Tomorrow Portimão, Alvor, Ferragudo & Carvoeiro Septmber 2017 Edition

6,000 FREE copies September 2017 | Edition 15

www.tomorrowalgarve.com |  TomorrowAlgarve

A COMMUNITY MAGAZINE FOR PORTIMÃO, ALVOR, FERRAGUDO & CARVOEIRO

Making a splash Behind the scenes at Zoomarine

Woman's best friend An assistance dog's tale

Tomorrow meets...

ACCA kids charity president

Fast bikes, tasty bites What's on this month And much more...

THE ALGARVE PROPERTY SPECIALISTS

Editor's Letter SEDE: 86, MILBOROUGH CRESCENT, LONDON, UK , SE12 ORW. UK . PERIODICIDADE: MENSAL . TIRAGEN: 4,000 | TIPOGRAFIA: C/ AL MEDITERRÁNEO, 29, POLÍGONO DE SAN RAFAEL, 04230, HUÉRCAL DE ALMERÍA CIF: B04250056

The end is nigh!

No, we’re not predicting the apocalypse - but rather hailing the end of another successful (and bloomin' busy) summer season! Although it may have felt like the apocalypse at times…

That aside, it’s been a pretty amazing summer here on the Algarve. All the local business owners we’ve spoken to over the last few weeks said August was one of their best months yet, and September looks set to be much the same, which is great to hear.

It’s certainly been a busy time for the team at Zoomarine, with their educational kids programme Zoomarine Guardians coming to an end this month.

Our main feature profiles the sprawling water park just outside of Guia, and gives an insight into the valuable work that goes on there. Turn the page to read more.

Meanwhile, there’s plenty going on in the name of charity this month, from a fun afternoon of auctions and eating in aid of the local bombeiros to a ‘swap shop’ sale where everything’s €1, held in the name of the soup kitchen - not to mention our very own charity country fair at Big Reds in Alvor. Turn to What’s On from page 16 for all the details.

One final thing: we celebrated 3,000 likes on the Tomorrow Facebook page last month. Thank you to all 3,000 of you who now get our daily updates, event tipoffs and pictures celebrating life here on the Algarve and if you’re not one of them, come join the fun! Search @TomorrowAlgarve on Facebook.

All that remains is to say sit back and enjoy the September issue!

Steven, Stephanie and the entire Tomorrow team

In this issue you can also read the incredible tale of how Key the assistance dog makes a massive difference in one woman’s life, learn more about the ancient art of Qi Gong (and find out where to practice it locally), and get your tastebuds tingling with details of a new Japanese restaurant.

Steven Sutton (advertising and sales)  steven@tomorrowalgarve.com  +351 919 185 677 Stephanie Wood (editorial)  stephanie@tomorrowalgarve.com  +351 964 187 303

On the cover Did you manage to make it to Silves Medieval Fair last month? We did, and had a brilliant time! This month’s cover features one of the performers from the 10day event, pictured standing in front of the town’s colourful new mural - read more about the artwork on page eight.

Cover image © Dave Sheldrake Photography  www.davesheldrakephotography.com

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Community

Touching hearts, awakening minds There is no doubt that Zoomarine is a huge financial asset to the Algarve, frequently ranking in TripAdvisor’s top 10 best European parks and employing 80 full-time staff, increasing to 450 in the summer months. But is it an asset to be proud of? We sent our reporter, Sophie Sadler, to find out…

Above Founder Pedro Lavia with Sam the original Zoomarine dolphin, circa 2002 Top João Neves at an educational presentation in the dolphin stadium

I set out to meet João Neves, Zoomarine’s conservation biologist and head of education, to get to the bottom of what goes on behind the scenes at the aqua theme park.

In the process I discover what an important role the attraction can play in our children’s education.

João is an enthusiastic and engaging ambassador for the park and his role underpins Zoomarine's philosophy. At the heart of the park is an ethos based on environmental education. There’s a belief that by observing different species and learning directly from them, people will get a better understanding of wildlife and an awareness of environmental problems that pose a serious threat to the planet and its oceans.

I am pleased to learn that Zoomarine’s founder, Pedro Lavia, is still the president and spends a lot of time in

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the park. Originally from Argentina, he came up with the concept of Zoomarine with the help of a dolphin called Sam. In 1969 Pedro acquired Sam from another park and started his own show to educate people about dolphins in South America. In those days many did not realise they were intelligent mammals and he wanted to share his love of the species.

Pedro travelled to (a very different) Guia back in 1989 with the idea of combining education with fun in Portugal. After 22 months of negotiations, he opened Zoomarine in 1991. His mission was clear: he wanted “to transport adults and children to a world of dream and fantasy by creating unique emotions and moments that touch hearts and awaken minds.”

Sam was the main attraction and head of the new dolphin family. Pedro was devastated when Sam died in 2011 (then the oldest male dolphin in the world), but said: “Sam departed long after teaching us, in his extraordinary old age, that one should always strive to go a little bit further than what was expected.”

Last year Zoomarine celebrated its 25th birthday, with Pedro writing in the commemorative book released to celebrate the anniversary that it had

been “25 years of hard work and struggle, of conquests and special events,” adding: “My dream is called Zoomarine and aims to help us all believe in the future and build a happier world.”

These are incredibly noble intentions - but many people are critical of animals performing and are opposed to keeping them in captivity. So, as a conservation biologist, what does João think?

“It is something we are being asked more and more today, which is a good thing because it makes us and parks like us better. It makes us spend more time and effort on the animals’ welfare.

“But I cannot answer this question because it is down to your personal ethics. It has been illegal to take dolphins from the wild since 1991 and these dolphins [at Zoomarine], who reproduce on average one calf per year, would not survive in the ocean.”

The dolphins at Zoomarine take part in valuable research projects. For example, it is impossible to study bachelor herds in the wild as they move around so much, but a researcher at Zoomarine has recently been discovering the hierarchy of such a herd.

Another research endeavour has been to study the mammals’ in their sleep patterns by monitoring their brain activity when they are in rest mode; this could tell us whether or not dolphin watching tours should approach the pods when they are in a restive state.

The dolphins at Zoomarine have also been trained to accept ultrasounds whilst pregnant, which allowed TV channel National Geographic to come to the park to monitor the gestations of the calves and learn more about the developmental stages for a programme called Life in the Womb.

João's main role is to educate young people, and it is a credit to Zoomarine that they have a biologist fulfilling this role. His team teaches groups of school children about the dolphins, informing and increasing their sensitivity to issues in the ocean.

Throughout the summer they have been running a five-day summer camp programme called Zoomarine Guardians, which fulfils Pedro’s original aim of mixing education with fun. The Guardians (the children) help staff and watch their routines, giving them the experience of being a trainer and increasing their awareness of animal welfare. They also make toys out of recycled materials for the tropical birds and participate in games such as treasure hunts. This year’s programme runs until September 8th.

the Zoomarine Express, has been extended so it is now more appealing to older children. There is also a new alligator display and, best of all, a new aquatic playground called Treasure Island with a pirate ship and waterslides.

However, if I could offer one piece of advice it would be to look at the park from a different slant. In between the awesome wave pool and the pirate show, take a second to tell your kids why the park exists. Make time to go into the exhibition centre and read about the conservation projects Zoomarine supports and the zoological awards it has won. Check out the marine wildlife rehabilitation centre (the first in Portugal), which rescues, rehabilitates and returns animals to the wild - even returning a stranded seal back to Cornwall by air. There is also a backstage tour which gives children a different perspective of the park.

It is priced around €10 per ticket and Joáo advises you to book at reception.

The Dolphin Emotions experience, although pricey at €169, takes any visit to the next level. It includes a 30-minute talk from an educator before you get the chance to swim with the dolphins. “Touching the dolphin raises awareness in people by using emotion to make people assimilate information, leaving an impression you will never forget,” explains João.

