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EDITORIAL
Sophie Sadler
sophie@tomorrowalgarve.com
+351 912 176 588
SALES
Tom Henshaw
tom@tomorrowalgarve.com
+351 919 918 733
DESIGN
Phil Harding
phil@tomorrowalgarve.com
+351 916 606 226
FOLLOW
TomorrowAlgarve
@TomorrowAlgarve
www.tomorrowalgarve.com
Dear Tomorrow readers,
Welcome to the October edition. Last month’s highlight was the John Aldridge Charity Golf Classic, which once again raised a large sum of money for local charities. For Tomorrow, it really is a privilege to play a small part in helping people in need in the local community.
Once again, thank you to John Aldridge for putting so much effort into raising money for charitye in the Algarve. Also, a big high-five goes to Phil Harding, who puts a lot of his personal time and effort into organising the event. I know he finds it a challenge corralling a large group of golfers, who might have had a beer or two, around two rounds of golf! However, his efforts and enthusiasm combine with John’s to make the event such a success.
And if golf is not your thing, make sure you don’t miss out on tickets to the Tomorrow winter ball. All proceeds will be combined with the money from the golf day to make a real difference to local charities. Mark your calendars for 23 November and contact us for tickets. (tact@tomorrowalgarve.com)
In the October edition, we are once more donning our cosy sweaters and winding down to autumn with the usual seasonal blend of events, Algarve traditions, history and culture. We are also cosying up with more celebrities and locals for some great interviews.
And remember, if you have your ear pods in to go for a jog, or you are enjoying the last of the warm sunshine on a sun-lounger, or perhaps you are in the car on the way to the airport, don’t forget you can get more of the same news, information and gossip from the Algarve on our podcast, ‘Talk about Tomorrow’. So you have all bases covered to make the most of your time in the Algarve.
Have a fantastic month.
From Sophie, Tom, Phil and the Tomorrow team.
SEDE: R. SENHORA LORETO LOTE 6 RC D PARIO
04230, HUÉRCAL DE ALMERÍA CIF: B04250056 Whilst we take every care to ensure details are correct the publisher will take no responsibility for errors or omissions. Where prices or dates are quoted they are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.
os números de telefone presentes nesta publicação podem estar sujeitos a cobranças: números que
por 9 chamada para rede móvel nacional.
Tomorrow goes backstage at Festival F with the wonderful
Marisa Liz is one of the most popular figures in Portuguese music and, as a former mentor on RTP’s The Voice, she’s become a household name. We caught up with her before and after her performance at one of the nation’s premier music festivals.
Located on the beautiful Marina de Lagos with free
We serve freshly prepared food from breakfast through to dinner everyday. A full varied menu along with daily specials and fresh fish means there is something for everyone, including vegetarian and vegan options and a gluten free menu.
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Happy Hour Monday to Saturday 3-5.30pm €2.50 pints and glasses of wine
Fresh Mixed Paella every Friday and Saturday from 12 noon, €39.50 for two.
Now taking bookings for
Listen to Marisa’s latest single, ‘Garota’ (Girl), a collaboration with the artist Maninho
“Let’s meet again after the show in Faro,” said Marisa Liz.
Both my colleague Cristina Ribeirinho and I have seen Marisa Liz so many times on television, performing as a solo artist (or with the band Amor Electro) and as a supportive mentor on the prime-time show The Voice, and so we are excited to talk to her.
Marisa’s influence extends beyond music; she’s someone who has helped shape popular culture in Portugal. Her music resonates with a wide audience, from younger generations seeking something new and fresh to older listeners who appreciate her respect for tradition. In many ways, she represents the evolving nature of Portuguese culture – a blend of the old and the new, the traditional and the modern.
Marisa Liz was born Marisa Pinto in Lisbon on 22nd October 1982. Her love affair with music began at an early age, with her singing in the privacy of her home before showcasing her talent in school performances and, later, in local clubs. It was during these formative years that she developed her ability to connect with audiences, something which has become a defining feature of her career.
Festival F is an annual music festival held in the historic centre of Faro. This year’s festival, organised by the Faro municipal council, ran for three days and featured over eighty artists, making it one of the cultural highlights of the year.
In 2010, she became the lead vocalist of the band Amor Electro The band, which fuses traditional Portuguese sounds with modern electronic influences, quickly gained popularity, with Marisa’s voice (and looks) helping it stand out among its contemporaries. The band’s debut album Cai o Carmo e a Trindade (The Fall of Carmel and the Trinity), released in 2011, was a critical and commercial success, catapulting the band to the forefront of the music scene.
Marisa’s popularity was such that, in 2014, RTP asked her to be a mentor on The Voice, a role she undertook for nine seasons until 2023. It was here that her personality came to the fore, with Marisa showing herself as a hard-working and nurturing mentor. She’s also been a popular mentor (in 2021) on The Voice Kids, a role that helped endear her to the younger generation.
With Amor Electro not releasing any new music since 2018 (Marisa told us they are ‘resting’), Marisa has struck out on her own, releasing her debut solo album titled Girassóis e Tempestades (Sunflowers and Storms) last year. It was this album and her recent EP, titled Mensagens de Amor (Messages of Love), that formed the basis of her headline (and rousing!) performance at F Festival.
Marisa expressed her gratitude for the chance to appear in Tomorrow and her love of the Algarve, describing it as “a magical place”. We also discovered we had something in common, as she describes herself as being “completely crazy about The Beatles”.
Marisa was very generous in organising backstage access for me at the festival, where the vibe was very chilled. Other artists were there preparing to go on stage – Carolina Deslandes being one – and staff helped with interviews and last-minute arrangements. One of the acts she’d mentored on The Voice, Romeu Bairos, was also there. He told me how appreciative he is of all the support he’s received both on the show and since.
When we’d spoken with Marisa a few days before the show, she’d told us that she is someone who suffers from ADHD and “wants to be everything and anything, all of the time”. In order to relax, she told us, “I think making food for someone is an act of love. Happiness for me is dedicating hours of my life to doing something that the people I love will enjoy.” Marisa certainly has a caring nature about her, both on and off stage, generously taking the time to speak – and share a joke with Cristina’s daughter, Bruna.
As for the next few months, it promises to be an exciting period. Marisa has more concerts scheduled (see the link below to her Facebook), including two massive concerts at the Coliseum Auditoriums in Lisbon (10 February) and Porto (24 February). Judging by the reaction to her performance at Festival F, they promise to be very special occasions. Marisa also told us she is working on something else for the early months of 2025 and said it would be “very special”. She didn’t quite say it would be a new album, but it certainly sounded intriguing.
Marisa is understandably keen to share her music and bring happiness to what can be a somewhat troubled world. As she said, “We might not be
Happiness for me is dedicating my life to doing something that the people I love will enjoy
- Marisa Liz
able to change the world or the person in front of us, but we can change the way we think and the actions we take. I would like to wish love to everyone reading the magazine and that the heart of each one of us is filled with understanding, acceptance, and love so that we can have a more beautiful life surrounded by peace and freedom.”
Marisa Liz is a vital force in Portuguese music and culture, inspiring a new generation of musicians and listeners alike. Not just through her ability as a performer, but also as someone who cares deeply about the world, she has inspired a new generation of musicians and listeners.
For more information about Marisa, including concert tickets, visit: www.facebook.com/marisalizFB www.instagram.com/marisaliz_oficial
WORDS Luka Alexander
As arguably one of Europe's oldest countries, Portugal is often overlooked for its host of haunted locations. From eerie sounds echoing through palatial hallways to ghostly apparitions walking through the cloisters of ancient convents, it's no wonder that this historic country is a hotbed for paranormal activity. With Halloween just around the corner, it's time to sit back with a glass of wine (or something stronger) as we delve into five of Portugal's most haunted locations.
Could these spooky tales be true, or are the reported ghostly sightings merely products of an overactive imagination? You be the judge.
* These stories are based on local legend and should be treated as such.
Chalet Biester or Biester Palace is better known as 'The House of Witches'. Located in Sintra, the neo-Gothic building topped with a conical roof resembling a witch's hat was built between 1866 and 1868 as a country retreat for the wealthy playwright Ernesto Biester, who had roots in Germany.
Decorated by 'some of the best artists in Portugal’, 'it is one of the most recognised mansions in the Serra de Sintra, the mystical setting of numerous palaces once frequented by Portuguese royalty and nobility.
With seven underground floors, it is rumoured that the mansion was used for secret societies to meet and meddle with the occult. Legend has it that one of three books was written in this very mansion by the Devil himself. It's no wonder that Chalet Biester was the setting for Roman Polanski's supernatural thriller The Ninth Gate. The mansion is now a private home and so, with no way of finding out more, it is unlikely that any of us will learn the true nature of whatever satanic happenings have taken place within its walls.
Porto's São Bento Train Station is among the city's most famous buildings. Known for its beautiful architecture and elaborately painted azulejo ceramic tiles, it was built in 1900 and influenced by the 19th-century Parisian Beaux-Arts style. However, few realise that the famous transport hub was constructed over the site of a 16th-century Benedictine convent, the Convento de São Bento da Avé Maria.
By 1821, fifty-five nuns inhabited the convent, which was the last of its order due to the abolition of all religious houses under the decree of 1834 by the minister of justice Joaquim António da Aguiar. It earned him the nickname of O Mata-Frades (The FriarKiller).
Over the years, the number of nuns dwindled until the last one died in 1892. It was then that the government worked swiftly to tear down the Convento de São Bento da Avé Maria and replace it with the more atheist-appealing train station. The first train departed in 1896 and the foundation stone for the new station was officially laid in 1900.
While the convent was erased from history, one of its former inhabitants is still sticking around. Numerous accounts have been shared that a ghostly figure of a nun can be seen walking the hallways of the train station to this day. Her soft voice can be heard chanting prayers that echo through the halls, giving some passengers the fright of their lives. Perhaps the lost soul of the last nun of Convento de São Bento da Avé Maria is still watching over the foundations of her former convent?
The Sanatório de Valongo near Porto looks like something out of a Hitchcock movie. Built in 1910 to house tuberculosis patients with a capacity of just 50 beds, over 400 people were admitted between 1958 and 1975. Sadly, the gaudy building was the last place many of its residents called home, with them dying tragic deaths in what some say were horrific conditions.
By 1961, antibiotics had largely eradicated tuberculosis and the sanatorium finally closed its doors; it has lain abandoned ever since. Now a popular site for paintballing, youngsters have noticed something strange within the crumbling building. Amidst the graffiti, one can see pentagon symbols and strange satanic inscriptions plastered across the walls. Some say satanic rituals have taken place within the sanatorium, possibly disturbing the souls that still haunt the corridors today. People claim to have seen doors opening and closing by themselves, abandoned trolleys moving without any force, and shadow-like figures appearing in the dilapidated windows, watching over the main entrance and darting from room to room, scaring off the most fearless of paintballers.
According to local legend, the owner of Casa Amarela (Yellow House) in Ovar went bankrupt. Unable to see any way out, and to prevent the bank from seizing the family home, he allegedly killed himself and his daughter in the house, cursing the property forever. Another local legend states that the owner threw his daughter and her boyfriend down a well in the garden after learning that they were courting without his consent and it is said that he committed suicide within the house shortly after the murders.
Whatever happened behind the closed doors at Casa Amarela remains a mystery, but one thing is for certain, the house has gained great recognition for its strange and eerie happenings. According to locals, new owners are quick to move on. The sound of cries and of doors slamming have been noted on numerous occasions, leaving residents fearful inside what they thought would be their forever home.
Lying abandoned, Casa Amarela was due to be demolished until workers found the bulldozers would suddenly turn off without explanation as they tried to tear down the building. They didn't stick around for long after hearing screams from within the house and seeing a redlike substance dripping down the walls. Casa Amarela remains untouched to this day and is known as one of the most haunted houses in Portugal.
DID YOU KNOW?
Quinta de Santo António da Juncosa is arguably one of the most haunted homes in Portugal. The 16th-century manor house was once the home of Luis de Lencastre Carneiro de Vasconcelos, Baron of Lajes and his wife Maria Júlia. The couple lived happily on their country estate until the baron suspected a secret affair between his wife and a lover. Enraged by his (mistaken) discovery, Luis bound his wife with rope, tied her to his horse and dragged her through the grounds until she died from the battering. After learning his wife was innocent, he went on to murder his children before committing suicide in guilt.
The house has been abandoned for over seventy years, yet, despite the murder tale being pure fabrication –the baron actually died in 1933 and his wife in 1955 – locals have alleged that strange things have happened within the overgrown mansion. Some claim they have seen ghostly apparitions of what appear to be the baron and his wife walking through the grounds. Others have noticed lights flickering on and off in the empty mansion. On one occasion, someone reported hearing a horse galloping through a nearby field and a woman's blood-curdling screams. Tales of the paranormal happenings at Quinta da Juncosa are just as mysterious as the mansion itself, which today is slowly being reclaimed by nature.
Beco do Chão Salgado, in Lisbon, is the site of one of Portugal's bloodiest executions. It was here that the Távora family was executed in 1759 after all five family members were accused of treason and sentenced to death by King D. José. The Távora family were tortured, decapitated and burnt. The execution site was then covered with salt so that nothing could ever grow there. After the event, King D. José, who allegedly watched the macabre massacre with glee, ordered an obelisk with five rings, one for each person slaughtered, to be erected on the site. The alley remains to this day and is known as Salty Ground Alley.
WORDS Luka Alexander
PHOTOGRAPHY Curtsey of Armindo Manuel
Standing on one of Monchique's narrow, cobbled and dimly lit streets was one of the town's most talked-about restaurants, the aptly named Restaurant Central on Rua da Igreja. It was the go-to place for small soirées and social events, not so much for the food but for the quaintly bizarre ambience, all thanks to its colourful owners.
The small, cramped restaurant, with no more than six tables, resembled a Parisian café from a bygone era or, more likely, a scene from the eighties’ British sitcom 'Allo 'Allo!. With no menu in sight, Senhor Virgilio, an upmarket version of René Artois, would look somewhat perplexed when asked for one. It was as if the owners did not want to ruin the ambience with something so functional.
Whether he understood the question or not is anyone's guess, but no menu would be forthcoming and an entourage of prix fixe would be presented, whether customers liked it or not.
It was obvious that Senhor Virgilio aimed at a level of service at least equivalent to the era of the great ocean liners. Patrons were ushered
to their seats and chairs deftly slid under their bottoms to ensure the utmost comfort. Meanwhile, the maître d´s wife fussed with the patrons' overcoats to ensure they were neatly hung up before the meal commenced.
Customers spoke in hushed tones, even when there were no other diners to disturb, and raised questions as to what their meal would be. Pondering what delights might be served from the non-extant menu, Senhor Virgilio bitterly dithered over the accurate positions of the silverware. Silverware was a title the cutlery rightly deserved, for it was, without a doubt, the best quality cutlery any tourist had encountered in Portugal. It was Senhor Virgilio's greatest concern that the dessert spoon was not completely parallel with the butter knife, meaning he would carefully adjust them for the fourth, fifth, and even sixth time.
With her husband dressed in his finest dinner suit, complete with bow tie and cummerbund, Senhora Virgilio had also retained a good selection of antiquated evening wear and she dressed in a colourful cocktail dress with a rose pinned to her side.
Senhor Virgilio aimed at a level of service at least equivalent of the era of the great ocean liners
Influenced by French presentation, Senhor and Senhora Virgilio – or perhaps I should say Madame et Monsieur Virgilio – eventually served an assortment of entrées which managed to silence the customers' whispers and put an end to Senhor Virgilio's fussing. After the well-presented nibbles, followed by a very pleasant and plentiful tomato salad, the highlight of the visit would be a main course of coq au vin in ample quantities washed down with Senhor Virgilio's homemade wine. “One more for the road”, the sophisticated garçon would say as he filled the wine glasses to the brim. The eventual bill would leave a hefty hole in anyone's wallet.
The precise details of the dessert have become lost in the mists of time, but no doubt included Portuguese specialities such as pudim flan, almond tart, or maybe even a slither of parched fig cake.
In keeping with all good Portuguese restaurants of the day, Restaurant Central served a final digestif of their finest local liquor, almost certainly the Monchique speciality medronho – homemade of course and the only complementary drink offered.
