that the factory was cheating me. I did not have the technical jargon to confront the manager, so my grandmother stormed past the reception, went all the way up the stairs to the head manager‘s office and made him come down to the factory floor with her to explain why the glue was not good. She was lecturing him on how to make shoes. The entire factory stopped and was watching. She didn’t care. She just goes for it.”

While Bernardo and Otília are just discovering hemp, it is known that man has used hemp since 8000 years BC. This, indeed, is why Bernardo named his company 8000kicks. Bernardo sources most of his hemp from China, which is the number one producer in the world. Despite never legalising cannabis, they never banned hemp.

In comparison, hemp production was banned throughout the United States in 1937 with the passing of the Marijuana Tax Act. Ironically, during World War II, it was lifted briefly to allow for hemp fibre production to create ropes for the U.S. Hemp for Victory campaign. A black-and-white United States

government film made during World War II and released in 1942 explains the uses of hemp and encourages farmers to grow as much as possible. But after the war, hemp reverted to its de facto illegal status. In the early 1970s, Nixon formed the National Commission on Marijuana and Drug Abuse, which finished hemp for another 50 years. Ironic considering the American Constitution is written on hemp! If you were a cynic, you might also reflect that lobbying from the cotton industry could also have played a role.

In 2014, President Obama signed a version of the Farm Bill that established the Hemp Pilot Program, allowing research institutions to cultivate and study hemp. And in 2018, hemp was officially legalised. Banned in Portugal from 1974, the cultivation of hemp for industrial purposes is now lawful, and almost totally deregulated in this country, needing only a permit. This is good news for Bernardo and the planet. Cotton is one of the biggest pollution sources in the world,

requiring a lot of water, fertiliser, and pesticides, while it also produces Co² emissions. In contrast, hemp is a weed and doesn’t require much water. It actually cleans the soil of pollutants and for almost two decades, industrial hemp was grown in the environs of the abandoned Chornobyl nuclear power plant to help reduce soil toxicity. It is also used in crop rotation to rest the soil. It seems like a no-brainer that we should be turning to this miracle plant.

The only disadvantage is that it is more costly to turn into the fibre, making it more expensive. Although this also has its benefits. Bernardo uses factories in China, Portugal and Romania, but sends his agents to ensure good working conditions and that everything is under control. “We don’t work with cheap factories; they can’t cut corners with hemp. So only good factories want to work with us.”

I question Bernardo as to why we would use hemp in shoes. It turns out that the properties of hemp make them perfect for footwear. Hemp has antibacterial properties, thus reducing foot odour. It is also temperature regulating, durable,

waterproof and fireproof, which is why people are now using ‘hempcrete,’ building blocks made from hemp.

As the business grew, Bernardo travelled to the US and Asia and then the North of Portugal to explore new production sites. Eventually, he settled on opening his first warehouse in Fatima as it’s cheaper. From here, they distribute all over Europe. They suffered a major setback during COVID. But not to be kept down, the duo turned their attention to making masks, initially producing 6000 in hemp, with Bernardo cutting the fabric for his grandmother to sew. Once demand grew, the duo made over 6000 more.

“I think it is so important to include the older generation in my business ventures. They have so much wisdom, so it benefits me but also makes my grandmother feel valued. She often will come to the office and does quality inspections. Once she saw someone had posted on Facebook that the sizes were too small so she came to the factory to measure them to ensure I was getting it right!”

As well as their online store, the shoes are being stocked in Sapato Verde and Xairel in Lisbon. The dream is to have an

8000kicks store, and they are currently in negotiations for a commercial space in the capital.

They are not stopping with shoes. Their latest range of hemp backpacks claim to be the world’s first waterproof variety, meaning you can hemp yourself from head to toe!

The main market for Bernardo is in the US. Before Brexit, the UK placed the most orders and it is still the second biggest market, followed by Germany. With online purchases, shipping and returns are free. So if they are not the right size, they send a delivery company to pick them up from your house. Everyone Bernardo employs (three besides himself and Otília) speaks English. The shoes retail at 130€.

Otília and Bernardo have kickstarted an enduring business relationship and a successful enterprise that draws on the wisdom of the past. So, before you start off on the wrong foot, make big footprints by wearing shoes from the hemp plant that leave a small footprint on the planet!

 www.8000kicks.com

Did you know?

The cultivation of hemp began more than 10,000 years ago in the region that is modern-day Taiwan as one of the world’s first agricultural crops. The earliest known fabric made from hemp was woven somewhere between 8,000 and 7,000 B.C.E., found in present-day Iraq.

Marijuana and hemp are varieties of cannabis that developed due to selective breeding: Hemp for its fibre and marijuana for its narcotic components. While the two look and smell alike, they are chemically and structurally different.

PALMAS DOURADAS

WORDS Vaughan Willmore

How Maria João Gomes is maintaining an ancient tradition and providing her clients with beautiful bespoke products, sourced and created here in the Algarve.

One of the most wonderful aspects of living in Portugal is how the past never seems too far away. You can trek pathways unchanged for centuries and lose yourself exploring villages that have barely changed in decades. And thanks to people like Maria João Gomes, you can see tradespeople employing traditional working methods that make the most of local resources.

Maria João Gomes created her business, Palmas Douradas, in 2016. Based in São Brás de Alportel, it’s a business

© Matt & Lena Photography

dedicated to the braiding of palm leaves. She creates clothing, accessories, and household decorations that are as unique and eco-friendly as any products you’re likely to see anywhere in the world.

Maria explained, “I am proud to carry and respect all the tradition behind the Algarve palm business and share it with the world. All my works are produced from scratch. That is, I go to the mountains, collecting the leaves myself. After that, I deal with the whole process of drying and preparation. Only then can I start plaiting and form a piece.”

Maria loved her childhood spent here in the Algarve. As a

young girl, she would go walking in the mountains with her grandparents, listening to their tales and collecting fruit, firewood, and palm leaves. Maria told me, “They were happy months spent in the middle of the palms, hearing stories about my great-grandparents, who also worked with this raw material. Back then the palm industry was huge in the Algarve. I do not know how this knowledge came to be lost. It’s a precious asset. I like to think my work has come to value it.”

Maria has exhibited her goods in Lisbon, Paris, and elsewhere. She has held workshops at local schools to teach children how to weave, with the aim of preserving this beautiful way of working. Such is the circle of life; she is now teaching her own grandchildren about this beautiful tradition. As for the future of her business, she sees an opportunity to extend her range of household decorations in addition to clothing and accessories.

It is only through the work of Maria and others like her that we are able to maintain the connection with the past. Maria has a studio at the Museu do Traje (Costume Museum) in São Brás de Alportel, where you can see the range of items available and watch her at work.

 facebook.com/palmasdouradas www.instagram.com/palmasdouradas

REMEMBERING THE QUEEN

Portugal Unites with Britain in Grief

Both expats and Portuguese citizens mourned the death of Queen Elizabeth, who passed away at Balmoral on the 8th of September.

Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa was quick to post a message of condolence on the official website of the presidency. The Portuguese President expressed his “most heartfelt and sincere condolences.” He also praised her for her unwavering

WORDS Sophie Sadler

Visit to Portugal of Queen Elizabeth II, 1957 © Hemeroteca Municipal de Lisboa, published in Revista municipal N.º 72, 1º trimestre de 1957

President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa signing the Book of Condolence

dedication to public service.

He added that “the visits that Queen Elizabeth II made to our country in 1957 and 1985 will remain in the memory of each of us with unquestionable affection and appreciation. For me personally, I will not be able to forget the honour of meeting her when I travelled to London in 2016.”

On the 10th of September, His Excellency the President of the Republic went to the British Ambassador’s residence to sign their Book of Condolence on behalf of the Portuguese people. The British Ambassador Chris Sainty tweeted, “Thank you, Sir, for this beautiful gesture of affection and respect for Her Majesty.”

The Portuguese Government then approved a decree declaring national mourning for three days in honour of Queen Elizabeth II on the 18th, 19th and 20th of September.

The Portuguese President travelled to London for Her Majesty’s state funeral. He paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II at the Palace of Westminster in London, where her body lay in state. As he arrived at the balcony where parliamentary assistants escorted official representatives of foreign countries, the Portuguese President stepped down to the ground level to get closer and said his blessing as he passed

by the coffin, close to the public and the guards. The Head of State was accompanied by the Portuguese Ambassador in London, Nuno Brito, and the Head of State Protocol, Ambassador Clara Nunes dos Santos. The President then signed the official Book of Condolence at Lancaster House before attending a reception at Buckingham Palace. The reception was hosted by King Charles III for international leaders who had travelled to attend the funeral ceremonies with state honours on Monday.

The British Ambassador wrote in an article in Diarios de Noticias, “Since arriving in Portugal four years ago, I have been struck by the great affection that so many Portuguese felt for our Queen. She made two State visits to Portugal - in 1957 and in 1985. She told me about her fond memories of those visits and the many people she met here. I know that the sense of loss that all of us in the British Embassy feel is shared by many Portuguese people. We have been deeply touched by the many kind, thoughtful and moving messages we have received from people all over the country.”

Just four years after her coronation, Queen Elizabeth II made her first official visit to Portugal in February 1957. She disembarked from the Royal Yacht moored in the Tagus River. At the time, Portugal was a dictatorship. She was welcomed by António Oliveira Salazar.

The Portuguese state spared no expense in welcoming her, buying a Rolls Royce, especially for the occasion. Queen Elizabeth II was greeted with enormous enthusiasm by the Portuguese people. It was even reported that students of Coimbra University threw cloaks on the ground, ready for the Royal car to drive over.

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh stayed in the Queluz National Palace in Lisbon. A parade in their honour was given in the Praça do Comércio. They were entertained at a banquet at the Palácio Nacional de Ajudá and visited the Monasteries of Santa Maria, Alcobaça, Santa Maria da Vitória in Batalha, and Nazaré.

The young Queen Elizabeth attracted much international interest and’ LIFE’ magazine covered her visit extensively.

On her second visit, in March 1985, the Queen arrived aboard a royally outfitted British Airways jetliner and was later joined by her husband, Prince Philip, aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia. Her host was President António Ramalho Eanes, who welcomed the royal party outside Lisbon at the 16th-century Tower of Belem, and she was gifted a stallion in the courtyard of the Belém Palace.

The Queen wore Queen Alexandra’s Kokoshnik Tiara at the state banquet held in their honour and hosted by the

President. The Duke of Edinburgh was pictured attending a banquet given by the British Ambassador to Portugal at the Palace of Queluz in Lisbon, which was followed by a Gala Performance at the São Carlos National Theatre.

Receiving a rapturous welcome wherever she went, Queen Elizabeth II visited many of the sights of Lisbon, including the Estufa Fria, the National Assembly and the National Theatre. She was awarded the Medal of Honour of the City of Lisbon. The royal itinerary also included the Roman temple to Diana, while other events included a Tour of the Jerónimos Monastery. She then visited Évora by train before flying to Porto. She is also fondly remembered by ex-pupils of St Julian’s school, where she opened a new school building named in her honour by unveiling a plaque.

As Queen Elizabeth II enters eternal rest and the realms of history, she remains in the hearts of her British subjects and those around the world who encountered her.

You can read more about the Queen’s special relationship with Portugal in Vaughan Willmore’s article from 2021: tomorrowalgarve.com/community-news/a-right-royal-affair

DEALING WITH THE DEVIL:

Portugal’s little-known Witch Trials

We have all heard of the infamous Salem witch trials that took place between 1692 and 1693 in the province of Massachusetts, USA. But little is known about Portugal’s own witch trials that began some 132 years earlier.

The 16th century was a time when even Portugal couldn’t escape the witch trial saga that swept across Europe and America. Many were sent to their deaths. Contrary to the myths of so-called “witches” being burnt at the stake in Salem, here in Europe, death by burning was often used as a form of execution.

Even one of my ancestors was martyred by being burnt at the stake in c.1555. This punishment was for simply taking the role as a Protestant archdeacon during the English Reformation. What happened here in Portugal, however, should have been a warning to those in the New World.

WORDS Luka Alexander

Representation of the Autos de Fé of the Portuguese Inquisition in Terreiro do Paço, Lisbon Courtesy of www.wikipedia.org

The biggest trial in Portugal was the Lisbon witch trial of 1559, when five women were accused of witchcraft and sentenced to be burnt. During the trial, it was recorded that the accused had confessed to having intercourse with the Devil and claimed that it was more pleasurable than a relationship with mortal men. One of the offenders also confessed to killing up to 200 babies as part of a ritual. During the women’s imprisonment, it is said that the Devil had visited them and punished them in their cells for their confessions.

Confesion of two women accused of witchcraft in the 1559 trials. Courtesy of Biblioteca Nacional de Portugal www.bnportugal.gov.pt

After the five women were burnt at the stake, civil unrest began to spread, which resulted in Queen Catarina ordering a general inquiry into witchcraft in Portugal. The investigation resulted in the arrest of another 27 people who were suspected of sorcery. Of the 27 accused, only one was sentenced to death. The remainder of the offenders were sentenced to other punishments, such as prison, banishment, or whipping. However, it’s also believed that the investigation did result in another execution in Coimbra in 1560.

Whilst it was hoped that the witch trials in Lisbon would be the end of the persecution of sorcerers, the Portuguese

Inquisition between 1626 and 1744 saw the arrest of 818 people who were charged for practising sorcery. Though the Inquisition may have tortured many, both physically and mentally, only one was executed. He was a 45-year-old man by the name of Luís de la Penha - an occultist who became known as Portugal’s most infamous witch.

Born in Évora in 1581, Luís de la Penha specialised in fortunetelling and folk healing, making a name for himself through means of legerdemain. Little did he know that this move would eventually cost him his life.

Having thrived on much popularity for his sorcery, he eventually gave up his job as a craftsman to further pursue his magical abilities. It is said that after attempting to heal the sick and enchant the ladies through satanic rituals, he became a person of interest to the early Inquisition and was later arrested in 1619 on charges of suspicion of witchcraft. However, with Luís de la Penha’s quick thinking, he confessed to his sins in the presence of King Felipe III and Queen Margaret. After an auto-da-fé, he was pardoned on the condition that he would not re-offend.

After serving almost two years in prison and having his property confiscated, Luís de la Penha was a free man. But as they say, “old habits die hard.” He began practising his dealings with the Devil again. He continued to cash in on his

lucrative business until he was caught in March 1625. This was after helping a client to find a hidden treasure through the means of a satanic ritual and summoning a female demon. In accordance with the Inquisition’s procedures, his death sentence went into force. He was burnt at the stake one year after his arrest on the 29th November, 1626 in Évora.

One of his most famous prayers was the “Ensalmo do Asno” (the Donkey’s Ensalm), which was used to make others obey him. This prayer was a prime example of “Sympathetic Magic,” a concept found in what’s believed to be the ultimate sorcerer’s book, Livro de São Cipriano (The Book of St. Cyprian).

While Luís de la Penha was the only person to be executed for sorcery by the Portuguese Inquisition, he was one of the seven souls burnt at the stake for their involvement in witchcraft in Portugal.

Though Portugal’s witch trials may have been tame compared to other countries across Europe or America, they show that even Portugal couldn’t escape the witch trial frenzy that saw the execution of many during the 16th and 17th centuries. Ironically, Portugal subsequently became one of the first countries in the world to abolish capital punishment altogether. After a law was passed on the abolishment of capital punishment in 1867, the way was paved for the more proportionate justice system that we know today.

Did you know

An auto-da-fé was the ritual of public penance carried out between the 15th and 19th centuries. It included condemned heretics and apostates and was imposed by the Spanish, Portuguese, or Mexican Inquisition as punishment and enforced by civil authorities. Its most extreme form was death by burning (Wikipedia).

SALT PANS

A local treasure hidden in plain salt

WORDS Luis de Teves Costa

The Algarve combines old cultures and new trends in unique combinations. In recent years, the millennium-old tradition of salt extraction has also embraced a modern take. The updated ritual allows visitors to have an inside view of this industry. It also provides a unique day-out excursion. This has proven a success for all parts.

Flor-de-Sal

Salt marshes or ‘pans’ (in Portuguese Salinas, pronounced Salee-nash) are man-made pools that intake water from the sea and slowly transform it into precious salt. This ancient, open-

Visiting Salinas do Greha in Olhão

air alchemy process has remained virtually unchanged over thousands of years.

With its origins dating back to Phoenician and Roman times, the white rocky crystals were once so valuable that they were used as currency to buy slaves. Or to pay wages for soldiers and craftsmen. The word salary derives from the Latin word for salt: SAL.

In the not-to-distant past, traditional fishing fleets, markets and fish-canning industries demanded enormous quantities of salt. This was supplied by local salt producers in a symbiotic relationship. Geographically positioned close together, fishing ports, factories and Salinas had smart and functional logistics that worked as a well-oiled machine for many centuries.

With the introduction of freezing technologies and commercial fishing fleets, the demand for local salt was massively reduced. In many cases, this resulted in the abandoning of this old industry. Once widespread through the Algarvian coast, today you can find active salt producers in three predominant areas: Olhão, Tavira and Castro Marim. Although many of us have already seen these Salinas when walking around the Ria Formosa and Castro Marim, some of the producers are now exploring a new tourism concept. They offer an experience that is still unknown to many residents and

visitors, and not so widely advertised compared to other local tourist attractions. I have recently booked myself on a guided tour and dead sea experience at Salinas do Grelha in Olhão –and I strongly recommend the expedition.

The tours (in Portuguese or English) take approximately one hour around the Salina. The guide takes you through the history of the regional salt industry, the evaporation and extraction processes along with some interesting historical facts and curiosities. This visit allows you to get inside of the traditional salt pans, and you will also enjoy a taste of the prized “salt flower” or flor de sal, which is a unique type of crystallisation appreciated

Dead Sea PoolSalinas near Portimão

for its more subtle flavour.

As a traditional working place, especially during spring and summer, the salt extraction industry revolves around a natural process of containing seawater in different lagoons. It relies upon the mighty sun and wind to evaporate the water until the salt ratio in the water is around 200 grams per litre. At this stage, the water can be directed through cleverly simple canals to smaller pans. Here, the last evaporations take place and salt crystals start to form. Workers can then pile the rocky crystals in pyramids to dry for a few days. Once dried, the process is complete and the workers can harvest the precious mineral that is ready for consumption. Sea salt is used mainly in the food industry worldwide for its flavouring and preserving qualities.