In the days before we knew much about conservation, one man had a dream to share his love of dolphins with others and remind them that, for their sake, we must take better care of our oceans. With the Atlantic and all it’s marine life right on our doorstep here in the Algarve, it’s a responsibility we must take seriously, so let’s use Zoomarine as a valuable tool in educating our kids as well as ourselves.

Of course, many of you will already have visited Zoomarine at least once before - so what is new for you to discover if that is the case? Well, there is a remodelled square with a new aqua splash ride, where your children can enjoy a type of aquatic roundabout with boats and water guns. The park’s fun railway,

Zoomarine is open until November 26th, with some exceptions. Check the website for full details and opening times, and to buy tickets.

 www.zoomarine.pt  +351 289 560 300  info@zoomarine.pt  ZoomarineAlgarve

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Top to bottom Two of the parks’s brand new attractions; the tropical lagoon, where the Dolphin Emotions experience takes place; swimming with dolphins

Community

Have you got your Tomorrow teddy?

Local land needed You may recognise this little guy from the cover of our July issue - yes, it’s Tom the Tomorrow teddy!

Named in honour of Tomorrow founder Tom Henshaw (who launched the first issue of our sister magazine in Lagos some six years ago!), the smaller, fluffier and (some would say) cuter Tom is available to buy now. All the profits from the sale of each and every teddy will go straight to the Tomorrow Algarve Charity Trust (TACT), through which we support local charitable organisations such as the Soup Kitchen and the Red Cross.

The plan is to launch a new Tomorrow teddy every year, each with its own name and look, so be sure to get your hands on this special first edition. Over 50 have been snapped up and shipped out to new families so far - so don’t delay in getting yours! They are priced at just €15 each and can be ordered by contacting Steven or dropping us a message on Facebook.

And we want to keep tabs on all our teddies, so be sure to send us a snap of you together. We may even print those sent from the most impressive locations around the Algarve - or even the globe!

 +351 919 185 677  steven@tomorrowalgarve.com  @TomorrowAlgarve

Local Danish entrepreneur Brian Knudsen (pictured) is pioneering a project to transform wastelands in the Lagoa area to produce fresh crops for export to northern Europe.

The project started last year when Brian secured a 15-year lease on a long-abandoned, state-owned experimental agriculture site southwest of the town.

This March, Brian harvested and sent northward his first Lagoa crop: 15 tonnes of the snack peas so beloved in Denmark. Since then on the same 12-hectare site he has produced 150,000 kg of butternut squash and dispatched huge truckloads of pumpkins for the Dutch and UK markets.

Never before have crops like this been grown in Lagoa for export - and this is just the start. Brian is now looking to lease or buy much more land amid the sprawling tracts around Lagoa that have lain unproductive for decades.

The climate and soils in the Lagoa area are ideal for growing fresh produce in big demand in northern Europe, and as a result he is now looking for up to 40 hectares more land. He is seeking deals with private owners, preferably for land with access to Silves reservoir water channels, or where boreholes could be drilled to tap into underground sources.

Meanwhile, he has 15,000 more pumpkins steadily growing that are due to ripen at the end of October.

Special events are envisaged so that local children and families can come and pick their own pumpkins for Halloween celebrations.

Educating groups of children about the nature of agriculture and farming methods will also be high on Brian's agenda once his sowing and picking schedules both in Portugal and Denmark have settled down a bit.

He also wants to steadily progress towards organic production, focusing still on snack peas, pumpkins and squash, but introducing onions and other crops deemed to be particularly healthy and increasingly in demand.

“We see a very bright future here,” says 40-year-old Brian, who still regularly travels to Denmark where he has similar business interests. He is planning to sell up there, however, and focus exclusively on the Algarve.

He and his Danish wife and their two children have been living in the Lagoa area since 2010 and this is where they intend to stay.

Anyone who can help Brian in his quest for new land should get in touch using the contact details below.

 brian@frigaardgroent.dk  +351 912 507 693

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BY LEN PORT

Community

Silves medieval mural art

BY ALYSON AND DAVE SHELDRAKE, ALGARVE BLOG The city of Silves has been busy brightening up its streets thanks to the brilliant graffiti art work of Hélder José (known by his graffiti artist name Bamby) and Filipe Gusmão of Portimão-based design studio Style Spectrum.

They have been busy transforming the area in front of the Municipal Library, near Praça Al-Mutamid gardens with a major mural - and the results are fabulous.

The mural focuses on the two central characters of D. Sancho and Al-Mu’tamid, both of whom played important roles in the history of the city of Silves.

The theme fits perfectly with the annual Medieval Fair (held last month) which our regular readers will know that we love – it’s definitely one of the highlights of the annual Algarve calendar for us.

Silves was the capital of the Algarve during the period of Arab rule, and the poet-king Al-Mu’tamid ruled there from 1052 to 1088. It would be amazing to see how grand the city would have been at that time, trading right across the Mediterranean peninsula. The first Christian conquest dates back to 1189 under the rule of the Portuguese Christian monarch D. Sancho (1185-1211) but the final takeover only took place in 1249, when D. Afonso III led the Algarve conquest.

You can still feel the tangible history of this fabulous city as you walk around the streets and see the architecture and old city walls, which seem to blend so well with the more modern buildings. The new

mural adds even more drama and colour to an already vibrant and fascinating area.

Rosa Palma, President of the Municipality, outlined the positive approach the council has on introducing art and culture to the area. She is quoted as saying it was the council’s desire “to bring more colour and more pieces of urban art to Silves, so that we can all have greater respect for the space where we live and circulate.”

We hope everyone enjoyed this year’s Silves Medieval Fair - we certainly did! Pictures from the 10-day event are available to view on the blog now.

 www.algarveblog.net

Pictures courtesy of Dave Sheldrake Photography (www.davesheldrakephotography.com)

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Community ‘just walking’. Some walks will take all day, others will be just a few hours.

My first walk will be on Tuesday September 26th. I will start all the way up at Fóia and make my way down to Ferragudo. This walk should take about seven hours, depending on breaks (and bar stops!).

This particular walk is to help promote mental health and raise awareness about this issue something that faces a lot of people not only here but across the globe. Walking is a proven method of helping to fight stress and depression; the activity itself releases mood-lifting endorphins, whilst being in the great outdoors has its own benefits.

Walkers wanted!

BY STEVEN SUTTON

This and all the walks to follow in the coming months are open to anyone who wishes to come along and join me for the experience. If this is something you would be interested in, please drop me a line for more information. The more people we get the more fun we will have!

Fancy joining me for a walk?

From September onwards I will be undertaking the challenge of completing one walking route in the Algarve every month.

The focus of each walk will be different; it may be to raise awareness for one of our Tomorrow Algarve Charity Trust's (TACT) chosen organisations, to promote a worthwhile cause here in the Algarve, or simply for the sake of getting out of the house and

Outside of this, I will be doing a four-day walk across the length of the Algarve in November, from the Spanish border all the way to Cape St. Vincent on the west coast. It will be a sponsored walk to raise money for TACT. If you are interested in getting involved in this walk - for one, some or all of the days - or would like to sponsor me, do get in touch.  +351 919 185 677  steven@tomorrowalgarve.com

Do you speak Algarvian?

Following their enlightening first instalment back in our April editon, the team at Mar d'Estórias have put together a second list of colloquial Portuguese terms that are unique to the Algarve. How many of them do you know?

Diéb: This means ‘devil’. It is used to demonstrate outrage towards someone. Usually used as té diéb (‘you devil’)

À babuja: By the water's edge (like the restaurant of the same name in Alvor) Bezaranha: Wind Caguifo/a: Used both in the feminine and the masculine to describe fear of somebody or something Empachade: Someone who takes a lot of time to do something Apoquentar: To be upset or worried about something

Dar vaia or dar de vaia: Used to get someone's attention or as a greeting Machinha: A mixture of the Portuguese word for hand and the diminutive of full.