If the eccentric ambience was not enough, the décor was just as bizarre. All four walls of Restaurante Central were adorned with the business cards and thank you notes of hundreds, if not thousands, of previous diners, including celebrities. All would have enjoyed recounting the unique restaurant visit that was forever etched in their minds.
The origins of Restaurante Central and its colourful owners are as much of a mystery as the restaurant itself. It is believed Senhor Virgilio Pombo Massano trained at Faro’s hospitality school before going on to work at some of the Algarve's most prestigious restaurants, establishments where the à la carte menu was served under a cloche by waiters tailored in white dinner jackets, complete with white gloves and a plateau (waiter's cloth).
It was on a visit to Monchique, most likely to sample some of the finest regional produce, that Senhor Virgilio met his wife, a daughter of a respected born and bred Monchiquenese land owner. In opening Restaurant Central, the couple created their own ivory tower based on days
gone by and ostensibly lived in a period that, even then, was a far distant memory.
From the beginning, the restaurant and its owners were the talk of the town. “As children, we were naughty and used to buy French cigarettes, a novelty at that time, from the restaurant because we would lie about our age,” says Cândida, a lifelong Monchique local.
Everyone who dined at Restaurant Central was greeted like a long-lost friend. Customers would say “yes” to almost everything that was offered and, of course, the price of their bill increased throughout the night. With his own enjoyment for a tipple or two and his ageing ears, Senhor Virgilio's catchphrase “another for the estrada?” was more a statement than a question. A polite “no thank you” was met with an oblivious “of course, Madam, I will bring to you”, regardless of whether the customer wanted another glass of wine or not. Plied with more booze than a châteaux wine cellar, customers would pay their bill (in escudos of course and god forbid no credit cards) and stagger home, no doubt wondering the next morning how they made it back in one piece.
Senhor Virgilio was indeed a hospitality professional and a well-known figure in Monchique. Restaurante Central was in its prime during the 1970s and 1980s, but by the first years of the 1990s, the restaurant had already closed its doors, and its owners vanished just as mysteriously as they appeared decades earlier, without a single “au revoir.”
If you know any more about Sr and Sra Virgilio or what happened to them we would love to hear from you.
Why would I want to retire from doing something I enjoy so much?
- Midge
Along with his band Ultravox, Midge dominated the 80s’ music scene. Their 1981 single ‘Vienna’, with its haunting tones and outstanding video, was a massive hit and remains one of the most iconic songs of the modern era. Midge was not only the memorable face (and voice) of the noir-themed video, he was also the song’s writer and producer. With Midge at the helm, Ultravox made eight Top-10 albums and sixteen Top-40 singles. It was in 1984 that Midge co-wrote and produced ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas?’ It became the fastest-selling single in UK chart history, selling an astronomical one million copies in its first week, raising millions of pounds for good causes. In 2005, Midge received an OBE in recognition of his work supporting good causes and, to this day, Midge still serves as a trustee with the Band Aid Charitable Trust.
WORDS Vaughan Willmore
We catch up with a friend of Tomorrow and a regular visitor to the Algarve – the legendary Midge Ure. DID YOU KNOW
Midge’s birth name is James Ure. His stage name, Midge, is a phonetic reversal of Jim.
Midge Ure has a well-earned (and justifiable) reputation for being “one of the nicest men in the music industry”. It’s been a year since we last spoke, and I discovered that Midge is also one of the hardest-working people in the industry. At 70 years of age, he shows no signs of slowing down, with concerts scheduled for later this year and next in the USA, the UK and mainland Europe, including Portugal.
The last time I spoke to Midge we met in Moncarapacho, near Olhão. This time it’s a little different with Midge ‘zooming’ in from the USA where he’s been busy touring. It’s like catching up with an old friend, albeit one whose work ethic far outstrips mine and that of many of his contemporaries! I asked Midge if he ever felt like slowing down. “Not really, no,” he laughs. “Why would I want to retire from doing something I enjoy so much?”
Midge Ure was born on the outskirts of Glasgow. “I was a young lad from a working-class background,” he said. “The expectation was that you would take on some form of manual labour, but music has always been part of my DNA and I enjoyed nothing more than playing live with my mates. I still do.”
In 2022, Midge and his wife rented a delightful property in the hills north of Tavira. They spent much of the year here in the Algarve, finding it the perfect place to recharge their batteries. Since then, they’ve moved to another property, nearer Tavira. I asked Midge what he enjoys most about being here. “The warmth, the food, the people, and how unspoilt certain areas still are, especially further inland. We love it there, my wife especially so.”
Midge told me the The Band in the Box tour in the States was “hard work” but “great fun”, , with just Midge and two band members sharing the driving, and the trials and tribulations of life on the road. The tour ended just a few weeks ago but there’s no relenting, with Midge’s next engagement being here in the Algarve at the Costa Festival Portugal, in Albufeira. After that, it’s two more shows in mainland Europe before returning to the UK for the Catalogue Hits Tour. Thirty dates are scheduled, taking in the length and breadth of the UK. The tour will offer a complete retrospective of his remarkable career and promises to be great fun. Dates are also scheduled for Sweden, Germany and the United Arab Emirates, stretching well into 2025.
It was great catching up with Midge again. Despite all his fame and success, he remains one of the most down-toearth (and busiest!) people in the music industry.
Midge will perform at Costa Festival Portugal, 1–7 October in Albufeira. www.midgeure.co.uk
WORDS Henrica Vanderaa
Exploring the moon is João Costa’s passion, albeit through his telescope. It is a passion he likes to share with others through his ‘AstroFaro’ astronomical observation events. His recent events include the Forum Family Garden event at Forum Algarve in Faro, where over 200 adults and children peeked through his telescope for a glimpse of the lunar landscape and the chance to take a souvenir picture of the lunar beauty.
João’s passion for the skies goes as far back as he can remember. As a child, he was fascinated by the universe, other planets and galaxies; he has always been curious about what exists beyond planet Earth. At the time, there was limited access to information, and it was not until the internet became accessible and more TV channels dedicated to science – such as the Discovery Channel – that he was able to satisfy his curiosity and deepen his knowledge.
A friend who knew of João’s passion was the catalyst for his future achievements. He happened to see mini telescopes for sale at Lidl and bought one for João. At first, João used it with some enthusiasm to observe the moon but, because its view was very limited, after a few attempts, it became part of the pile of “objects” left in the trunk or boot of his car and forgotten about.
Then came the pandemic. During the first confinement, João remembered his mini telescope in the back of the car, but when he went to use it, he found it had a broken lens. While João was researching for a replacement lens online, he discovered telescopes were not that expensive. His focus then turned to purchasing a better one. He knew very little
about telescopes at the time (such as aperture, eyepiece and magnification) so, with pen and paper in hand, he took lots of notes to fulfil his determination to find the best telescope he could afford.
His first real telescope was a disappointment. It was not user-friendly and, as João tried to work the telescope, one of the parts got slightly damaged. His next task was to find someone who might be able to help fix it. As luck would have it, he was referred to the astronomer at the Centro Ciência Viva do Algarve in Faro, Filipe Dias. Filipe was not only helpful, but he also invited João to join their Astro Club in the summer of 2020. When Filipe observed João’s enthusiasm and willingness to learn and help out, he asked João to join as an assistant with the observation events at the CCVA.
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João was thrilled. He sold his telescope and, with the knowledge gained thanks to his mentor and the CCVA, he bought a reflector telescope with a Dobson base that allows for stability, and ease of use and transport. He does not have to manually adjust the telescope; instead, he uses a command that is ideal for observation when surrounded by a keen public, especially children.
His friends encouraged João to expand his talent and passion by organising his own celestial observations and presentations. A previous colleague put him in contact with the events team at Vale de Lobo resort where, to his delight, he found out they had been looking for an astronomer for some time. João started his monthly observations at Vale de Lobo resort in 2022 and continues to do these monthly. The observations are scheduled at the time of the month when the moon is visible and take place on the resort itself.
Some of the hotel guests who attended subsequently invited him to host observations at private events and João has also been invited to participate in local festivals and events organised by the Municipality of Faro. This summer, he was involved in a stargazing presentation along with the CCVA at the unique Faro rooftop festival O Açoteia in July, the Forum Family Garden in August, and Faro’s Festival F in September.
I asked João to recall the most amazing celestial object he had ever seen. He told me that on 18 May of this year, he
conducted an observation event for the Scouts near Faro Airport. While packing up the telescope, he looked up at the sky and saw a meteor pass overhead. He said it was the most incredible sight. It happened so fast that he did not have a chance to capture it on his phone camera.
When asked to provide a quote or statement that reflects his inspiration, João did not hesitate to quote Carl Sagan from his book and film Contact: “The universe is a pretty big place. If it’s just us, seems like an awful waste of space.” He thinks of the expanse of the universe and how small we are in comparison, making it impossible for the infinite magnificence of the universe to be ours only.
Follow AstroFaro on Facebook or Instagram for upcoming events, or contact João Costa directly to schedule a sky gazing observation: +351 917 870 807 or astrofaro@gmail.com
www.ccvalg.pt
WORDS Sophie Sadler
Pedro Braz Correia was born in his mother’s hometown of Faro on 17 September 1986, but he has lived his whole life in his father’s hometown of Lagos. He considers growing up in his beautiful city a privilege and recalls with nostalgia the summers spent on the beach playing football with his parents and two brothers.
Both his parents were teachers. Now retired, his father was a primary school teacher specialising in physical education, and his mother was a secondary school Portuguese teacher. They were both fundamental role models in Pedro’s childhood, offering encouragement and support.
Pedro’s first great passion was undoubtedly football. However, he always loved running with his father, so athletics gradually aroused his curiosity. Pedro recalls, “I remember watching the 10,000m final of the Atlanta Olympics on television in 1996, which was won by the Portuguese athlete Fernanda Ribeiro, and being fascinated by her brilliant performance. Shortly afterwards, I took part in my first cross-country competitions in school sports and since then I’ve never been far from the world of athletics.”
Pedro won seven titles of Absolute Algarve Champion (800m/1500m), the Algarve record for 600m, the five titles of M35 National Champion (400m/800m) and he came 4th in the 800m and 5th in the 1500m at the M35 European Indoor Track Championships. “I’m very proud of the results I’ve achieved throughout my career as an athlete, as they’ve been the result of a lot of dedication to training.”
His sporting achievement then led Pedro to coaching, and he took the grade 1 athletics coaching course in Faro in 2003. He went to Lisbon in September 2004 to do a degree in cardiac and pulmonary physiology and a master’s degree in high-performance sports. After finishing his master’s degree, he took a teaching role at Vale Verde School and completed his athletics coaching qualifications at levels two and three.
Over the last twenty years, he has worked with athletes from various clubs, including Projecto Novas Descobertas, Royal AXN Lagos, Sport Lisboa e Benfica, Clube de Futebol Esperança de Lagos, Clube de Atletismo de Tunes, Clube Recreativo Cultural e Desportivo Luzense, Clube Recreativo Praia da Salema and Sporting Clube de Portugal.
“I consider myself to have been a talented, hard-working and resilient young athlete. I never had the opportunity to join a training group with a long-term training process that would allow me to make my way to high performance in sports.”
This is why Pedro started to dream of creating a club that could help other young athletes to achieve their dreams.
On 28 October 2022, he fulfilled the dream of founding the Lacobrigense Athletics Academy.
“My greatest motivation in training children and young people is realising that I have the opportunity to contribute to their overall and harmonious development, physically, intellectually, emotionally and socially, as well as to their civic education.
Pedro is proud of all of his students but would like to highlight the amazing achievements of the following:
Gabriel Ludwick
U18 National 800m Indoor Track Champion; silver medal in the 800m at the CPLP U17 Sports Games; bronze medal in the 1500m at the U18 Iberian Tournament.
Tomé Nascimento
Bronze medallist in the 400m at the U18 Iberian Tournament.
Tiago Ramos
National Champion in the 10,000m Race Walking U20; National Champion in the 5,000m Indoor, 10,000m Outdoor March, 10km Road March, 15km Road March and 20km Road March U23; Absolute Portuguese Champion in the 10,000m Outdoor March and 20km Road March; 16th place in the 10,000m Outdoor March at the U20 World Championships; 16th place in the 20km Road March at the U23 European Championships; gold medallist in the 10,000m Outdoor March at the U23 Mediterranean Games.
Bo Henningsson and Per Jacobsson
Silver medallists in the 4x400m M65 at the World Masters Championships.
The greatest victory children and young people can achieve at the start of their athletics journey is to seize the opportunity to live pleasant experiences, make new friends, learn new skills, acquire habits of self-discipline and persistence, and learn to co-operate and compete fairly,” he says. Pedro has even been known to go to his students’ school sporting events to give them his support.
Rita Aling-Dwyer has been training with Pedro along with her son Klaas. “Over the last decade, training with Pedro Braz Correia has been nothing short of life-changing. As an experienced coach, Pedro has shown time and again the profound impact that athletes and trainers can have on our physical, mental and overall wellbeing. His personalised approach, combined with his deep knowledge of the human body and sports performance, makes him a standout in his field. Pedro’s guidance has been invaluable in tailoring fitness programmes to meet individual goals. With Pedro’s support, I was able to successfully complete a half marathon, feeling both physically strong and mentally empowered throughout the process.”
Pedro now works as a personal trainer to football players, but it is his dedication to teaching kids that has earned him so much love and respect in the local community. Rita continues: “For Klaas, the skills he has gained from Pedro have not only helped him in athletics but also shaped his character and approach to life’s challenges. This holistic approach to athletic development is a testament to the broader benefits of working with a skilled and dedicated coach like Pedro Braz Correia.”
Now Pedro has his own kids Maria Liz and João Pedro to mentor. “They are two healthy and very active children who love to run and play, which makes me extremely happy,” says Pedro proudly. “If one day, when it makes sense, they decide to start specialising in athletics, they will undoubtedly have their parents’ support.”
But Pedro has not given up on his own dreams. “I don’t hide the fact that my greatest dream is to become the coach for an Olympic champion athlete.” He also wants to continue his higher education and grow the Lacobrigense Athletics Academy so that it becomes a nationally acclaimed sporting centre of excellence. Pedro has also attended a doctorate programme in sports physiology in Lisbon, which he is still in the process of completing.
And, it is not just Tomorrow who are celebrating Pedro´s achievements. He is one of three coaches in Portugal nominated for the 2024 young coach award (Prémio Jovem Treinador Revelação 2024) that will be awarded on 26 October in Viseu at the Gala da Associação de Treinadores de Atletismo de Portugal. Pedro admits this recognition, “made me very happy”.
So if you would like to get yourself or your child involved in athletics, how should you go about it?
Pedro says, “Except when I’m accompanying an athlete in international competitions, you’ll find me every day at the Carlos Cabral Athletics Track in Lagos, where I’ll be happy to welcome you and introduce you to the Lacobrigense Athletics Academy project.”
With so many negative influences open to young people today, it is reassuring to know that there are people in our community, like Pedro, who are dedicated to showing them how to make the best of themselves and learn how to handle both mental and physical challenges.
If you know someone in the community who deserves recognition, we would love to hear from you: sophie@tomorrowalgarve.com
WORDS Gabriel Hershman
In April 1974, our idyll looked close to being shattered. The Portuguese Revolution overthrew 40 years of dictatorship. We were walking in London one afternoon when an Evening Standard vendor bellowed, “PORTUGAL GONE COMMUNIST”.
My mother burst into tears. She must have been distraught. For a while there was serious talk of properties being confiscated and foreigners – wealthy capitalists! – would have been first in line. Would we lose our villa? For a while the atmosphere was feverish and many overseas owners fled, taking their valuables. Motorists, usually assumed (correctly) to be foreigners because most Algarveans had a donkey or cart, found it difficult to buy petrol. There were inconveniences for sure but the communists, whose strongholds were in the Alentejo, gave up confiscating property down south.
The Carnation Revolution, so-called because it was non-violent, fizzled out. A friend joked that the Portuguese deemed communism a great idea until they were told they’d have to share their pigs! Thankfully, the Luz Bay Club’s British manager had managed to keep the Club running throughout because many locals relied on it for their jobs. So Portugal began clambering unsteadily toward social democracy. Foreign-owned properties were safe, after all.