The lagoons and pans contain a different concentration of minerals and algae. This results in a noticeable variety of colours, ranging from snow-white to glacier-blue, pinks and reds that at times present us with a true mosaic of rectangular tiles. Some larger salt pans could easily be mistaken for large ice rinks if it weren’t for the scorching heat so characteristic of sweltering Algarve summer days.

Surrounded by fresh air and seawater, most Salinas sit in quiet areas where you can enjoy some tranquillity even during the summer months. For nature lovers, this experience also offers great possibilities. Many water birds seem to enjoy the semi-natural pools, such as the exuberant and charismatic Flamingos.

Following the very interesting guided tour, you can also try the Dead Sea experience. Here you can swim and cool down in a lagoon with a salt concentration so high that it replicates the Dead Sea. One can simply lay in the water, floating and enjoying the serenity of the place (after you smother yourself in salty mud of course). Rich in minerals and other wonderful properties that enrich the skin, body and soul, these moments will certainly generate a laugh or two and some funny pictures.

Before you leave, the irresistible souvenir shop showcases the different locally produced salt in its many commercial variations should you wish to take a sample home.

Opening Times:

Dead Sea May until October 2022 every day 10 am - 6 pm Guided Tours all year, appointments via telephone or email

Salt Joke

“I had dinner last week with a renowned chess player in a restaurant with checkered tablecloths. It took him two hours to pass me the salt.”

REFLECTIONS ON

Home is Where the Heart is— or is it?

“You seem to have a big problem with male animals,” quipped my husband, a wry grin on his face. Yeah, I thought. Male humans too.

It was two days after our return from a six week trip ‘home home,’ and life on the farm had started off at its usual pace. Non-stop. The two male ducks had nearly killed one of my females. One of my chickens was losing her feathers. The roosters were on the prowl. They absolutely refused to stay put in the lower garden, choosing instead to strut their stuff on the tiled terrace as close to the house as possible. On top of that, my ageing male dog had decided that after a six-week absence, he simply must

WORDS Meredith Price Levitt PHOTOGRAPHY Reuven Levitt

mark his territory again. Inside. On my rugs. In the middle of the night.

After one flight cancellation due to weather, a seven-hour phone call with American Airlines to re-route through Madrid (instead of directly to Lisbon) FOUR days later and a nearly missed flight to Philadelphia due to gate agent incompetence (they insisted we show negative COVID-19 tests for transit through Madrid even though this was not required). The trip home had been one of the most nightmarish in history. As we were on our way to the airport the first time, packed to the gills with eight big suitcases, four carry-on bags, two kids and a temperamental dog, American Airlines sent an email to announce that we would not be boarding our scheduled flight. It wasn’t their fault. It was due to weather (another way for the airlines to take zero responsibility for any expenses and hassles incurred by travellers). Nice of them to let us know. It was the beginning of a long journey.

After spending almost six relaxing weeks in my ‘home home’ of Georgia on a small island called Jekyll, I was not prepared for the lightspeed jump into ‘hectic’. I’d gotten used to lazy days at the beach, where the warm, muddy waters of the Atlantic coast meet the grassy, shrimp-filled marshlands. As the famous idiom goes, ‘home is where the heart is.’ But as I sat on an aeroplane bound for Europe, after what seemed like

a series of endless and unforeseen travel glitches, I felt like I was leaving my heart to go home.

Backwards, I know. So what is home? Is it where food is truly comforting, where you’re pleased as punch to be chowing on buckets of wild Georgia fried shrimp and cheddar cheese grits? Is it the place where you understand the deep, slow twangy drawl of the local country folk? Does it have something to do with the smell of the marsh – that specific blend of sulphur and salt and wet earth? Is it about the familiar, indescribable beauty of majestic oak trees that have witnessed centuries of history? Is it about knowing that the delicate Spanish moss hanging from their branches like silk is actually infested with tiny red bugs that will light your skin on fire?

Or is home about the people you love most in the world and where they reside? This, I find, is where it gets sticky. My parents, my grandmother and most of my extended family are in the United States, but I also have family in Israel. Many of my oldest and dearest friends are in Georgia, but I’ve actually got people I love all over the place – from Amsterdam to New Zealand. I don’t have the answer to what makes a place a home. It is probably possible to feel entirely at home in more than one place too. But my trip to the place where I spent much of my

childhood crabbing with my grandfather or searching for sand dollars with my grandmother did emphasise how not at home I feel in my current home.

On the plane back to Portugal, I contemplated the concept of home. Already missing my parents and the pungent smell of the black mud marshes, I couldn’t pinpoint any one specific element of ‘home’. It’s not the actual wildlife, although Jekyll Island is teeming with crabs and birds and alligators and dolphins and deer. It’s not the smells or the scenery or the familiar accent or the food. And if it is the people I love, then that means home is actually all over the world.

As we drove away from Lisbon Airport with eight checked bags, two kids, and a grumpy old canine nearly 24 hours later, I came to the conclusion that maybe Portugal is home and not home. Maybe it’s like a home away from home. Some things are loved and familiar – the white stone streets, the laid-back people, the crystal clear, frigid water of the Atlantic Ocean, the dramatic cliffs that tower above white sand beaches, and a house with some land and loads of animals. Mostly problematic male animals. Still. I never imagined myself as a farmer. But since my mother grew up on a farm and I spent most of my life hearing stories about horses, chickens and pigs, maybe it has all come full circle. Maybe home can actually be in two places at once. Maybe you

don’t have to know exactly what makes a place home, and maybe you don’t have to choose.

For now, I’ve given up on finding the right idiom. At the end of the day, maybe home just defies a single definition. Perhaps it is where your heart is. And perhaps your heart can actually be in two places at once.

Meredith Price Levitt is a freelance writer, an American expat who identifies as a hybrid. After 20 years in Tel Aviv, she moved to the Algarve in December of 2019. Just in time for a global pandemic. You can contact her at meredithmprice@gmail.com

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Olá Olhão

Part one - Republica 14

WORDS Bob Tidy

Just like the tides that wash the Algarve’s coastline, many waterfront towns have a history of highs and lows in fortune and prosperity. In the case of Olhão, these waves of transformations have been dramatic.

Republica 14 in the old days

Today the town of Olhão is experiencing a rising reputation as a tourism destination with its own share of quality accommodation and attractions. We will look at this in the second part of this article, but for now, the focus is on one of the town’s older buildings and how it relates to a period when Olhão was genuinely called a ‘boom town.’

The metaphor is perfect because it was the coastal waters that provided the opportunity to develop the town from a set of simple wooden fishing huts, with an abundance of sardines,

tuna and mackerel available to catch. Around the beginning of the 18th Century, it really was a case of “if we could put that in a can and sell it, we would make a fortune.”

At one point in the past, there were around fifty fish canning factories in Olhão alone, according to Sr Fernando Júdice, a charming man who I had the pleasure of interviewing. We met in the Republica 14 building on the main avenue of the town. Today, this building is used as a social centre, offering a range of activities with the aim of “providing a special place to feel at home and to develop meaningful projects” to quote Fernando. This includes art, yoga and many other activities, but the main attraction here has always been music, with Fernando being a musician of acclaim himself. Built in the early part of the 19th Century by the Conde D’alte, it became the home of the first high society recreativa of its kind in the whole of the Algarve. Quickly became known as the recreativa rica. The open space at the back of the © Bob Tidy

courtyard has a large screen for showing films and staging outdoor concerts. The same area is used for local markets and the atmosphere is very relaxed and nostalgic. A small café/restaurant has a steady stream of visitors, confirming its popularity. The reminders of days gone by are seen in the worn floor, wall tiles and traditional furniture. After walking through the main gallery and other smaller rooms, I was hit with a sense of joy that places like this still exist.

I asked myself why this happened here and not in the more established city of Faro. It turns out that due to the prosperity that the fish canning industry bought them, the local “Olhãonese” realised that they could govern themselves. Thus, they broke away from Faro. The town’s elite– bankers, judges and politicians alike– had their own private gentleman’s club. No doubt, this was a place to make their plans and business deals in private. Membership was carefully controlled with behind-closed-doors ballots, making it impossible for those who were seen as unworthy to be allowed in. This elitism went hand-in-hand with sexism by today’s standards. This was no place for women, who were only allowed to attend the fancy parties and balls. No, the women of the town had a meeting place of their own, down at the canning factories.

Referring to her childhood memories, Nídia Braz writes:

During the 20th century, fish canneries were present all

over Olhão, giving the town an immediately distinctive identity: the loud sound of the sirens calling women to work once the fish was landed (as it had to be processed upon arrival at the docks), the pungent smell from the fish-meal factory Safol which, mixed with low-tide odours from the salt marshes, poisoned the air on hot summer days, the chimneys emerging from the white-lime cubic houses, like tall, red-brick towers. Canneries were all the more important as they provided employment to armies of women whose life pace was actually dictated by the sound of the factory horn." *

Without a regular work schedule or a fixed salary, they would leave their household and children at the first sound of the sirens. They worked non-stop until the landed fish were all gutted, trimmed, cleaned and packed in cans. When the catch was good, they would work long hours and earn good money; when fish was scarce, there was no work and no income.

–MEMORIES OF SALT AND SEA: ANCHOVIES FROM SARDINES: NÍDIA BRAZ - UNIVERSITY OF ALGARVE

Like any other industry, the canneries needed local support. This gave an income for craftsmen and other ancillary businesses. Among them, the printers, metal workers, basket and net makers, all flourished. This explains part of the reason for the coastal salt pans and the cultivation of olive oil that was used in the preserving of the fish. Apart from being dirty, smelly, hard work with random and irregular hours, at least there was work.

Some may view this as slave labour and exploitation of women, and others as simply taking advantage of an opportunity. You can decide that one for yourselves. Whatever the verdict, it is good to see that the original concept of providing a place for social activity is still alive and all of us can visit the art gallery, do a Tai Chi class, enjoy a concert or simply drink a cup of coffee with friends.

* Memories of Salt and Sea: Anchovies from Sardines: Nídia Braz - University of Algarve,.

A FIREMAN'S TIRED EYES AND LEGS!

Tomorrow caught up with Rob Evans to find out more about his latest quest. A former fireman, Evans wants to use cycling to help increase awareness of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and raise money for firefighter charities.

On 28 October, Evans will embark on a charity cycle ride to continue his mission.

His goal is to educate more people about the harmful and lasting effects of PTSD experienced by firefighters and other emergency responders.

He aims to cycle 164 km, starting at 7 am in Vila Real de Santo António near the Spanish border and ending around 6.30 pm in Sagres on 28 October.

Rob has four riders joining him and hopefully, some local Bombeiros will also accompany the group. “I am incredibly proud to say one of the ex-UK firefighters riding with me is my

eldest son, Dan Evans, and the other is a London Fire Service member, Paul Weller, who regularly raises funds for the Firefighters Charity in the UK. I will also be joined, if not all or part way due to an injury, by Keith Thompson, who lives in the Algarve and regularly assists with Alerta and Ulisses Barros, one of the Healing Hands Cycling team.”

DoTERRA and their Healing Hands projects have offered to sponsor Rob's cause and have promised seven rider’s kits for the event. The riders will also have assistance from OneBike and G Ride in Portimão with Natural Joki Flow (physios) helping with any tired legs at the end!

The money raised will be donated to the UK Firefighters Charity and Alerta (the Bombeiros in the Algarve.) Rob is also delighted that doTERRA Healing Hands will match monies raised. Rob started the Fireman’s Tired Eyes project after suffering PTSD himself following a long career in the fire service. Rob says, “I am continuing to study so I can help myself and others recover. Collectively, it is easier to make things happen.” If you wish to donate, then you can visit the links below.  The Firefighters Charity wwww.justgiving.com/fundraising/robert-evans59 Alerta www.algarvefire.info Please ref: FTE CYCLE ALGARVE 22

MEET THE PRESIDENT

WORDS Sophie Sadler

Rute Silva made history as the first female president of the Vila do Bispo câmara. Sophie Sadler went to meet her to learn more about her and the municipality.

Rute Silva greets me warmly as I enter her office on the first floor of the câmara building in the centre of Vila do Bispo. She is friendly and approachable, but I immediately get the impression that she is a lady with a mission!

Sra Silva became president of the Vila do Bispo Municipal Council in May 2021. Previously, she was elected as Vice Mayor and Councillor of Vila do Bispo Town Council in the 2009, 2013 and 2017 local elections. She took up the position of president following the somewhat controversial resignation of her predecessor, Adelino Soares, who left to assume the duties of an executive member of the company Algar.

The new president had served for only a few months when she came up for re-election in September 2021. She secured victory for the socialist party with a narrow margin of 33 votes. The voting public likely penalised her for her predecessor’s failings. In an excerpt from her Declaration of Taking Office, made on 27 May 2021, she said, “..... I cannot fail to express my surprise and profound disappointment at the unreasonable manner in which his (Adelino Soares) departure took place, without any prior communication, nor any handover of responsibility (I mean documentation!) to his vice-president and councillors, a situation which I note as being of the utmost gravity.” When I asked her to expand on this, she chose not to comment further. I ask what it means to be the first woman president of the Vila do Bispo Council and how this will be reflected in her mandate. “I am personally proud to be a woman and a citizen. In practice, I don’t think that the fact that I’m a woman conditions my political and municipal performance. Quite the contrary! I am

sure that I am contributing, in a decisive way, to an effective change of paradigm in the way of being and doing politics in Vila do Bispo. In a mostly and traditionally male world, women can make a difference with their feminine distinction.”

Rute's mother was born in Sagres and her father was from Castelo Branco District. They started their family in Sagres and she was born in Portimão on the 7th of October, 1975. She grew up in Sagres, but attended her 2nd Cycle of schooling in a college in Vila Nova de Milfontes. She then attended a school in Portimão but finished her 12th grade in Lagos. She took her licentiate degree in Lisbon, graduating in Psychology in the area of Clinical Psychology and Counselling.

During her academic training, she worked as a technician

President Rute Silva meeting the Tomorrow team, Sophie Sadler and Tom Henshaw

After her election to the council in 2009, she was given responsibility for several departments, including Education, Health, Housing, Social Action, Employment, Culture, Natural and Cultural Heritage, Research, Environment, Tourism, Sports and Youth and Associations. This can all be viewed as admirable training for her role as Mayor of Vila do Bispo. One of her key objectives is now to make all municipal buildings accessible to people with reduced mobility.

She believes that politics is an extension of citizenship. “Generally, elected representatives are vested with civic responsibility, as the highest representatives of their communities. Mayors, in particular, are vested with exceptional power: the power to fulfil the aspirations of their

fellow citizens, the power to make things happen!”

She defines the socialist party as being a fit for her strong ideals “precisely because I identify with its current constituent values and principles, namely: freedom, equality, solidarity, diversity, initiative, innovation and progress. These are the coordinates with which I try to conduct my political mission through a strategic plan based on six essential pillars: People, housing, quality of life, competitiveness, environment and sustainability.” She is an advocate for democratic, and above all, responsible governance, always in the uncompromising defence of the interests of the municipality and its citizens.

Upon taking office, the president promised to “take on an increased responsibility in representing the women of our land and in defending the values of Equality, Parity and Humanity.” She has her work cut out for her in Vila do Bispo, which is a small, extreme, peripheral and apparently low population density borough. The 2021 census recorded 5717 residents, spread across 2555 households and 6006 dwellings, a mostly adult and ageing population spread across four parishes, two towns and nine villages.

A lack of housing for the local population is a key issue that needs to be addressed. Sra Silva’s council has already concluded the Local Housing Strategy of the Vila do Bispo Council, a document approved by the Municipal Assembly

and submitted to the IHRU - Institute of Housing and Urban Rehabilitation. It is an essential element in obtaining financing for the construction of new homes and the renovation of existing housing. Meanwhile, she tells me, “we are already carrying out improvement works in some municipal buildings, giving them new life, comfort and energy efficiency. We are also ready to move ahead with a new development in Barão de São Miguel, aimed at families who want to build their own homes. We provide land at controlled prices in order to help families build their homes. We want young people not to feel obliged to leave our municipality to find a home; we want them to stay and build their families here. We also want to fulfil the dream of many people who want to settle in this land of ours.”

As part of this ambitious plan, the council is aiming to create more housing in Senhora do Amparo in Vila do Bispo before the end of 2025. The first buildings to be built will be destined for Social Housing. Rute comments, “It is undeniable that prices, both for land and property, are highly inflated, especially in the Algarve, so measures must be taken urgently. The construction of accessible houses, the reinforcement of supported rents and the acquisition of new land for housing, are all essential. I aim to reduce the difficulties in accessing a stable home, promoting the settlement of the population by fulfilling their right to housing, with special attention to young people and entrepreneurs.”

Sra Silva is also looking to implement a quick response to the need for a new School Centre in Vila do Bispo: Her aim is to create more pre-school places along with 1st, 2nd and 3rd Cycles of Schooling, with a new municipal sports and multipurpose pavilion.

She believes the population of Vila do Bispo to be much higher than the census, which poses another challenge. The growing settlement of non-registered expats, the seasonal population of second-home owners and the floating population that results from tourism flows has been increasing significantly year after year, especially from March to October. This causes a strain on local services. Issues with water are a huge concern in this region, so Rute is aiming to conclude the

Vila do Bispo Municipality present at the Faro airport name ceremony in September Courtesy of www.facebook.com/municipioviladobispo

municipal water efficiency project, improve and upgrade the public water supply network and create sustainable strategies for responsible consumption and reuse of water. She is also looking to improve the quality of urban waste collection services and eco points, which overflow in the summer months. Promoting new recycling, composting and Circular Economy strategies and investment in energy efficiency are all high priorities.

She is also looking to improve some of the roads in the municipality which have seen a huge increase in traffic. Work is being done on the Estrada Nacional 268 in its urban section of Sagres, and work on the Municipal Road 268 (Vila do BispoAljezur) has been concluded.

