algarvePLUS - September '21 by Martin

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I N F O R M A T I O N P L A C E S P E O P L E

M O R E T E M P T I N G T H A N Y O U E V E R I M A G I N E D

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START OFF PLUS

SUSI ROGOL GOODKIND, EDITOR

+351 965 581 831 | susi@algarveplusmagazine.com

C O N T A C T S MARTIN GOODKIND

KIM COLLEY

Publisher +351 963 146 398 martin@algarveplusmagazine.com

Art Director +44 (0)7973 426196 dk.colley@btinternet.com

APT 1093, EC Olivas de St Ant (Loulé) 8101-904. Printed by Gráficas Piquer, Almeria AlgarvePLUS is published monthly. 6,000 copies are made available through a hand-picked distribution network from Faro to Paderne, Almancil, the Golden Triangle, Loulé, São Bras and Santa Bárbara. Copyright 2021. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any written material or illustration in any form for any purpose other than short extracts for agreed review purposes, is strictly forbidden. AlgarvePLUS does not accept liability for loss or damage to any materials submitted for publication. Or claims made by advertisers. The views expressed by interviewees or contributors do not necessarily reflect those of the Editor or AlgarvePLUS. algarveplusmagazine.com

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How’s your summer? People everywhere: visitors delighting in the holiday heat, locals keeping their cool and investigating places off the beaten track that may be new to them (yes, we’ll continue introducing you to more), photographers out snapping at sunrise, sunset and every hour in between, restaurants open till late, boats whizzing out to the islands, and the sound of music in every backstreet. Hey, this is like the summers of yesteryear that we remember, and what brought many of us here to begin with. Just think though, of those tireless bombeiros who work round the clock to keep us safe and protect our surroundings. When there are genuine collections, at roundabouts and traffic lights, give – and give happily – and please report any signs of fire (call 112) however small, or distant, they might seem. In this issue, you’ll discover more star names who have joined the AlgarvePLUS line up. A huge welcome to Lisbon-based Sandra Gato, who was Elle magazine’s Editor-in-Chief, and to award-winning wine writer Lívia Mokri. They join us in celebrating all things Portuguese, which is what AlgarvePLUS is proudly all about. And we have new advertisers, too, with their own special messages about products and services that lead to a better and more informed lifestyle. All in all, September is a very good month, all round.

Welcome

The finest art in the Algarve. Tavira d’artes Art Gallery www.taviradartes.com Visit us: Travessa Jacques Pessoa 8,Tavira, 8800-374 Call us: 962 012 111 Email us: taviradartes@gmail.com Follow us:

www.facebook.com/taviradartes

www.instagram.com/tavira.dartes

NEWS PLUS

BODY AND MIND Take the stylish approach to staying in shape. This Fitness Spot , from Portuguese design house ACH, is something else. achcollection.com

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Shoebedoo

F R O N T COV E R It's grape harvesting time, and getting ready for the new wines

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Vegan Figs Oxford cut shoes, handcrafted with fabric made from recycled PET bottles. The sole is also made of recycled rubber. Exclusive design. Durable, super comfortable and ethically made in Brazil by a female-led enterprise. Cruelty-free and sustainable. €110. The message from Oz company AKILI is ‘Shape the world you want to live in’. Wish everyone thought like that. akili.com.au

L O OK I NG GR E AT You know you deserve the best! Magic Beauty in Almancil is offering a new and highly effective treatment, an oxygen facial, which helps your skin get what it needs to look healthy and radiant. First, the skin is exfoliated, and then oxygenated with a speciallydesigned machine, followed by a highconcentrated hyaluronic treatment. As a result, collagen production is increased, skin is detoxified and moisturised, and cell growth is accelerated. The procedure also treats acne and uneven skin tones. 927 599 283 | magicbeauty.info IF YOU HAVE ANYTHING YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE

AG A O U T D O O R S

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Keen chefs will be delighted to hear that AGA has introduced a new range of products for outdoor cooking. There’s a Professional Tabletop model and also a Wheeled Cart, both with circular solid-top cooking surfaces that allow you to toast, sauté, sear, roast, steam, stir-fry, smoke, bake, and, of course, grill. You’ll be spoilt for choice. Both models are made in heavy-gauge stainless steel, which provides strength and a rust-free quality, and feature a big 762mm diameter cooking surface and inner and outer burner controls that command variable temperatures across two circular zones for edge-toedge even heat. More good news is that the spillover tray is removable and dishwasher-safe. Go see the models at AgaBras in São Brás, opposite the municipal market. 917 812 155 | agaportugal.com