With the kind permission of the author, we are publishing an extract from ‘Don’t Be So Sensitive’. The memoir recalls visiting Praia da Luz and his colourful descriptions recreate the Luz of the 1970s. He relives some wonderful holidays but also some painful separations when his mother and stepfather (Gerard) would spend every winter in their villa and leave him in Pimlico. The memoir begins and ends in Luz because Gabriel scattered his mother’s ashes near Black Rock.
My mother was agreeably surprised to find the villa untouched when we arrived later that year, 1974. Even our adopted cat, Bobby, knew we were coming, waiting for us on the doormat outside. The publicity in the UK had been so bad we’d half expected to find a Commie cat raising the red flag!
In the years between my parents’ divorce and her meeting Gerard, I was happy. These were the halcyon days of my childhood. We visited Luz several times – sometimes only the two of us because my older halfbrothers were working or studying – during this period. There’s a picture of me as a seven-year-old reading a book while a fat Bobby lazes nearby, looking out over the sun-kissed terrace. I can date it to late 1974 because it’s post-revolution but pre-Gerard. Also, the furnishings were still makeshift, just before my mother lavished money on the place.
Our family doctor once dubbed me “a sensitive squaggy”. There’s no such word, of course, but it was oddly appropriate and onomatopoeic. Even my dad called me “squaggy”. At this point I’d have been content to keep my mother to myself. Particularly for a vulnerable little fellow, it’s comforting not having to vie for your mother’s attention. You look up and there she is. No competition, no rivalry, and no expectations … a “sensitive squaggy” nestling near his mummy in the Algarve, with reassuring smells emanating from the gasfired stove and a friendly cat nearby. For me this was just p-u-r-r-f-e-c-t. (Yes, I know, I know!) When I look back at the time when I was happiest I don’t hark back to big occasions but rather a mood of undisturbed innocence.
But this period wasn’t so great for my mother. We struggled with the luggage on our return journey on the train from Gatwick to Victoria. She broke her fingernail, slamming it in the compartment door while trying to get through with heavy bags. Later she called an ambulance and had to spend a day in hospital. She was at a loss without a partner.
I never holidayed anywhere else abroad during the entire period in which my mother owned the villa in Luz. But I could see the advantages of having a home in the sun. You know where everything is; you kick off your shoes and the fun starts immediately. No recce is needed; restaurateurs recognise you as regulars and give you exemplary service because they like you and know you’re likely to recommend them. And, in Portugal, sterling went a long way; in those days there were 50 escudos to the pound.
My mother was well-educated but Luz was not brimming with the intelligentsia. An exception was Alison Blair, whom we knew as Alison Hooper, who lived in a lovely rambling house in Boa Pesca, a quiet, elegant residential cul-de-sac. Alison, the Cambridge-educated co-founder of a popular magazine called Lilliput in the forties, was my mother’s closest friend in the town, sharing a love of art, travel and literature.
Luz housed more than its share of entertaining eccentrics. A retired army colonel and his wife were Alison’s neighbours in Boa Pesca. He and Gerard, who made his first trip to Luz at Christmas, 1975, would reminisce about the war. Gerard had been a bomber pilot in the RAF. Whenever I think of “the Colonel” I can hear him saying “and then Monty said to me in the desert”. We’d pass by his house and he’d be on the terrace, which Gerard christened “the bridge”, giving a mock salute. “Bow Tie,” the Colonel would say, which was the best Portuguese he could muster, a pale imitation of “Bom Dia”.
“Permission to come aboard?” Gerard would ask and the Colonel would nod. Usually, a long drinking session would ensue.
The Colonel and his wife lived the life of a stopped clock but maybe it was the life they wanted. One summer’s day, we had a picnic in their caravan in the countryside. The Colonel, who was a tightwad, noticed I was eating a lot. His wife kept offering me more but he stopped her.
“Come off it, you’ll be offering him the Christmas pudding next.”
Perfect for a relaxed morning, this brunch accommodates up to six guests. The menu offers a culinary journey featuring fresh seafood, meats, and vegetarian dishes, all inspired by the ocean.
A day charter with drinks and canapés. Ideal for social gatherings or celebrations, this option hosts up to 14 guests for a leisurely cruise along the Algarve coastline.
Ideal for up to 8 guests. Start with a scenic cruise along the Algarve coastline towards the stunning Benagil Sea Cave. Savor a gourmet “Five Moments” lunch, featuring ve exquisite courses.
Alison was amused by the eccentricity of her neighbours. One day, we were at the Colonel’s villa having drinks when through the wall we heard Alison pounding on her typewriter. The Colonel’s wife said: “I know that Alison is writing about us.” Sure enough, as Alison later told us, she was!
Another semi-permanent (and educated) resident in Boa Pesca was a wealthy, softly-spoken middle-aged American architect named Jim Weaver. Variously known as “whispering Jim”, “the quiet American” or “the weaver bird” to other expats, he’d speak slowly and only after consideration, propping his glasses back up the bridge of his nose. Gerard took him off to a tee behind his back but was (excessively) unctuous in his company. Gerard quickly realised where his bread was buttered – hence I inserted “wealthy” – because what was there not to like about regular buffets featuring spare ribs, English sausages and baked potatoes in a spacious villa overlooking the beautiful bay?
There’s a photo of my mother and Jim Weaver chatting on the Luz sand of a winter’s day, the water lapping gently at their feet. My mother, never one for lazing on the beach, has made a rare concession to her surroundings – by removing her sandals and treading barefoot! She has long cream-coloured trousers, rolled up at the ends, stockings underneath, a silk blouse and Hermes scarf, a cashmere cardigan, delicately rounded film-star sunglasses, and her obligatory gold brooch and bracelet. Weaver is wearing dark flared corduroys, a long-sleeved chequered shirt with gold cufflinks and a Lacoste V-neck sweater with a cravat. Nowadays, you don’t see such folk walking around a public beach, at least not in the Algarve. But this was 45 years ago.
Luz, especially out of season, was not especially exciting So, you may well wonder what drew people like my mother and Jim Weaver to an uncharted, disconnected area of south-western Europe. The answer was all around you, in nature not in human company, and also in the allure of the seclusion itself. When the weather was clement, when the “toilet” (as Gerard christened the prolonged heavy rain)
wasn’t flushing, it was gorgeous. Most winter days saw mild and sunny weather with scattered clouds, the air suffused with delicate scents of jacaranda and oleander. In the summer, the weather was milder than in the Mediterranean with welcoming sea breezes and cool nights.
The Algarve had almost no rain at all between May and October, so when it did come it was welcome. The “barragems” (reservoirs) would be empty by summer’s end. But for short winter stayers it was a nuisance. Sometimes the deluge would come without respite over a fortnight and if it coincided with your holiday, it was your bad luck. Damp was a major problem if you opened up an empty villa after prolonged downpours. But when would the rains come?
“Quem sabe?” (Who knows?) Whenever it did, the locals would say “bom para favas” – “it’s good for the beans (to grow).”
When I was a child, I preferred the Algarve in summer, for obvious reasons. But, as I grew older, my favourite time was late winter when the almond blossom appeared, bathing the fields in pink. Sometimes the first blossom arrived as early as January, but peaked a month later. During cold, grey February days in London, I’d close my eyes and visualise it. Later, I grew to love the flowers of the region. Many years later, a week’s holiday in Albufeira (by then my mother had relocated east, to a larger resort in the Algarve) saved me from total nervous exhaustion.
Even back in Luz days, I realised that the longer the period spent in the Algarve’s clement climate, the harder re-entry into the UK would be. It wasn’t only the weather or the scenery, although the prospect of keeping winter at bay was enticing enough. It was also the relaxed pace of life and communion with nature. A riveting television drama series of the early 1970s called The Lotus Eaters related the exploits of British expats in Crete. The title comes from a saying to describe the lure of the Mediterranean. One of the characters says: “We’ve all eaten off the fruit of the lotus and lost the desire to return to our native lands.” This could also have applied to Brits in the Algarve. The Lotus Eaters, filmed in 1972, was considered innovative for its escapist premise. But my parents predated it by three years. They were the first lotus eaters.”
Don’t Be So Sensitive is available on Amazon under the pseudonym of Daniel Kupfermann.
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A glimpse of how Portuguese’s communities around the world proudly hold onto their heritage.
I had no idea that ‘Little Portugal’ existed until I visited Toronto this summer. After some investigation, I found that it exists all around the globe, so I decided to investigate further.
Generations of migration have taken Portuguese families to other countries in search of better careers and earning prospects. Consequently, families have settled in several cities around the world, coming together patriotically in areas called ‘Little Portugal’, where they support each other by holding onto their cultural heritage and values.
‘Little Portugal’ can be found in South London, Sydney and San Jose, in the US, which has a Michelin-starred Portuguese restaurant, Adega. Then there is Montreal and Toronto in Canada, Melaka in Malaysia, Newark in New York, and Fountainhas, a UNESCO world heritage site located in Panjim city – the capital of Goa. Interestingly, Fountainhas – the Little Portugal of Goa – was founded by an aristocrat called Antônio João de Sequeira for the purpose of coconut plantations. Then, of course, there is Macao, aka Asia’s Little Lisbon.
These Little Portugals are part of the growing hashtag trend – #dupe. For those not au fait with TikTok, this viral hashtag represents ‘duplicates’. On social media, #dupes have been
used widely for convenient alternatives to beauty products and designer attire, and now the trend has moved on to travel, with Expedia predicting that destination dupes will be one of the top travel trends of this year.
What this means is that instead of visiting the actual country, you can visit somewhere closer to home that has a similar feel to the country you wish to visit, but at a lower cost and involving less travel time. So, someone in Asia who really wants to visit Portugal but can’t afford it could travel to Macao or Goa and have a similar #dupe experience.
On the other end of the scale, I went from Portugal to ‘Little Portugal’ halfway around the world in Toronto because I was visiting family. High up on my list of things to do was to visit the Little Portugal neighbourhood because I love urban art, and my favourite Portuguese street artist, Vhils, had created a mural there.
This sizable mural adorns the whole of one side of a building. It represents the Cleaners’ Action, which was created in 1975 to advocate for Portuguese women working as office building cleaners. This mural represents a lady called Idalina.
Vhils, who gave an interview for Luso while creating this mural, states: “As part of one of the first waves of immigration, this kind of march was a way for people to participate in Canadian society as well. So it was a way for them to reclaim the fact that they exist and that they needed to have fair conditions of work, and that really touched me. I think it’s very important to pay homage not just for the act, but also for the people that are still alive, which we were able to portray, like Idalina who we depicted in the portrait.”
Besides my obsession with Vhils, I wanted to explore an area that represents so many Portuguese families who want to hold onto their culture while still having the opportunity for better prospects outside of Portugal. Approximately 180,000 Portuguese immigrants live in Greater Toronto. Many of the second or third-generation immigrants may have only experienced Portugal through neighbourhoods like Little Portugal – not all having had the opportunity to travel back to their native country. For this reason, Little Portugals have a real purpose: to help future Portuguese generations living abroad understand, preserve and be proud of their culture.
As I live permanently in Portugal, walking around the Canadian imitation confuses my senses. Experiencing things like Bank Montepio on the street corner and drinking café com leite with pasteis de nata from a bakery with walls adorned by typical blue illustrated azulejos, instantly transports me somewhere back home.
A famous restaurant, Bairrada, offers chicken piri piri from a family recipe derived some 80 years ago, plus the usual bacalhau and other specialities like rabbit stew. With all those tantalising smells, you do get a sense of being in Portugal, until the accent hits home and clearly brings you back to the fact that you are in a Toronto neighbourhood, in this case, Dundas West.
There is a large blue Portuguese rooster that proudly sits on one of the streets and was gifted to the city of Toronto by the Municipality of Barcelos, Portugal. The plaque next to
the rooster states, “The Rooster embodies the Portuguese love of life and represents new beginnings, pride, hope, optimism, honesty, integrity, trust, honour and also good luck.”
Toronto´s Little Portugal has an estimated population of around 17,300 but recently, there has been concern that the area has seen a desertion of Portuguese immigrants. According to Anabela Taborda, chair of the Little Portugal Toronto business improvement area, who gave an interview with CityNews Toronto in 2023, the changes have been partially fuelled by the pandemic, younger generations wanting to leave family businesses, or people being forced out by real estate growth. She added emphatically, “If the last person that speaks Portuguese leaves the area, this will continue to be Little Portugal!”
If you are reading from abroad, hop onto the #dupe trending now and visit a Little Portugal near to you, and if you are a local to Portugal and feel homesick while travelling to one of these places with a ‘little Portugal’ – you know where to go.
If you want to know more about the mural, you can access the interview here: lusolife.ca/scratching-the-surface
Portugal is facing a demographic shift, with a significant increase in old-age dependency in the coming years. In response, the country has implemented policy measures to promote active ageing and improve the quality of life for elderly people. One key initiative that is making a difference in this area is the Associação Rede de Universidades da Terceira Idade (RUTIS), known as The Senior University!
RUTIS was established in 2005 to address the slow growth of the U3A model in Portugal. The University of the Third Age (U3A) is an international movement whose aims are the education and stimulation of mainly retired members of the community – those in their third ‘age’ of life. The U3As offer education and activities for older adults, 50 and over, to promote active ageing.
RUTIS is a member of the Portuguese State Economic and Social Council and has a unique agreement with the state to represent senior citizens’ universities and promote active ageing in Portugal. These unique features make RUTIS a significant player in the global movement for active ageing, and it organises national and international initiatives, such as festivals, training sessions and congresses.
non-political and non-denominational, non-profit organisation founded on 10 May, 2001. Located on Santa Maria Square in the centre of Lagos, it is a vibrant place that offers courses for everyone. It offers an excellent opportunity to learn new skills and make contact with others. The centre is actively seeking members of the foreign community to join to integrate into the local community and of course, make the most of their ‘third age’!
I spoke to Thea Verhoeks, a Dutch national who moved to the Algarve 16 years ago. She has been a member of CEL for 10 years and is now on the board of directors. “We are all friends, we have dinners together and take museum trips to Lisbon. It combats loneliness and really is amazing.” Thea initially joined to learn Portuguese but then became fascinated by Portuguese culture and so now studies Portuguese art and history along with philosophy. “I am now fluent in Portuguese and it makes life so much better here. I was so lucky to meet our professor Dr José Baptista. He is 82 but young at heart and now a great friend.”
While many academic courses are in Portuguese, there are many courses you can enrol in that do not require an understanding of Portuguese. These include dancing, yoga, singing, sewing, embroidery, and even the ukulele.
Portugal is facing a significant demographic shift, with a predicted population decline and an increase in the elderly population. By 2050, it is estimated that the elderly will make up 35 per cent of the total population. The country is also projected to have a higher old-age dependency ratio, with challenges in providing services for the ageing population. The country is preparing for an increase in the number of people aged 80 and over, requiring tailored policies and initiatives to address the challenges of an ageing population.
October & November 6pm - 9.30pm
3
OCTOBER
17
OCTOBER
31
OCTOBER
14
NOVEMBER
28
NOVEMBER
Momos, Thali & Lassi
Sharing Board, Kebabs, Stern Mess
Satay, Spring Rolls, Curries, Banana Fritters
Rice Rolls, Salt & Pepper Squid, Noodles, Pho, Vietnamese Coffee
Miso Soup, Sharing Sushi, Yaki Soba
OPENING
October open 1pm-9:30pm, closed Tue
November open 1pm-9:30pm, closed Tue & Wed
3 courses for €37.95 pp
Pre order required | Available for groups of 7+
STARTERS
A festive platter served family style for everyone to share, a selection of the below:
Pigs in blankets with cranberry glaze
Korean fried chicken wings
Baked Camembert with spiced red onion marmalade & toasted sourdough (V)
Hummus with spiced toasted chickpeas & grissini (V)
MAIN COURSE
Grilled seabass on a champagne sauce, braised fennel, tomato concasse, crushed new potatoes
Roast turkey ballotine wrapped in bacon with a sage & chestnut stu ng, served with crispy potatoes, glazed carrots & pig in blanket with gravy
Butternut squah & goats cheese tart served with a green salad (V)
SIDES
Crispy roast potatoes €4.50
Pigs in blankets €5.95
Brussel sprouts with bacon bits €4.50
DESSERT
Clementine & pistachio mess
Warm chocolate fondant, vanilla ice cream
Christmas pudding
FANCY ANOTHER COURSE?