Although she recognises that “tourism is the great engine of the local economy,” she points out that it causes a big problem because Central State financing for Local Authorities is calculated by the number of registered inhabitants in relation to the area of the territory. Given the number of visitors to her municipality, she thinks this equation is unfair. “In 2022, the State Budget transferred to Vila do Bispo Council €2,929,116, an amount that is practically exhausted in the expense of the salaries of the Council’s employees, therefore clearly insufficient for the growing needs of territory management.” Despite “traditional” industries, such as fishing, seafood,

agriculture and herding being on the decline, according to data from IEFP - Instituto de Emprego e Formação Profissional (Institute for Employment and Professional Training), in recent years, the municipality of Vila do Bispo has registered some of the lowest unemployment rates in Portugal. However, levels of qualifications are low, and the supply of jobs is greater than the demand, especially in the areas of catering, hotels and even in the municipality itself. Part of the problem is related to the lack of available housing. In this context, she argues “it is becoming increasingly urgent to create conditions for young people and families to remain in the area, also increasing its attractiveness and reception conditions for those who dream of settling here, improving the quality of life of the community as a whole, integrating and benefiting from its plurality, diversity, multiculturalism and entrepreneurship.”

Without a majority in the câmara, is the president finding it difficult to implement policies or are all political parties working together for the greater good? “I confess that it would be much easier to develop my political and social project with the collaboration of one or two more councillors from the list I proposed in the last elections, simply because we would have a larger team with a greater diversity of skills. Even so, I think my personality fits the conditions dictated by the electorate. Because I believe in the values of democracy and I am a woman of dialogue. I seek consensus and understanding in favour of this land and its people. My mandate has therefore

proceeded in a normal democratic manner and without major problems.”

With 95% of the Vila do Bispo territory in protected areas, mainly the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park, the mayor has been quoted as saying, “the future of Vila do Bispo is what nature gives us. We just have to use it in a sensible and sustainable way.”

Rute believes that the borough of Vila do Bispo appeals to visitors who want the enjoyment of Nature and Cultural Tourism products. “The very tourist who seeks out our territory is different from the typical “Algarvian tourist.” In Vila do Bispo, there are more travellers than tourists, people who tend to be more sensitive, informed, demanding and appreciative of the genuine values of the destinations they visit. If, on the one hand, tourism inevitably implies a destructive impact on our natural heritage, on the other hand, tourism can be utilised as a guarantor of the heritage itself. Since this is not a natural symbiotic relationship, heritage and tourism may coexist in harmonious mutual valorisation. The formula for balance should reside in sustainability.”

This mantra is clearly born out in the annual Sagres Birdwatching Festival, the organisation of which she has been involved with since its inception. Every year she wants this event to contribute towards infrastructure that can support

birdwatching or nature tourism. “We are working towards this with projects that can be applied for co-financing under the European Investment Funds and the Recovery and Resilience Plan. This will enhance the regular and repeated visit of birdwatchers, ornithologists, researchers, local community and school community, in a sustainable way and in a perspective of environmental awareness.”

Another one of her key initiatives is to open to the public the Municipal Museum of Vila do Bispo ‘O Celeiro da História’ - The Barn of History, which will showcase the borough’s “unique” local history and attract more out-of-season visitors.

Celeiro da História future Vila do Bispo museum 3Ds. Courtesy of www.spaceworkers.pt

With all of these ambitious goals, what would the president say is her greatest success so far? “Having been worthy of the trust placed in me. I will do everything I can to return that trust to the community with a sense of commitment, total dedication and hard work, always with the responsible mission of achieving more and better for the territory, its people and those who visit us. It is, therefore, an answer that will be given by time and by the community.”

Like everyone I have met from this stunning westerly pinnacle of Europe, Rute has a deep-rooted appreciation of the land and its beauty. She would like to be remembered “as someone who deserved the land where she was born and grew up and contributed to the sustainability of its resources and of its inestimable Natural and Cultural Heritage... towards a better and lasting future.”

With such worthy ambitions, I believe the future looks bright and sustainable with Rute Silva as president.

Did you know:

Situated in the extreme southwest corner of Portugal (and also continental Europe), the municipality of Vila do Bispo is located within the Barlavento Algarvio, the southwestern Algarve coast. Part of the Faro District, the municipality is bordered in the north by Aljezur and to the east by Lagos. Due to its geographical location, it is the only municipality in the country with a western and southern coastline. Vila do Bispo has only been a municipality for a recent period. Separated from the municipality of Lagos, since the reign of King Afonso VI (around 1640), when it included the parishes of Barão de S. Miguel, Bordeira, Budens, Carrapateira, Raposeira, Vila do Bispo and Sagres (which was later carved from the municipality in 1519 and functioned as its own municipality until 1834).

Dissolved in 1855, the region was reintegrated into Lagos. But, six years later, as a consequence of Liberal reforms, it was reincorporated in September 1861, with many of the same parishes, except Bordeira and Carrapateira (which were abolished in 1849, and integrated into the municipality of Aljezur in 1849). The municipality was, once again, abolished in August 1895 and re-established in January 1898.

Source Wikipedia

MEET THE LOCALS

Few would know that my visit to a small restaurant outside of Silves would uncover a family history filled with romance, enterprise and delicious biscuits! Graça

WORDS Henrica Vanderaa

The family-run self-service restaurante Pérola do Arade is located in Silves on the main road out toward Messines. I have stopped a few times and noted that the clientele includes locals and regulars.

On a recent visit, I spontaneously picked up a 250g bag of cookies, Pérolas de Limão, located at a tempting distance from

the cash register. The owner, Dona Graça, was truly a gracinha, as they say in Portuguese, or delightful. She volunteered the story behind the cookies. I was touched by the tale and agreed to stop by on a Saturday afternoon when the restaurant was quiet to chat and watch the family make a batch of their now famous Pérolas de Limão.

The story of how the family came to run the restaurant is straight out of a romance novel! A true love story: Adelino’s family visited Dona Graça’s while she was still in Madeira. They came back with a picture of the lovely Dona Graça. Adelino fell in love with her just from the picture and went to Madeira to meet her. They were married, and 45 years later are still together.

What a delightful family – Graça, her husband Adelino, their daughter Carla, and their granddaughter Rita – all work together. As a team, they create the simple but irresistible cookies made of nothing more than flour, margarine, eggs, sugar, a pinch of salt, lemon zest, and pure love. The recipe is based on one from Madeira, where Dona Graça originates.

As the story goes, when Rita was at the end of her 4th-grade year, the idea came about for her class to enjoy a weekend trip to celebrate their success. Unfortunately, some of the parents simply did not have the means to afford such an expense. Dona Graça, with her restaurant of over 15 years, came up with the

idea of making simple cookies to raise funds. Some parents donated flour or sugar; others helped sell cookies, as did the 4th graders, along with Dona Graça in the restaurant. When the idea was launched, they did not have a name for the cookies. It was a regular customer from Setubal who suggested Pérolas de Limão.

The sale of the cookies was a success and even had the support of the local priest, who ate at the restaurant every day. During Mother’s Day Mass, he announced the sale of cookies outside the church entrance after mass to help the cause. The Pérolas de Limão sold out and the demand for more kept the family busy.

In total, 900€ was raised. Rita and 19 other classmates were able to enjoy a trip to the Alentejo. Each student was also given money to buy an ice cream and a small souvenir.

This extraordinary tale exemplifies how a family bond can make a difference to the local community.



Facebook: @perola.arade

A HISTORY OF ALGARVE EXPATS

WORDS Marta Nogueira Immigrants and Expats in Lagos from 1897 to 1972 (Part 3)

What can a single book tell us about the immigrants and expats who chose to come to Lagos between 1897 and 1972?

The Livro de Registo de Bilhetes de Residência de Estrangeiros, held by the Arquivo Municipal de Lagos (City Archives), gives us names, nationalities, length of stay, filiations, ages, marital status, place of birth and occupations. The basic, but fundamental information within its pages

Michel Cocco and colleagues

provides a good starting point when trying to learn more about the history of immigration to Lagos. Most of the people featured have now passed away, but this book helps to remember them and breathe new life into their stories. This is the amazing world of the Archives. Once used as an essential tool by the Portuguese Administration, the book now has a unique historical value able to keep our heritage alive. Once again, we continue our exploration, now focusing on those people whose occupations fall into the category of doctor, physician or surgeon.

The first record of an expat registered as “médico” (doctor) is Michel Cocco. The book first mentions Michel Cocco in 1925 when he was 15 years old. He is mentioned again in 1932 when he was 22 years old, being that his occupation at that point was recorded as “estudante“ (student). In 1936, the records show that he was 25 years old and single. By this time, his

Michele Cocco with his mother Rosa, his father Paolo and his sister Lina

record shows his occupation as “médico” (doctor) and that he asked for licences until 1939. If you are familiar with the history of Lagos during the 20th century, you may have heard of the surname “Cocco.” This is an important name linked, not only with the canning industry business, started by Paolo Cocco, but also with projects, such as the building of the Cine Teatro Império at the Rua Cândido dos Reis, in Lagos.

In order to gather more information about Michel Cocco (Miguel Cocco, after his naturalisation), we found an interesting article on the website of the project Conservas de Portugal. We contacted them and they were extremely helpful in pulling together further information. Victor Moura Vicente, responsible for the project, contacted the Cocco family and received a reply from Paulo Miguel Cocco, who kindly provided a short biography of his father, as well as some unique photographs.

Michel Cocco was born on 10 June, 1910, in Marettimo Island, Sicily, Italy. He studied in the Algarve and then went to Lisbon to study Medicine. He completed his studies in 1932,

Michel Cocco

with Paediatrics being his specialty. He was a keen reader interested in international books and magazines that focused on medicine and this interest led to the realisation of how important penicillin was. In 1947, he travelled to the United States of America and contacted a pharmaceutical laboratory that produced penicillin. From there he arranged for the import of this product and returned to Lisbon to prepare to sell it on the national market. He then opened a pharmaceutical laboratory in Lisbon, the Instituto Lusofármaco, located in Rua do Quelhas. This laboratory began producing penicillin and other medicines and quickly developed a first-class reputation while standing in the national ranking. In the fifties, Michel Cocco started another pharmaceutical laboratory in Milan, Italy, which he attended regularly. Around 1963, he bought another laboratory in Lisbon, the Medicamenta and some years later another one, the Tecnifar. Michel Cocco (Miguel Cocco) died on 30 March 1977.

I found another record of a retired surgeon, George Frederick Grant Batchelor, recorded on 7 January 1969 (page 37 of the archive). He was 76 years old, married and originated from Dundee, in the UK. There is no record of his wife, Helen Elspeth Mackintosh Simpson, daughter of Colonel CH Simpson. Presumably, he came alone. The record shows that he resided in Colinas Verdes, in Lagos. George Batchelor was a general surgeon and member of the

Royal College of Physicians of London. During the Second World War, he was surgeon-in-charge at West London Hospital in the Emergency Medical Service from 3 September 1939, to 30 April 1942. He then joined the RAMC and served as Lieutenant-Colonel in Iraq, India, Ceylon, Belgium and Germany, until 20 May 1946. His titles/qualifications were MRCS 1925, FRCS 1926, MB ChB St Andrew's 1923 and LRCP 1925. His main hobbies were rugby, football, golf and target shooting. According to what we know about his life and taking into account the age at which he first requested a licence to come to Lagos, we can assume he came to enjoy his retirement. George Batchelor requested licences from 1969 until 1972. He left Portugal and died in 1984.

The archive provides names, but not photos. We were curious enough to research further and we were able to link his name to an image. The website National Portrait Gallery has two photographs of George Batchelor in which he’s dressed in a military uniform. Unfortunately, the cost to publish these photos was prohibitive, but if you are interested, they can be accessed on the website.

Another expat with the occupation of cirurgião (surgeon) was Max Saegesser. He requested a licence on 8 April 1971 when he was 69 years old, married, from Switzerland, Langenthal. There was no mention of any record for his wife, so, presumably, he also came alone. The location of his residence

recorded in the book is Casa das Amendoeiras, in Luz. Born on 16 February 1902, Max Saegesser was a surgeon and also a teacher at the University of Bern. He obtained his high school diploma in Bern, studied medicine in Geneva and Zurich and received his Doctorate in Basel in 1927. In 1935, he became a lecturer in surgery in Bern. By 1937, he was chief physician at the district hospital in Frutigen and in 1947 he became an associate professor in Bern, becoming a full professor in 1971.

He retired in 1973. The ‘Saegesser sign’, a clinical sign of an injury to the spleen, is named after Sagesser. Saegesser's textbook on special surgical therapy was published in eleven editions and has been translated into several languages. He didn’t stay long in Lagos and, unfortunately, died in Bern on 17 October 1975.

It’s fascinating how one single book can provide us with so many different life stories and there are still many more names recorded that deserve to be discovered.

M Saegesser's

WHICH ARE THE WITCHES?

WORDS Sílvia Carvalho d’Almeida

Tarot card reader Nadia Lopes has been linked to esotericism since 1604. Her great aunt was the "witch" of Arruda dos Vinhos. As we approach Halloween, I decided to ask this descendant of a genuine witch about witchcraft.

I discovered that a witch's credentials have little to do with what is frequently seen in Hollywood movies and cartoons for children. Nadia, who practices Clairvoyance, says, “I follow some of my great Aunt's methods, which were given to me as a gift in childhood.”

The Witch of Arruda is a well-known legend in Portugal, famous for her spells and witchcraft. However, rather than spending her time on broomsticks, this witch spent much of her time in the church. Actually, she would be better described as a healer. She used herbs and oils, prayers, and holy water to heal headaches, stomach pains, and other human sufferings. “In that time, at the beginning of the last century, there were no medications like today so people found relief for their discomforts with people like my great Aunt,” explains Nadia.

According to tradition, a witch descends from a generation of women of the same family. Their knowledge is inherited from the Comendadoras of the Order of Santiago, wives of the knights of the same Order. Stories claim that the village of Arruda was donated to the Order of Santiago by D. Afonso Henriques in 1172 in gratitude for helping him defeat the Moors with their supernatural powers.

In a letter dated 2nd November 1934, a Dr. Tito Bourbon e Noronha described the phenomenon of the Witch of Arruda to Dr José Leite de Vasconcelos. In his letter, Dr. Bourbon e Noronha acknowledges that he knew of a woman and her daughters who were practising healing. He says their practices were “lucrative” and that they possessed an “aura.”

Nadia does not know much about her famous ancestor, who died before she was born. Some stories, however, she heard from her grandmother as a child. The witch’s sister refused to speak much about her because she once saw her performing an exorcism and found it terrifying. Nadia's father was taught prayers and spells, as all the traditions and teachings were orally transmitted from one generation to another. One legend about the Witch of Arruda claims that a doctor from Setúbal once sought out her services. Not knowing how to treat his daughter for a strange illness, in desperation he turned to the Bruxa d'Arruda. The witch told him that she would

treat his daughter, but that he must leave the girl in her care for three days. The doctor, having no other solution, decided to entrust his daughter to the wise woman. For two days, the girl didn't eat or drink anything. On the third day, the witch placed a bowl of milk next to the young patient's bedside. Moments later, a snake came out of the girl's mouth and she was cured.”

The Witch of Arruda has also been a theme for the well-known Portuguese historian Hermano José Saraiva. He featured this legend in an episode entitled, “Arruda, Verdade e a Lenda.”

In this work, he explored the myth of the Witch of Arruda, a woman who was highly regarded in her community. In his research, Saraiva found reports that she could read someone’s destiny in water with olive oil.

Nadia believes that witches and sorcerers are “people who have knowledge and the power to change determined situations.” Magic can be either beneficial or detrimental so Nadia advises people to be careful. Also, she recommends being vigilant about what you ask for because sometimes the spell may not have the effect you wanted, especially if it is not destined and the entities are unwilling to cooperate.

She has no certainty of what happens after death, but she told me that since she was a child she has experienced, "paranormal phenomena, whether it is voices or whispers or tactile sensations.” She argues though, that in the world of

magic, there is no room for certainties. “I don't think there is a way to prove that this phenomenon exists for certain. What I am sure about is that there is something superior to us all.”

Often people believed to have special powers were ostracised by society and even punished with death. “Being different was always scary to other people,” observes Nadia. She tells me “the best witches and sorcerers are in the Vatican, where all the knowledge is being kept.” She is making a reference to the secret archives of the Vatican, which conspiracy theorists believe to contain ancient knowledge that has been orally transmitted for centuries. “One of the requirements to pass on this knowledge is to have the gift and a good heart.”

On the Arruda dos Vinhos city hall website, there is a reference to the legend, and there are still residents who claim the tale’s character was real. “Within the popular oral tradition that arises around the Bruxa da Arruda, many stories are told, some attribute its powers to the occult and witchcraft and to things like treatments for exorcism and the evil eye. Others refer to the domain of knowledge of herbs and medicinal plants. Based on the research carried out, it is possible to associate the five daughters of Ana Loira (Lérias) – the first Bruxa da Arruda, resident of Casal das Neves.” Nadia’s Aunt was one of these daughters, so if you are

The origins of Halloween are related to the Celts, who inhabited the area that is now Ireland, the United Kingdom and northern France. On 1 November, they celebrated their new year with the Samhain Festival. On that day, people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off ghosts. These traditions were lost with the occupation of the region by the Roman Empire. In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III designated 1 November as a time to honour all the saints. Soon, All Saints Day incorporated some of the traditions of Samhain.

Nowadays, and due in large part to the cultural influence of the United States of America, Halloween has acquired its current traditions of trick or treating and haunted houses. Nevertheless, it is in fact the product of many European traditions carried out by the various people who inhabited these territories across the centuries.

inclined to explore the supernatural, you can book an online consultation with Nadia who will act as your medium into another realm. tarotnadialopes.com

We care about being local...

Lindsey and Andrew initially bought a plot of thirteen hectares. As it had been dry farmed, there were a lot of almonds, carobs, olives and fig trees. Early on, they had a borehole dug and removed tons of rocks, some of which were used to construct the marina and breakwater at Vilamoura. They then planted up most of the land with citrus trees imported from the USA, along with avocados, which started the avocado business in the Algarve. PARADISE

WORDS Tamsin Varley

This amazing garden near Paderne is owned by Lindsey and Henley-Welch, have lived Portugal for over fifty years.