And it means just that: handful Cachaporrada: Usually used to threaten to hit someone else - so if you hear this one, duck!

Alvariade: Someone who does not pay attention to anything

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Maline: A bad, stubborn or evil person or animal So there you have it - now you should be practically fluent in Algarvian!

Mar d’Estórias is a unique shop, café/bistro, art gallery and sea-view terrace bar in Lagos that brings together Portuguese culture, tradition and customs by selling products, services and experiences.  www.mardestorias.com

Community

Woman’s best friend: Key the amazing assistance dog Three years ago Gail Skinner received news that changed her life forever; she was diagnosed with a chronic degenerative autoimmune disease with a life expectancy of just 10 to 15 years. Here she tells us how Key, her medical alert assistance dog, helped her cope.

It's scary how quickly your life can change. One day you’re an active, sporty, independent person and in the blink of an eye it all turns upside down.

I had a normal life before being diagnosed; I rode my beautiful horses every day, took long walks with my pack of dogs and had a very stressful full-time job. Then the unexpected happened; I collapsed in a restaurant.

The ambulance guys insisted on taking me to hospital and that was the day my life changed forever.

As you can imagine, when I got my diagnosis I was beyond devastated my world fell apart. I was not allowed to ride my horses again as I have a high risk of getting a brain haemorrhage. Walking with the dogs became a struggle as I fought against constant debilitating pain and chronic fatigue. And on top of all that, the medication prescribed to keep me alive and kicking caused massive weight gain, hallucinations, depression, anxiety, aggression and insomnia.

So what to do? Curl up on the sofa and wait out my hopefully 15-plus years, or fight? Being the tough African girl that I am, fight it was. I was and still am determined to beat this.

I was driving one day and was about to pass out when my Podengo, Fig, released her safety belt and started pulling at my elbow, waking me up and thus avoiding a situation which doesn’t bear thinking about. Unfortunately Fig was unable to qualify as an assistance dog but Key, a rescued Border Collie pup, came on the scene and stepped up to the plate.

Having undergone intensive training, Key is now my medical alert dog, which means that he alerts me when things are not as they should be. He ‘reads’ my blood levels, using his sense of smell to pick up on differences in my levels, and alerts me to this so I can take preventative action.

When I forget to take my medication, Key knows. If we’re at home he brings me the medication and a cup with water. If we are out he alerts me until I take the medication and then he will settle down.

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He has also been trained to activate a Guardian SOS fob (a specialist alarm service) if I should collapse. This is an amazing system with a tracking device and communication feature that enables the service provider to send the relevant emergency services.

Key helps me around the house on a daily basis too, fetching and carrying things, turning lights on and off, opening and closing doors and even helping me remove my socks, shoes and jacket.

Together we have travelled to the UK via coaches, taxis, trains and planes. Key took everything in his stride, as though he had done it hundreds of times.

On the plane he curled up in the foot space and remained there the entire flight - the passengers sitting next to us had no idea he was on board until we landed and he poked his head up to see what was happening!

My life has changed a lot since being diagnosed. It has made me realise just how important dogs are in our lives; how they can help, how they are always there to listen, and how they are never judgmental. Key is with me through the dark times and the good. He cheers me up when I'm down, he makes me slow down when I'm doing too much, he keeps me company on my many hospital visits and, above all, he is an amazing dog who is my best friend and lifeline. He has given me back my independence and confidence. Together we can tackle anything.

Having Key in my life motivated me to qualify as an assistance dog trainer and I currently have a young dog in training that will hopefully become an assistance dog to help someone in need.

I am also the Vice Chairperson of the Alertalegria Associacão de Cães de Assistencia Internacional (Association of International Assistance Dogs).

The association relies on support from the public and people can either donate or perhaps hold a fundraising event. We work via Dog Emporium in Porches, so please do get in touch if you can help in any way.

 +351 282 343 491 / 917 758 404  www.dogemporium.pt

Community

Tomorrow meets: Wanda Crawford

BY SUSI ROGOL

Wanda owns Curiosa home furnishing store in Almancil, and is president of Algarve children’s charity ACCA. Established in 2000, the charity was set up by a group of expats who wanted to give something back to their new homeland. Helping children in need was the route they decided to take, and since then the highlymotivated team has raised over €1 million, improving the lives of many thousands of youngsters in the process.

What is ACCA’s mission statement?

Our mission is to touch the lives of as many children in need in the Algarve as possible - one child at a time, creating little miracles along the way.

You are currently raising more than €85k a year. Who decides how it will be spent?

The ACCA board meets monthly to discuss fundraising activities and the specific needs of children in the community. We normally reach a decision on which causes and individuals to support by voting; the majority opinion wins. This is a very smooth process that has served ACCA and the community well for a long time.

How do you find causes, or do they come to you?

ACCA has now been established as a reputable charity for 17 years, so now the community comes to us with requests.

Sometimes we are told that the Social Security system has denied help for some cases, although they often refer the individual and their needs to ACCA. I remember 16 years ago going out to various orphanages and community centres with Jane Oliphant, ACCA’s founder, to explain what we had to offer. A surprising number of institutions would ask why we wanted to help them; the concept of charity as we know it in the UK and US [Wanda hails from across the pond] was still foreign to the Portuguese. Now, all these years later, I am proud to say that they know they can rely on us for help.

What sponsors have helped out over the years?

ACCA has had so many sponsors in its 17 years that it is difficult to name them all,

but the major ones include The Conrad, ArtCatto, Steve Gerald, Quinta do Lago, Atelier do Sul, The Resident, The Portugal News, Quinta Properties, Abacus, Family Medical Centre, Laranjal golf course, Pinheiros Altos golf resort, Curiosa Indoor & Outdoor Furniture, Lewis Andrews, Dunas, The Portuguese Masters, and the Algarve Fitness & Tennis Centre. There are very many more, as well as countless individuals who donate generously to our funds.

How do you plan your fundraising activities?

With ongoing financial commitments of around €30,000 to support children with special needs (such as physiological support, physiotherapy and speech therapy) plus the glasses and dental treatment we provide for children who suffer without those basics, we raise funds through various events and initiatives throughout the year. Many have become annual events and continue to grow in appeal and income generation.

What sort of fundraisers do you run?

A whole variety, including charity galas, golf and tennis tournaments, bike rides, fun runs, bridge tournaments and more.

We will always get involved in an activity that allows us to promote the work of ACCA and encourage donations, such as Easter and Halloween events in which other, luckier children can get involved.

How many children has ACCA helped over the years?

It is difficult to quantify the numbers because we help institutions and individuals. I can say that ACCA has made a tremendous difference in the lives of so many children and families at large. One of

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the most memorable was a little boy who could not walk, talk, or make eye contact who we helped to go to the Ronald McDonald children’s hospital in Florida; the child returned to Portugal doing all of those things. To me, this is what our work is all about - making these footprints in the sands of Portugal and the hearts of the children here.

Importantly, we collect goods from other people, everything from kiddies clothes and equipment to household items - even entire kitchens - that we can distribute among the needy.

What’s your programme between now and the end of the year?

We have our major annual gala on September 2nd at Conrad Algarve. The theme this year is Casablanca and the band, Suprema, is flying over from London to perform.

We are also currently collecting school supplies for the children of poor families, and soon we will launch our annual Angel Programme through which we collect Christmas gifts for kiddies who would otherwise have nothing. Last year we put smiles on the faces of 1,450 children through the Angel Programme, sent 850 back to school with the basic essentials needed to learn, and helped many hundreds of others with individual needs.

How can others help ACCA, apart from donating much-needed funds?