Finish your meal with a selection of artisanal cheeses
3 cheeses €6.95 | 6 cheeses €10.95
An inaugural class will mark the official opening of the school year on 11 October (time to be confirmed) at the cultural centre.
It will be a special occasion, with musician Júlio Pereira presenting his latest album, followed by a mini ukulele concert. The event is open for everyone to join.
The university also welcomes those who’d like to share particular skills, such as teaching breadmaking, sewing, art, etc. The school year will commence on 14 October.
RUTIS is not just a university, it’s a catalyst for change. It’s playing a vital role in promoting active ageing and improving the quality of life for elderly people in Portugal. Through its initiatives and collaborations, RUTIS is not just contributing to a more inclusive and age-friendly society. It’s shaping it for the better.
Enrolment information
In the academic year 2024/2025, the Universidade de Lagos offers a wide range of subjects taught by volunteer teachers. To enrol, you need to be a CEL member. New students (non-members), will be admitted upon becoming a member, which requires payment of:
• Fee: €15
• Annual membership fee: €36
• Annual student membership fee: €36 +€30 (membership fee + University attendance fee, which includes a block of four subjects of the student’s choice)
Your first four subjects are included in this fee. If you take more than four subjects, there is an additional fee of €5 for each course.
If you want more information in your own language here are some useful contacts:
Thea (Dutch, English and German) +351 912 246 494
Danka (Polish and English)
+48 601 229 228
Annik (French)
+33 7 63 55 59 07
Michele Tarquini (Italian)
+39 335 243 883
An
WORDS Julian
I recently took a trip to explore this attractive Algarve town and discovered a story with a moral that could be considered ‘biblical’ – the underdog beating all odds to overcome a mightier power.
Olhão’s famous fish market is over 100 years old. It’s very central and distinctive with its red brick construction and cupolas, and is said to be the biggest fish market in the Algarve. My wife and I had lunch there and afterwards, we strolled the waterfront, where tiled monuments display interesting facts about the town’s history.
The Peninsular War (1807–1814), part of the Napoleonic Wars, was fought between Spain, Portugal and the UK against the French. By November 1807, the Portuguese royal court and some 10,000 officials fled from Lisbon to their Brazilian colony to escape the approaching French army. They set up shop in the wealthy capital, Rio de Janeiro, to administer their kingdom from there. They did not return to Portugal for another 14 years.
The abusive French invaders established themselves all along the Algarve. On 16 June 1808, a popular uprising in the small fishing village of Olhão culminated in the expulsion of the French forces. The success of this initiative spread throughout the region, and the French withdrew from the Algarve to the town of Mértola, which was inland and near the Spanish border.
The following month, 17 fishermen from Olhão sailed across the Atlantic to Brazil in a small boat known as a caique, typical of Olhão. The 20-metre wooden boat with lateen sails was
named Bom Successo. The mission was to take the news of the French defeat to the royal court in exile in Rio de Janeiro. The crew took with them a document describing the bold action by the people of Olhão. The result was that the Prince Regent decided to award Olhão and its inhabitants with a legal permit to be recognised as ‘Vila de Olhão of the Restoration’. It would be its own municipality with local autonomy and a much-elevated status.
Napoleon, with his ambition to control Europe, was incensed by Portugal’s defiance against ending trade with Britain. On 30 November 1807, French troops entered the Portuguese capital of Lisbon and closed the country’s ports to English ships. In retaliation in August 1808, British forces landed in Portugal and forced the evacuation of the French (Convention of Cintra).
But, it was Olhão and its citizens who first stood up to the might of France – and won. A true David and Goliath story.
WORDS Luis de Teves Costa
The festivities of Halloween as we know them are a relatively recent tradition in Portugal. The popular and exciting American version, now celebrated worldwide, only arrived in Portugal at the turn of the millennium.
The origin of Halloween dates back to middleaged cultures and the ritual of worshipping and celebrating the dead. Portugal, heavily influenced by its Christian roots, traditionally celebrates not the night of Halloween on 31 October but the Day of All Saints on 1 November, which is a national bank holiday.
Although modern times favour Halloween as a worldwide celebration and an excuse to have a party, you might not be aware of another festive ritual in Portugal. Pão por Deus (Bread, by God) is a tradition that can still be seen throughout the country, but it is more evident in smaller, more rural villages, where people have managed to keep these traditions alive by perpetuating the ceremony year after year.
It is said that this custom became more relevant in Portugal after 1 November of 1755 when a powerful earthquake, tsunami and consequent fire devastated the Portuguese capital, killing thousands. Those who survived the tragedy were left with little or nothing and in much need of charity.
Tradition has it that during the morning of this holiday and only until noon, children up to the age of ten gather in small groups and go around knocking on doors. Sounds familiar? Of course. But, unlike the famous treat or trick, Pão por Deus does not include dressing up in costumes, pumpkin carving
or gory displays. For this occasion, children in Portugal dress up smartly and carry a little cloth bag soon to be filled with tasty gifts.
These bags were usually purpose-made at home, with seasonal decorations or the words ‘Pão por Deus’ added. At each door, children knock and call out ‘Pão por Deus!’ Those who open their front doors are prepared to give something to the children. Offerings were traditionally bread, dry fruits, biscuits, cakes or money, and more recently, chocolates and candy. In return, children present their generous neighbours with a pleasant and well-rehearsed rhyme as a thank you.
Those who don’t open the door also deserve a rhyme. Only this time, in a more discontented and provocative tone. Otherwise seen as taking a liberty, and only allowed during this particular event, the children enjoy saying these rhymes, nearly as much as they enjoy receiving the goodies in their bags.
Although each child carries an individual bag, at the end of the tour and in true Christian spirit, all goods are put together and shared equally.
In some parts of Portugal, Pão por Deus is known as bolinhos (cookies). In anticipation of the children’s raid, villagers are known to bake cookie batches ready for their little visitors. It is possible that this is the reason for the alternative name. Although the rhymes and sayings can vary, the concept remains the same.
Portuguese
“Esta casa cheira a broa Aqui mora gente boa, Esta casa cheira a vinho Aqui mora um santinho.”
English
“This house smells of bread
The home of good people, This house smells of wine Holy people live here.”
Portuguese
“Esta casa cheira a alho Aqui mora um espantalho, Esta casa cheira a unto Aqui mora algum defunto.”
English
“This house smells of garlic
The home of a scarecrow, This house smells of grease Dead people live here.”
You can listen to our podcast, Talk about Tomorrow, with John Aldridge. In it, we discussed his illustrious career, support for Algarve charity, and golf game! It’s available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.
shorturl.at/8vugw
The 2024 John Aldridge Charity Golf Classic, held on 13 and 14 September, was another huge success. It attracted golfers from the UK, Ireland and the Algarve, all uniting to raise crucial funds for local causes.
Led by ex-Liverpool FC striker John Aldridge, the festivities kicked off on Thursday, 14 September. All teams gathered at the Estrela da Luz pool bar for drinks, setting the tone for the golf event to follow.
Over the course of two days, 24 teams competed for the coveted title. Friday saw the first round at Espiche Golf Course, a Texas Scramble Stableford format. The sublime weather mirrored the sizzling competition, with the winning team on Day 1 being The Fantastic Four. James Mitton, Neil Mitton, Steve Gene and Michael Gane claimed victory with an impressive 56 points, narrowly beating Denis O´Brien, Karl Browning, Derek McCarty and Paul O Keefe into second place after a countback.
As always, the team at Espiche Golf delivered a topnotch experience. Every golfer thoroughly enjoyed the day from the pristine course to the seamless organisation. A huge thank you goes to Paul, Peter, Pauline and the entire Espiche Golf staff for ensuring another stellar outing.
On Saturday, the competition moved to Boavista Golf Resort, where a gusty wind added an extra layer of challenge to the players. The 96 golfers tackled a 4-ball better ball format, with the two best scores counting towards each team’s total. Despite the trickier conditions, scores remained impressively high, with PMB Construction emerging as the champions. Pat McBride, Brian O´Meara, Ger Lawler and Tadgh McBride came home with a final tally of 85 points.
A special mention goes to the Boavista Golf Resort team for their warm hospitality and seamless execution. Again, the golf course was in superb condition, providing a great challenge for the field
of golfers. Thanks to Philip Pope for his continued support in making this event such a memorable experience.
Following the competition, UK comedian Willie Miller took centre stage at the prize presentation, delighting the crowd with his signature humour. He then hosted the charity auction, where his witty banter encouraged generous bidding, raising an impressive total of €7,850. Auction highlights included signed Liverpool and Manchester United football shirts, rounds of golf, and autographed boxing gloves from Michael Watson, who also attended the event. For the second year in a row, thanks to Liam Lynch from St. Patrick’s Distillery, a 200-litre barrel of Irish whiskey headlined the auction.
The total amount raised during the event reached an incredible €21,000, all of which will go to local causes close to John’s heart in the Lagos and Praia da Luz areas. More details will be shared in the upcoming November edition.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who contributed to the event’s success. From organisers and staff to participants and supporters, your involvement made the 2024 John Aldridge Charity Golf Classic an unforgettable event.
Finally, the biggest thank you goes to John Aldridge himself. His dedication to supporting the local community that has embraced him and his family over the past 20+ years continues to inspire all involved.
Mark your calendars – next year’s event is already set for 12 and 13 September and we can’t wait!
View all the photos of the event: shorturl.at/t4bZo or scan the QR code
On 21 October, Britain
WORDS Luka Alexander
The naval engagement involving the British Royal Navy and the combined French and Spanish fleets during the Napoleonic Wars took place west of Cape Trafalgar in Spain, between Cádiz and the Strait of Gibraltar, in 1805. Although Lord Nelson was killed on the decks of his flagship HMS Victory that fateful afternoon, his ship left the Spanish coast victorious, returning to Britain with the Admiral's body preserved in a barrel of brandy.
Whilst the Battle of Trafalgar is associated more with Spain, Lord Nelson was no stranger to the then Kingdom of Portugal for it was these shores that brought him to such prominence. Nelson was very familiar with the imposing sight of Cape St. Vincent and the rugged shores of Sagres Point on the western Algarve coast, having passed them many times on his voyages. And it was a battle on this very cape which would etch Nelson's name in the history books.
The Battle of Cape St. Vincent occurred on 14 February 1797 when a fleet of 15 British Royal Navy ships attacked 27 Spanish frigates. Acting
without orders, the commander of the British frigate HMS Captain broke from the line and put his ship across the bows of the Spaniards to prevent them from escaping. This action showed such excellent judgement, courage and initiative on the part of the young commander of HMS Captain that, within days of this important victory, he was promoted to the rank of rear admiral. The commander’s name was none other than Horatio Nelson.
Following the Battle of Copenhagen in 1801, and now Viscount Nelson of the Nile, he again sailed past Cape St. Vincent on his way to Cadiz
1. “Nelson receives the Spanish surrender” - by Richard Westall 1806 (Public Domain)
2. “Battle of Cape St. Vincent” - by William Adolphus Knell 1797 (Public Domain)Parliamentary Art Collection
3. “Rear-Admiral Horatio Nelson” by Lemuel Francis Abbott 1799 (Public Domain) National Maritime Museum
and then on to Cape Trafalgar in September 1805 to engage in one of Britain's most famous battles. Nobody but his maker knew this would be the last time Nelson would see the very cape that cemented his status as one of the most decorated seafarers in British naval history. On the 219th anniversary of his death, we can only end with Lord Horatio Nelson's alleged last words “kiss me Hardy”
Horatio Nelson was born on 29 September 1758 in Burnham Thorpe, Norfolk, England. His father, Edmund, was a clergyman and his mother, Catherine, died when Nelson was only nine years old. He first went to sea at 12 years old, marking the start of his heroic naval career. Ironically, just six weeks before the Battle of Trafalgar, Nelson spent half his annual salary on 375 gallons of port wine, costing him £308, approximately €26,365 in today's money. Sadly he did not live to enjoy it.
Traditionally, the Promised Land is equated with Israel / Palestine.
But why was it so named, and by whom?
The answers explain why Sumerians were sent to recover this land.
Genesis tells that Abraham went first to Egypt.
And, surprisingly, was received by the Pharaoh – why?
Who were the Hyksos and why did they go to Egypt?
Memories of Hebrew slavery by Egyptians date from when? Meet me at BLiP, Portimão on October 12th & 13th
‘Gentlemen, there are three different types of state – the socialist states, the capitalist states, and the state we find ourselves in! On this solemn night, we are finally going to put an end to it.’
With these rousing words, Salgueiro Maia, the troop commander at the Belem barracks and a leader of the Armed Forces Movement, led his troops into the dark streets of Lisbon in the early hours of April 25, 1974. Within 24 hours, he had toppled the dictatorship, setting Portugal on a new path.
As a dictator, Prime Minister Antonio Salazar had clung fast to Portugal’s widely dispersed colonies, but to many, they were simply stagnant outposts hanging over from the Age of Discovery. However, Salazar and his successor, Marcello Caetano, viewed them as an essential part of the standing of Portugal. The colonies gave the country an international status, vastly exceeding its diminutive stature amongst the nations of Europe, and, ideologically, the dictatorship could not loosen its grip on them. For Portugal’s economy, they also served a purpose: they were a source of cheap raw materials and guaranteed markets for manufactured exports.
But all this overlooked the reality that the populations living in the colonies yearned to be free of their colonial master. The Portuguese government simply remained deaf to these
aspirations, while the British government moved quickly to dismantle its empire, and France followed suit after its humiliating defeat in Algeria. In Portugal’s principal colonies – Angola, Mozambique and Guinea – there were powerful movements for independence, and guerilla forces prepared to battle it out with the authorities. The price of holding on to their possessions, and attempting to crush rebellions inevitably mounted. By the late 1960s, 40% of Portugal’s state budget was committed to military expenditure. The price was high in other terms; by the end of the colonial wars, 8,300 Portuguese troops had died in the attempt to defy the inevitable.
But the biggest price paid by the regime in Lisbon was political; the colonial wars eventually lost it the support of its own military. Opposition in the ranks to the government’s colonial policy gave rise in the first instance to the loosely formed Captains Movement (movimento dos capitães –MFA). A significant proportion of the young men who entered the professional army from the late 1960s onwards had been through university, and were radicalised by the left-wing student movements that proliferated at the time. They questioned the ethical basis of colonialism. Many secretly opened dialogue with the guerilla movements they were supposed to be fighting, and came to support their call for independence.
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As the Captains Movement gained momentum, many conscripted troops began refusing to take the oath. Some even deserted after learning they were about to be sent to one of the colonial battle fronts. The army began struggling for recruits, as many young men left Portugal to work abroad in order to avoid the draft.
Disaffection with their task spread up the highest ranks. In Guinea, the Commander in Chief, General Antonio de Spinola, once close to the regime in Lisbon, published Portugal and the Future, in which he controversially argued for negotiated autonomy for the colonies. His brave stand cost him his posting, and he was promptly summoned back to Lisbon. But the Captains Movement now saw that its cause had support in the highest places.
The movement was also strongly motivated by concern over the dwindling prestige of the military. There was little public support for the regime’s rigid colonialism and, thus, widespread distaste at the actions of the armed forces. Professional soldiers saw their status further eroded when the government, in an attempt to defuse resistance, offered conscripted soldiers fast-track advancement through the service. The combined loss of status and prestige proved too much for many, adding further momentum to the growing revolt amongst the captains.
This simmering but widespread unrest lacked focus – until in late 1973, around 300 officers met at a secret location in Cascais and established the Armed Forces Movement, with the clear intention of forcing an end to the colonial wars, and to the dictatorship in Lisbon. Its chief strategist Otelo Saraiva de Carvalho had served
in Angola and Guinea, working in the latter case alongside Spinola. Carvalho devised a detailed plan for a coup d’etat. He told the Movement’s members that he reckoned they had a 80% chance of success.