At the same time, they built a house. The garden landscaping began in 1973. They tackled a very small area around the house to restrict the red mud and summer dust from coming inside their home. Some grass was planted, a swimming pool was built, and sensibly, they kept the existing carob and olive trees, which give shade and added maturity to the garden. The very first plants were sourced from a nursery in Porto as there were no nurseries in the Algarve back then. Being green-fingered, Lindsey also grew seeds from the UK. In 1977, she managed to source some different plants from a nursery in Spain.

In the 1980s, their business evolved and they started their own nursery selling citrus trees and avocados to Portuguese farmers. Lindsey also grew ornamental trees, shrubs and climbers to sell to landscape gardeners and garden centres. A lot of these plants were grown from seeds sourced from South Africa and Australia, as Lindsey thought such plants would be well adapted for the Algarve climate.

The garden developed slowly over these years as they juggled running a business and bringing up a family. A lot of the plants were sourced from their own nursery. In 2000, they bought a bit more land that sloped down in front of the house and built a large fish pond at the bottom. The excavated soil was then used for the top of the garden, which was very rocky. As this area is a bit of a frost pocket, the more temperature-sensitive plants were planted at the top of the slope. This is Lindsey’s

favourite area of the garden as it is packed with a huge variety of plants of different shapes and sizes so that there is always something of interest, whatever the time of year. She is one of the few people I know who successfully manages to grow kangaroo paws (Anigozanthus), which are extremely tricky. Lindsey laughed when I asked about successes and failures. Having a large garden means she’s been able to grow a lot of trees, which she loves, including a special area dedicated to palms. Her favourite tree is the Sweetshade tree (Hymenosprorum flavum), which comes from Australia and was grown from seed. I’ve only ever seen this tree growing in Madeira prior to visiting her garden.

She admits to many failures and says you learn from experience. Foremost in her mind are the acid-loving Melaleucas and Leptospermum, which all died, but as she says, it’s an opportunity to try something else. Her gardening triumph, though, must be the biodiversity bubble she’s created. Such a wide variety of plants has brought in many species of birds, hordes of insects, and more unusual inhabitants such as hedgehogs.

Tamsin Varley is a member of Clube Dos Bons Jardins. This small, friendly multi-national garden club meets at different locations around the Algarve on the 2nd Tuesday every month except over the summer, with an optional lunch afterwards. Kangaroo paw on left

Sweetshade tree far right  algarvecbj@hotmail.com

WORDS Phil Harding PHOTOGRAPHY Fátima Vargas

This year was a record year with an amazing 29 teams attending the event. The proceedings started with welcome drinks at Estrela da Luz Pool Bar on Thursday 15 September, where everyone caught up over a few beers and a bite to eat.

The first day of golf was held at Espiche Golf Club. The format was Texas Scramble in teams of four. The winning team on the day was Pat McBride, Brian O Meara, Pauric Fitzsimmons and Loughlin Fitzsimmons from PMB Construction.

A BBQ buffet followed the golf with music from Jim Goldie and comedy from the one and only Stan Boardman. I'd like to give special thanks to Espiche Golf and all the staff for hosting an amazing day.

Following tradition, the second day was hosted at Boavista Golf, where the 29 teams competed for the title of John Aldridge Charity Classic 2022 winners. The format for the day was 4- ball better ball. The winning team was 'The Little Dog', with team players Ray Murphy, Andy Turner, Darren Hand and Joe Carr.

A huge thank you to Pat and Orla McBride from Pauline’s Restaurant, Ireland (paulinesrestaurant.ie) for sponsoring the prizes on the day.

A BBQ buffet followed the golf, then the prize presentation and comedy from special guest Gary Skyner who had everyone in stitches.

John Aldridge then compéred the auction, which consisted of various sporting memorabilia to finish a fun packed few days and another fantastic event.

Special thanks to Philip Pope and all the staff at Boavista Golf for hosting an incredible final day.

The event raised 15,000€ for local causes, which will be given out in the coming weeks. Charities

MADRUGADA EXPANDS Madrugada has taken over the Second Chance thrift shop located in Ferreiras, near Albufeira.

After many years of trading and supporting local charity, the energetic founder of Second Chance, Maggie Cook, has decided to take a well-earned rest. Madrugada was contacted to see if it would be interested in the retail space. Located at the large roundabout in the centre of Ferreiras, the shop presented an ideal opportunity to bring the Madrugada name a little further along the Algarve and to encourage support from the local community. In time, Madrugada hopes to offer its free-of-charge, ‘hospice-at-home’ care service in the area and to reach even more patients and their families who would welcome its help with palliative care.

John Hough, President of the Association, writes that there is a lot of excitement about the new store. “Madrugada is delighted that so many of the original volunteers from Second Chance have stayed on to continue their good work with us. We will rebrand the shop in the next few months as Encore 2 to reflect the change to a more focused brand, offering high-

quality second-hand clothing and accessories. A refresh of the store layout and appearance will add to the improvements and we hope to encourage even more eager customers through the door. Of course, none of this would be possible without the dedication of our volunteers whose friendly and familiar faces will continue to carry the torch and ensure that the new Encore 2 Boutique will go from strength to strength.”

He went on to say, “Madrugada is hugely reliant on volunteer support for our shops in Luz, Lagos, Lagoa and now, Ferreiras. Their dedication and enthusiasm keep things running smoothly, but we always need new pairs of hands to help out. Many people are unaware that volunteering just three hours a week can make a big difference to our retail effort. Volunteers do not need to be here year-round.

Many of our long-serving volunteers split their time between the Algarve and elsewhere throughout the year, but make a point of working with us when they return. If you have time on your hands and a willingness to get involved, drop by one of our shops and see for yourself how rewarding volunteering can be. Why not visit our stands at the forthcoming BLiP Exhibition at Portimão Arena on the 8th and 9th of October to chat about how you can get involved and learn about our worthy cause to benefit your local community.”  +351 282 761 375 www.madrugada-portugal.com

Karen Huxtable seated with Wendy Emrich keeping a watchful eye.

The first 4 ball before they tee off. Karen Huxtable (second from right, white cap) and a member of her team, Wendy Emrich (on the left with white cap.

Pink Ladies Day

Raising Funds for Breast Screening on Thursday 1 September, Silves Golf Course turned pink. On that sunny afternoon, 98 ladies descended on the course, in pink attire, to play a charity golf match to raise funds for the Algarve Oncology Association (AOA).

In keeping with the lady golfers’ pink outfits, the clubhouse and all 18 holes were bedecked in pink. A total of 44 prizes were donated by a host of benefactors too numerous to mention, but a special thank you must go to Pestana Golf Resorts for allowing the use of the course for the entire day and to their wonderful staff who looked after everyone throughout the event.

This is the 5th year of Pink Ladies Day and event organiser Karen Huxtable and her team of Wendy Emrich and Jill Edwards were thrilled to report that the event raised around 4,000€. In addition to this fantastic sum, the Serra De Monchique Club Captain, Mags Taylor, held a Captain’s Garden Fete on Sunday 21 August that raised 915€. The total of nearly 5,000€ will help fund the AOA mobile breast screening unit which travels throughout the Algarve in its endeavour to save ladies’ lives.

The Pink Ladies team want to give a heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated in making this a day to remember.

Appeal for Alice

Alice is only five-years-old but she is bravely battling a rare disease called Rett Syndrome. She needs support that is beyond what her mother can provide. Her mother, Salomé Santos, explains “Alice was desired and loved from the moment I knew she was coming. She was born healthy, strong, and perfect, until around 18 months when our life turned into a nightmare. Once a lively and energetic girl, with totally normal development for her age, Alice started changing overnight. She stopped talking, playing, using her hands, responding to stimuli, and started new behaviour patterns of constant yelling and twirling. I reached out for medical help then and Alice started being seen by a medical team in Algarve, where we live. Her regression continued at a fast and violent speed, but we didn’t have a diagnosis.”

In the meantime, the world was experiencing the first wave of the COVID19 pandemic, and the Portuguese healthcare system was backed up, and every diagnosis or information arriving

was indefinite and late. After several consultations with specialists from different areas (and always far from home) the nightmare started taking shape. Alice was diagnosed with Rett Syndrome.

Alice also went through a genetic test in 2021, to confirm the genetic mutation of the MECP2 gene responsible for Rett Syndrome. The results took one year to become available. Rett Syndrome is a terrible and rare genetic disorder that affects primarily females and is incurable. The type of medical support that Alice will need for the rest of her life is only possible through the private healthcare system, both for specialist doctors and therapies. In order for Alice to maintain the motor and social skills she still has, she will need weekly sessions of physiotherapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy, summing to a total of 1200€ per month. Other medical bills run around an additional 1000€ per month.

Salomé works full-time and is also Alice’s primary caretaker. Her parents help with housing and some of the logistics of taking care of Alice so she can work. She receives some financial support from the Portuguese government and some minimal financial support from Alice’s father. However, both combined don’t even cover one-third of Alice’s health bills.

“Asking for help is always hard, but Alice needs all the help and support to keep fighting. Alice doesn’t speak, but she

feels everything. She has the sweetest smile in the world, she is precious, and she deserves to have access to everything available to allow her to live the best life possible. Please help me help Alice.”

 For more information or to donate: gofund.me/90c020ca

A MORNING SMILE WITH CONSTANÇA

Constança was born on the 30th of April 2018 in Lagos. Despite all her difficulties, she loves to smile.

In November 2019, she was diagnosed with KAT6A, an extremely rare KAT6A gene mutation syndrome. In the world today there are only about 350 known cases. Constança needs intensive physiotherapy treatments twice a year at the CHS - Centro de Estimulação Intensiva. Eight weeks of treatment costs a total of 10.000€ but will help the little girl acquire more skills, such as walking, talking, communicating and being more independent. You can help support Constanças's next intensive treatment in

POETS CORNER

WORDS Dan Costinas An interview with an Englishman and his Nom de Plume Barry T Harris is a published poet living in the Algarve who writes under the pseudonym of Finbar Hanaghan (Finbar being the Irish translation of Barry!). Our literary mastermind, Dan Costinas, finds out more.

Q: Finbar. I have recently been moved by your poem 'I Wish I Could Fly'. How did two years of COVID lockdowns work for you as a writer? I’m not sure that two years of COVID lockdowns worked for me (in any guise) or indeed anyone. As it says in the bi-line of the poem; we were “Unnerved. In a never-ending lockdown, in a new reality”; this succinctly sums up the strained and strange situation humans were placed in. The sheer lack of genuine human contact and exchange was at first peculiar but soon became the disturbing norm. Isolation is disturbing. We (older) folk were constrained to shouting to and at one another outside, across fairways and fields, as we dutifully did our daily walking exercises.

Q.: Thank you, Finbar. Now, Mr Barry Thomas Harris: When did you decide to settle in Portugal, and why Algarve? Barry T. Harris: I don’t think that we did decide to settle in Portugal, in the sense that it was a long-term, pre-planned “road to Damascus” event. We’ve been visiting Portugal for some years and always enjoyed our stays. We bought a house in the Algarve as a holiday home in 2004 and started spending more time there. After one trip, while driving the hired car back to Faro airport, with blue sky above and warm sunshine surrounding us, we each asked the same rhetorical question: “Why are we going back?” So we stopped going back! We have seen quite a lot of Portugal over the years, but chose the Algarve due to the people, the climate, the relaxed lifestyle and the ocean. Not to mention, we (imports) are not alone.

Q.: By all accounts, it seems that you are going to become an author very soon, as your writings will be published: Yes, Finbar Hanaghan is already a published poet in Portugal. An English-language newspaper has carried two of my poems: 'Terms of Disengagement' in October 2021 and 'I Wish I Could Fly' in July 2022. Going forward, an anthology of poems and short stories will be published shortly by Austin Macauley Publishers from London.

Q.: Can you reveal to us the title of the upcoming book, and who will be the author mentioned on the cover: Finbar Hanaghan or Barry Harris?

As I Remember It! by Finbar Hanaghan. From original ideas by Barry Thomas Harris.

Q.: I have heard that you are an enthusiastic golf player. How else do you fill your free time?

I’m an enthusiast of many activities, both physical and cerebral. We live in a community within a golf course. I am yet to decide whether it is the lack of brain or brawn that is preventing me from becoming a reasonable golfer. Aside from golf, we are actively involved in an embryonic arts and literature group.

Q.: Is writing (in general) a natural talent or a skill one must learn?

A very good question indeed. I’m not at all sure. I sometimes feel that part of Finbar’s significant contribution is that he is able to release the words and thoughts from their usual received meaning and insert a certain spirituality or mystic dimension in their usage.

Q.: Do you have any advice for Finbar, your poetic alter ego? Yes, I often tell him: “Never listen to me.”

Q.: What is your message to the readers of Tomorrow

magazine?

It pays to stand up for any dissociative identity! There are wonderful advantages in deliberately splitting personalities: it allows shy people to become observers not only of what they would say but observers of the reaction of others. We get two serves in tennis but only one shot in golf.

What’s in a name?

(A poem and a riddle for little girls)

By Finbar Hanaghan

Sometime in the far distant future, you’ll stand tall and perfectly grand. There will come to you suitable suitors, to steal hearts and ask for your hand.

Be aware that this normal procedure is no more than a girl can expect. Reflect long, do not be too quick now, we all need the greatest respect. But whatever they offer to give you, they will want something back in exchange. So when Mr. Right calls upon you, he’ll propose a change in your name.

Quietly seek out your Mother’s permission, to accede to his primary claim. But it’s only the last part he’s changing, the real you remains just the same.

WORDS Alyson Sheldrake Dunn

Originally from London, Jessica Dunn relocated to the Algarve with her family over 30 years ago and paints full time in her studio, nestled in the hills of Boliqueime.

In the UK, Jessica grew up in a showbiz household, as the daughter of comedy actor Clive Dunn and actress Priscilla Morgan. Their bohemian London home was a hive of activity, where the front door was always open, and the walls were the Artist

covered in art from top to bottom.

“As a kid, I remember the fascination of seeing a ladder being pulled down from my father’s attic studio and people going up to have their portraits painted, including several members of the Dad's Army cast. He was a talented artist himself and really encouraged me when I chose to take that path.”

After studying her art foundation course in London, the family made the big move to Portugal. From then on, Jessica became a jobbing artist, taking all kinds of work from sign writing to murals, and portraits, and as she gradually developed her skills, using her basic training from art school, she began to find her own artistic voice.

“Throughout every stage of my development as an artist, the Algarve has had a huge influence on my art.” Jessica's early work portrayed the daily customs and traditions of the Algarve and its people; Portuguese scenes of fishermen mending their nets, and locals sitting in the street playing cards. Some years later, after starting a family, Jessica’s focus shifted. Her children became her muses and the Algarve coastline became the backdrop to her paintings, along with her swimming pool series, which she became best known for.

In recent years, she has focussed less on the figurative and more on the abstract, but she is still very much influenced by

her surroundings.

“Working mostly in oils, my paintings are a direct emotional response to the world around me, moving back and forth from landscape to abstraction, using the palette of the Algarve –Terracotta, yellow ochre, ultramarine and cerulean blues, soft greens and flashes of gold.”

For Jessica, it’s about the paint and the expressive marks created, intuitively layering on and scraping off, from dark to light, until a story begins to emerge, evolving gradually into something familiar, an imagined or remembered landscape, a sea, a sky, or just a feeling.

“I try to capture an impression, working across several canvases at a time, moving from one to the other with fluidity. Each painting leads me and can turn and change at any moment. I add areas of gold leaf to reflect light and further simplify the abstracted shapes of nature, whilst tonal subtleties and layered marks create an impression of distance

and depth and a focal point appears organically, drawing the eye in.” She aims for the visual experience to become an emotive one, giving the viewer an illusion of being immersed in nature, of walking into a painting and feeling lifted.

Jessica is also one of the members of the Quinta Art Collective, a group of artists who came together in 2020. Alongside Jessica, the members include Jane Rodenburg (fibre art), Toin Adams, (sculpture) Tracy Carson, (portraiture) and Andrea Bird (Mosaics). The collective was featured in the Channel 4 TV show A New Place in The Sun.

“We’re a group of like-minded women artists, living close to each other in Boliqueime, producing very diverse styles of art which contrast and complement each other; and best of all, we happen to be great friends. We formed our collective during the pandemic and have gone from strength to strength, holding exhibitions several times a year in different venues across the Algarve.”

Meanwhile, the Algarve continues to be her main inspiration. The beautiful landscapes, fabulous light, the sunshine, and a laid-back pace of life all contribute to the Algarve being the perfect place for this local artist to work.

Jessica has a private gallery in Boliqueime, the Dunn Studio, where she exhibits her original oil paintings, acrylics and limited-edition fine art prints. Visitors are welcome by appointment.

Currently, her work can be seen at Tavira d'Artes Gallery in Tavira, Quadro Picture Framers & Gallery in Almancil, and at the Dunn Studio in Boliqueime by appointment.

Jessica is looking forward to her forthcoming collaboration with The Sanctuary Gallery, Newnham, UK, with a collective exhibition in Nov 2022 and a two-person show in April 2023.

 www.jessicadunnart.com www.instagram.com/jessicadunnartist www.facebook.com/jessicadunnart info@jessicadunnart.com +351 962544650

ARTISTS IN FOCUS

To say that Portugal is a country of creative art is to put it mildly. Everywhere you go, masterpieces of creativity meet the eye. From the architecture of historic buildings, ceramic tile displays and wall frescos to murals, paintings, sculptures and more. So, it was a delightful experience to visit the Laboritório de Actividades Criativas (LAC), Laboratory of Creative Activities in Lagos, the birthplace of so much artistic ingenuity.

The centre is located in an old, disused jail in central Lagos and is very suited to its new purpose. Many of the old cells are now studios for the various art forms. The main communal area provides for interactions between artists and their creations. Director of the centre, Nuno Pereira, explained how it works, “We are a cultural association and we have developed three main pillars. First, the ‘Creation,’ our focus for local long-term

WORDS Julian Putley

Pedro Podre Cardoz

Ceramic Studio

and international short-term residences. They share ideas, techniques, methods and create artistic works for exhibiting to the public during specified dates. This brings us to the second objective and that is the ‘Programme’ to organise events like concerts, shows, conferences and exhibitions. The third and very important function is, ‘Education’ to share the importance of art by way of workshops – to schools and colleges. We invite groups of students to visit us here to use this space – we have close to 200 classes! And sometimes we send artists to various institutions to share their knowledge with students.”