You can become a volunteer by contacting us using the details below.  accakid@gmail.com  +351 919 167 995

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What's On

Superbikes screech back into the autódromo

When: Friday September 15th to Sunday September 17th Where: Algarve International Autodrome, Mexilhoeira Grande

The most anticipated motorcycle race in Portugal returns to the local area this month, promising speed, excitement and no doubt a few surprises.

A variety of ticket options are on sale, with prices starting from just €10 to see one day’s worth of action on the Friday or Saturday. Even the most expensive ticket option - a weekend pass with access to the paddock and all the grandstands - is reasonably priced, at just €35.

After a one-year absence, the Algarve International Autodrome once again hosts the tenth round of the FIM Superbike World Championship for what is set to be a thrilling weekend of racing.

On top of all this you can make it a family event, as children under the age of 16 can see the thrilling action for free when accompanied by a paying adult.

The action is set to take place from Friday September 15th to Sunday September 17th. It will see over six teams take to the track, with exciting races in the Superbike, Supersport, Supersport 300 and SuperStock1000 categories.

Tickets are available from the official autódromo website. So get yours today and look forward to seeing the stars of WorldSBK battling it out at a circuit which has provided scintillating drama in the past.

 www.autodromodoalgarve.com  tickets@autodromodoalgarve.com  +351 282 405 600

Fresh twists at this year’s Tasting Trail Following successful stints from Lagos to Aljezur and Faro to Olhão earlier in the year, the Tasting Trail returns to Portimão, Lagoa, Monchique and Silves this month - with some exciting fresh twists added to the popular programme for 2017!

When: September 8th to October 15th Where: Various restaurants, Portimão, Lagoa, Monchique and Silves

More than 160 restaurants and cafés are set to take part in this year’s event, now in its seventh year. Running from September 8th to October 15th, the Tasting Trail allows you to sample a variety of delicious dishes at local establishments for just €3 per plate (along with a drink).

New for this year’s Tasting Trail is the Chef’s Route, which sees seven chefs invited to create special dishes inspired by local traditions and products from the land. Another scheme - the Green Stamp initiative - gives a nod to 2017 being the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for

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Development, and will highlight establishments whose dishes feature local produce. Meanwhile, the Market Route invites you to visit Portimão Municipal Market and purchase the freshest and most delicious products at unbeatable prices.

These initiatives are in addition to the usual Route of the Little Ones, which features dishes perfect for children, and also the World Route which celebrates international cuisine.

All that’s required to take part in the Tasting Trail is an official passport, which costs just €1. At each stop a stamp will be placed in your passport, which also includes a comprehensive overview of all the participating restaurants and available dishes.

Passports can be purchased from the tourist offices in Portimão, Praia da Rocha and Alvor, Museu de Portimão and Casa Manuel Teixeira Gomes, as well as all participating venues.

 www.rotadopetisco.com

What's On

Update your wardrobe for just €1!

Excuses to enjoy a shopping spree don’t come any better than this…

A bi-monthly Euro Swap Shop returns this month, with a wide range of clothes, shoes and accessories available to buy - all priced at just €1 each. And even better, all of the money raised goes to charity. Win, win!

Set to take place on September 20th at Patrick’s restaurant in Guia, it’s also a great opportunity to have a good old clear out of your wardrobe.

People are invited to donate clean clothes, shoes, jewellery, accessories and other bric-a-brac in advance. Drop-offs at Patrick’s or outside Iceland can be arranged, and donations can also be made on the day.

When: Wednesday September 20th Where: Patrick’s restaurant, Guia

The Euro Swap Shop was started last year by Algarve residents Donna McFadden and Shelley Davison following a conversation in a bar. One year on and - ably assisted by a team of fantastic helpers - they have raised an impressive amount for the local soup kitchen, including over €800 in two hours on one occasion!

“All the money we raise goes to families and the elderly in need,” Donna told Tomorrow. “People get a cooked meal delivered to their doors as well as help

with some bills. They can't afford to feed themselves and end up with no electricity or water.”

She added: “I’m so passionate about this charity as I can't imagine how they feel waiting on food being delivered.”

Donna also has words of praise for Pickie who runs the soup kitchen, saying: “She cooks in a small kitchen with no air-con and her time and dedication is incredible. If anyone wishes to visit the soup kitchen to see their incredible work first-hand then please let us know.”

And this month’s Euro Swap Shop will be ending with a bang, as Donna’s rock choir will be performing after the sale! Tickets to see the choir are €10 which includes a buffet lunch.

The Euro Swap Shop takes place every two months.

If anyone has anything to donate, please contact Donna using the contact details below.

Donna’s friend Micheline Peters also organises a ladies’ lunch in the months that the Euro Swap Shop doesn’t run. Everyone gives €5, with all funds raised also going to the soup kitchen, and they would be delighted for more women to join them. Again, get in touch for details.  donnaevents180@gmail.com  +351 911 525 899

All the fun of the fair!

Just a friendly reminder that we have teamed up with Big Reds, the live music venue and restaurant in Alvor, this month to bring you a traditional country fair right here in the Algarve!

Held in aid of the chosen charities of TACT (Tomorrow Algarve Charity Trust), the event will take place on Sunday September 17th and promises to be a great day out for all ages.

Expect all the fun things you’d find at a traditional fair: think games including splat the rat, pin the tail on the donkey and the all-important coconut shy, as well as bobbing for apples and a brica-brac stall. There will even be a bouncy castle for the kids!

Of course, no fair is complete without cakes and bakes,

18

and so we invite any keen bakers to bring along their best creations to sell on the day. It’s for a great cause, so whip out those baking trays and make like the Great British Bake Off! Anyone wishing to contribute to the cakes and bakes should contact Steven (steven@tomorrowalgarve.com).

There’ll also be a hog roast on offer from 1pm, and then at 3.30pm it’s time to grab your partner and dosi-do for a spot of line dancing, featuring a live band!

Entry to the fair is free, so please do come on down and join in the fun. We look forward to seeing you there.

When: Sunday September 17th, 11.30am onwards Where: Big Reds, Alvor

Tomorrow 90x65 06-17.indd 2

19/06/2017 10:52

What's On

Anyone for doubles?

depending on the time of year - and the weather!

“We are a very mixed group,” Allison told Tomorrow.

“We come from all parts of the globe and are varied in terms of age and ability.”

In addition to the tennis, the group also plans fun social events around key calendar dates such as Easter, carnival and Christmas. Earlier this summer they even indulged in some post-tennis strawberries and fizz to mark Wimbledon!

Any ladies in the local area who enjoy a spot of tennis are invited to join the ladies doubles morning held every Wednesday at Carvoeiro Clube de Ténis.

The doubles mornings were first established at the club in the early 90s. Following a short break of a few years they restarted again around five years ago.

They are organised by local Scot, Allison Hohnbaum, who lives in Senhora da Rocha and has been running things since the very beginning.

The group currently has around 16 ladies who play on a regular basis, although it can sometimes be more

It’s this spirit of sport and celebration that sets the group apart, according to Allison. “The doubles mornings bring together like-minded people for exercise and fun,” she says, adding: “Many friendships have been formed over the years - not to mention some very successful tennis partnerships.”

The doubles mornings take place every Wednesday between 10.30am and 12.30pm. The cost is €1.50 for members and €10 for non-members. Guests and new members are always welcome. Contact Carvoeiro Clube de Ténis for more information.

The group looks forward to welcoming you!

 +351 282 358 236  geral@tenniscarvoeiro.com

Say ‘Obrigado, Bombeiros!’ at charity event Following the success of fundraising event Obrigado, Bombeiros! in 2016 (which raised a whopping €3,236), a similar event will be held this month to raise essential funds for the bombeiros of Lagoa and Silves.

It is also an opportunity for the local community to show its appreciation of the remarkable and vital work our local firefighting crews do.