The Movement didn’t have long to put its daring plan into action. The regime’s secret police, the PIDE, had knowledge of their intentions and was planning to snuff out the organisation and its leading figures.
Carvalho set the date, distributed his plans to his co-conspirators from a park bench in Lisbon, and in the early hours of 25 April 1974, the prearranged signal – the broadcasting of Portugal’s Eurovision entry for that year – was sent. Salgueiro Maia gave his rallying speech and the tanks rumbled out of the Belem barracks headed for the office of the Prime Minister. Caetano put up hardly any resistance, and surrendered to General Spinola.
The dictatorship founded by Salazar, which had lasted for almost half a century, was over. The military had done what he often feared they might. A few brave captains had ended the dictatorship and set the colonies towards independence. Their actions reshaped Portugal, which stumbled its way from dictatorship to democracy between 1974 and 1976.
James Plaskitt is a retired politician who was a member of the British Parliament from 1997 until 2010. He now lives in the Algarve.
This concludes our series on the Shapers of Portugal. We hope you have enjoyed it.
Talking fruit, grumpy aunts and illusive space monsters? This is just a normal day for The Squirrels of Settledown Forest.
Tomorrow’s very own sports editor has taken a break from eyeing up final scores and ventured into the imaginary world of squirrels’ woodland home for his debut children’s novel.
The book, aimed primarily at 4–11-yearolds, follows the adventures of two squirrel siblings as they encounter a cast of colourful characters in the woodlands around their home and promises to be just as much fun for adults during bedtime hour.
David Lugg was born in Cornwall in the UK and spent his childhood enjoying the beaches and Cornish countryside. His upbringing has heavily influenced his writing and, although Settledown Forest is fictional, there are echoes of Cornwall throughout the book.
David now lives in Praia da Luz and is blown away by the similarities of Cornwall to the west Algarve. “Nothing inspires me more than a walk on the coast,” he points out. “The resemblance between my homeland and my adopted home in the Algarve is remarkable. How can you not be inspired by vanilla-coloured beaches and dramatic cliffs? Both areas are spectacular and offer plenty of scope for creativity.
Talking about the release of his novel, David said, “The initial premise came from a walk in the woods. It was a classic spring day with sun and showers and the light shone between the tree trunks like hundreds of torches. It was a magical scene. It felt alive but also the perfect setting for a children’s book.”
The Squirrels of Settledown Forest has already received praise from many school teachers and other children’s authors. Award-winning novelist Clare Helen Welsh is the latest to post a glowing review. “With a cast of curious, charming squirrels, talking fruit, illusive space monsters, grumpy aunts and much much more, this is a whirlwind book full of fun and laughter and plenty of twists in the tale (or should that be ‘tail’?).”
When not writing about squirrels, David is the sports editor for Tomorrow Magazine. “Almost all my articles are sports-related, so writing about the fantastical worlds of squirrels and hedgehogs is a great means of escape for me. If you loved
The Algarve Classical Singers (Cantores Classicos do Algarve) is a new singing ensemble founded by enthusiastic lovers of classical music who enjoy singing together. What makes this ensemble unique is the opportunity to collaborate with orchestras in the region. There is already a project scheduled for December to sing Vivaldi’s Gloria together with the Algarve Camerata.
Like-minded individuals of all ages are invited to join. Rehearsals are weekly on Wednesday evenings in Alvor. Everyone is welcome and there are no auditions.
If the idea of singing in a classical ensemble accompanied by a live orchestra appeals to you, this is your opportunity!
books such as Winnie the Pooh or Alice in Wonderland, then I’m sure you are going to enjoy my debut novel.”
With two other books nearly completed, we are set to hear a lot more from David Lugg, but for the time-being, why not delve into the world of The Squirrels of Settledown Forest to find a funny and heart-warming adventure for children and adults alike.
The novel is available on Amazon from 27 September.
www.davidluggwriter.com davidluggwriter@gmail.com
For more information and to apply please email to: algarveclassicalsingers@gmail.com
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by Madelyn June Jorgensen
WORDS Dan Costinas
Across the Pond Torn: Between Two Worlds is a memoir, autobiography and genealogy. It was written as a sequel to I Heard the Alps Call His Name and recounts a personal journey of resilience and a quest for belonging.
“As his boats sailed away from the shores of Europe towards the West, Christopher Columbus annotated a rather poetic phrase in his logbook on the 3rd of August 1492: ‘Following the light of the sun, we left the Old World.’ Today, many of us, readers born and raised on the old continent, focus primarily on the history and evolution of the USA, and maybe on the matters related to the long history of colonialism in the southern parts of the Americas. In reality, it’s quite surprising how little most of us know about the vibrant Canadian history.”
Mrs Jorgensen’s new chronicle is exceptionally absorbing: firstly because it fills up some serious gaps in most European avid readers’ education about the threads of the many civilisations that made up the rich tapestry that Canada is today.
Part one: Only Orphans Ride for Free follows the lives of two little Métis orphans Madelyn June and her twin sister, Marilyn Joan, whose indigenous ancestors crossed the Atlantic to ‘Turtle Mountain’, or presentday Canada. The book follows the journeys of her
ancestors and family across the pond, discovering a new world and bravely facing the challenges of a new life.
“Whatever the truth is, whole generations of children were brainwashed into losing their native languages and culture and forced to take on the white man’s way of life. This is no less than cultural genocide – the inhuman way of eliminating an entire race – they almost succeeded.”
The author introduces us to the criminal Canadian Indian Residential School system administered by some Christian churches. The network was created to isolate indigenous children from the influence of their own culture and religion with the aim of assimilating them into the dominant Canadian culture. The system harmed more than 150,000 children by removing them from their families and their ancestral languages, exposing many of them to physical and mental abuse. Many deaths were never recorded, and the victims were buried in unmarked graves.
The second part of the book –Crossings – continues the gripping story from I Heard the Alps Call His Name. It’s a narrative filled with adventure and discovery as Madelyn June is torn between two worlds in her relentless quest for answers.
Her debut novel is about a mother’s unconditional love and her feeling of helplessness when she learns there are not enough necessary international legal instruments to get her son back to Canada from Switzerland, where her ex-husband illegally took the child without her consent. Mrs Jorgensen writes this sequel with a clarity that is both comforting and imbued with love for family members in two worlds.
The book also covers June and Joan’s own search for their birth family. Later in life, when more resources became available, finding their siblings enabled the adopted twins to fill in some blanks and reconnect with their roots, contributing to the healing process. June’s jounrey to find her happy place, will inspire and captivate readers.
Both parts –Only Orphans Ride For Free and Crossings – focus on the journeys of individuals and families leaving for new lands,not only from a personal approach but also from more comprehensive historical and cultural perspectives.
junebugmjorgensen.com facebook.com/mjunejorgensen
Madelyn June Jorgensen was born in the wild and lush forests of Northern Alberta, Canada, in the oil sands trading post town of Fort McMurray, of a Hungarian fur trader birth father and a Métis mother. When June and her twin sister were two-year-olds, a Danish couple, Ruth and Bruce Jorgensen, adopted them. Today, June writes plays, memoirs, poems, short stories and blogs. She loves to travel, paint, yoga, meditate, dance, read and enjoy her life, spending the winter months in Alvor, Portugal, and summers in Canada and Switzerland.
“A chance encounter and a sense of adventure brought me to Portugal. In the beginning, it was not my country of choice. Not that I had anything against Portugal. I just knew so little about the Iberian Peninsula tucked away in the most westerly corner of Europe, and only that it bordered Spain and had nice beaches. (Columbus used it as a jumping ground to launch his voyages of discovery, one being a new gateway to China – but stumbled instead upon a little known continent named North America.)”
A snippet of this review is shared on the front cover of Mrs Jorgensen’s book.
WORDS Dan Costinas
With its favourite themes and metaphors of passion, love, loss, fate and deep nostalgia, Fado is the most iconic Portuguese musical genre. It captures the essence of the national culture. But no one can talk about Fado without mentioning Amália da Piedade Rebordão Rodrigues.
If Renaissance painting is regarded as the national art of Italy, we could similarly say that Fado is the national art of Portugal. This beautiful and timeless form of performance art was added to UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage in November 2011. The indisputable queen of Fado was Amália Rodrigues. She is the most outstanding and influential Fado singer of all time, and she left an indelible mark on the world of music.
The iconic voice of Fado passed away on 6 October, 1999. A quarter of a century later, Amália’s powerful voice, soulful interpretations and influence on Portuguese music and culture remain as profound as ever. Her unique blend of passion, sorrow and resilience continues to captivate audiences worldwide, solidifying her status as one of the greatest singers of the 20th century. Her legacy influenced – and continues to inspire – subsequent generations of Portuguese musicians.
Amália Rodrigues’ journey to stardom was marked by hardship, struggle and perseverance. Born into poverty in 1920s’ Pena (Lisbon), she began singing professionally at a very young age, performing in taverns and cabarets. Her raw talent and rare emotional depth caught the attention of the Fado community, and she soon became a leading voice in the quickly maturing genre. Her distinctive husky timbre and expressive phrasing were perfectly suited to the melancholic and evocative nature of the Fado songs.
There is great variety in Amália’s timeless music. She had a nobility of character, which people recognised; however, not all her Fado fans are aware of Amália the poet or Amália the actress. While her music often took centre stage, Amália´s poetry was also a profoundly personal channel for self-expression; she wrote about love, loss and life’s challenges, reflecting on her own experiences. Her poems often echoed the same themes and emotions as Fado, with their melancholic and soulful qualities. “Estranha Forma de Vida” (Strange Way of Life) is perhaps her most famous poem. In it she explores the complexities of human existence and the search for the true meaning of life.
Amália also starred in several Portuguese films, often playing roles that complemented her powerful and dramatic persona. In her acting, she portrayed intense, passionate and
tragic characters, always reflecting the themes found in Fado music – as she did brilliantly in A Portuguesa (1966). Amália Rodrigues’ legacy extends far beyond her artistic achievements. She was an advocate for social justice and human rights, speaking out against poverty, inequality and discrimination. Amália became a symbol of Portuguese identity and a source of national pride. Her recognition helped to popularise Portugal’s music and culture internationally, introducing it around the world.
Amália also became an ambassador for Portugal, touring the world during her decades-long career, and being honoured in 68 countries from five continents. As far as I am concerned, she still is today, in 2024, the best-selling Portuguese artist in history.
Two months after she passed away, the Amália Rodrigues Foundation and Museum were established—as she had instructed in her will in 1997. To this day, the foundation has preserved, studied, and disseminated the enduring heritage left in its care, assuming a clear commitment to honouring the wishes of its founder.
The Amália Rodrigues house-museum in Lisbon, Rua de São Bento 193, is open to the public from Tuesday to Sunday, between 10 am and 6 pm.
amaliarodrigues.pt www.facebook.com/fundacaoamaliarodrigues
Danielle Riegel is an internationally acclaimed concert harpist and versatile artist who will be bringing some interesting collaborations and concerts to the Algarve in the coming months.
WORDS Sophie Sadler
Danielle was drawn to the arts from an early age. At 12, she was admitted to the young talent department of the Royal Conservatory (Netherlands), which marked the beginning of a successful international career as a soloist, chamber musician and principal orchestra harpist. As well as winning several major national and international harp competitions, Danielle has performed with renowned musicians and maestros at prestigious music festivals and concert halls in cities including Amsterdam, Berlin, Vienna, Paris and Madrid. For 15 years, she served as the principal harpist of the Symphony Orchestra of The Hague. Her performances have been broadcast several times on Dutch National Television, and she had the honour of performing for Queen Beatrix at her 50th jubilee in the royal palace.
In 2020, Danielle moved to the Algarve to become one of the few professional harp players in the region. In 2022 and 2023, she performed as a soloist and alongside soprano Carla Pontes at the Algarve Harp Festival. Recent collaborations include touring with the well-known singersongwriter Ayla Schafer, starting with a concert in Teatro Maria Matos on 24 September and followed by concerts in Amsterdam and Antwerp.
“I know my life has been quite different than most people’s, from dedicating myself to daily music practices from an early age while at the same time developing my other talents and passions like yoga, qigong, coaching, healing methods and dancing. I founded and led a big Argentine tango school in Amsterdam for many years.”
All this experience and training has given her a unique skill set, which led her to explore new ways to express her talents when she relocated to Portugal. She created a new concept: Meditative Harp concerts, where she guides people on a two-hour ceremonial recital, combining a relaxing and releasing sound journey with a heart-opening concert.
Danielle has also created a method called The Reconnection Journey, in which she combines her expertise as a certified harp therapist, sound healer, bodyworker and life coach to help people reconnect with their bodies, hearts and souls to rediscover the wholeness within themselves.
Besides her personal projects, she performs regularly at events and weddings in the Algarve.
On 4 October, she will play at the beautiful Paxa Winery near Silves at the Arabian Nights at Sunset event, which combines a gourmet dinner, a wine tasting, harp music and aerial performances.
Then, on 5 October, Danielle will give a concert at the Songbird amphitheatre near Loulé. She says, “This is a gorgeous place in the mountains and a wonderful initiative by Ralph Vogelsang to bring the community and music lovers together to enjoy an evening with music, shared food and connections. It’s the perfect setting for an evening with romantic harp music in different styles, starting with pieces known from the movies Amilie and Les Intouchables by neoclassical composer Ludovico Einaudi, Yiruma and
Yann Tierssen, and followed by some famous jazz standards and love ballads.”
Danielle is also booked for a concert in November in the newly opened The Seed, in Lagos – a yoga, wellness and co-working hub. She is also in the process of making a recording of music by Ludovico Einaudi.
Despite her busy professional schedule, Danielle has found time to make beautiful music in another area of her life. She got married this year and is now fully committed to settling in Lagos.
www.danielleriegel.love danielleriegel@icloud.com
is adorned with glitter from an eye-catching canvas of a tiger to a repurposed surfboard. Next to Diane´s striking portraits are a selection of abstract works from Natasha Singh, an art therapist who intends to do some workshops in the space. Claudia Escobar’s textile work is also displayed, ensuring that all forms of creativity are represented.
And every creative mind needs sustenance, so the Fusion Factory offers good coffee and cakes, craft drinks and signature cocktails, plus delicious snacks made from quality ingredients. The list of toasties sounds delicious, and Alexandra assures me they are a level up from the usual tostas mistas
From an old German sausage factory to an artist hub cafe bar.
Nestled in the heart of the old town of Lagos, Factory Fusion Hub is a unique cafe that beautifully blends the former factory’s old industrial aesthetics with an artistic atmosphere, creating a sanctuary where industrial style meets artistic expression.
Alexandra Marques’s passion project encapsulates her love of art and determination to preserve Lagos’s historic past while creating something unique and more memorable than the archetypal modern café. Alexandra aims to provide a haven for creative souls who love coffee, conversation and culture. As I enter the space, there is a welcoming vibe, and a dog comes to meet me (the café is dog-friendly). I sit down to enjoy a delicious iced coffee and a chat with Alexandra.
“I found this old factory which made bread and then German sausages in the middle of Lagos, with 130 sqm and high ceilings. This place caught my attention and without hesitation I dived into this new project with so many ideas in my head. I found some investors and we decided to move forward with my dream, with success as a goal but mainly to have a lot of fun with it.” Alexandra’s day job is owner and manager of Meraki, a real estate and property management company, formerly Amazing Houses, but this new café is giving her a chance to exercise her creative spirit and meet with fellow art lovers.
As Alexandra shows me around, her face lights up every time she points out a design feature,
from the holes drilled into the wall as you enter, filled with plants and bottles, to a light fitting rescued and given a new lease of life. I admire a huge mural by graffiti artist Elsio Menau, which depicts a concept imagined by Alexandra of a child holding the earth. It symbolises the need to preserve the planet for future generations. It is clear that every aspect has been carefully thought out and lovingly created, and is intended to create a stimulating blend of visual impressions and stories.