Since 2011, under the heading of ‘Creation,’ we have invited artists from around the world to take part in special themed projects. This September/October the theme of the enterprise is urban art, ARTURb. It is a unique project in the Algarve involving some of the biggest names in the street art scene. This project includes a 15-day artistic residence at LAC, followed by a collective exhibition (24th September to 31st October). The old jail makes an ideal location. The resident artists are free to develop their work inside or outside the LAC space, which is available for any inspiration or artistic creation. The purpose of this residence is to create synergies between the artists in order to encourage and add value to the cultural tourism of Lagos.

The internationally recognised artists displaying works at this event are André Nada, Cardoz, Gat.Uno, Patricia Mariano and Pedro Podre. Be prepared for surreal works with your imagination finely tuned.

The exhibition is open from Monday to Friday, 10 am to 6 pm. Dates as above: 24th September to 31st October. (The artists will only be in attendance on the 24th of September). Admission is free.

 www.facebook.com/lac.lagos

THE ALGARVE AUTHORS

Don’t miss the opportunity to meet three local authors presenting and signing their books at the BLiP fair in Portimão on the 8th and 9th of October. Coming from very different backgrounds, it’s the Algarve they now call home, which is reflected in much of their work. Their wide-ranging stories are bound to captivate the imagination of readers.

Italian-born Peter Giacomini outlines his life experiences in The Cardboard Suitcase. How does a poor boy from a small town in northern Italy in the middle of the war manage to reach the highest echelons of the luxury restaurant business? His inspiring story reflects his courage, passion and perseverance and will take readers into the exciting world only a hotelier knows. However, he maintains that readers with weak hearts should not read the book! Tomorrow magazine’s writer, Lena Strang,

Lena Strang

Peter Cain

Peter Giacomini

will also present her work. Although born in Finland and having spent most of her professional life teaching English in the UK, she has settled in the Algarve, where she enjoys learning about life in the region. Over the years, she has spent much time listening to people in the towns and villages in the Algarve, telling their stories and unravelling histories behind abandoned houses and historical places. These have been collated into two books: Touching Lives: Remarkable People and Places in the Western Algarve and Crossing Cultures in the Western Algarve. The books, available in English and Portuguese, are veritable treasure troves of stories that capture the essence of the Algarve.

Peter Cain, originally from Derbyshire, England, arrived on his boat to the Algarve in 1999 and hasn’t looked back. Many will have heard him present Captain Peter’s Seawatch report for Kiss FM Algarve, which he did for 19 years. Multi-talented, he creates animations, produces designs for merchandise and helps authors publish their books in digital formats. He has also written many books, mainly for children, where he unleashes his inimitable wit. The authors will be happy to chat with visitors and sign books.

International

LITERACY DAY

WORDS Annie O’Dea Vale Verde International School in Burgau celebrated International Literacy Day on the 8th of September 2022.

Both primary and secondary children enjoyed reading, discussing and designing posters to promote the importance of literacy around the world. Their enthusiasm and love of books was clear.

International Literacy Day (ILD) began in 1967 as a UNESCO Global event and has taken place annually since then. ILD celebrations remind us all of the importance of literacy as a matter of dignity and human rights and its dual purpose is to advance literacy everywhere to create a more literate and sustainable society.

Sadly, literacy challenges still persist. Around 771 million illiterate people live around the world, primarily women, who lack basic reading and writing skills and are faced with increased vulnerability.

This year the theme of ILD was Transforming Literacy Learning Spaces. This arose from the recent pandemic where the world found itself in lockdown and schools were closed with online learning being the only option.

UNESCO says; “We want to build resilience and ensure quality, equitable and inclusive education for all so that everyone can enjoy a better future.”

What's on

For more events and activities check our online calendar:  www.tomorrowalgarve.com/calendar

If you have an event you would like to add to the calendar please get in touch:  events@tomorrowalgarve.com

Sagres Birdwatching Festival

The largest bird and nature-themed event in the country returns to Sagres for its 13th year. There will be over 230 activities for families and nature lovers. Among the highlights are activities such as the Megalithic Sunset, focused on cultural and archaeological heritage, the presentation on the diet of birds of prey, along with a lecture on fishing without bycatch, a workshop on identifying Sagres insects, and field trips focused on less common birds.

With activities all around Sagres peninsula, the Sagres Bird Watching & Nature Activities Festival invites participants to discover the SouthWest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park.

When: 1 to 5 October

Where: Sagres www.birdwatchingsagres.com/en www.facebook.com/birdwatchingfestivalofsagres www.instagram.com/sagresbirdwatchingfestival

Vila do Bispo Municipality: +351 282 630 600 / 910 547 861

Mediterranean Garden Fair

This event is focused on providing native plants, seeds, bulbs, herbs, succulents and fruit trees along with free advice on making sustainable gardens compatible with the Algarve's Mediterranean climate. This is now even more relevant as 45% of mainland Portugal is in "extreme drought.” All funds raised will go to support the work of MGAP/APEJECM. The event is supported by the Junta de Freguesia of Conceição and Estoi. This is an opportunity to buy the most appropriate plants for your garden and benefit from the advice and guidance of knowledgeable nursery owners.

Partners of the event – CONFEST Horse Association of Estoi, will provide a full catering service, with hot meals, refreshments and bar facilities available. There will also be some organic produce and products for sale and the MGAP stall offering new and second-hand specialist gardening books. Finally, there will be a space to recycle plant pots and organisers are asking everyone to try to reduce plastic waste by bringing their own bags and boxes if possible.



When: 29 & 30 October, 10 am - 4 pm

Where: Horse Fair, Monthly market site, Estoi. (Directions are available on the website and Facebook)

Entry: 1€ - Children Free www.facebook.com/MedGardenersPortugal www.mgaportugal.org

Emraizart

The Emraizart Festival is back for its 2nd event, which will take place in the magical woodland atmosphere that delighted children and adults last year. Aimed at children and young people, Emraizart is an artistic venture in contemporary circus and theatre, seeking to link

the sustainable development of cities with nature. It is organised by Teatro Experimental de Lagos with the support of Lagos municipality and the Algarve Regional Culture Board.

The weekdays will be reserved for school groups and the weekend for the general public. The school public will have the opportunity to participate in workshops in four different areas, including permaculture, circus, handicraft and music.

This year the programme includes "Solo de Dos" by Duo x Caso (Italy/Austria), a show of acrobatic circus, clown and gesture theatre with puppets; and "Sin Medidas" by the CorrequeteJano Company (Spain) a mixture of juggling, acrobatics, comedy and participative theatre. On Saturday, "A História do Circo" by Circo Vagamundo will also be presented, and on Sunday, "Catadupa", by Rita Rodrigues.

During all the days of the festival, the public will be transported to the enclosure by bus. Other vehicles are not allowed.



When: 17 to 23 October

Where: Cotifo, near Lagos

To read about last year's event, go to: tomorrowalgarve.com/community-news/dec-2021-if-yougo-down-to-the-woods/

The tickets for the 22nd and 23rd are on sale at: bol.pt/Comprar/Bilhetes/114086-emraizart_2aedicao-cotifo

www.teatroexperimentaldelagos.pt

Yoga Amidst the Vines



When: Saturday, October 8, 6pm - 8:30pm

Where: Monte do Lobo, Dona Niza Vineyards, Carvoeiro 20€ per person (incl. one glass of Dona Niza wine)

Whatsapp/tel +351 926 828 497 (Henrica) www.henricayogaalgarve.com

Whatsapp/tel +351 911 510 641 (Andrea) www.ishani-yoga.com

An evening of yoga under the full moon exploring moon salutations with live harmonium music by Cyoahka Grace.

Lama Dorje

We featured Lama Dorje in the September edition, but there was a misprint with the date. The retreat focusing on an intellectual exploration of the mind is taking place in October. This will include breathwork, walking meditation and self reflection from the meditation master.



When: 31 October - 6 November

Where: Karuna retreat centre in Monchique. Signup link: lamadorje.net/events

For more information, call Åsa on +351 912 670 527

Crazy Donkey Derby

St Vincent’s Algarve is holding a joint fundraising event with Madrugada. The “Crazy Donkey Derby” will be hosted by Craig Walsh and his team, offering a fun and exciting fundraiser for two good causes.

Tickets: €20 a head, which includes a buffet supper.



Contact: Louise Player 911 552 396 or +44 7827945531

When: 13 October, 6.30 pm

Where: O Malhao Brazilian restaurant on the road out of Luz towards Burgau.

CCAM - Creative Circle of Algarve Musicians

The Creative Circle of Algarve Musicians (CCAM) will meet to share works, ideas and progress related to music and creativity. As a participant, you are invited to give insight into your current work. This can be in the form of a song you are currently working on, a scale you have discovered for yourself or a new technique you are practising. A small PA and some instruments (guitar, drums, electric piano) will be available to use. The aim is to have a good time together, to inspire and be inspired, to make new contacts and converse together. The event is not open to a regular audience as it is meant to be a private place to discuss new concepts and unfinished work.



When: 2 October, 11 am

Where: Odiaxere, Lagos

If you are interested in participating, please send a message to @mennigmann or an email to marc@asv.pt

Online Art Jean Davis, featured in the September 2020 issue of Tomorrow magazine, has a new collection of abstract paintings and a photographic collection of Algarvian seascapes, which are ideal for the holiday villa.

Keeping up with the times, OnlineArtDirect is also now producing high-quality Giclee canvas prints, available in various sizes. They are a print of the artist’s hand-painted original. They would make an ideal Christmas Gift and there is a 10% discount available at this event.



When: 10 – 23 October, 2 pm – 8 pm

Where: Mar Shopping Centre, GPS 37.220962 – 8.357318 (Or email for directions onlineartdirect@gmail.com)

Jean’s collection can be viewed at: www.etsy.com/shop/onlineartdirect

To read the story on Jean, go to: bit.ly/jean-davis

“Beyond Division” Art Expo

An exhibition of artists who share the “coincidence” of having shared a friendship with Victor Borges, a well-known researcher, artist, and architect who lived in Silves for some time at the end of the last century. Sadly, he is now deceased. Victor played a significant role in their meeting, inspiring them to produce these artworks.

On display will be Kasia Wrona’s paintings that show clear Arabic themes, colours, and influences, among other styles of her work. Fernando Lobo's works are more oriented toward cosmic and spiritual themes, which were very often inspired by shared interests and conversations.

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When: Throughout October Where: Casa da Cultura Islâmica e Mediterrânica, Largo da República 31A, 8300-111 Silves fmrlobo.eu www.kasiawrona.com www.facebook.com/Centro-de-Estudos-Luso

Surf Experience

TobyOne and the Surf Experience festival returns in 2022 to celebrate its 30th anniversary. Based on a mission of social solidarity, plurality and inclusion, this music festival has an eclectic line-up with genres for all tastes.



When: 14 October, 8 pm

Where: Praça do Infante, Lagos City Centre Free entry

Big Bands

In the month of celebrating music, and in order to keep the traditional thematic show, the Lagos Light Orchestra invites you to a journey through the history of the Big Bands: Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, Tommy Dorsey, Artie Shaw, Duke Ellington and Count Basie, among others. The show will also feature the members of the Gwen Morris Ballet Studio.

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When: 29 October, 9.30 pm

Where: Lagos Cultural Centre - Duval Pestana Auditorium

Ticket: 10 euros available from Cultural Centre or Ticketline

Algarve Jazz

As part of the 30th anniversary celebrations of the Lagos Cultural Centre, Algarve All Jazz (Orquestra de Jazz do Algarve) will perform, representing the best of what is being done worldwide within the language of Jazz.

North American saxophonist Rick Margitza will bring a series of original themes with orchestrations for the Jazz Orchestra that certainly will not go unnoticed.

Rick emerged from the last Miles Davis formations at the end of the 80s and has had a remarkable career.. According to many, he also has a remarkable style. Vânia Fernandes is the vocalist known for her powerful stage presence, as well as her prominent and versatile voice.

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When: 24 October, 9.30 pm

Where: Cultural Centre of Lagos - Duval Pestana Auditorium

Ticket: 10€ from Cultural Centre or Ticketline (the usual discounts apply)

Loose Ends

A group for people who are on their own or at a Loose end wishing to meet other people. The last meeting took place at MUNICH on the Avenida and the meeting was another great success. This means a change of venue due to lack of space!

Organiser Tom Henshaw says, “It is always a pleasure seeing our members, new and old, getting to know each other so well. It really feels like everyone has found a niche and a group of new friends to share good times with and enjoy life. I really recommend this group to people wishing to remove a void in their lives!”

There are lots of plans ahead for activities beyond the meetings and there is now a WhatsApp calendar for plans to be spread to those who cannot always make the actual monthly meeting.

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When: Next meeting at 5pm on 4 October 5 pm Where: Gemma Events (next to the bread shop behind the Câmara building in Lagos).

Call Tom on 919 918 733 or email tom@tomorrowalgarve.com

David Fonseca

An event celebrating the 30th anniversary of Lagos Cultural Centre is a performance by David Fonseca, one of the most prolific and diversified musicians and composers in the history of Portuguese music. His solo career has produced countless hit singles and his albums are always balanced between experimentalism and choruses that are impossible to resist, whether in English or Portuguese.

In this new show, "Living Room Bohemian Apocalypse," you will be taken on a journey into his peculiar imagination in a dynamic and emotional discovery of what his songs always provoke, be it "Someone That Cannot Love," "Kiss Me, Oh Kiss Me," "Oh My Heart" or the track from his most recent album, the unforgettable "Falling Out Of Love."

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When: 26 October, 9.30 pm

Where: Lagos Cultural Centre - Duval Pestana Auditorium Ticket: 12€ from Cultural Centre or Ticketline (the usual discounts apply)

IN LOVE WITH FOOTBALL AND THE ALGARVE

By earning a living from doing something he loves, Gary Thomas of Algarve Football Tours is able to share his passion for football and the Algarve.

WORDS Vaughan Willmore

It’s not easy running your own business in the Algarve. You need to be resilient, flexible, entrepreneurial and have a passion for what you do. During a colourful and varied career, Gary Thomas has demonstrated all of these characteristics. And like many people here of working age, there’s been quite a few times he’s needed to!

It was over 30 years ago in 1989, when Gary relocated from his hometown of Birmingham, England to the Algarve. He arrived to follow his dream of running a water-skiing school. “I was a former water ski champion,” says Gary. “Skiing was my passion. However, I soon realised the Atlantic was not the best place for running a school! The weather is unpredictable, the sea is cold

and the season is short. I learned a lot from the experience and was determined to stay in the Algarve, a place I loved.”

Two years in the tourism industry followed, after which Gary went back to working for himself, in the retail trade. It was a sector he knew well, having owned several stores in Birmingham. The new store was in the heart of Albufeira and sold printed tee-shirts, many of which were printed in-house. Things were going well when Gary spotted what was to prove a life-changing opportunity.

It was 1992 and the English Premier League had just been launched. Sky television (and other operators) were broadcasting games from throughout Europe and Gary noticed how the increased television coverage was generating incredible interest in the game. Together with his business partner, he began selling Portuguese football kits and from there, he expanded into selling the kits of all the top teams. Portugal is renowned for its bureaucracy and gaining the required licenses was a challenge. However, it was a rewarding one as the store thrived. Gary also started playing football, mainly with expats from Albufeira, Quarteira and Armação de Pêra. Together they created a team which adopted the name of his store, Destination Football. Destination Football soon attracted the interest of people and teams holidaying and training in Portugal. “Things grew

organically,” Gary says.

“Before long, Algarve Football Tours was born. My aim was to give amateur players the opportunity to come to the Algarve to play matches and compete in organised tournaments”.

Twelve years have now passed. The Destination Football store is no more, but Algarve Football Tours is thriving. Gary is now catering for all levels of football - adults (men and women), children, amateurs and professionals. He hosts training camps for professional teams such as Fulham, Wolves and Feyenoord. He also has a close working relationship with the Portuguese and Dutch football federations. “I feel privileged to work in a sport that is also my passion,” says Gary. “I’ve had the chance to meet some of my footballing heroes, including Ole Gunnar Solskjær, John Terry, Steven Gerrard, and Marco Van Basten.”

In November, Algarve Football Tours will be hosting the Women's under-19s tournament on behalf of the Dutch Football Federation. It's taking place in Vila Real St. Antonio, in the eastern Algarve and will give fans the chance to see the next generation of top players from the Netherlands, Norway and England. It's free to watch the games.

In February 2023, there will be a UEFA development tournament featuring under-16s from the Netherlands and Germany. As Gary says, “It’s where players' careers are born.” He expects up to 500 scouts to be in attendance, seeking out the stars of tomorrow.

The seventh annual ‘Walking Football Tournament - Eurocopa’ will take place in April 2023. It has become one of the biggest tournaments in the walking football calendar. If you want to enter a team or go along as a spectator, you'll be very welcome.

Gary has now run several businesses in the Algarve and loves what he does. I asked what advice he’d offer anyone thinking of starting their own business. “Do your research,” he says. “Make sure you can source the things you need. Build local connections, people you can rely on. There are some very crowded markets here, so be clear about what makes you different from the others. Most importantly, love what you do. The Algarve is a fantastic place to live and if you can make a living doing something you love, what could be better?”  www.algarvefootballtours.com/en

WORDS David Lugg

Golf The Portugal Masters will once again be part of the DP World Tour schedule. This year’s event will take place between 27-30 October at the Dom Pedro Victoria Golf Course in Vilamoura. Last year, the Belgian, Thomas Pieters, won the competition with a 19 under par, 2-stroke victory. The 2022 (1.75 million euro prize money) event will see the golf course take on a more sustainable approach to ecology, having fitted a new irrigation system that will reduce water consumption by up to 30%. Additionally, the course is now installed with 100% Bermuda grass, which has exceptional heat and drought tolerance. Tickets for the event can be purchased at: www.europeantour.com/dpworld-tour/portugal-masters-2022/ ROUND

Photo © Dom Pedro Hotels & Golf Collection

Football

The Portugal national women’s side produced two marvellous performances to reach the World Cup Final play-offs. Needing two victories to guarantee the second spot in their qualifying group, they came from a goal down to beat in-form Serbia 2-1 and then hammered Turkey 4-0. They now face a home semi-final against Belgium on October 6th with the winners playing the crucial final against Iceland. If Portugal win both games, they will qualify for the World Cup for the first time in their history.