When: September 23rd, 2-7pm Where: Bar Quinta, Silves

This year’s Obrigado, Bombeiros! event will take place on Saturday September 23rd at Quinta Bar (formerly O’Grady's 12 Bar) at Quinta da Figueirinha in Silves. Fun fundraising activities on the evening will include both a live and silent auction, with a wide range of exciting prizes up for grabs. Those wishing to donate a prize for auction should contact the organisers. In addition, event-goers are invited to contribute with used items to be sold on a second-hand goods stall.

A Portuguese BBQ meal will also be on offer, priced at €10 per adult (with sangria) and €6 per child

20

(up to 10 years) - and if you book in advance you’ll be entered into a prize raffle. There will also be a variety of live music acts, with the programme to be announced shortly.

Clarissa Meca, one of the event organisers, commented: “The overwhelming turnout for our first ever Obrigado, Bombeiros! event last year, not to mention the generosity of both those who attended and those who gave up their time to take part or donated prizes for the auction, demonstrates the tremendous gratitude felt towards our firefighters.”

She added: “Our bombeiros continue to do a fantastic job in keeping our community safe and we wanted to continue to support them by making Obrigado, Bombeiros! an annual event.”

The event starts at 2pm and closes at 7pm. All profits raised will be divided equally between the bombeiros of Lagoa and Silves. Entry is free. For more details, contact Clarissa using the contact details below.

 +351 964 877 032  cmeca@hotmail.com

September Calendar

Promote your events and activities here - it’s FREE! Email your listings to us: calendar@tomorrowalgarve.com

Fitness

Bootcamp Class Mon - Fri 7.30am, 10am & 7pm, Yoga Tue & Thurs 9am Pilates Mon, Wed & Fri 9am Mobile Bootcamp Sat 9am, €10 Luz AXN Club Cascade Resort, Lagos  +351 915 183 888 Yoga Mon & Wed 8pm & Tue & Fri 7pm Pilates Mon 7.30pm Clinical Pilates Tue & Thurs 11.30am & 5.30pm QiGong Mon 10am Meditation Fri 8.30pm €25/m Villa Prana, Portimão  +351 282 484 256 Aerobics Fitness Mon 10am Total Toning Wed 10am Body Conditioning Thurs 10am, Alvor Community Centre  +351 934 393 232 Qi Gong Class Thurs 7.30pm, €35/month Centro Serenity, Lagoa  +351 962 009 703 Taekwondo Mon, Thurs & Fri 7pm, €45p/m (child) €60 p/m (adult) Fitball Mon & Thurs 9.15am Yoga Tue 11am Power Circuit Tue 6.30pm Body Shape Wed 10am Power Hour Thurs 10am Qi Gong Thurs 11am Zumba Mon,Wed & Fri 11am Kids Yoga Wed 5pm, €8.50 Carvoeiro Clube, Urb. Monte Carvoeiro  +351 282 350 800 A Taste of Yoga Tues 11am Rocha Brava Carvoeiro Yin Yoga Mon 11am Vale d'Oliveiras Carvoeiro & Tues 8.15am, Serenity Lagoa Hatha Yoga Mon 4.30pm Vale d'Oliveiras Carvoeiro & Thurs 8.15am, Serenity Lagoa Gentle Yoga Fri 11am Vale d’Oliveiras Carvoeiro Sat 11am, Rocha Brava Carvoeiro, €10  +351 911510641 Netball Thurs 6pm, Carvoeiro Tennis Club  +351 917 036 883

Hatha Yoga Mon 7.30pm Yoga Kids (3-5yrs) Wed 6.30pm Theatre (5-9yrs) Sat 9.3011am Lagoa Study Support Mon 3.30pm, Wed 3pm & Fri 2pm, Espaço Portas do Sol Portimão, Ideias do Levante  +351 965 017 845 Yoga on the Roof Groups 2-4 people (Try for free Sat 10am) €5 Portimão  +351 936 786 266

Classes Latin American & Ballroom Dancing Tues 10am (improvers) 11.45 - 12.30pm (beginners), Jive 11-11.45am, Dancers 12.30, Alvor Community Centre,€5  +351 961 916 821 Piano Lessons €80x8/ €15 a lesson, Parchal, Svetlana  +351 936 786 266 Dog Socialisation Walk Thurs 4pm, €5, Porches  +351 967 925 099 Scottish Country Dancing Mon 7.30pm, €1.50, Nobel International School Algarve, Lagoa  +351 282 356 029 Dog Instruction (Group dog lessons) Sat 5pm Hotel do CÃO, Rasmalho Portimão  +351 964 083 602 Portuguese Beginners Class Tue & Thur 9.30pm, €5 Chinicato  +351 912 417 994

Events Cave Tour & Snorkeling Daily 10am -2pm, €45, Alvor Sunset walk Tue, Wed & Fri 7.30pm, €25 Ferragudo Zip & Trip  +351 925 445 828 Quiz Night Fri 8.30pm Sunset Bar, Alvor  +351 918 040 382

Summer Family Golf 1hr private golf lesson, €15 p.p Group Lesson Wed 10am-1pm, €20 p.p & Fri 3-4.30pm, €15 p.p Espiche Golf  +351 282 688 250 Quiz Night Wed 9.30pm, Alternate Rodizio of Tapas/Fado Evening Thurs 8.30pm, BBQ Sun 2pm – 9pm, €6.50, The Courtyard Bar & Bistro Alvor  +351 912 441 143 September 14 Funky Latin Soul (International Band) 9pm, Tickets €5, O Feedback | Alcantarilha Gare | On Rd. to Algoz Book:  +351 964 078 191 September 2 - 7th Fishermen's Trails (inc. kayak tour) €10p/day, September 10 Golden Coast - Lagos €10, September 24 ZavialSagres €10, Quimera Experience  +351 969 467 275 September 23 Singing Circles, 5.30pm, Silves Monte das Borboletas Cátia  +351 965 669 815

Charity/ Support September 20th Alzheimer's/Dementia Support Group 11am, Restaurant Pirilampo, Lagos  +351 926 297 527  +351 968 084 946 AA Meeting Portimao: Mon 7.30pm - 9pm & Fri 730pm, Beco das Hortensias Lote 18 R/C/ B Vale Franca Porches (Lagoa): Thur 7.30pm Centro Cultural D. Dinis Rua da Praça 2 Albufeira: Tue 8pm | Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Albufeira (next to INATEL)  +351 919 005 590 Depression & Bipolar Support Group First Monday of every month, 6.30-8.30pm, Casa Inglesa Portimão  +351 914 878 927

Useful Numbers General EMERGENCY TOURIST SUPPORT AIRPORT TRANSFER

112 808 781 212 965 026 176

Consulate/ Embassy BRITISH FRENCH (FARO) GERMAN (FARO) DUTCH (FARO) CANADIAN (FARO) SWEDISH EMBASSY

282 490 750 281 380 660 289 803 181 289 820 903 289 803 757 213 942 260

Alvor TAXI DIAGO SILVA HEALTH CENTRE PHARMACY HOSPITAL FIRE POLICE STATION AERODROMO THE SALON ALVOR MUSIC LESSONS SPORTS CENTRE COMMUNITY CENTRE HAIR SALON PHYSICAL THERAPY

966 214 517 282 459 268 282 459 588 282 420 400 282 420 130 282 420 750 282 496 581 282 415 460 965 017 845 282 457 841 282 457 499 966 103 601 928 022 464

Portimão HEALTH CENTRE PHARMACY PRAIA DA ROCHA HOSPITAL CENTRO FIRE POLICE STATION MARITIME POLICE TRAIN STATION

282 420 161 282 425 858 282 485 641 282 450 300 282 420 130 282 417 217 282 417 714 282 423 056