“I love art,” explains Alexandra. “I love the way that art makes you feel and how it creates an emotional response in you. I want this space to give people something to engage them or stimulate a conversation while having a delicious meal with a special cocktail or smoothie in their hand.” Alexandra has found that some of the digital nomads using her space prefer to work in a stimulating environment, while others feel isolated working from home.
“Our mission is to provide a space where coffee lovers, artists and the community can come together to enjoy, create and inspire.” Wandering around the space, I take in the artworks on display. I am delighted to see that Diane Jeffrey’s works are displayed on one wall. She was featured in the August edition in an article titled ‘The Undiscovered Artist’, and it is great to see that this new space has allowed her to display her art for the first time. There is also a rail with hand-made vintage-style clothes by Retro Kitty, along with their retro-style artwork, which
Alexandra is now set on using the space for workshops, live music events and poetry readings. New Forró classes started at the end of September. In the upcoming months, look out for a poetry reading day, a creative art workshop, art classes, salsa classes, sound therapy and art battles.
As I am about to leave, we reflect on how this street contains some other art or creative-related spaces and Alexandra agrees that she is excited that fellow innovators are opening up new businesses in the backstreets of Lagos. “Many people just go to the main squares which are full of tourists but visitors should explore the back streets. It’s where exciting things are happening.”
So, the next time you are in Lagos, make sure you explore the less-frequented streets, where you will find the Fusion Factory or maybe another exciting project as unique and creative as this one.
Factory Fusion is open from 10.30 am to 10 pm every day, except Sunday.
GRILL
Open Tuesday to Sunday 12pm-3pm & 6.30pm-10pm
The contemporary dance production ‘Ser Animal Humano’, choreorgraphed by Sofia Brito, invites spectators to reflect on humanity's essence and purpose. With performances by Susana Vilar and Marco Olival, this piece was conceived to rethink the myth of human exceptionalism and the narrative of the infinite progress of the human species.
Tickets can be purchased at the box office of the Cultural Centre of Lagos, BOL or FNAC.
23 October at 3 pm and 9 pm
Centro Cultural de Lagos info@aorca.pt
Azul ou sobre a força do Emaranhado is a dance piece for three performers and a light designer that examines the relationship between beings and matter. The show invites the formation of a dialogue between performers, space and audience through a dance that opens up questions about forms of cooperation, interdependence, resistance and rupture.
Tickets can be purchased at the Lagos Cultural Centre box office or at online ticket offices BOL and FNAC.
18 October, 3 pm and 9 pm Centro Cultural de Lagos info@aorca.pt
The Recantos de Música Festival will once again bring the streets and courtyards of Lagos’ historic centre to life, transforming them into impromptu stages for musicians. With a diverse programme ranging from jazz to contemporary music, the concerts will unfold almost as if they were spontaneous artistic expressions. Through this festival, music will seamlessly integrate with the city's daily life, inviting both residents and visitors to experience the magic of live performances in unique and unexpected settings.
5 October
3 pm | Porta de São Gonçalo | Dixie Gringos Jazz Band
4.40 pm | Parque da Cidade | Rerum Ensemble
6 pm | Praça do Infante | CESAR B.
6 October
3 pm | Parque da Cidade | A Urtiga 4.40 pm | Antiga Escola Gil Eanes | Recital by Simão Rocha
6 pm | Praça Gil Eanes | CESAR B.
www.cm-lagos.pt/municipio/eventos
Experience an evening with soprano Luiza Dedisin as she brings to life the timeless classical works of Bach, Vivaldi, Mozart, Schubert and others in a special performance to benefit St Vincent’s Chaplaincy. A buffet supper will follow the show in the hall behind the church.
Tickets 22.50€ per person Contact: louisecplayer@gmail.com
11 October 5.30 pm (doors open at 5.00 pm)
Praia da Luz church
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Over the last few years, André Murraças, who has become a renowned name in the world of saxophone performers in Portugal, has collaborated with multiple projects, taking part in concerts at the main festivals, national and international clubs, and playing with some of the most important names on the music scene.
The formation of this quartet, with João Carreiro (guitar), Francisco Brito (double bass) and Luís Candeias (drums), arose from the need to express himself as a composer, sharing his music with the public and with musicians he admires. €5
20 October, 5 pm
Cineteatro Louletano, Loulé
cineteatro.cm-loule.pt
The 15th edition of the Festival is once again organised by the Vila do Bispo city council in partnership with SPEA and the Almargem Association. It will last four days and offer a range of activities.
The program and registrations are available on the festival’s website.
3–6 October
Sagres and Vila do Bispo www.birdwatchingsagres.com
As part of the ARTURb 2024 programme, the LAC is inviting artist André NADA to hold a workshop with the general public to explore some of his painting techniques that can be applied to urban art.
60€ including materials. Bookings can be made via the website www.lac.org.pt or in person at the LAC office (Monday to Saturday, 10 am–6 pm).
12 and 13 October, 10 am–1 pm and 3 pm–6 pm
LAC
lac.org.pt
After a well-earned summer break, The Algarveans theatre group returns this November with Sister Act –The Musical, a joyous feel-good comedy celebrating the power of friendship, sisterhood and music, based on the hit film starring Whoopi Goldberg. First-time director with The Algarveans Carmen Danen brings many years of international experience as a professional musical theatre performer and outstanding vocalist to ensure that this production will look and sound fabulous. Tickets are already on sale and selling fast, so book yours soon!
Tickets at €15 are available now from BOL.PT or in person at Auditório Carlos do Carmo, Convento de S. José in Lagoa and at Município de Lagoa – Balcão Único. Tickets are also available at Worten and FNAC shops or on their websites.
14, 15 and 16 November at 7.30 pm, with a matinée on Sunday, 17 November at 2 pm.
Carlos do Carmo Auditorium, Lagoa www.thealgarveans.com
Based in the marina of the historic Portuguese city of Lagos, the EFWE will be held in two locations on either side of the dunes on the stunning Meia Praia beach. The event will bring together around 20 of the leading Foil and Kitesurf brands from Europe, Hawaii, the USA and Australia. The event will also feature a programme of events over three nights.
9–11 October
Meia Praia, Lagos www.efwexpo.org
Small Delights, Smoothies, Coffee & Tea, Wine & Beer
Events, Workshops, Art Exhibitions
International Wine Tastings
RUA CONVENTO SRA. DA GLÓRIA 7A, LAGOS (Near the bus station)
Bistro with patio litasconceptstore
WWW.LITASCONCEPTSTORE.COM
WORDS Flora Kouta
I’ve been feeling all natural and earthy recently. I think it’s the days getting shorter and the sun getting lower in the sky. It makes me lean towards browns and neutral tones. I’m longing for a rug under my feet in the mornings and the warmth of an open fire at night.
Last week, I returned from one of my many cheeky shopping trips with only brown things – an enormous decorative pot made from woven banana leaves, some cork placemats and a big jute cushion.
To my amazement, my husband nodded his approval at all three. I don’t think it was because he agreed with my eco-conscious choices (he’s not the slightest bit interested in sustainable home decor). He was just relieved I wasn’t bringing more pink and turquoise into the house.
So this month, I’m celebrating all things natural. As well as being kinder to the planet, natural materials give softness and texture to a room. They ground the space, add visual interest and work with many different interior design styles. If you bring some natural decor into your home, you will not only benefit from a calming setting, but you’ll also physically feel the effects of being in an organic environment … yes, you will, so go on, go au naturel!
Natural and neutral doesn’t mean beige or bland. The variety of organic materials is huge and so are the tones. You’ve got the subtle green of seagrass, the watercolour patterns of cork, the warm milky tones of bamboo – and have you ever looked closely at the fibres of water hyacinth? Those honey tones are beautiful and the wide stalks are so soft to the touch. The pot I bought (pictured, above) features a thousand different shades of brown all working together in harmony and all designed by Mother Nature herself.
Thailand was the first country to start making furniture from water hyacinth, a free-floating plant with a thick fibrous root system that grows in rivers, lakes and ponds. It’s one of the most invasive weeds in the world and is banned for sale in the EU because it can completely cover lakes. The reproductive rate of water hyacinth astonishes ecologists and botanists, which makes it a top renewable resource for home decor. It’s my favourite natural material because its colour is so warm and its texture so friendly, I’ve been eyeing up a gorgeous water hyacinth armchair in the laredoute.pt autumn sale (overleaf).
Seagrass grows in marine environments all over the world. It has a subtle green hue and its strength and durability makes it a perfect material for woven baskets and rugs. It’s the cheapest of the natural fibres and so has long been a popular choice for large-scale living room floors, stair runners and other high traffic areas. It’s also softer and less scratchy than sisal or coir so it feels better underfoot. Maisons du Monde in Loulé have some lovely seagrass mats and wall decor this season.
Gone are the days of cork being restricted to the office notice board – it’s now a sought-after material in construction and fashion, and even the space industry. Portugal is the biggest cork producer in the world supplying more than 50% of the world’s cork. It’s ranked high among sustainable interior design materials because cork oak trees aren’t cut down or damaged when the cork is harvested. Cork is light and durable and great for sound and heat insulation – holycowchic.com in Lisbon has a big range of hand-made cork decor, from kitchenware and bathroom accessories to wallpaper and Christmas decorations. You can even buy stools made entirely from recycled cork stoppers. (If only they could speak, what stories they’d tell … absolute corkers!)
5 Tall Wicker Floor Lamp - bit.ly/3MyVoyA |
Abstract Sculpture - bit.ly/3MxZpTM Photo 6 taken by Flora Close Up Of Patterned Cushion - Cushion from Bricomarché in Lagos Photo 7 taken by Flora Patterned Basket Wall DecorBasket from Bali Home Decor, Alcantarilha
8 Cork Stopper Stool - www.holycowchic.com
9 Brown Abstract Wall Art - www.florakouta.com
Rattan is a vine-like palm species that grows in tropical regions. It’s a flexible and sturdy material that can be woven into many shapes. What’s the difference between rattan and wicker? They’re often confused and the words used interchangeably but they’re completely different things – rattan is an actual material whereas wicker is just a style of weaving that creates a latticelike pattern. I love the design of this tall rattan floor lamp (right) from www.sklum.com/pt, and the golden, speckled light you get from the wicker weave reflects beautifully around a bedroom.
As sustainable interior design materials go, bamboo is one of the best. It’s a really fast-growing and durable material that’s perfect for indoor-outdoor spaces, family homes and areas with heavy footfall. Bali Home Decor near Alcantarilha has some chunky hand-made bamboo furniture that would look rustically stylish in a living room or on a roof terrace. Bamboo is also a clever material for home textiles because it’s naturally hypoallergenic, so pillows and towels made from bamboo fibres are a good choice for people with sensitive skin.
If you wish to publicise a sporting event, please contact our sports editor David Lugg: david.lugg@tomorrowalgarve.com
WORDS David Lugg
Algarve roller hockey player Sofia Moncóvio has signed a new contract with Benfica until 2026 after helping them win their 11th consecutive national championship. Moncóvio has just completed her first season with the team and felt that the contract renewal was a reflection of her effort. The Portuguese international said, “I have to thank this great club for giving me the confidence to renew my contract.” The 25 year-old previously trained at Roller de Lagos and Hóquei Clube de Portimão before making her big move to Lisbon.
Joana Schenker finished eighth in the International Bodyboarding World Tour. The final leg of the season was held in Sintra, where Algarve native Schenker reached the quarter-final stage. Overall victory was taken by Maira Viana, who became the 2024 World Champion.
Primeira Liga side Farense have suffered a terrible start to the season. After five games, they remain rooted to the bottom of the table without a point and only two goals scored. What will worry manager José Mota most of all is that they have conceded 12 goals, three more than any other team in the league. “The feeling we have is one of frustration,” the coach added after their latest defeat. The Faro Lions will look for immediate improvements as they head into the autumn fixtures following the international break.
Cristiano Ronaldo has reached an extraordinary milestone by scoring his 900th career goal. The legendary Portuguese forward struck the key goal for his country in a 2-0 victory over Croatia before dropping to his knees in tears. The goal was his 131st for his country, with his club goals coming from Sporting Lisbon, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus and his current side Al-Nassr. Shortly after the game, Ronaldo announced that he could play well into his forties as his goal was “to reach one thousand goals”.
The MotoGP Championship is in danger of not returning to the Algarve in 2025. Negotiations have begun between Parkalgar, the company that owns the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, and Dorna, the holder of the commercial rights to the series. Home motorcycling legend Miguel Oliveira has called upon the government to step in to help save what has become the biggest motorsport event in the country. As well as an online petition that has amassed 4,000 signatures, Algarve MP Cristóvão Norte has stressed the importance of the event, stating that “it would be stupid” not to host the event.
The so-called ‘longest race in the world’ has taken place at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve. With a duration of 26 hours, the fourth round of the Lamera Cup was a battle of speed, skill and attrition. Team Scania France took victory, two laps ahead of their nearest rival. Round five is a mere 11 hours, taking place at Magny-Cours in France.
Club Gil Eanes have begun their Division 1 handball season with a defeat and a victory. The side from Lagos is now in their third season in the top flight and have set a target of maintaining their presence in the nation’s highest league. At the end of the ‘regular’ season, the table will split into two, with the top half fighting for the league title and the bottom half battling it out to avoid relegation.
Young Algarve driver Leonor Barreto will make her debut in the National Off-Road Championships in Mourão. The 18-year-old will follow in the footsteps of her older brother and will compete in the very same Nissan Navarra that he used in his first year of racing. “Being able to make my debut in the [same] car he used at the beginning of his career is something very special for me. I am anxious but very motivated to give my best and enjoy every moment of this unique experience.”
WORDS David Lugg
Portugal returned from the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris with seven medals, equalling the country’s highest medal haul ever in Beijing in 2008. The two golds, one silver and four bronzes were particularly impressive given that the nation only sent twenty-seven athletes, the smallest delegation since 1988. Out of the travelling party, three athletes from the Algarve were present, all carrying high hopes of a medal.
After winning bronze in the 2023 World Championships, Carina Paim entered the 400m T20 race full of confidence but her time of 58.37 seconds saw her finish fourth in her heat and
miss out on qualifying for the final. The Paris games was the Portimão-born athlete’s third Paralympics but, on reflection, she felt that the race did not go to plan. “Things don’t always go the way we want them to [but] I’ve also learnt that we have good days and bad days. Despite everything, I really want to thank the people who were there for me.”
In the VL2 kayaking, Norberto Mourão finished in fourth position in the 200m final with a time of 52.70 seconds. After winning his semi-final in convincing fashion, the athlete from Vila Real de Santo Antonio missed out on a medal by just 0.89 of a second. Mourão, who represents the Castores do Arade Kayak Club near Lagoa, has had a year to remember having become the European champion and finished fourth in the World Championships.
Finally, Portimão paracyclist Luis Costa has had a Paralympics that he will never forget. After finishing in the bronze medal position in the H5 time trial, he has been provisionally suspended after presenting an ‘an adverse analytical result’ in an anti-doping control test. The fifty-oneyear-old also finished fourth in the road race but is now in danger of having his results expunged. Costa explained that he had gone ‘from heaven to hell’ in the space of a week.
Tomorrow contacted Luis, who we previously interviewed, for a statement regarding the latest situation. “My conscience is clear,” he said. “I won that medal thanks to my hard work. But I know that only a miracle can prevent me from being sanctioned and losing everything I’ve worked for over twelve years.”
The doping report stated that Costa ingested a diuretic called chlorthalidone, which can mask the use of performance-enhancing drugs. He has asked for a counter-analysis but is all too aware of the probable outcome. The ex-police officer, who is the oldest member of the Portuguese team, has been an extraordinary ambassador for the sport, having finished sixth in Tokyo 2020 and eighth in Rio 2016. We can only hope that Luis Costa’s miracle becomes a reality.
For the previous article, go to A Paralympian Prodigy tomorrowalgarve.com/dec-2021-a-paralympian-prodigy
Praia da Luz resident and mother of two Julia Swallow, has just become the British national champion in the four-way formation skydiving competition. Julia has been competing for 30 years, has over 9,500 skydives and came out of retirement to win the British Nationals for the tenth time.