Cycling Uruguayan cyclist Mauricio Moreira has won the prestigious Tour of Portugal. Following the final day time trial, Moreira finished one minute and nine seconds ahead of Portuguese rider Frederico Figueiredo. Spanish cyclist Alejandro Marque finished fifth riding for the Algarvian team Atum General/ Tavira.

Rugby 7’s

The Portugal men’s 7’s have made their historic debut at the Rugby World Cup Sevens tournament in South Africa. Following a 24-0 defeat against experienced side Ireland, the Portuguese Wolves finished the competition in 22nd place with their sole victory coming against Jamaica. It was still a great achievement for the emerging Portuguese side who are starting to find their feet in world rugby.

Rugby Newly-promoted Rugby Clube de Loulé begin their National Division 1 season with an away match at Setubal on October 15th. The Algarve side has high hopes following last season’s historic promotion. Head coach (and ex-Scottish international) Max Evans spoke to Tomorrow magazine about the season ahead. “We have created a belief we can improve and be a better rugby team. It will take every player working hard in pursuit of that goal, and it’s important that we start the season with a champion's mentality.”

Surfing Algarvian surfer Yolanda Hopkins has double the reason to celebrate following victories in Newquay, Cornwall and Lacanau, France. The 24-year-old, who represented Portugal at the Tokyo Olympics, has subsequently risen to the top of the European rankings. Her victory in Cornwall ensured that she retained the title that she won in 2019 after the cancellation of the event in 2020 and 2021. She will now move on to the Azores for the next round of the championships, which begins on 18 October.

Cricket Portugal has failed to progress beyond the group stages of the 2022 European Cricket Championships in Malaga. Despite their early exit, they will take great solace after beating an old enemy (and one of the tournament

Yolanda Hopkins © Helonwiki, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

favourites) Spain in a thrilling encounter.

Put into bat, Portugal made 95 for 5 off their 10 overs. Spain needed six runs to win off the final ball, but it was smashed straight to the fielder on the boundary rope, leading to mass celebration in the Portuguese ranks.

Musings of a MOUNTAIN BIKER

WORDS Gilly Grateley

Hi, Gilly here. Unfortunately, I’ve not been riding lately; my Strava thinks I’ve retired! Sore knees got the better of me. So whilst resting, I took to the internet to find out what I was putting my body through each time I go out riding and work out what ‘Injury Prevention Strategies’ (get me) would be best for me and my beloved riding.

What muscles do we use when Mountain Biking?

Pretty much all of them! As expected, the leg muscles are constantly working to propel the bike forward; the quads, hamstrings and calf muscles work on the downward push and upward pull of the pedals, the glutes move the thighs forward and, when standing, they work with the abs to keep the body stable. Then the upper body and arm muscles absorb the bumps, assist with stability, help to manoeuvre the bike as

Gilly with Phil Soames

well as grip, shift gear and brake – it’s all going on.

What is ‘Injury Prevention Strategy’?

At a base level, it’s a simple plan of action to help protect yourself. The obvious ones we have already covered are protective gear, hydration and bike maintenance. There is an interesting one that I think lots of us can benefit from, and that’s about correct bike fitting, which I’m currently researching for next month. This month I am considering how to warm up our muscles pre-ride and stretch them after we ride. Then on a higher level, Pros and Clubs will be well versed with strengthening, conditioning, agility and flexibility strategies!

Cycling is considered a low-impact activity. Sitting down puts less stress on your joints than, say, running. However, suppose you ride regularly in varied terrain. In that case, the repetitive motion and constant standing can put strain on your knees and knee pain can be a common problem for cyclists, so it is essential to ensure the muscles are strong to support the joints. To find out on a practical level what I could be doing to help myself, I hooked up with Phil Soames, a Personal Trainer with active sports interests outside of the gym. Phil put together three great short sessions that I need to make part of my regular routine and the bonus for you guys is we made a video of him demonstrating the exercises, ‘boom’, I’ve dropped the link in the QR code below.

Thanks, Phil, for all your guidance and support. Phil is a great guy, very mindful of my sport and my injuries. I would highly recommend him to anyone looking to improve performance or get back from an injury. He can be contacted on +351 913 425 893 or at info@soamesfitness.com

As always, have fun, ride safe and feel free to share your riding stories with me at: bikinginthealgarve@gmail.com

For enthusiastic cyclists, a longer version of this article is available on our blog: bit.ly/mountain-biker

Or scan the QR code

Warming up

A nice short set of dynamic stretches that you can do curbside before your ride, actively moving the joints and muscles through a full range of motion to increase the blood flow, but you don’t want to overstretch and lose performance, so don’t hold them. We worked the main leg muscle groups, gently extended the back, stretched the shoulders and activated the wrist muscles; 10 reps, but keep it real; you can start with six and see how you feel. Then don’t forget to start your ride with five to 10 minutes of easy cycling before hitting anything

challenging to ensure your body has nicely prepared itself for your ride.

Cooling down

Again, end your ride with some nice easy spinning to allow your body temperature to cool down, and your blood pressure and heart rate to return to normal levels. Then think about static stretching those tight muscles; stretching a muscle as far as you can without feeling any pain, then holding that stretch for 30 seconds will help reduce stiffness. With the emphasis on the lovely feeling of stretching, one stretch per muscle/muscle group is enough.

Strengthening

A stand-alone session for a day you don’t ride, to strengthen supporting muscles and stabilise joints, targeting all the same leg muscles, lower back and shoulders. Start at your own level and as the muscles respond and strengthen, you can progressively increase the difficulty of the postures, the number of repetitions and the number of sets.

“Before you say why, think why not?! Here at Espiche we can offer you a variety of memberships to suit your needs whether you are full time residents, long term stays or just regular visitors to the Western Algarve. You will find friendly and accommodating staff, superb course set in idyllic countryside, award winning clubhouse serving food and drink, membership boasting sixteen nationalities and a golf committee that offer a wide diverse range of competitions. Maybe competitive golf isn’t for you, well no problem, join Espiche to play social golf, consider lessons with the resident professional and see where it takes you.”

Allan Stavert - Captain 2021/2022 Espiche Golf Member since 2015

Jag älskar att köra upp mot Espiche Golfbana, varje gång tänker jag: nu har jag 18 härliga hål framför mig! Jag trivs verkligen på Espiche, personalen och medlemmarna är så välkomnande. Jag visar gärna golfbanan för mina vänner från Sverige när de hälsar på.

Jag tycker att golfbanan är utmanande och utsikten från klubbhuset är magisk. Espiche Golfklubb har potentialen att bli den bästa i Algarve!”

“Nous apprécions l’ambiance de ce club, le cadre exceptionnel qui met en valeur les paysages de l’Algarve, la qualité du parcours qui bénéficie d’une équipe d’ excellents professionnels pour l’ entretien du terrain. Nous apprécions également l’ensemble du Staff qui est toujours disponible. Après une partie de golf il est sympathique de s’installer au Club House soit à l’intérieur soit sur la terrasse pour célèbrer le 19 eme trou, soit pour déjeuner au restaurant pour apprécier les plats ”gastronomiques” du Chef.”

Anders Jilken Espiche Golf Member since 2018

Gino and Michele dos Santos Espiche Golf Members since 2014

COME

Readers

If you would like to comment on an article you have read in the magazine or bring awareness to a local issue, please write to our editor: sophie@tomorrowalgarve.com

Dear Sophie,

Three brilliant articles get the September off to a cracking start. What an interesting and informative, fact-filled few pages.

Your marvellous interview contains interesting personal details of Colonel Murphy and his family. It also shines a light on the multi-faceted details of diplomacy and foreign policy, which is usually unknown and unthought about.

Lena's article was marvellous as well, clear-sighted reporting rather than PR 'puff.’ She seems to get better all the time and James Plaskitt also writes so clearly and incisively, always clarifying and illuminating. These illuminations of a broader 'canvas' for the

Portuguese resident (augmenting the great community interest and support that has, as noted, always been embedded in Tomorrow's DNA) are very useful.

And the What's On information and Sports coverage also go from strength to strength.

Great work.

All best wishes. Ray

Hi Sophie, I live in Luz and am enjoying the series on Algarve expats. There must be such an interesting story behind each name. I googled Dudley Ellis and found this. Looks like he moved to Rio too. The basis for some follow-up material perhaps. Keep up the good work, it’s a great magazine.

Regards, Blair www.ancestry.com.au/genealogy/records/dudley-herbertlewis-ellis-24-1vp5k93

Hi Sophie,

Here’s a subject that is relevant to this time of year and is gathering momentum with Algarve expats, so I thought I'd contact you:

Help wildlife and ban leaf blowers.

Leaf blowers. What’s to like about them? They are bad for residents, bad for tourists, and bad for the lungs of those who use them. And new research has found that they have a devastating effect on insect life.

This, in turn, affects the pollination of plants and trees. And fewer insects also means less food for small mammals like hedgehogs. The forceful impact of leaf blowers also disturbs wildlife – it’s not uncommon to find a young bird lost in a carpark or verge after a leaf-blowing session. The unbearable noise levels of these machines, like the constant revving of a motorbike, has been shown to heighten stress and impair concentration.

People come to the Algarve for peace and calm, yet so many resorts are disturbed every morning by the sound of leaf blowers and hedge trimmers. Peace and relaxation should be the Algarve's big selling point, especially these

days.

The dust blown up by leaf blowers can aggravate asthma. The dust that’s inhaled can contain mould, pollen, pesticides and airborne particles of animal faeces.

The irony is that many of us who pay for leaf blowers here either directly (gardeners) or indirectly (through condo fees) would probably be against them. But the resort and condo managers who employ the gardeners on our behalf don’t seem to get the problem. Is it a macho thing? Or perhaps the garden rakes and brushes we used in the past look poor and old-fashioned, and it's cleverer to use noisy machines...

Many American states where they were first seen have been banning them for some time now. What about campaigning to our local Câmaras to ban them here?

They could get 'green kudos’ as the first Camâras here to ban them! That could be a great marketing point for future eco-tourism.

Kind regards Caroline

LIVING WELL MADE SIMPLE

Breaking your Sugar Addiction

WORDS Paula Rey

Have you ever felt that your sweet tooth might be something you need to address?

These are some signs that you might be addicted to sugar:

• You eat sugar when you’re not hungry

• You hide your sugar habit

• You try to quit and have unusual symptoms, like feeling tired or lethargy

• You use sugar to soothe yourself during a stressful moment

If that’s your case, let me tell you why giving up delicious chocolates and ice cream is so difficult. And it is not only because they taste amazing and remind us of our childhood— the reason goes far beyond our taste buds. Back in the day, when sugar was introduced in Europe and the

United States, it became apparent that it had a very appealing characteristic for the food industry. It had the capacity to enhance the taste of any food and everyone craved it. So it quickly became the staple ingredient of all industrial food.

We know now that most of the health issues and degenerative diseases we have today are due to toxicity and malnutrition. Sugar is responsible for the worst public health disaster of all time, killing 35 million people annually. In comparison, tobacco kills 5 million a year. In 2006, the World Health Organization proposed that sugar consumption should be limited to the equivalent of six teaspoons per day. Today, a regular adult consumes an average of 19 teaspoons of sugar daily, indirectly hidden in processed food.

It has been proven that sugar stimulates the same areas of the brain as illegal drugs, making us lose control over its consumption. It is critical to be mindful of our sugar intake, especially with our kids, as it could be building chronic diseases. Luckily, we have enough information now to make the right decisions regarding our nutrition and make long-term changes to have a healthier and happy life. Remember, we’re not striving for perfection, quitting or reducing sugar is not a diet. It’s enjoying food in its most

natural form.

Paula Rey is a Holistic Health Coach, Hypnobirthing Childbirth Educator, and Feminine Embodiment Facilitator.  pauladelaselva.com Facebook/Instagram @delaselva.holistic

Here are some recommendations you can apply to your day-to-day: Include more whole foods, grains, vegetables, and fruits in your daily meals

Replace artificial sweeteners and foods with added sugar. Use gentle sweeteners like maple syrup, dried fruit, stevia, and barley malt

Drink water. Sometimes sweet cravings are a sign of dehydration

Get active with simple activities like walking, swimming, or yoga Get good sleep. If you’re in a state of chronic stress or sleep

deprivation, your body will crave the quickest form of energy available – sugar

Slow down. Cravings almost always have a psychological component. By identifying the underlying causes of food cravings and making lifestyle adjustments, you can find balance and take charge of your health

I hope these tips will help you reduce your sugar intake. It will hopefully reduce cravings and bring awareness to what your body needs (and what doesn’t!)

HOLISTIC ALGARVE

WORDS Anne de Jongh

When I was invited to attend Holistic Algarve's first event, Holistic Coaching, I was intrigued. The event was a platform for holistic speakers to talk about the importance of creating a purposeful career, and how you can activate your mind, body, and soul to do that.

As I am currently in the middle of rebranding and changing the way I work within my business, I was very interested to learn more. Holistic Algarve was set up by Janna Mirck, to be a way to bridge the gap between spiritual practitioners and business. Janna herself was a very successful corporate business woman working 60 hours a week, she

Ann de Jongh with organiser Janna Mirck Tomorrow ∙

felt unfulfilled in her career. She went on a path of personal development, which led her to try virtually every therapy going. Whilst she was on this journey, she saw how spiritual practitioners can bring about change, and how they can have a very important impact on business, but they were not so good at the business/sales side. Janna wanted to create a platform that would bring the two together and enable them to find each other with the Algarve as the perfect place to do this.

The goal of Holistic Algarve is to run high-end retreats, enabling business owners to come to the Algarve. Getting away from their business environment, being able to immerse themselves in the incredible nature here. Learning how spiritual practices can have a positive and beneficial impact on their business.

Especially since COVID, people are questioning more the way they work, the way they interact with the people around them, and they are asking themselves questions about their purpose that perhaps they would not have done before the pandemic. The pandemic also reminded us of the importance of nature, as getting out for a walk was one of the few things we could do for a while. For those of us in the Algarve, we are surrounded by the most incredible nature, which has such a positive impact on our minds when we are aware of our surroundings.

The event I attended focused on Holistic Coaching, with Raphael Holt talking about Human Design. Human Design shows you where and how to access your body’s consciousness as a decision-making tool, and ultimately, how to live as your true self. There was also a talk about spirituality and entrepreneurship with Andrea Ramirez. It is a side of the Algarve that I have seen grow significantly over the last few years, with the Algarve becoming a hub of holistic and spiritual practices. Especially since the pandemic, people are looking more and more at alternate ways of running their businesses and finding ways to connect with themselves.

The next event in November is about Holistic Abundance, details of which can be found on their website and Instagram. Ann de Jongh is a health and well-being coach www.fit2lovelife.com  www.holisticalgarve.eu www.instagram.com/holistic_algarve

RESTORING CONFIDENCE

WORDS Donna Groom

I’ve been practising semi-permanent makeup for some years now, so it only seemed right that it was time to use my skill and experience and be able to learn something very unique and special.

After training in the UK, I am now able to help restore the confidence of men and women who’ve been affected by breast cancer or other surgical procedures.

Nipple and areola reconstruction is advanced medical tattooing with specific medical grade pigments which give a realistic 3D effect. The results are spectacular. It also helps to reduce scarring and improves radiation scars.

An in-depth consultation will assess your needs with discretion and a bespoke treatment will be prescribed. Not only is it about restoring the physical appearance, but it’s also about restoring self-confidence and the feeling of self-worth, which is sometimes lost when we’ve undergone such dramatic changes to our bodies. Like semi-permanent procedures, a pigment is deposited under the surface of the skin. Over

Areola Reconstruction

time it will fade, but booster treatments will help refresh the pigment colour. Intricate shading and scar minimisation create a realistic and natural effect. If it’s only one breast then the treated side is expertly colour matched to give an even symmetry. The procedure is numbed, but If you’ve undergone breast reconstruction or other surgeries then there isn’t a lot of sensation in the area. To maximise comfort, an anaesthetic numbing cream is applied prior to being treated. In the consultation, I will discuss shape, colour, and scar minimisation. Next, there will be two to three treatments which follow building up colour, detail and shape. These appointments will have a four to six-week gap in between to allow the area being treated to heal properly.

I feel that this should be available for everyone so payment plans can be offered if necessary. If you know someone that you feel could benefit then please get in touch with me by email and I’ll be happy to discuss any queries or further questions. Everyone should have the opportunity to feel confident in their own bodies. Medical tattooing is enabling us to do so with new modern techniques.

 donnagroom89@gmail.com

Soul

WORDS Chloe Ward Spirit Guides and Past Life

‘She sees dead people’ my husband lovingly shares with our friends. Technically I suppose this is true, but I refer to them as souls, guides and angels rather than ‘dead people!’

It is believed that on 31st October, (Halloween or All Hallows’ Eve) the spirit world and our world are closely connected – or the veil between them is the thinnest. This is a time when you can communicate with those who have passed. You don’t need to wait for this time of year, however, as you can communicate with your spirit guides or angels any time of the year. When you take the time to tune in to them and your intuition, they will guide you. They have your best interests at heart and are actively support you on your human journey.

During some Reiki treatments, my client's guides or angels will come forward and connect with me to pass on energy or messages. Guides aren’t always people who have passed, sometimes I feel the energies of pets or loved ones, who are alive and well, and they want to let the client know they are there for them. I do not claim to be a medium or a past life regressor, as I don’t choose these experiences. They happen as and when it is best for the client during their energy work.

Next time you feel lost or unsure, close your eyes, take a deep breath and ask for guidance, support or whatever you need in that moment - and then trust the feelings, messages or images that come through.

MOON ENERGY

Full Moon in Aries - Sunday 9th October Surrender to the divine, we are only human and don’t have all the answers. Sometimes we have to hand it over to our angels and ask for support.

New Moon Eclipse in Scorpio- Tuesday 25th October

A super-powered chance to make a big change in your life and as it is close to Venus, it's a time for love and abundance check-in.

‘There is an abundance of opportunities and experiences open to me now.’