WHEN A T- S H I R T N O LONGER CUTS IT… Tired of T-shirts? What you need is a special something from Pamplemousse by TMG (that’s Teresa Marcal Grilo). Check out this Cleopatrameets-Caesar marocain T-blazer, one-size, that fits like a Medium, online exclusive and made by the label’s in-house seamstress. If you love this, wait till you see the rest of the collection – wild prints, great colour-combos and all easy-going relaxed styling. pamplemoussebytmg. com 926 916 692

ON THE WALL Art and Print Works has 13 galleries with a variety of images, many inspired by Portuguese subjects, and available in a variety of sizes, printed on archival high quality art papers and canvasses. The small team is based in Serra do Caldeirão, in the eastern Algarve and boasts vast experience in fine art printing, photography, imagemaking and design. Have a browse and be impressed. artandprintworks.com

SIT BACK Stunning embroidered cushion, 65x50cm, from a gorgeous selection at Quinta Style. The studio shop is at the junction of Avenida 5 de Outubro and Estrada de Vale de Éguas in Almancil. 912 571 912 | quintastyle.com

NEWS PLUS

Design Studio By Rory

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An eclectic collection of limitededition furnishings and accessories gathered from around the world, along with Rory’s own Home Collection produced by artisans throughout Portugal. Distinct taste, and distinctly different. And at the store in Vale Formosa, you see the longest table imaginable, 5.5 metres. Open seven days a week. 289 147 527 | designstudiobyrory.com

JUGGLING Take your pick. Or have them all. Jugs handmade in the Algarve, designed by Cecile Touillon and painted by Idalecio Seabra. At Corte-Real Gallery, in Paderne. 912 737 762 | corterealarte.com

AMAZING! AMAZ’D is a Portuguese art studio that produces bags that live up to the name is every respect, created by Rafaela Marques Pinto, architect and designer, and Joana Consiglieri, plastic artist, researcher and art critic, who share the desire to create timeless everyday objects to be appreciated as works of art. Check out their first collection of bags, €175–€250, at amaz-d.com

IF YOU HAVE ANYTHING YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE

T O M A R A dazzling past

T H E R E A R E M A N Y P L A C E S T H AT H AV E H A D A P R O F O U N D I M PA C T ON HOW PORTUGAL HAS GROWN THROUGH THE CENTURIES. TOMAR I S O N E , T H E H E A D Q U A R T E R S O F W H AT I S P E R H A P S T H E M O S T INFLUENTIAL OF ALL OCCUPYING GROUPS – THE KNIGHTS TEMPLAR

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BRIAN REDMOND

TRAVEL PLUS

An ancient tale

Knights to remember Founded as a base for the Knights in 1159 by their grand master Gualdim Pais, the first construction grew to become the grand castle and convent of the Knights Templar. They continued to expand, building it into a veritable fortress from where they promised to protect the country from the invading Moors – for a price, of course. The Order was granted huge tracts of land, and in 1162 the town was given a ‘foral’, or feudal contract, whereby the local population received liberal conditions of work and productivity, and those that could sustain a horse were obliged to fight with the Knights. Women could also join the order but they were not allowed to fight. In 1190, the town was attacked by Abu Yusuf Yaqub al-Mansur, the Almohad Caliph. His army was beaten back by the aged Gualdim Pais in a bloody battle that is commemorated at the Porta de Sangue at the Castle.

The 16-sided Charola church has Eastern influences and spiralling ceilings – supposedly allowing Knights to attend mass on horseback.

It is the story of a young privileged girl named Iria, who joined an Order and devoted her life to God. In time, she met a nobleman named Britaldo, who declared his love to her, but she refused his intentions, explaining that she was already devoted to God. Dismayed, Britaldo asked her to refuse love to all other men as she had to him, which she promised to do. Tragically, she would later be poisoned by a monk, Remígio, whose advances she had scorned. The poisoning made her stomach swell, and when Britaldo saw her he became convinced that she was pregnant, and hired a soldier to murder her. Iria was attacked as she prayed by the River Nabão, her throat cut and her body thrown into the river. When she was

Left: The richly decorated towering ceiling of Charola church in the Convent. Right: the lavish Palace of the Knights Templar, the Convent of Christ

discovered to be missing, the entire town went in search of her, and found a marble tomb in the town of Scalabis, near the River Tejo, with her unblemished body within. The people tried to retrieve her body, but the river waters rose and covered the tomb and so it remains to this day. The town of Scalabis has since changed its name to Santarém, a derivative of Santa Iria.