Julia won her first British Nationals with a female team in 2006, and then the World Championships, before forming a mixed skydive team called Satori. They won bronze at the World Cup Series in 2012 and have gone on to win the British Nationals every year since 2009, apart from 2014, when Julia was pregnant. When her daughter was five months old, she came back and won the four-way and eight-way British championships. Julia is also the female world record holder for the highest number of points in a competition and holds another world record for completing two formations with 121 skydivers!
Enjoying the ‘quiet’ life in the Algarve, Julia had decided to retire and had been out of competition for the last four years when she was persuaded back into the mixed competition. Her team trained at Skydive Algarve and Skydive Spain completing 80 training jumps and three hours in a wind tunnel.
The competition took place at Skydive Hibaldstow in Lincolnshire, England. Julia’s team competed in the mixed category, where they entered the competition as the underdogs. The teams exit the aircraft at 10,500 feet, giving them enough time to complete 35 seconds of formations. The competition takes place over 10 rounds (jumps). Each of those rounds has a set sequence of formations to complete. A team scores a point per completed formation and the team with the most number of points wins. Each jump is videoed by a camera person who flies above the team and the video is then handed to a panel of judges on the ground. At 4,500 feet, the competitors have an alarm in their ear at which point they track away from each other and open their parachutes.
Julia has the support of her husband and pilot, James, who flew the plane for her team. “He really helps us as he is an extremely consistent
and talented pilot. When we exit the plane, it’s important that the aircraft is flown at a speed that will aid us to have a successful launch as we are all linked together.”
Julia started skydiving when she was 16. “I watched my brother do his first jump when I was 13. I vividly remember the smile on his face when he hit the ground and I wanted that feeling. He bought me a static line jump for my 16th birthday. I got such a buzz from the experience and I wanted that sense of achievement again and again.”
She laughs that while she has achieved so much competitive success, the thing that always impresses people more is that she was Halle Berry’s stunt double in Die Another Day “I was dressed up in a wig and fake boobs, with a selection of knives in my belt. We filmed the scene in South Korea when Jinx (Berry) and Bond (Pierce Brosnan) jumped out of a helicopter behind enemy lines. I had to free-fall past a helicopter that contained all the cameramen in terrible visibility, so it was a challenge!”
So, Julia will keep competing now that she has regained the taste of victory? “Never say never again,” she quips!
WORDS Claire Vanessa
Heartbreak affects both mind and body, triggering emotions like grief, sadness, anger and confusion. While universally experienced, it remains deeply painful. However, this emotional turmoil can also become a catalyst for change and personal transformation.
Breakups, whether in romance, family or friendships, mirror the grieving process. The mind interprets emotional pain much like physical pain, so it’s vital to face and process these emotions. Here are thoughtful psychological and holistic steps to guide your healing:
Acknowledge the grief: healing takes time, with many ups and downs. Allow yourself to feel the emotions without suppressing them. Mourning the relationship, and especially the dreams related to it, is part of recovery. If you’re struggling to function, seek medical advice and consider shortterm medication while continuing other healing work.
Challenge negative thoughts: breakups often bring irrational thoughts like, ‘I’m not good enough'. Recognise these as untrue and avoid letting them define you. Replace them with positive
affirmations like, ‘I am strong, and I choose to heal'.
Rebuild your identity: breakups can shake your sense of self. Rebuild selfesteem by trying new activities, focusing on yourself and avoiding isolation and rumination. Keep busy and treat your wandering mind like a puppy – gently guide it back to a neutral and functional place.
Express yourself: reach out and talk openly with trusted friends, family, or a therapist. Also, journaling or writing letters to the person who hurt you (without sending them) can release stored emotions and provide clarity.
Don’t take things personally: don’t make assumptions that could explain the fall out. Most of the time, it had nothing to do with you and everything to do with them.
Be mindful of what heals you: notice what brings even slight relief, whether it’s a walk, spending time with friends, or being with a pet. Focus on these small comforts.
Move your body: regular physical activity releases endorphins, boosting mood. Take care of your body with balanced nutrition, take vitamins and supplements (like magnesium glycinate) and, if you’ve lost your appetite, choose simple foods in small quantities throughout the day to keep your mind and body strong.
Find spiritual comfort: connecting with something bigger – through nature, meditation, or faith – can bring perspective and peace.
Find a new goal: focus on a new dream and give it your all!
Healing a broken heart isn’t just about moving on; it’s about growing emotionally, mentally and spiritually. You may not be the same person after the breakup, but this journey could help you discover the hidden warrior within you.
In the hustle and bustle of modern life, prioritising our health can feel like an impossible task. However, the path to a healthier you may be as simple as putting one foot in front of the other.
Walking is a wonderfully simple way to introduce movement into your day. It’s an accessible and enjoyable activity that offers a myriad of benefits for your physical and mental well-being. We often believe that exercise has to be complex or that we need to follow the latest trend for it to be effective. But the truth is, walking is one of the most beneficial things you can do for your health, and it’s something you can easily incorporate into your daily routine.
Regular walks can strengthen your cardiovascular system, reducing the risk of heart disease and strokes. They also help manage weight by burning calories and increasing metabolism. Walking can also help strengthen bones and muscles, improving balance and coordination, which are crucial as we age.
The mental health benefits of walking are equally significant. It’s a stress-buster, an anxiety-reducer, and a mood-booster. Walking outdoors in nature can bring a profound sense of calm and connection to the world around us. It’s not just about physical health, but also about nurturing your mental well-being.
I personally start every day walking along the cliffs with my dog (one of the great benefits of owning a dog is that you have to get up and walk every morning!), ensuring I get my steps in so I can hit my step goal every day. This time allows me to move and think when I am looking for inspiration for blog posts or work. It is incredible how often the solutions come to me when walking.
The beauty of walking lies in its simplicity. It requires no special equipment or training, making it accessible to almost everyone. So, lace up your shoes, step outside, and embrace the transformative power of walking. It’s a small step towards ensuring you are fit to love your life.
Ann de Jongh is a health & well-being coach
acteclair@yahoo.fr www.clairevanessa.com
| www.fit2lovelife.com
Manage stress Overcome trauma & anxiety Strengthen relationships
Algarve Therapy Centre Lagos Ph. 937 596 679 www.ClaireLinley.com
How often do we need eye exams?
Most dentists recommend a cleaning and dental exam twice a year, but how often should we have our eyes checked? Preventative eye care is crucial, meaning you should get your eyes examined regularly, not just when you need to update your prescription for glasses or contact lenses. The human eye is an incredibly complex organ with many potential problems that can arise. Regular eye exams are the best way to ensure that any issues are detected early – when they’re easiest to address.
What does a regular eye exam mean for me?
The ideal frequency of eye exams depends on your age and any risk factors you may have. Early childhood eye exams are essential for detecting, diagnosing and treating vision problems that can seriously interfere with learning. Unfortunately,
many of these conditions go undiagnosed. For older children and adults, an eye exam every two years is generally sufficient until around age 60. However, we prefer to see our patients once a year. Some cases may require more frequent visits depending on individual needs.
The most significant risk factors include a family history of glaucoma, macular degeneration or other eye diseases – or even a family history of diabetes or high blood pressure. Some medications can cause dry eyes as a side effect, which is also a risk factor for eye problems. Monitoring these side effects is essential to prevent them from developing into more serious discomfort or even an eye infection. Another risk factor that can be controlled is smoking. Heavy smoking increases the risk of most
vision problems, including diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration. Additionally, exposure to UV rays is a controllable risk factor. The damage caused by the sun accumulates over a lifetime, but it can be minimised by wearing sunglasses with UVblocking lenses when outdoors or driving during the day.
Don’t wait if you notice symptoms
While it’s important to schedule regular eye exams if you experience any vision problems before your next appointment, don’t wait! Visit your optician immediately if you have any of the following symptoms:
• Sudden sensitivity to light: this could indicate an eye infection.
• Difficulty driving at night or loss of night vision: this could be a sign of vision loss.
• Blurred vision: a simple prescription update might correct this, but why wait to find out?
• Frequent headaches: these are often related to eye problems, such as digital eye strain.
• Bright flashes, loss of peripheral vision, or an increase in dark shapes “floating” in your vision.
If you can’t remember how long it’s been since your last appointment, contact us to schedule a visit. Your eyes will thank you!
João Albano – Advanced eye care, Orthoptics BSc(Hons), PGDip(Optometry), MBA
WORDS Donna Groom
Light therapy using LEDs (light-emitting diodes) offers several benefits for skin health and rejuvenation. It is a simple procedure that can be used at home with a portable device or within a salon environment. It uses specific wavelengths of light to penetrate the skin and work their magic, promoting healing, reducing inflammation and stimulating collagen production.
One of the main benefits of LED light therapy is its ability to treat acne. Blue light, for instance, has antimicrobial properties that help eliminate acne-causing bacteria, reducing breakouts and inflammation. Regular exposure to blue light can lead to clearer, healthier skin without the harsh side effects often associated with traditional acne treatments.
Red light is commonly used in anti-ageing treatments. It penetrates deeper into the skin and stimulates fibroblasts, which are cells that produce collagen. Increased collagen production helps to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity, and promote a more youthful appearance. Red light can also reduce
inflammation and promote healing, making it effective in reducing redness and irritation.
Green LED light therapy can also help in the treatment of hyperpigmentation and sun damage. Infrared light, for example, penetrates deep into the skin to repair damaged cells and reduce discolouration. It helps promote an even skin tone and can minimise the appearance of sunspots and other pigmentation issues.
LED light therapy is generally safe for all skin types and causes no pain or downtime. With consistent use, LED light therapy can provide long-lasting improvements in skin texture, tone and clarity, making it a valuable tool in modern skincare routines. But, before you rush out and purchase an LED lamp of your own, ask yourself if you will use it or if it will remain in the cupboard with the foot spa you brought last Christmas! If that’s the case, then most salons offer this service, which is now incorporated into facial treatments.
Donna Groom is a qualified medical micropigmentation specialist.
WORDS Sophie Sadler
WeDive scuba diving centre recently celebrated winning three prestigious awards from SSI (Scuba Schools International). Their accolades were for the most professional certifications, the most scuba student certifications, and the most overall certifications. Tomorrow spoke to the owner, SSI instructor trainer Nuno Oliveira, to find out the secret of their success.
Nuno has worked full-time in diving since 2002. After completing his professional certification in Portugal, he moved to Mexico to enrol in an instructor course and stayed there for ten years. He became a manager and trainer, also working in Cape Verde and Jamaica, before returning to Lagos to set up WeDive.
While he admits that the Algarve does not have the tropical waters of his last places of work, it does have the perfect conditions for training. He tells me that while tropical conditions are beautiful, if you train there, you can get into trouble in waters with less visibility. He rates the Algarve as being one of the best locations to learn to deep dive, offering good diving conditions on over 300 days per year. The water temperature is between 14º–22ºC and the waters are generally still and safe for diving.
Nuno is not saying that Algarve diving is without its charms. The Atlantic Ocean is influenced by Mediterranean characteristics, which offer wonderful underwater vistas and sea life. The Porto de Mós Wall is a rocky elevation and the perfect environment to look for conger eel and morays due to the porosity of the rock at a depth of 17 metres. You can also visit the wrecks of ships, like Propellers Paradise, where many marine species have found shelter, such as shoals of breams and wrasses, crabs, octopuses, prawns and European lobsters.
In addition, the Algarve has Europe’s largest artificial reef off Alvor, where four Portuguese Navy warships were sunk to create a unique diving environment. Here, divers can experience the amazing thrills of the Ocean Revival Underwater Park, which forms an artificial reef unlike any other in the world. Entry holes and corridors were opened in the ships before they were sunk to allow divers to enter and view the many fish that have made it their home.
So, if you fancy diving into the world of scuba, look no further than WeDive.
The 24th annual Better Living in Portugal Exhibition (BLiP EXPO), organised by afpop, will take place on 12 and 13 October. It will bring key businesses, residents, and property owners together in a face-to-face environment.
Whether you are a business wanting to meet prospective customers or a resident wishing to find out what is available to make your life even better in Portugal, make sure you visit BLiP this month. Their website has a list of nearly 100 exhibitors, all offering a wide variety of products.
The venue is the Portimão Arena, with plenty of free parking and free entry for visitors to the exhibition. BLiP provides an informal but professional environment in which to explore lifestyle solutions. Previous exhibitors will be joined by many newcomers and community groups, and promotions and special offers will be offered throughout the arena. Sponsored by Medal Insurance, the exhibition is strongly supported by the Algarve Regional Tourism Board, Open Media, and Algarve Daily News.
afpop will of course welcome members old and new on their stand to renew subscriptions, discuss matters or just say ‘hello’.
Opening hours: Saturday 10am – 6pm; Sunday 10am – 4pm www.blip-expo.com
WORDS Candace Olsen
For one of my private at-home wine tastings in August, I selected an Alentejo red to finish the night. I opened it, took one sip and immediately decided to give it a quick vigorous decant into a water pitcher for maximum oxygen exposure. Then I poured it back into the bottle, tasted it and quickly did it again. After the second decant, I took one last sip and the wine was a different animal, much more supple and open.
Usually, red wines and even some whites need a breath of fresh air to unleash their true potential after being cooped up tightly inside a bottle. If you don’t have a decanter, you can substitute it with a carafe, water pitcher, or even another wine bottle.
If a wine is young, closed, overly tannic or has a slight effervescence, decanting can improve its approachability and reveal its full range of aromatics. It can literally be the difference between a bottle you pour down
the sink and one you savour for the rest of the night.
Another reason I may decant is to blow off or aerate foul smells. Most of these are easily decanted away. However, some compounds in wine, like “cork taint”, will only get worse with time. If you’re unsure, decant the wine and let it sit. If it’s truly off, you can pour the wine back into the bottle and return it.
Perhaps the most traditional reason to decant is for sediment. While not harmful, the remains can be absolutely gross if a big glop splashes into your glass or your last sip of that rare, delicious wine is full of gritty, wet sediment.
Lastly, do it for show! No matter the price of the wine, decant to celebrate the night, the wine and your company.
Julian Reynolds Reserva, Alentejo 2018
ABV13% Vegan 40% Alicante Bouschet 40% Touriga
Nacional 20% Syrah. Fermented in French oak, then 50% of the wine is aged for one year in a barrel, followed by two years in a bottle. Smooth, red and black berry compote, coco, sweet earth and candied violets. Delicious! (€17.61 from Grappolo Enoteca in Lagos)
Introduction
Nestled in the picturesque landscape of the western Algarve, Al Sud, situated on the Palmares golf resort in Lagos, stands out as one of the best Michelin-star restaurants in the Algarve. This vegan-friendly hotspot offers a unique gastronomic experience, making it a must-visit for food enthusiasts.
A romantic setting
Al Sud Restaurant is not just a place to eat; it’s an experience. The modern architecture, combined with breathtaking views of Lagos Bay, creates a romantic atmosphere perfect for any special occasion.
Culinary excellence by chef Louis Anjos
At the heart of Al Sud is the award-winning chef Louis Anjos. His culinary journey includes stints at Michelin-starred establishments such as
Bon Bon in Carvoeiro and Viajante in London. At Al Sud, Chef Anjos showcases his passion and creativity through meticulously crafted dishes. His innovative approach to cooking and dedication to using the finest local ingredients ensure that each dish is a masterpiece.
One of the highlights of dining at Al Sud is the exquisite tasting menu, available in both regular and vegan options. Priced at €175 for the regular and €125 for the vegan option, these menus take guests on a culinary journey featuring local ingredients like leeks, roasted cauliflower, Monchique mushrooms, and tofu with quinoa.
The charming Beatrice leads the attentive and professional staff at Al Sud. Chef Louis Anjos often personally checks in with guests, ensuring
that every aspect of the meal meets his high standards. This personal touch elevates Al Sud to one of the best restaurants in the area.
Peter Cruiming is the founder of the free blog hotspotsalgarve.com, which offers the best tips for restaurants, hotels, shops and activities in the Algarve. Discover hidden gems and local favourites to make your visit unforgettable!
Turkish eggs! Everyone loves Turkish eggs. They’re so creamy, velvety, and yummy. My version has a twist: it’s drizzled with a very simple Asian chilli oil that you can make in no time at all and use for many other purposes. As I have not done a breakfast recipe before, I hope this will give you something slightly different to try. Enjoy!