LASER DIODE

Led system the most advanced all skin hair types

FACIALS BY SKEYNDOR

Science creates beauty

PHOTOCARE Led facial treatment

Anti-wrinkle, Anti-Imperfections, acne, moisturizing, photoaging and firming.

REDUCING/REAFIRMING BODY PHOTOCARE

DERMAOXY- OXYGENOTHERAPY

Very e ective anti-wrinkle facial treatment results from the very first session. Danish product. Massages and complementary therapies.

Rua Dr. João Moniz Nogueira | Lote A loja B | Lagos +351 282 094 002 • +351 910 325 248 claudia_mochacho@hotmail.com | l f

FRIENDS ON FACEBOOK

WORDS Vaughan Willmore

We meet Scott Kirk, the man behind some of the most popular groups on Facebook.

“When you have a handgun pointed at your face, it helps you realise what’s important in life.” And so began Scott Kirk’s journey from one of the most violent cities in Brazil to Portugal, one of the safest countries in the world.

It’s been five years since Scott Kirk and his Brazilian wife and young daughter emigrated to Portugal. Like many of us, they were attracted by the Algarvian climate, the low levels of crime, and the welcoming environment. At 45 years of age and with a background in IT, Scott continued to work online on projects such as educational games and website development. At the same time, he was creating some of the most popular English language Facebook groups in Portugal. What’s truly admirable about Scott - and the moderators and subject matter experts who run the groups - is how motivated they are to help others. As Scott says, “I really admire what they do, giving up their time and sharing their expertise so

Facebook free book

freely. They’re good people.”

One of the moderators is Karen Sissons. “I offer my time and knowledge because I had very little help when I moved here in April 2013,” said Karen. “I remember it was a very frustrating period in my life, especially as I had just been widowed and was 57 when I moved here. It’s good knowing that I’m offering the help I couldn’t find when I arrived here.”

Another is Nia Queiroz. “I’m a Portuguese local, but I’ve also lived abroad. So many people helped me when I was in other countries that I wanted to return the favour by offering my knowledge and experience to people here in Portugal. I can best help those who truly want to live like locals and need assistance navigating the system and government organisations.”

As for the questions they receive, they range from, “Does income have to be passive for a D7 visa application?” which clearly requires experience and subject matter expertise to answer, to the more bizarre, “Do I have to speak Spanish to get by in Portugal?” which requires patience and a good sense of humour. The groups attract between 200 to 300 new users per day, a remarkable number. It’s a testament to their popularity. While social media orientated, the helping hand provided by those

who run the groups, and others

created by Scott, extends into the ‘‘real world’ too.

As Scott explained, “During lockdown, we organised online Portuguese lessons, free of charge, frequently with over 90 people ‘zooming’ in, helping them to learn Portuguese and for some, to alleviate the pressures of lockdown. Another example is from when the Ukraine war started. Two young boys emigrated to Portugal with their mother but couldn’t make it to their new school because it was too far. They didn’t have a car and they didn’t have bikes. We put the word out and were able to generate donations to buy two brand-new bikes for the boys. One of our own moderators, Steve Given, provided most of the funds”.

Scott has identified the most commonly asked questions and produced two booklets offering answers to them. One is titled Moving to Portugal and another, Buying a Property in Portugal. Topics include tipping, visas, bringing belongings with you, transferring your driver’s licence, and the stages of buying a property. Both booklets are available for free from Scott (contact details below) and another concerning the D7 Visa (often known as the Passive Income Visa) will be available soon. Running these Facebook groups (and others) is hard work for everyone involved but rewarding too. As Scott said, “My belief

is the more positive energy you put into the community, the more you get out of it. Whether it be free information, useful contacts, or meeting new friends, it’s the way a community should be.”

Scott is the owner of the newly launched BuyProperty.com and can be contacted at scott@buyproperty.com.

Expats in Portugal Q&A - 64,500 users

Everything and Anything Algarve - 31,000 users

Expat Buy / Sell / Rent property in Portugal - 25,000 users

Long Term Rentals – 21,000

Algarve Expats - 15,000 users

Typical (and sometimes funny) questions:

Does income have to be passive for a D7 visa application?

How can I open a bank account?

Anyone know a reliable accountant?

What’s the best restaurant/bar in the area?

Which are the best dog-friendly hikes?

Do I have to speak Spanish to get by in Portugal?

Can I buy normal potatoes in Portugal?

Is it true I can’t put toilet paper down toilets?

I.T. CAN BE EASY

WORDS Steven Dunwell Translation Tools – No More Language Barriers

When you need to translate a word or sentence to another language, you probably check with a friend or use a foreign language dictionary. However, using an online translator or application can be a quicker way of doing it. Some of these tools translate text into other languages instantly and even speak the translation aloud.

While no match for a professional human translator, they are still effective for specific words or portions of text.

GOOGLE TRANSLATE translate.google.com

If you need to speak with someone who does not understand your language, Google Translate lets you type what you want to say, and it will then display the translated text to the other person. You can also have the translation read back to you in the translated language, which helps when you speak with someone who cannot read your language well. As with all these services, Google Translate can also translate lengthy amounts

of text or entire web pages.

DEEPL TRANSLATE

www.deepl.com/translator

This is one of the best free online translators to translate words, phrases, sentences, and even documents into twentyseven languages. It uses artificial intelligence (AI) to translate text quickly, accurately, and with more nuance than other online translators. If you want more details about a word, just double-click it and a dropdown box will appear with more options and definitions.

YANDEX TRANSLATE translate.yandex.com

Yandex Translate does not stop at normal text translations like the other translators. It goes further to translate images and websites into 99 languages. It is simple, works very quickly, and it is a great tool to learn a new language. You can upload a picture and it will translate any text on the image. If you would like help with this subject or require assistance with any I.T. challenges, I am always happy to help. +351 936 387 512 www.stevendunwell.com Facebook: StevenLagosIT

THE ENERGY TRANSITION

WORDS Susana Martinho Lopes

The first warnings about climate change were given in the 1970s. After five decades, it can be said that this is a permanent crisis, which has been dragging on and getting worse with no solution on the horizon.

Data from the International Energy Agency point to a constant increase in the levels of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions, only interrupted between February and May 2020, during the most acute period of the COVID-19 pandemic.

One of the main sectors responsible for GHG emissions is the production and consumption of energy. In recent years, the transition to an energy system based on renewable energies has been assumed by the European Union as a kind of magic solution to environmental problems, and the main instrument to achieve the goal of carbon neutrality by 2050. In recent years, support for the energy transition has multiplied, and with the invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation, which has caused a gas supply crisis and a galloping rise in energy prices, it has become even more urgent.

It must be borne in mind, however, that energy issues pose challenges that are not only technical but also involve the consideration of social, economic, political, cultural and educational dynamics. It is necessary first of all to question the large photovoltaic production plants, which have appeared in the Algarve and Alentejo region. These large-scale projects favour large companies, leaving the consumer more vulnerable to market fluctuations, as well as having inevitable environmental impacts.

The energy transition should also focus on more local, decentralised production options, such as the development of renewable energy communities and more widespread and accessible self-consumption in homes and businesses, which would make the energy system more inclusive and resilient.

Technological innovations in the field of renewable energies have been considerable in recent times, however, even if solutions to some of their limitations are achieved, they will only represent an advantage for 'man and nature' if we question the way we represent the world, our value system and, in particular, our consumption habits.

Susana works for FF Solar susana@ffsolar.com ffsolar.com

WORDS the Lazy Tigers

We love October at London Tiger Coffee: the weather is so gentle; there are still lots of visitors in town; there is plenty of nightlife and more room in the restaurants and bars; and it's Batata Doce (sweet potato) season in the Algarve. Could there be a more versatile vegetable? Especially for the congenitally lazy? And consider the nutritional benefits: lower in calories than regular spuds, you can bake, fry, and sauté them,

they are high in fibre and have more potassium than bananas. We say sweet potato fries are practically a health food.

Lots of local restaurants have sweet potato dishes on offer, but if you feel like something incredibly easy at home, can we suggest a tray bake? This recipe can be made with sausages, chicken, or even tofu. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

But what about sweet sweet potato dishes, we hear you ask. Look no further than cookies that are chock full of good things, and although there is a long list of ingredients, are very much a ‘chuck it all in’ recipe.

Sad to say, but we couldn't find a sweet potato cocktail, although we aren't sure of the market potential for that. What we do have is a lovely autumnal chocolate cocktail that really packs a punch (or perhaps it is a punch!)

Have a great time in Lagos this October. Go to the beach: remember the water is perfect now and the sand is sometimes virtually empty. Don't forget the Rota de Petisco is still on till the 16th of the month. Join in anywhere you see the signs for great tapas, sweets, and drinks. Plus, do not forget to come and visit us in the old town at London Tiger Coffee.

 Rua Marreiros Neto 14 8600-754 Lagos www.facebook.com/londontigercoffee

Sweet potato and sausage traybake

SERVES 4

• 2 tbsp olive oil (regular not virgin)

• 8 nice big sausages, or 4 chicken breasts cut in half, or 400grams of Tofu

• 500grams of sweet potato (one really big one in large chunks)

• 3 peppers (red, orange, but not green, again in chunks)

• 2 onions (any kind in wedges)

• 8 cloves of garlic (bashed)

• 3 stalks of some woody herb like thyme or rosemary or both

Place all the ingredients in a baking tray and make sure everything is covered in the oil.

Put the protein element on top of the vegetables. Place in oven at 200C/180ºC fan for 25 mins. Turn everything around to make sure it bakes evenly then return for approx. another 20 minutes depending on whether you have sausages, chicken, or tofu. Season to taste and serve with a salad.

Sweet potato, oats, and chocolate chip

cookies MAKES APPROX. 15

• 2 medium sweet potatoes

• 240 grams of plain flour

• 130 grams of rolled oats

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 2 tsp ground cinnamon

• ½ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp each of ground nutmeg and ginger

• 112 grams of butter

• 220 grams of sugar (any kind)

• 1 large egg

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 250 grams of chocolate chips or roughly chopped chocolate

Chop and boil the potatoes for about 15 minutes until tender, then mash and cool a little. Combine the butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth and add the warmish (but not hot) potato mixture.

Combine all the dry ingredients and add to the potato mixture, then fold in the chocolate. Line a tray with oven paper and

scoop the dough into balls well spread out .

Bake at 175ºC for 10 to 12 minutes until slightly crisp on the outside. They should still be soft in the centre.

Irish chocolate nightcap

MAKES 1

• 25ml of orange liqueur (any kind)

• 25ml of whisky

• 200ml of stout (It's good for you)

• Chocolate orange shavings (It's not Terry's, it's mine)

In a short glass, mix the orange liqueur and whisky, then top up with the stout. Sprinkle the chocolate orange shavings on top and add ice if you fancy it.

AN ALGARVE VINEYARD OF TRANQUILITY

WORDS Julian Putley

A beautiful Algarve summer’s day found me driving down a dusty lane, past grape-laden vines to the welcome centre of Morgado do Quintão.

I was greeted by Teresa, who explained the origin of the charming reception area. It was recently transformed from a garage for farm implements to a cool and spacious room with comfortable seating, shelves of books and a display of the vineyard’s wines.

I was introduced to Filipe Caldas de Vasconcellos, Teresa’s brother, who, together with his sister, runs the vineyard with rental cottages, a ‘farmer’s table’ and special events. Filipe

invited me out to their garden and recreation area to chat about the history of the family-owned estate and his vision for the future. We sat in the shade under a 2000-year-old olive tree. “The estate has been in our family since the early 1800s,” explained Filipe. “It was founded by the Count of Silves, Francisco Manuel Pereira Caldas, and has been maintained by future generations ever since, highlighting a love of heritage, sustainability and conservation.

“The estate was bequeathed to us in 2017 by our mother Teresa Pereira Caldas de Vasconcellos. She was an experimental contemporary artist and professor who through her creative exploration honed a deep connection to the land. Over 200 years before her, Morgado do Quintão passed through the hands of over four generations, each of which made their own unique mark on the land and paved a path for the next.”

The site of the vineyard near Silves is where the Monchique mountains meet the Atlantic Ocean, amongst the Algarve’s orange groves and olive orchards. It’s a fertile valley and is cooled by ocean breezes, whose slight salinity uniquely affects the flavour of the grapes.

“In just a few years, we have increased production from a relatively small 3,000 bottles in 2016 to 50,000 bottles in 2022,” explained Filipe. “Our brand is Morgado do Quintão and we export to the UK, France and others in Europe. Today,

our winemaking is deeply rooted in our attempt to show the richness of the Algarve’s terroir, to mark its identity in producing some of the most prized wine in the region. Morgado do Quintão has been concentrating on eight wines, and a new sparkling wine made from the Negra Mole grape. The Negra Mole (Black Soft) is one of the oldest in Portugal and is ‘indigenous’ to the Algarve. Many Algarve vineyards have been bought up by foreigners and they have introduced vines popular in Europe like Cabernet and Syrah. The Negra Mole is the distinct signature grape of the Algarve. The Clarete ’18 is a Negra Mole dry red, award-winning wine from Morgado do Quintão.

There is also a new white sparkling wine, Blonde de Noir (White from Black), which is actually produced from the Negra Mole black grape. Here I learned a lesson: All grape juice, whether from white, red or black grapes, is white. If wine is fermented with the skin from a red grape, it becomes red wine. Without the skin it becomes white wine. Beyond the vines, olive groves, and almond orchards are accommodations in the form of whitewashed vineyard cottages transformed from old estate buildings. Each cottage has its own swimming pool, kitchen and garden area and has easy access to the 60-hectare estate for strolling and absorbing the workings of a conventional Algarve vineyard. You

can choose between the Amêndoa, Bougainvillea or Gatekeeper’s cottages, all of which have modern conveniences while maintaining the ambience of tradition. Filipe explained, “In creating spaces that transcend aesthetic beauty, our cottages have been renovated, decorated and dotted with artwork by our mother Teresa and furniture collected by our family, as well as pieces sourced from around the Algarve.”

The vineyard invites guests and visitors to enjoy culinary experiences and wine tastings at their ‘farmer’s table.’ Lunch, served on the long table in the shade of the 2000-year-old olive tree, accommodates 16 people. An afternoon wine tasting is offered with cheeses and charcuterie, while dinner is also on offer, with mandatory reservations.

A new venture is being introduced in October – its unique name is ‘Camp.’ It’s a festival of music, talks by innovative artists, philosophical thinkers, writers and others. Each day a celebrated Portuguese musician will perform during the afternoon or in the evening. The October festival covers three days, the 7th, 8th and 9th. It will open at 2 pm and continue into the wee hours. Tickets are available online.

Filipe described his vision for the event. “We want to promote a community-type event with visitors, locals and guests mingling, interacting and chatting while enjoying wine and music under the olive trees. Our vineyard exudes an aura of peace and tranquillity; it’s an ideal location. We will be hosting a Portuguese star of traditional Fado, Carminho, on the 7th. On October 8th, Bruno Pernadas will be performing his delightful and sometimes irreverent musical renditions. He is a multi-instrumentalist and his music includes jazz, pop, folk, electronic and worldwide favourites. On the final day, jazz pianist Mario Laginha will be performing fantastic keyboard music with his unique style.”

“In the future, we want to highlight our vision of more connection between the land, nature, music and fellowship. We have the location – Now all we need is you!”  To buy Camp tickets: www.intocamp.pt/get-tickets-1 www.morgadodoquintao.pt

Sen Tonkin

After a few recommendations, Yum Yum and chums took ourselves to, what we were told, is the only Vietnamese fusion restaurant on the Algarve. ( I have not heard of another!). If you like spicy and different food, this has to be on your list.

THE VIBE

The place is set back from the road and is now behind a new build so not that visible, which means you have to seek it out. I got the impression most patrons were regulars when we visited early on a Friday evening.

The staff were very friendly and welcoming. It has been open for some time and the interior is very SE Asian. Well done to them for setting the scene well. The tables were not on top of each other, and it had a great buzz about it.

THE FOOD

All of us had never tried Vietnamese food so we all wanted to get stuck in. The mixed pork and vegetable starter was enough to be different, served with a spicy sauce and looked divine. Yum Yum and chum had the mixed starters of wonton, prawn tempura, summer and spring roll. All were served speedily and didn’t last long. Just the right side of spicy heat and nice and light to set the scene for the mains. Traditional special fried beef with rice noodles and satay pork were devoured by Yum Yum chums. All offered a slightly different take on both Thai and Chinese. The grilled pork in lemongrass evoked memories not had for a while, and certainly not here in Portugal. Shared mains were jasmine rice and mixed spicy noodles. Overall, the food was lovely, well cooked and presented and, surprisingly, not too filling.

THE VERDICT

Portions could have been larger though as the rarity of this food meant we wanted more. Washed down with Vietnamese beer was a first for Yum Yum chums.

THE PRICE

It worked out to 35€ a couple (with tip) which means to probably save it for a special occasion. Well worth the unique taste if that’s what you are looking for.

 +351 914 482 844

Urbanização Hortinha Lote 34 R/C B, Ferragudo 8400-206

B R A S I L I A N E U R O P E A N F U S I O N M E I A P R A I A L A G O S

TOM'S TASTEBUDS

Brazilian European Fusion

Owners Sebastian and Marina Lang opened their new restaurant, Emocean, on 13 July. After the experience of leading a 450 seat restaurant, internationally acclaimed Food and Beverage Manager Sebastian decided to move to Portugal. On his first visit here, he fell in love and decided this was the place to realise his gastronomic vision.

Located halfway down Meia Praia Beach, Emocean offers a great ocean panorama overlooking the beach with stunning views from Alvor and Portimão across to Ponta do Piedade cliffs. We arrived as the sun was setting and watched with delight as the sky changed colour while we enjoyed good wine.

Tom's been out and about again, selflessly sacrificing his calorie count, to give our readers a taste of new gastronomic treats in Lagos.

It has a cool colonial look with plain natural colours and an unfussy decor with a lovely decking area to sit outside and enjoy a cocktail while watching the moving view of the beach and boats on the sea. Inside, there is a downstairs dining area and stairs that lead up to the larger elegant dining area with lots of large windows to enjoy the views. The delightful upstairs dining room offers subtle lighting and gentle background music.