Carvoeiro CITY COUNCIL 282 356 690 TOWN INFO 282 357 728 TAXI COMPANY 282 460 610 BUS STATION (LAGOA) 282 341 301 PHARMACY 282 357 463 HOSPITAL 282 357 320 FIRE STATION (LAGOA) 282 352 888 POLICE STATION 282 356 460 PLUMBER ANTÓNIO 962 870 665 BUILDER BOTO 282 461 336 ELECTRICIAN EURICO 968 778 953 MECHANIC CARLOS 282 085 027 HAIRDRESSER 282 356 894 HOUSE SELLINGS 919 839 299 TV & SATELLITE 926 459 429 PAINTING BY STEVE 916 666 210 CHIROPRACTOR 282 352 202

Ferragudo TAXI ANTÓNIO 965 881 971 HEALTH CENTRE 282 461 361 PHARMACY 282 461 232 HOSPITAL (PORTIMÃO) 282 450 300 FIRE 282 420 130 POLICE STATION 282 420 750 PAINTER MARIO 967 881 062 LAWYER CELIA 282 476 305 TREE SURGEON 964 384 613 FIREWOOD 917 601 798

Health

Four steps to beat neck and shoulder pain

BY ANDREA SCHOONHEIM

This month a short but very effective series of just four exercises to loosen up your shoulders and neck. Many people work on computers nowadays, putting stress on their shoulders and neck without even realising it.

What they do feel is the stiffness and pain that results. But as easily as the strain and pain is put there, it can be taken away. Spend a few minutes every day doing these four exercises and you will quickly feel the benefits.

Exercise one Stand or sit with a long back and stretch your arms out in front of you. Let them drop. They will swing a little bit when they are down. During your next inhalation stretch them out in front of you again and

drop them as you exhale. Repeat six to eight times.

This exercise relaxes your shoulders, so you will most likely find that your arms are an inch or so longer afterwards (that, or your shoulders have dropped!).

Exercise two Lift your shoulders to your ears and lower them down very slowly. Lift them up again on your next inhalation, and lower them (slowly again) on your exhalation. Repeat six to eight times.

The purpose of this exercise is to make you aware of where you hold your shoulders. Do it every day and any habits of holding your shoulders too high - which causes tension and stress - will be corrected.

Exercise three Clasp your hands behind your back, keeping your elbows bent. Now lift your shoulders up, roll them back and down. The first time

this is not easy. If you don't feel any stretch, lift your arms up a little bit, with the elbows still bent. Keep breathing. To come out of the pose, just let go and relax your shoulders by turning them forward and backward. Repeat once or twice.

Exercise four Bend your right ear towards your right shoulder - you will feel a little stretch in the left side of your neck. To increase the stretch, place your right hand on your head; don't pull, but gently let gravity do its work.

If you want more of a stretch, slowly pull your left shoulder down. Hold for a few deep breaths and then repeat on the other side. After releasing, place your chin on your chest and make slow circles with your head in both directions.

Both this and exercise three are designed to stretch out your neck and shoulders.

Andrea is a qualified yoga teacher who leads classes in Carvoeiro and Lagoa.

 andrea.schoonheim@gmail.com  www.yogalagoa.com / www.yogacarvoeiro.com  +351 911 510 641

Don’t let a sprain slow you down!

Whenever we suffer a sprain or strain it’s natural to want it to heal as quickly as possible so we can get on with our usual day-to-day activities whether that’s family life, work or play.

So how can we achieve this quickly? Ice and early movement are key. Let’s use a sprained ankle as an example. In the first instance there will be pain, swelling and instability. Ice the area for 10 minutes every hour for two to three days, then gently move the ankle in easy motions that do not cause pain or discomfort. At first you may only be able to move the toes, but you can work up

to flexing the foot, rotating in circles and tracing the letters of the alphabet. Finally start to put some weight on the ankle while seated, then gradually progress to walking on it.

Early exercise mobilises the body's healing elements and also helps reduce the ‘shock’ of the injury.

This shock causes the body to instantly protect the area.

Think of a shoulder injury; the immediate reaction is to bring our shoulder closer to the body to protect it.

Unfortunately, long-term this causes improper motion unless the joint is treated to help it ‘remember’ how to work normally.

22

BY DR. BOCK

Medical studies show that the two most effective treatments for a fast recovery are simple exercises to help the body short circuit this overpowering protective mechanism, and chiropractic treatment and manipulation to help the area move correctly.

Most, if not all, high-level sporting teams have a chiropractor on-staff to treat injuries in this way, and these are the same principles that I used when treating Olympic athletes in order to get them back into competition in a matter of days, instead of months. If I can be of any help to you please let me know.

Dr. Bock can be reached at Active Quiroprática in Lagoa. Please consult a healthcare provider for specific advice regarding your health.  www.drbock.pt  +351 966 706 606

Health

Beware deadly dog foods It is with a sad hand that I write this month’s article.

Last month at the clinic we lost a few dogs in similar circumstances; all had eaten or drunk foods that seem innocuous to us humans, but had devastating consequences for these dogs.

Grapes, raisins and beef jerky were all implicated in the very rapid demise of these lovely young dogs. These three simple foods could make up the contents of a snack pack to be devoured at recess, but fed to dogs will cause acute renal failure - a lifethreatening condition.

Acute renal failure can be reversed if the animal is brought to a vet very early on in the course of the disease (coupled with a good pinch of luck). Kidneys do not tolerate toxic shock very well, and their cells die very quickly. Depending on the toxic assault, irreversible changes can happen in hours. Dogs that are left for a few days to ‘see if they get better’ end up with damage that cannot be repaired.

BY LARS RAHMQUIST

So if you notice that your dog appears to be very ill, vomiting and weak, call your vet and tell them you are on your way!

Below is a list of foods that dogs can and can’t tolerate. Not all items on the red list are fatal, but a few are. So take the list to heart and don't give your dogs access to these human foods.

Dogs will scavenge and root around in rubbish (yes, even your well-behaved pooch) so also be mindful of food stuffs in bins and such.

I will leave the scaremongering there, and promise a more cheery article next month. But for now, please check the list and keep your dog away from the food items in red.

 www.lagosvet.com

Human foods dogs can & can't eat YES

NO

Apples, bananas, blueberries, cantaloupe, carrots, cheese (in moderation), chicken, eggs, green beans, honey, kiwi, mango, oatmeal, peaches, peanut butter, pears, pineapple, potatoes (cooked, skin removed), pumpkin, rice, sweet potato and yogurt

Alcohol, avocado, caffeine, chocolate, coffee, fat trimmings, garlic, gum, grapes, macadamia nuts, milk, mushrooms, pits and seeds from fruit, potato skins and raw potato, raisins, rhubarb, salty foods (in large amounts), tea, walnuts and xylitol

The key to your vitality Do you feel a stiffness in your joints? Are you easily tired and do you have difficulty concentrating? Do you feel nervous or restless, and wake often at night?

of exercises: holding-still postures, moving postures, breathing exercises, meditative practices and leading the qi energy through the body and mind.

If the answer to any, some or all of these questions is yes, then you’ll be pleased to know there is a solution. You can bring your energies back into balance by regularly practicing Qi Gong (also know as Chi Kung) or Tai Chi. Today more than sixty million people in China practice these ancient arts for health reasons.

The benefits of daily practice are varied, and include the strengthening of your immune system and speeding up the rate of recovery from illness. Over time it also leads to physical wellbeing, emotional calm and clarity of mind.

The term Qi Gong literally means ‘life energy work’. Its practice is an art that emphasises learning how to deliberately develop and utilise the energy that is within your body. There are five main types

Meanwhile, the term Tai Chi (or Taijiquan) literally means ‘supreme ultimate boxing’, and is a particular style of Chinese Kung Fu, a soft martial art. But it is more than a physical exercise; it develops the inner faculties of essence, vital energy and the mind.