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup of Greek yoghurt, at room temperature
• 1 small sausage of your choice sliced diagonally
• 1 Spanish onion sliced
• 1 tsp olive oil
• A handful of salad leaves
• Pinch of salt
• Crack of black pepper
CHILLI OIL
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• 1 tsp Sichuan chilli peppercorns
• 1 tbsp chilli flakes
• 1 clove garlic finely minced
• 1 thick slice ginger
• ¼ tsp cumin
• Pinch of salt
CHILLI OIL INSTRUCTIONS
Heat up ¼ cup of vegetable oil in a little pot. Once your oil is hot – or if you want to be precise and have
a thermometer check that it has reached 110-120°C - take your pot off the heat. Now add your Sichuan peppercorns, chilli flakes, garlic, ginger and cumin to the oil. I always enjoy watching everything scald and sizzle as the flavours marry. Once the buzz settles, give it a quick stir and set aside. Your chilli oil is ready!
SIX-MINUTE EGGS
Bring water to the boil in a small pot deep enough to host two eggs with their shells still on with enough liquid to cover them. While your water is coming to the boil, prepare a little bowl of iced water and place it close to your pot.
Once your water is boiling in a soft rolling kind of way, using a spoon gently drop your two eggs to the bottom of your pot. Put the lid on. Switch your timer on for 6 minutes and as soon as your timer beeps quickly remove your eggs from the pot and place it in the iced water bowl. Now peel your eggs as soon as their temperature has cooled down.
With two of your important condiments done, all you need to do is sauté your sausages and onions in a pan with some olive oil. I like mine pretty caramelised so I would go 4–5 minutes over medium heat, flipping your sausages over to ensure you brown both sides.
Now, you can assemble your plate. Spread out your Greek yoghurt onto a deep plate, running the back of your spoon in a clockwise motion to create a little valley to capture your ingredients. Scatter your browned onions and sausages. Halve your eggs and place them where you like. Some like them in the middle, some in the corner. Your mixed salad can go on top for good measure and to ensure you get your greens.
Lightly drizzle your chilli cumin oil, crack some black pepper, and scatter a pinch of sea salt to taste. Toast your bread and use it to lick up all that lush yumminess!
I personally love a good lamb sausage with my Turkish eggs. However, if sausage is not your thing, you can always substitute with bacon, ground beef or even smoked salmon.
For those who refrain from meat, tofu or tempeh is a great stand-in here.
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
WORDS Luis de Teves Costa
Tomorrow’s wildlife column continues to bring you the good, the bad and the ugly of Portugal’s natural world. This month, it’s the big bad wolf. That’s right, unbeknownst to most people, wolves still roam freely in the mountains, forests and hills of northern Portugal. Scare stories aside, the Iberian wolf is now in much need of our help and protection.
A wildlife icon and villain of children’s stories, wolves have had a troublesome relationship with humans since the dawn of time. Revered and worshipped by several ancient traditions, wolves feature prominently in legend. One of the best-known claims the two founders of Rome, Romulus and Remus, were thrown into the river Tiber as babies only to be rescued and raised by a she-wolf called Lupa.
Wolves have often been associated with courage, loyalty, power, companionship and guardianship, like Akela in Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book. The admiration for wolves remains to this day, for example, Portugal’s rugby team is nicknamed “Os Lobos” (The Wolves). Despite the positive symbology, the reality for those who live close to wolves can be very different. People fear
the cunning beast that attacks and kills their livestock and threatens their own lives. Popular tales such as Red Riding Hood, Peter and the Wolf, or The Boy Who Cried Wolf depict a more traditional view of mankind towards the wolf –fear.
The Iberian wolf (Canis Lupus Signatus) is a subspecies of the bigger grey wolf found in Asia, Europe and North America, that has evolved in the Iberian Peninsula. Once widespread across the whole region, the last wolf was recorded in the Algarve 52 years ago. The records date from 1972, in Vila do Bispo. Evidence of wolves’ presence in the south of Portugal relies on the names of places such as the prestigious Vale de Lobo (wolf valley) resort and Cerro do Lobo (wolf peak) in the Algarve or Pego do Lobo (wolf jump), a waterfall in Mertola district, Alentejo. Andalusian wolves lived in Spain well into the new millennium and only became officially extinct in this southern region last year. The current Iberian wolf population of around 2,000 animals is now confined to populations in northern regions of Portugal and Spain. On this side of the border, there could be up to 300 wolves living in 50 packs north of River Douro and ten to fifteen isolated packs south of the river.
This elusive canine measures up to 180 centimetres long and can weigh as much as 55 kilos. Their coat varies slightly between individuals and also the time of the year, but it is usually a dark blonde and reddish brown with black markings on the back and some white around the mouth and chest. The striking eyes are golden amber. Its summer coat is thin and makes this wolf quite similar to a domestic dog, whereas a fully grown and healthy winter fur gives it a more wolf-like appearance.
Wolves live in family packs that can reach up to 10 strong and are led by an alpha pair. The other members of the group are usually cubs from the latest litter and youngsters from previous years.
Howling, an effective way of communicating with pack members or rivals, can be heard wherever they live. The eerie sound can travel for several miles.
An apex predator, the wolf sits at the top of the food chain and has little to fear apart from humans. They hunt deer, wild boar, and other smaller animals that are deemed to be worth the hunting effort. Opportunistic animals they will also feed on carrion if that is the easiest meal available. The lack of natural prey is the number one reason why these animals come close to human settlements. Farm livestock is nothing short of irresistible for a hungry wolf who cannot suppress his natural predatory instinct. This is when the interests of wolves and humans conflict. Sadly, for many years, people were allowed to take matters in their own hands, which meant the killing and the consequent disappearance from much of their original habitat.
In 1987, the CRLI – Centro de Recuperação do Lobo Ibérico (Iberian Wolf Conservation Centre) – was created in Mafra, near Lisbon, to rehome wolves that were caught or rescued and could not be safely released back into the wild. This is an enclosed area of 17 hectares that can be visited any time of the year.
Legal protection came in 1988. Law 90/88 clearly states that, in Portugal, the wolf is a protected species and no hunting or capture is allowed. This law also states that the government assumes responsibility for any damage or loss of livestock caused by wolves and assures the rightful compensation.
Together with the protection of the legal system, the key to conservation lies fundamentally in preserving natural habitats, educating local communities, and using specific breeds of dogs to protect villages and livestock. Not only can dogs scare off wolves, but they can also warn farmers of their presence. There are also guidelines for local
communities on how to best prevent any attacks, such as keeping livestock indoors at night when wolves are more active. Scientists believe that their nocturnal behaviour was adopted to avoid diurnal human activity.
Wolf Group and LIFE WolFlux via Rewilding Portugal are two separate projects created to protect and promote the ecological and socio-economic conditions required to support viable wolf populations. They are also planning the reintroduction of wolves in selected areas.
Wolf Group - www.grupolobo.pt Life WolFlux - rewilding-portugal.com/the-project
Archeological evidence shows that 30,000 years ago, wolves were domesticated, leading to dogs as we know them. This genetic proximity means that puppies of dogs and wolves can be very, very similar. On more than one occasion, people have been known to rescue and raise puppies only to later find out they have a massive wolf in their house!
JOKE
Did you hear about the cow that cried wolf? … Fake Moos!
Throughout our lives, we find ourselves having to make possibly life-changing decisions, and the consequences of these decisions can be life-changing not only for us but also for our pets.
WORDS Anne Hodges
A few months ago, an old dog who had lived in a home environment for many years was brought to us by its owners. There was soon to be a baby in the house and the owners could only think of problems that could possibly arise. They were not committed enough to their pet to confront any possible problems – if and when they arose. Our staff and volunteers were very upset and angry at the sight of this dog, used to a comfy warm home, cowering and shivering from head to foot. Partly from fear, and partly from the cold. He was not neutered.
When Cadela Carlota takes in a new dog or cat, they are immediately neutered. There could be unwanted pregnancies. With both dogs and cats, there could be conflicts with other inmates already at our shelter. In this case, the vet advised that the dog was too old to undergo neutering. We had a real dilemma on our hands. Thank heavens we at Cadela Carlota are committed and one of our volunteers took the dog home and fostered him temporarily. He was subsequently adopted, so this sad story had a happy ending after all.
No one likes to think of neutering, but it is the very best solution. If you have a young dog or cat, take the commitment to have it neutered and chipped so that it can always be returned to your loving home. And if any behavioural difficulties arise, take the commitment to overcome these behaviours.
Cadela Carlota is always willing to advise any owner who is experiencing difficulties. It is far better for any dog or cat to remain in a loving home, rather than find themselves scared and lonely in a strange environment.
For Cadela Carlota there is never an instant solution. Before adoption is possible, we ensure that the dog/cat can cope in a family situation. This can take months of training on different levels.
But the result of true commitment is wonderful to see. Happy owner, happy pet – and fewer animals in the Algarve rescue centres.
info@cadela-carlota.com | +351 917 448 583
WORDS Vaughan Willmore
Wooff (Worn Only Once
and
now has three shops supporting Animal Rescue Algarve in their fantastic work caring for cats and dogs in the Algarve.
Animal Rescue Algarve (ARA) is a legally constituted charity association. Its prime objective is caring for (and subsequently rehoming) stray, abandoned, and distressed dogs and cats. The Wooff shops are key to financing ARA’s wonderful work.
With well-established shops in Almancil and Loulé, Wooff has recently expanded by opening a third store, in Troto. Located on the outskirts of Almancil, it’s just a five-minute drive from IKEA and Jct13 of the A22.
The opening of the Troto shop is a major milestone for Wooff. Located on the site of the former Iceland store, it’s lovely and spacious and has ample car parking. Customers can find a wide range of preloved items in excellent condition, including women’s, men’s and children’s clothing; books and toys; and a floor full of furniture and home decorations. Buying from any of the three shops means you’re supporting animal care and helping the planet by recycling quality used items.
Anyone wishing to donate small items can do so during opening hours (see below). Please contact the shop beforehand for donations of larger items, such as furniture or household appliances.
All of the Wooff shops rely on the help of enthusiastic volunteers. With the opening of the Troto shop, more volunteers are needed. Volunteering with Wooff is a great opportunity to meet new people and do something good for the environment and the lovely cats and dogs at ARA. All funds raised help with the running of the ARA shelter and especially with food and veterinary bills, which are a significant part of the overall running costs.
I am an 8 month old boy and very shy at first, but I love cuddles and strokes. I had never seen a collar or a lead, but now I am learning to walk on a lead. I would love to find a new owner so that we could learn everything together.
Whether you donate items, volunteer, purchase goods, or make a one-off (or regular) financial donation, any help you can provide will be greatly appreciated.
It was cloudy, overcast and about 20°C when we left our apartment in Baia da Luz on 10 June for a 15-day driving holiday. This is ideal weather if you are going to be sitting in a car on a journey that will take in Linares and Zaragoza in Spain, Andorra La Vella and Le Cap D’Agde in France, and then home via Sitges, Denia, Malaga and Jerez.
to be Lindsay’s 74th birthday on 15 June, and she wanted to have just one last birthday in one of her favourite places.
We emigrated to the Algarve from Plymouth, in Devon, in 2016. Lindsay and I are in our 70s. I was a naval officer in the Supply Branch, and Lindsay had her own restaurant for 15 years before changing careers. She was also a director´s secretary for a leading national housing association. We have not had a holiday in over seven years since we came to Portugal (ah—poor loves, and they live just by the beach!!!).
The objective was to reach a small fishing village called Le Grau D´Agde in the Herault region of South West France by 13 June. We had holidayed in this area for many years and, for the last six years of our tenure in the UK, we spent the
We set off along the good old A22 at a steady 100 km with more luggage than Joan Collins takes for a weekend. Our first stop was Linares, some 325.5 miles from home. The motorway as you enter Spain is dreadful, so we played Elvis Presley’s ‘I´m All Shook Up’. The Seville motorway goes straight through the middle of the city, motorway lanes this way and that, tunnel after tunnel and HGVs surrounding us. Lindsay chose to do her driving during this part of the trip. As we used to say in the Navy, “never volunteer”! She did well, though.
After an early and hearty breakfast, we loaded up the car and set out for a hard day on the road. This leg of the journey had very desolate scenery; there was no habitation, just a dry, barren
landscape. Hotel Goya (named after the artist) was located in a pedestrianised precinct and was our resting place for the night. After a couple of drinks in a beautiful courtyard, we explored “El Tubo” – full of life, tapas bars, music and so on. We chose a really great restaurant for a tapas dinner then strolled back to the hotel. 405.2 miles done today.
We were back on the road at 10 am on Wednesday for the highlight of our holiday: Andorra, a country full of high mountains of the ’peri peri chickens’ knees’ variety, as Lindsay calls the Pyrenees. On this little stretch of local motorway, we crossed the Meridian Way, which follows sections of the International Greenwich Meridian through some of the most spectacular parts of the French Pyrenees mountains. We had lunch in a lovely old market town called Ponts and as we tucked into our lunch, we saw chickens, pigs and lambs being transported to the market. We approached the Customs House on the border with Andorra and the heavens opened up. The wipers could hardly cope.
Andorra La Vella is a tax-free haven with nothing much to offer except shops selling things we didn’t want. After three circuits of the city centre, we eventually found our hotel. Hotel Magic really lived up to its name. Overlooking the River Valira and the famous Madrid Bridge, our room had a magnificent view of the city below and the high mountains above.
We left the hotel just after 10 am, our excitement almost off the scale. The journey through the high mountains to Le Pas de la Casa was probably the high point of our trip. This area is very famous for hosting climbing stages in the Tour de France. (See stage 15 of the 2024 Tour). The rain had stopped and the sun was shining. We continued to climb through the most fantastic scenery we have ever seen: up mountains, through mountains and around mountains. We eventually arrived at the bottom of Le Pas de La Casa and began the winding road upwards. Wow, what a drive. We stopped at a viewpoint and took photos. Then, it was on to the top, passing professional cyclists training on the road; we were driving at the same speed as them!
At the summit (2,408 metres), there were two petrol stations but no café or toilet. Up here, the temperature had plunged to 8°C and there was snow on the ground. Fantastic. We started our trip down and found the village of La Pas de La Casa, a tax-free haven which was full of French people coming over the border for their cigarettes and booze, etc. Then it was on towards France. We acquired a bottle of Havana Club for only €11 to save for a special occasion. After a slow and steady drive, we crossed the border into France.
We arrived in Le Grau d’Agde, a traditional fishing village at the mouth of the River Hérault, and checked into the hotel. Lindsay’s birthday arrived on Saturday, and after breakfast, we went to explore the local market. We strolled around at all the usual stalls, plus the fantastic fruit and veg sections. We enjoyed a ride on the big wheel with fantastic views, followed by a lovely lunch of Caribbean tapas and Sangria Blanche in the marina. Later, Lindsey was delighted to enjoy a sumptuous birthday dinner on the promenade of Le Grau D´Agde overlooking the Mediterranean.
a nice lunch and we found a great bar and the sun came out. We enjoyed a couple of glasses of the beautiful rosé that you get in this area and used the park-and-ride system, which is great in Montpellier: parking and all tram journeys for €5.60, which is a bargain.
We were glad we’d returned - and Lindsay’s birthday meal was a success. And our trip was a reminder to all that love the Algarve that the rest of Europe is on our doorstep!
Next moth we hear about Stewart and Lindsay´s return journey.
On Sunday, we visited Meze, a fishing village in the Herault region, where a bay called Etange de Thau is famous for oysters. Unfortunately, our satnav sent us the wrong way and by the time we arrived in Meze, it was packed. We strolled round the market before trying to find a table at a quayside restaurant. We’d given up and were walking back to the car, when we came across a busy restaurant by the beach. Someone had just finished their meal and we got a table straight away.
Monday brought a rainy day, so we headed to Montpellier where we were pleased to find nothing had changed in a decade. A lovely stroll around the old town with its designer shops, and individual boutiques was marvellous. A lot of the buildings in Montpellier are decorated with Trompe L´oeil paintings which were amazingly realistic. I even waved to a boy who looked like he was hanging out of a window! We had