We chose a LAPA red wine (21€), a fruity and full-bodied bottle. There were varied starters to choose from. We experimented with a duo of bruschetta octopus and crispy presunto with a lovely mixture of warm salsa. Both of these were delightful and new tastes for us. We took advice while selecting from the menu, which is a Brazilian and European fusion. One of us opted for the Filet Mignon, which was perfectly cooked. A Moqueca (a Brazilian fish stew) featured banana, which I had never tried before, but was deliciously light and tasty. I can also recommend the vegan meat balls. Our whole group was surprised by the light and fresh mouth-watering tastes of everything.

Desert crept up on us and we had a medley of delicious sweets to share, which was accompanied by a drink called Frangelico, which magically blended with the deserts. The table service

was very attentive and smooth.

Sebastian and Marina respond to reviews from their customers and will chat with guests. They are willing to explain the foods eaten and the interesting facts about individual foods used. There are plans to change the menu to keep their fresh approach moving. A new idea is to have a tasting menu, expanding on his hospitality and developing a special high-end and relaxed restaurant for tourists and locals alike.

We were all inspired by the whole experience and the high standards – well done Marina and Sebastian! +351 912 413 729

Open every day from 17h to 22h, closed Mondays

Parking close by

Tapas for the Soul

Daniel Godorja has opened a new culinary offering to add to his lovely restaurant, Alma Lusa.

Tapas d’Alma is in a great location behind the bus station. It has an array of outside seating –gleaming white tables and chairs– to enjoy al fresco dining. Close to the town centre and easy to find, it is sure to become a popular venue for locals and tourists alike. The new interior is ‘quirky’, in the nicest possible way, and comfortable. The staff gave a warm welcome as we arrived for dinner. We perused the wine list first and were pleased to see Douro white wines from 12€ a bottle and reds from 13€. The house red and white were both very good indeed! Couvert range from 1.70€ for the olive and lupine marinade and the paté of the day was only 2.50€. The choices for mains are extensive, with too many to cover here. I had the ‘broken eggs,

Daniel Pictured centre with his staff

Iberian smoked ham with truffle potatoes’ at only 7.20€. It was just delicious and apparently already a top seller.

A good choice of fish and meat dishes will satisfy the most discerning clients. There is also a delicious range of desserts too –and all under 5€. I know this will be a popular choice for those of us who are having to budget this winter.

The restaurant is open all day and also offers very well-priced breakfasts. Booking is a good idea as its success is already spreading!

 +351 960 031 407

R. Dom Vasco da Gama 3, 8600-722 Lagos

Open 9 am-10 pm Monday - Saturday, closed Sunday

THAT ASIAN HOME COOK

Weeping Tiger

For the final instalment of my summer BBQ series, I’m going to let you in on how I make my version of the famous Weeping Tiger, a Thai delicacy. In Thailand, this dish comes along with a story that the chillies in the sauce made a tiger weep. Trivia aside, this marinated grilled beef steak is indeed served with a very spicy chilli dressing that is not for the faint of heart. Of course, there is the option to make it less spicy by reducing the number of chillies. Typically made with bird's eye chilli, let’s go local and incorporate Portuguese piri piri here. I’m also opting for a Portuguese Vazia which I swear works perfectly here. Hope you guys get this one in before it gets too chilly to hit the grill outdoors again.

2 Portuguese Vazia steak, roughly 2-2.5cm thick

MARINADE:

1 tsp Coriander Powder

1 tsp Fish Sauce

½ tsp Garlic minced

½ tsp Ginger grated

½ tsp Salt

½ tsp Pepper

1 tsp Oil

DRESSING:

2-3 Portuguese Piri Piri, sliced thinly ½ Tomato, diced finely ½ cup Coriander

½ tsp Ginger, grated

1 Garlic clove, minced 1 Shallot, diced finely

½ tsp Fish Sauce

½ tsp Lime Juice

1 tsp Brown Sugar

HOW TO:

Using all the ingredients in your marinade section, coat your steak evenly and leave to immerse in all that beautiful flavour for at least a couple hours. While you are waiting, prepare your dressing, which can be also served as an optional dip on the side if you like. It is super simple! You just need to bring

together all the ingredients in one bowl, mix well and put aside.

When it is time to bring your grill to temperature, note that you are after around 230-250ºc here. Keep in mind your steak should always be at room temperature when you cook. Steaks can go on the hot grill for 4-5 minutes on the first side and then 3-5 minutes on the other side for medium (internal temperature 65ºc). You can add a couple minutes for a more medium-well option if you like (internal temperature 75ºc). Your steaks should look golden on the outside, crisp on the sides and a little bit charred especially where there is leftover marinade. Leave meat to rest and then slice into roughly 1cm strips and dress with all that tangy, spicy Thai-flavoured sauce. This dish goes perfectly as always with steamed rice, or a nice salad for a lighter meal.

Where to shop?

My go-to for Asian sauces and condiments:

GO DUTCH

This Dutch shop stocks most of what I need with a very good selection of Indonesian sauces and a frozen section with the

likes of wonton wrappers and kaffir lime leaves (R. Gomes Vinagre 13 Loja 2, 8600-315 Lagos)

CONTINENTE

You will be able to find a decent selection of Asian sauces in the dry goods aisle and a variety of noodles too (Urbanização Cerro das Mós 315 lote, 8600-571 Lagos)

INTERMARCHÉ

From Asian noodles to sauces and other ingredients, the Asian section also does a really nice selection of Indian food items, which you might enjoy. I also love that they always have fresh turmeric, chillies, pak choy, lemongrass and spring onions! (Lugar da Pedra Alçada - Ameijeira Verde, 8600-546 Lagos)

ASIA SUPERMARKET

If you can afford to go a little bit further, the nearest full-on Asian grocers is in Albufeira. They stock just about anything you will need for an Asian cook for Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese, Indonesian and even Malaysian dishes. (Beco da Felosa 33, 8200-182 Albufeira)

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

 Instagram: @thatasianhomecook joyentry@gmail.com

In June 2018, Cadela Carlota received a telephone call at found a large traffic island at Alcantarilha. traffic

On the following day, of the the everywhere there was no Obviously, no of October is World Animal Day, so Tomorrow is publishing special feature on Cadela Carlota and the amazing work they do.

Photo © Carlos Filipe Photography

WORDS Anne Hodges

loving dog, so a place was found for her at the shelter and she was given the name Castanha.

Two years on, Castanha was still at the shelter and putting on a lot of weight – she appeared to be hungry all the time. So the vet was called and he diagnosed Cushings disease. Regular medication was prescribed. Shortly after this, those beautiful brown eyes failed her - and Castanha went totally blind.

During her four years at Cadela Carlota, all our volunteers came to adore Castanha, who loved to be brushed, loved to be cuddled, and because she was blind, we knew that she would not need a lot of roaming space in a new home. Any one of us would have willingly given her a forever home, but as most of us came originally from other countries, we tend to be absent a great deal whilst visiting relatives and friends. So, we knew that this was not possible – Castanha needed permanence in her life.

Anne and Castanha

Katia and Castanha

In June this year, a young couple visited the shelter, fell in love with Castanha and offered to foster her. This was thought to be the best option for all concerned. It meant that help could be given with the medication that Castanha needed and that her new owners would benefit from all the knowledge concerning Castanha that the team had built up over the years she was at the shelter. Plus, fostering meant that her ownership would always be registered to Cadela Carlota, so that she could return to the shelter at any time if needed. Castanha will always have the option of two loving homes.

Recently, myself and Katia, one of our team of dedicated volunteers, visited Castanha in her new home. Castanha was overjoyed to see us both and there were lots of cuddles during that happy visit. We were astounded to see the change that a permanent loving home had made. It was obvious that Castanha was happy – and adored. At the shelter, she was always reluctant to walk very far, but it appears that she now goes on a daily walk lasting one and a half hours –accompanied and watched over of course. As a result, she is slimmer and fitter – and everyone she meets falls under her spell. Her horizons have widened immensely.

Castanha's new family, Kote and TJ

You may have thought about fostering in the past, but then do nothing about it. We hope that by reading this article you will realise just how worthwhile and rewarding fostering can be. Cadela Carlota is more than happy to discuss fostering (either short or long-term) in depth at any time – and of course, you can visit our shelter and see our work for yourself.

Cadela Carlota needs YOU!!

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Cadela Carlota has a charity shop located near Calhou, R. Dr. António Guerreiro Tello, 8600-315 Lagos. www.cadela-carlota.com

Land apeal

The land where our shelter is situated is up for sale. The owner wants 85,000€ for the charity to buy it. The shelter is desperate to find the money, otherwise, their 80 plus dogs will be homeless. Not only that, some of them will find it difficult to cope with a change of environment. Tomorrow gave 2,000€ of the proceeds from last year's John Aldridge golf day and have pledged further proceeds from the November Glitter Ball to the shelter.

For more information or to donate go to gofund.me/966c6018 or scan the QR code

SPINY AND VULNERABLE

One of my favourite wild animals that we see in the Algarve is the European Hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus).

Small in size, with a round-shaped body and adorable snout, these creatures roam freely in most of Portugal. Throughout the Algarve, they are abundant. They can grow up to 25cm in length and weigh over 1kg. Their bodies are covered in keratin spines that share the same structural base protein found in human hair and nails. Usually solitary animals, they seek a partner during mating season, which happens from spring to late summer. At this time, males will also fight between

WORDS Luis Teves Costa

Hedgehog recoveryPhoto by RIAS

Hedgehog - Photo By Jeff Godden Hedgehogs - Photo By RIAS

themselves to establish dominance. Females usually have one or two litters per year - they will give birth and care for three to six hoglets each time.

Originally called Urchins (a name that still persists in Portuguese – Ouriço), in English their name eventually changed to reflect their hedge-dwelling habits. When threatened, this mammal will curl up into its trademark defence mechanism, which is basically one big spiky ball. Once the danger is gone and they feel safe, they will relax their bodies back to their normal appearance.

Hedgehogs have inspired many artists and toy-makers around the globe to create their original versions of this animal. The British author Beatrix Potter has left us with the magical tale of Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle, first published in 1905. More recently, during the 1990s, Sega presented us with Sonic & his friends on gaming adventures, and toy companies have produced numerous designs that appeal to kids of all ages.

There are 17 reported species of hedgehogs worldwide and they all share the same spiny appearance and relatively small size. Some species have quite obvious distinct characteristics, such as the long-eared hedgehog or the four-toed hedgehog. Hedgehogs live in forests, grasslands, deserts and wooded areas throughout most of the African continent, Europe and Asia.

In Portugal, you can only find one species in the wild – the European or Common Hedgehog. Back in the day, hedgehogs could be sold in pet shops around Europe, including the famous pet department at Harrods in London. Today they are protected as wild animals and it is illegal to keep them as pets. For those who own a piece of land or a garden (without dogs or cats), you can encourage hedgehogs to stay. This is the closest you will get to having a pet hedgehog. Leave some water out and allow access in and out of your garden as many modern fences are impenetrable for most land animals. Remember, “hedgehogs are a gardener’s best friend as they feed on slugs and snails and pretty much everything that eats your plants and flowers. Omnivorous mammals, they will feed on a wide variety of food sources such as insects, worms, mushrooms, eggs or fruits. Feeding hedgehogs is not advisable as it will suppress their natural instinct for hunting and foraging, and it will also mean that they will not be targeting the insects and worms on your land. Hedgehogs are also naturally lactose intolerant so never put milk out for a hedgehog. Pick a covered hidden spot in a hedge or bush and place a wooden box or nest. If they feel safe around your house and neighbourhood, they may just accept your accommodation, even if only temporarily, as these nomadic animals can walk around 2km a day and even swim across water.

Some people have been known to install night security cameras in their garden so that they can check the nocturnal activity the next day. This technology allows you to spot hedgehogs on their nocturnal errands and other visitors, such as foxes, badgers or the elusive yet common genet. Hedgehogs do hibernate but some occurrences may interfere with their sleeping plans. If they have not fed enough to hibernate, they will continue to forage through the winter. In the Algarve, the warm weather and availability of food sources mean that they do not feel the need to hibernate or might just do so during the two or three months of our mild winters.

For a more charitable approach, you can also adopt a hedgehog in the Algarve. RIAS - a wildlife rescue and recovery centre based in Olhão – offers a chance to adopt a rescued hedgehog. This one-off sponsorship comes with a certificate, species information card, invitation to participate in hedgehog releases back to the wild and other perks. RIAS take in injured or malnourished hedgehogs (and all other non-exotic wild animals) on a regular basis. Over 600 hedgehogs have been admitted at RIAS since 2010. Many of

these have been successfully released back to mother Nature. The most common causes for rescuing are: orphaned hoglets, road accidents, injuries from wild animals or domestic cats and dogs, malnutrition and poisoning.

During Autumn, bonfires also pose a very dangerous trap. The wooden piles are very appealing to hedgehogs at a time of the when they are on the lookout for a cosy shelter and hibernation. Please remember to check for hedgehogs lighting your bonfire!

Pet's Mate WORDS Lars Ramquist

Autumn leaves are starting to fall and so has some wellneeded rain. The barragem will hopefully be filling a little and so, too, the artesian basin below us. God knows it can use all the re-fill it can get, as it waters the Spanish avocados, which seem to be flourishing locally. With the change in season, there are two veterinary diseases to review:

PARVOVIRUS

In spring and summer, this virus tends to flare up in the Algarve. Last spring we had a massive outbreak of the disease which saw vet clinics across the region filled with puppies dying of parvo. There is now a standard best-care vaccination protocol for puppies which adds a 3rd vaccine against parvo to increase the chance of puppies surviving the infection. Parvovirus strips the gut lining and also destroys the bone marrow. With a stripped gut lining, bacterial translocation occurs into the body and then there is no immune system to fight these bacteria.

Death ensues within a week. Intensive veterinary treatment can save some lives but not all. Vaccination is monumental in improving survival rates. Even so, some pups who had two vaccines died in last year's outbreak in Portugal. If you have a puppy, we urge you to get a 3rd parvo vaccine included in its puppy vaccination course.

TICK FEVER

The other disease complex which tends to flare up with the rain is tick fever. Signs of tick fever are variable and diverse, but if your dog is ill and your vet is good enough, tick fever can be diagnosed early and cured. Sometimes tick fever attacks the body very quickly. So get thee to a vet if your dog falls ill this Fall. Tick prevention can take the form of collars spot-on and tablets/chews. We have found chews to be the most effective at tick control. Be extra vigilant after walking through grasses after the rains. You can give your pooch a special tickle (no, not like that) and feel for stow-away ticks. You may find some that the preparations did not kill...unfortunately nothing is 100% effective against these little (blood) suckers.

If you want any further advice on these, or other, topics you can reach us on www.lagosvet.com and you will find information sheets on these topics and more. Or just fling us

an email, if you prefer.

Go out and sing in the rain and hope it keeps on coming. You'll miss it when it's gone. Happy October and happy rain dancing.

AWESOME DOGS

Christina Rau tells us how dog training helped her socialise her rescue dog, Nala.

Nala is a Pondengo bitch. As a puppy, she was found together with her mother and sister, both dead of suspected poisoning. She was taken to a private shelter, where we found and adopted her when she was five months old.

When we first met her, she was so pretty and sweet and the fastest runner. It was her favourite game in the shelter. No one could catch her. She accepted being touched but did not enjoy it. She was restless and had no interest in establishing a bond with anyone, least of all me, which was so depressing.

I did some dog training, with a trainer and online, to try to fix the problem. Nala is very smart and learned the basic commands easily, but I never managed to get her enthusiastic. Off-lead walks were definitely impossible, as she easily ran

away, following her nose from one distraction to the next. Recall…. not a chance. I was pretty desperate.

I approached Gail Skinner at Awesome Dogs as a last resort. I still remember our first training session, in Spring 2021. We had a long talk about Nala’s habits and challenges. Gail quickly nailed it down to three key issues: Nala’s insecurity, her lack of impulse control and lack of focus on me. So, together with Gail’s support and guidance, I broke some old habits and implemented new things into our lives.

The most important part was to not stick to a daily routine but to have more spontaneity and variation in Nala’s life. I understood more than ever that dogs need not only physical exercise but also a lot of brain work to feel balanced. And most importantly, we had more fun together. We learned so many fun games, all with the purpose of overcoming our shortcomings. Our first successes were quickly apparent.

I don’t “invest” any extra time in my dog. It’s more to fully embark on the “Awesome Dog Training Concept” to be committed. As a result, we spend more quality time together. As Gail explains, the dog is learning all the time that she is awake, whether we like it or not. By giving her positive things to learn and occupy her time and using her energy by interacting with me, she is less likely to run off and find

another environment more exciting. You need to look at it not as training but as a way of life to get the best results.

Nala is now much happier, much calmer, and much more balanced. I have become the path to all fun rather than her finding all her fun out in the fields without me. We are a fantastic team now. And she loves to be cuddled by me, which she would not allow before we started training with Gail. Nala gives me all I was ever hoping for and more. Awesome-Dogs.com 917 758 404 (Gail Skinner)

ANIMAL RESCUE

In another successful rehabilitation mission, RIAS saved the life of a bird of prey and released it back into the wild. This short-toed snake-eagle (Circaetus gallicus) was found trapped inside a pit. Unable to escape, it was rescued and transported to RIAS.

The veterinarian conducted a physical examination and observed the bad state of the bird’s claws. They were worn out, probably from trying to get out. It was also extremely skinny and its feathers were dirty and wet. Several weeks later, and totally recovered, it was released back to nature by the hands of the person who sponsored its recovery. If you would like to have the opportunity to release a wild animal like this, consider sponsoring an animal, and contributing to RIAS’ work.

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RIAS - Centro de Recuperação e Investigação de Animais Selvagens rias.aldeia@gmail.com +351 927 659 313 rias-aldeia.blogspot.com

Did you know:

The short-toed snake eagle (Circaetus gallicus), also known as the short-toed eagle, is a medium-sized bird of prey in the family Accipitridae, which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as kites, buzzards and harriers. It is most common in Spain and can be recognised by its predominantly white underside, the upper parts being greyish brown. The chin, throat and upper breast are a pale, earthy brown. The tail has 3 or 4 bars. Additional indications are an owllike rounded head, brightly yellow eyes and lightly barred underwing. It preys mainly on lizards and snakes.

* Wikipedia