BY GABRIELE GUHR

It is practised both for defence training and its health benefits, being effective for relieving illnesses such as hypertension, arthritis, asthma, insomnia, migraine, depression and nervousness. If practised properly, it can also prevent or relieve knee injuries.

Today Taijiquan has spread worldwide and is mostly based on one of the most famous five traditional schools: Chen style, Yang style, Wu style, Hao style and Sun style. A basic form can take up to 20 minutes and consists often of more than 90 movements.

Gabriele leads Qi Gong and Tai Chi classes in Lagoa, Carvoeiro and Portimão.

 +351 911 510 733  massagealgarve@yahoo.pt  www.massage-algarve.com

24

Wine with victory flavour.

In 2016 the Intermarche exclusive brand Selecção de Enófilos was already awarded with 15 medals on 3 prestigious international wine competitions.

Selecção de Enófilos: Unique wines.

A unique day from Unique

BY TOM HENSHAW The sun was shining and spirits were high last month as I attended the third annual Algarve Unique Properties Golf Day. It was a great day held at one of the premier golf clubs in the western Algarve, namely Onyria Palmares Beach and Golf Resort. More than 100 golfers took part and 170 people attended the party afterwards. DJ Rafa played great music accompanied by a young and energetic violinist and a superb saxophonist, creating an evocative atmosphere high up over the beautiful bay of Meia Praia.

The format was an Individual Stableford and Duane Wessels (Gross) and Paul Daly (Net) were the official winners of the 2017 edition.

Awards were presented by JosĂŠ Correia, the President of the PGA in Portugal, to all the winners.

However we all felt like we were winners just to be invited along to this very prestigious occasion.

The Algarve Unique Properties team worked tirelessly to make sure everyone felt especially welcome. Champagne and oysters set the tone of the day, and were later followed by an amazing array of food including fresh sushi and seemingly endless supplies of dessert.

This very successful day went on well into the evening with everyone dancing as the sun set across the beautiful bay, creating the perfect end to a perfect day.

Well done to everyone who made this day so enjoyable and memorable.

We very much look to being invited next year!

î € www.algarveuniqueproperties.com

26

Business

Maximise your capital returns

BY ANDREW BRACE Private Fund Management ethos is to offer the expatriate community in Portugal an unrivalled investment service, which to date, has not been available locally. Based in Almancil, with presence covering the whole of the Algarve, we specialise in bespoke investment management, pension and retirement planning, and tax mitigation advice.

Whilst others offer "standardised" investment products, we offer our clients an investment management service. The consequence is our clients gain lower charge costs and can access their entire capital penalty free at any time. Daily liquidity for our clients' capital and effective tax planning is a priority.

Many perceive that they will need a vast sum to utilise our investment services, but this is to the contrary, as our investment services can be accessed with as little as £50,000.

Every client can be assured of personal discretion and attention to detail at all times, together with rigorous and unbiased advice, with a primary focus on highest levels of client service and professionalism.

As financial planning often involves both the UK and Portugal for British expatriates, a firm regulated to provide financial advice in both the UK and Portugal is the most advantageous situation for British Nationals. Private Fund Management is authorised and regulated in Portugal by the ASF and in the UK by the FCA, and are independent of any third party financial institution.

Private Fund Management is not an international company or group. Instead, Private Fund Management is a local family orientated office with whom you can have utmost good faith, with approachable personable members of staff.

For further information on all our services offered, and a friendly confidential discussion, contact us today.

 + 351 289 392 484  info@privatefund.management

Going to Lagos? Take a water taxi!

BY STEVEN SUTTON

The owners of Lagosbased boat trip operator Days of Adventure had a lightbulb moment one day. They loved to visit Alvor for drinks and a meal during the day, but (as we all know only too well) found parking to be limited in or near the small village - especially along the waterfront where they like to grab a table at one of the sea-view restaurants. They also had the other small issue of drinking and driving - or, more accurately, not drinking and driving.

So they decided to get one of their own Days of Adventure boats to ferry them to Alvor and back, and thus a genius idea was born! The company now operates a direct water taxi service both ways between Lagos and Alvor, with various departure and return times to fit in with your plans, allowing you to stay for as long as you like.

But this is so much more than a bog-standard taxi service; it is also a fabulous boat trip! From Alvor you board the vessel at the pontoon near the old fish market, then travel through the fabulous Alvor nature reserve and out onto the open ocean.

Approaching Lagos you cruise along Meia Praia

28

beach before finally turning into the entrance of Lagos marina where you disembark.

Having made the trip myself I can report that it’s a great experience and certainly beats the car journey along the N125. Indeed, part of the fun is that you get to see parts of the Algarve you can’t see from inside a car.

As you disembark the boat, don't forget to book your return journey time as this experience is very popular and gets quite busy in the summer!

During your trip to Lagos, why not take time to enjoy a spot of lunch or an evening meal? All Days of Adventure water taxi customers are entitled to 20% discount at the company’s bar and grill, The Orangery, which is located across the footbridge on Avenida dos Descobrimentos. A great treat for the children is the bouncy castle, which is free to The Orangery customers.

One way tickets on the water taxi cost €15, with return trips priced at €25. Give it a try and let us know what you think!  www.daysofadventure.com  +351 282 181 282

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Food & Drink

An authentic taste of Japan

BY MYGUIDEALGARVE.COM

Set to become one of the finest Japanese restaurants in Portugal, Mizu is the newest addition to VILA VITA Parc's outstanding restaurant options, which also includes the two-Michelin starred Ocean Restaurant.

Opened earlier this year, Mizu serves up authentic Japanese cuisine and a fine dining experience. The stereotypical idea of Japanese food consisting of sushi and little else is completely debunked here.

The menu is varied and crafted with care to offer delicious dishes that are representative of Japanese cuisine while also playing to the culinary strengths of the Algarve. Priority is given to fresh, seasonal and local vegetables and fruit, whilst fish from Algarve waters features on the Teppanyaki menu and in the sushi. Special mention must be given to the tuna used at Mizu; it is locally sourced from an Algarvebased company that exports much of its catch directly to Japan where it is highly prized, such is the quality.

As befits its setting at the luxury, award-winning VILA VITA Parc resort, Mizu features a stylish yet understated Japanese-inspired decor. Set at the resort's clubhouse, the restaurant has fabulous ocean views - a beautiful complement to the seafood-inspired dishes on the menu. The service is impeccable and the staff - all being aficionados of Japanese culture and cuisine - are knowledgable and happy to share their insights to help guide your menu choices. There is the option to dine à la carte or to have a more direct and interactive experience at the 10-seater Teppanyaki table, where a set menu of six different courses is available.

Our à la carte culinary voyage through Mizu's dishes was captained by the restaurant’s maître d’.

Appetisers of edamame (soy beans in their pod with flor do sal) were served, followed by wild salmon and kaisou (aromatic seaweed) salad accompanied by a delicious premuim saké that was as far from the harsh, potent liquid that generally springs to mind

30

when one thinks of the Japanese rice wine as you could imagine.

Of course, sushi is the best known dish of traditional Japanese cuisine and is so famous that it features on UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage list. Mizu’s Chef Antonio Muniz creates his sushi with immense care and pride in upholding high standards, with Portuguese tuna featuring strongly. We also sampled delicious gyoza (dumplings) with fillings including chicken and vegetables, along with crispy tempura king prawns.

The standout dish was the black cod, which was marinated and slow-grilled in the traditional way over binchōtan (white charcoal) on the Algarve's first Japanese robata grill. Mizu’s expert sommelier suggested an unorthodox pairing with this dish; instead of saké, we enjoyed it with Rozès White Reserve Port, resulting in a beautiful blend of Japanese and Portuguese flavours.

As tradition dictates, the feast ended with green tea - but here it is served as ice cream, accompanied with coconut namelaka (similar to panna cotta) and basil sorbet.

It is said that the first Europeans in Japan were Portuguese, passengers from a Chinese ship that was blown off-course and washed ashore by chance in 1543. But it is no accident that the fragrant, delicate Japanese cuisine that so values fresh seafood and seasonal, local produce has found a fine dining home at VILA VITA Parc.

Mizu at VILA VITA Parc is open Thursday to Monday for dinner only.

Want your restaurant to feature on our Food & Drink page, or want to recommend somewhere we should cover? Email stephanie@tomorrowalgarve.com.  +351 282 310 100  @vilavitaparc.com

Outdoor

Mandevilla Alice du Pont

Crazy about climbers: part two

BY CLIVE GOODACRE

At the end of last month’s article I recommended Stephanotis, or Madagascar jasmine, as a ‘tricky but worth it’ climber.

But other types of jasmine are worth considering as climbers, too.

Jasmine is synonymous with scent, and Jasminum sambac (Arabian jasmine) has a particularly strong fragrance, along with shiny, dark green leaves and waxy white flowers. It performs very well here (best in raised beds or planters) as it only requires low nutrition and likes mildly alkaline conditions. Or for something altogether more spectacular, Jasminum grandiflorum is the one to go for. Widely used in aromatherapy, it has larger flowers and leaves than other types. Look for the De Grasse variety, an ingredient of the iconic Chanel No. 5 perfume.

Autumn can be a difficult month for colour in the garden, with bedding plants and summer favourites like oleander and hibiscus past their best. There are however a number of climbers that tend to peak in late summer and autumn. Top of the list has to be Mandevillea, with varieties available in pink, white and yellow. Often listed under their former name of Dipladenia, given some care and attention Mandevilleas are outstanding performers, producing large, deep, trumpetshaped flowers with glossy green leaves. My favourite is the gloriously

pink Mandevilla Alice du Pont, although it can prove a bit of a prima donna, attracting more than its fair share of mealy bugs, scales, whiteflies and red spider mites.

It needs rich soil, shelter from wind and regular watering without becoming bogged down. Expert growers have been known to use Epsom salts as a tonic for this beauty, although regular feeding every few weeks seems to work, provided the water and soil are not too alkaline. Beating the bugs unfortunately calls for some heavy artillery like Confidor.

For something different, try the intensely yellow or brilliant red Mandevilla splendens, which looks great in borders where it provides mounds of colour. Given good light it also makes a striking houseplant.

All Mandevilleas flower on new growth, so cut back old stems and examine new ones for growth-stunting pests. These are not cold weather plants, and once temperatures fall below 10ºC they become deciduous, losing their le,aves until things warm up. Long periods of cold usually kills them off so avoid growing in areas prone to frost.

Hibbertia scandens (commonly known as Golden Guinea or Snake Vine) is another yellow climber with a long flowering season. Originating from Australia, it has no airs and graces. It occurs naturally along sandy beach areas, making it ideal for coastal locations, and requires little water or feeding. Although seldom growing more than two metres, it makes good cover, bearing large buttercup-like flowers and blunt-tipped, fleshy leaves.

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Elsewhere, plants like Bougainvillea flower at regular intervals throughout the year rather than seasonally. Because they flower on new growth, a good hard cut back can do wonders to restore a leggy plant that looks worn out, but carry out any radical surgery before the cold weather sets in - otherwise the plant will die back even further and may not recover.

Solandra maxima, otherwise known as the Chalice Vine, is another rampant winter performer. Hailing from South America, it easily produces runs up to 60m long and does well in coastal conditions. Although a woody vine, S. Maxima can be trained into an unusual shrub or potted specimen tree for the patio, which looks amazing when its huge flowers are in bloom. They have a coconut-like scent, particularly at night, and form into a chalice shape measuring between 10-17cm across. They can last for several weeks, starting off mid-yellow in colour then deepening to almost orange with age.

Beauty comes at a price, however, and the Chalice Vine can sometimes be too rampant, requiring strong support and drastic pruning. But if you are looking for something evergreen with shiny leaves and dramatic flowers to hide an ugly building or create a shady spot or arbour then it is unbeatable.

Read Clive’s article ‘Crazy about climbers: part one’ in our August edition at www.tomorrowalgarve.com/publications

Picture credits: Mandevilla Alice du Pont © Clive Goodacre.

Solandra maxima © Scott Zona va Creative Commons.

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And Finally...

One of the shots from Tim's book Algarve 63

Ten minutes with…

Tim Motion Originally from Rathkeale in Country Limerick, Ireland, 81-year-old photographer Tim lived in Carvoeiro during the sixties and seventies. He recently launched photo book Algarve 63, which features a collection of 63 fascinating images taken during his time here. We caught up with him to discover more about his work and his life in the Algarve…

How did you become a photographer?

My interest in photography began at school when I was about ten years old; I would make daylight prints at the kitchen window.

However it was 1963 when I first developed a practical interest, taking the photographs for Patrick Swift and David Wright's book Algarve - A Portrait and a Guide. The photographs which appear in my book, Algarve 63, were taken at this time.

What originally brought you to the Algarve?

Port wine, a girlfriend and a Jaguar XK120.

It was serendipity that saw us end up in Carvoeiro - we simply decided to turn right at the crossroads in Lagoa.

What was the town and the people who lived there like at that time?

It was a simple fishing village with two telephones, one television, a sardine canning factory, no mains water, numerous tabernas, and one car plus a local taxi. The inhabitants were predominantly fishermen with local farming connections. Work was poorly paid and life was hard. One old fisherman told me that his 'breakfast' was a sopa consisting of a clove of garlic, olive oil, a sprig of parsley and hot water, plus a crust of bread.

Were there any challenges to living here then?

It depends what you mean by ‘challenges’.

Life was very simple. If you were used to a life of luxury with 'all mod cons' then this was not for you! We showered in cold water drawn from the well or cisterna and our mattresses were stuffed with maize husks. There was no central heating in the damp winters and no air con in summer.

We had no telephone, no TV. However, our fish lunch came up on the beach every day, unless there had been a stormy night at sea.

What friends did you make here, and are you still in touch?

Apart from the local people who were very friendly and whose children I still know, I met Patrick and Oonagh Swift and became part of their family. Patrick started Porches Pottery with the Portuguese painter Lima de Freitas in 1966, and it is now run by his daughters, Julie and Stella. I still see them both and stay with Julie on my visits to the area. I should also mention that I married a local beauty and our children were born in Lagoa and Lagos in 1966 and 1968. I always visit some of the family in Carvoeiro when I come to stay.

When did you move on and why?

After running the discotheque Sobe e Desce (now The Jailhouse) for eight years, revolution and divorce prompted my move to the UK. I now live in London and visit the Algarve as often as possible.

What did you love most about living in the Algarve?

The cheap living and fresh, seasonal food (if you were eating broad beans you knew it was January), plus plenty more: sunshine, the freshest fish, winter storms, chicken piri-piri, bifanas, lulas recheadas and, most importantly, the very friendly people.

Tim’s book, Algarve 63, is available now.

Contact Tim directly to purchase your copy, or else you can pick one up at various locations in the Algarve - see the ENFOLA website for details.

An exhibition of Tim's photographs from the book is running at Sítio das Fontes Municipal Park until September 16th.  tim@timmotion.com  www.encontrosfotografialagoa.pt/algarve-63

Local loves: Tim’s favourite…

Museum or attraction I’m keen to visit Museu de Portimão there’s a photo in my book of one of the boats they refurbished.  www.museudeportimao.pt

View It has to be looking back down towards the ocean from the top of Fóia in the Monchique mountains.

Image © Graeme Maclean via CC

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Local bar I love sitting in Joaquim and Leticia Jacinto's bar in Carvoeiro (Doce Mar Café) eating snails.

Look for the sign that reads ’há caracóis!’  Rua dos Pescadores, 57