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of learning; Porto, the portal of modern trading; Lagos, the gateway to Africa and the colonies; Sagres, the seat of navigation; Lisbon, the hub of government; Guimarães, the birthplace of the nation. But prior to the arrival of the Knights Templar in Tomar – or Nabância, as it was once called – there is a story to tell from the 7th century that shaped this region of Portugal, and has lasted in popular folklore since that time.

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OIMBRA IS KNOWN as the cradle

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In the early part of the 14th century, the Order was suppressed by Pope Clement, and it moved to Castro Marim where it became the ‘Order of Christ’ under the stewardship of Henry the Navigator, before returning to its birthplace in Tomar in 1356. Henry then began the improvements and strengthening of the town as a regional capital. He ordered the draining of swamps and for weirs to be built to hold back the waters of the river Nabão as part of a controlled irrigation plan for agricultural growth. The town subsequently attracted more inhabitants and began to prosper. Henry also ordered that the streets of the growing town should be laid out rationally and geometrically, all of which survives to this day and gives the town its very attractive ambience. In the closing part of the 15th century, when the throne of Spain was in full ‘Christian’ conquest flow and zeal, they began expelling all Jews from their own homes in their own country, and a great number settled in Portugal, and in particular in Tomar which was the ‘new city’ of its time. They brought with them brand new trades and skills and dynamised the town, thus encouraging traders to follow, making Tomar a hub of economic activity. Sadly, the Jewish community would eventually succumb to expulsion from here, too, but many adopted pseudo Christian mores and continued to live and trade here.

Industry thrives Tomar was one of the first regions in Portugal to tentatively embrace the industrial age, under the influence of Queen Maria. One Jácome Ratton, a successful Franco-Portuguese business man, began a textile business there, (against the wishes of the Order of Christ). He used the forces of the trained River Nabão to drive his mills, and soon other industries followed, namely glass, paper, silks and soaps. Jácome Ratton was also responsible for the introduction of

eucalyptus to the country, but that’s for another debate. The influence of that era is still to be seen and enjoyed in a lovely riverside location called the Jardim de Mouchão, which sits by the riverside complete with a waterwheel and beautiful old stone bridge that leads into the town. Willow trees dip into the waters above the weir, giving it a delightful, almost French, aspect. The town itself is dominated in a grand way by the castle, fortress, and convent with interiors as dramatic as the exterior. The entire edifice grew and developed over a 600-year period. Reserve a good number of hours to visit the interiors; it is so vast that time has to be put aside to enjoy the majesty of the place.

Join the celebrations Tomar hosts some unique festivals, the most famous being Festa dos Tabuleiros, held every four years, which will be celebrated next in July 2023. Its roots are in the worship of the Holy Spirit, and of Queen Isabel, wife of the national hero Dom Dinis. Simply put, the procession consists of young women and men dressed in similar markings – his tie must match her sash – and the girl carries a column of trays of breads abundantly decorated with flowers and spikes of wheat on her head and of the same height as her own. The streets are festooned with thousands of flower garlands and bouquets, and the festival continues for three days with processions of horses and carriages along streets, where brocaded quilts are suspended from the balconies of houses. The young girl who was introduced at the beginning of this story of Tomar is also remembered in an annual festival, 15 to 24 October. In fact, she is remembered in festivals throughout the country. Here in the Algarve, it is a huge event celebrated in Faro in the Largo São Francisco outside the walls of the old town. Iria, Santa Iria: all she wanted was a quiet life in a village called Nabância... and look what she started.

TRAVEL PLUS

Opposite page, left: entrance arch to the Convent; right: the peaceful park by the river; centre: medieval stonework around a tower. This page, clockwise from left: Celebrations, at the famous Fresta dos Tabuleiro; tilework on the old courthouse; the six-kilometre Pegões aquaduct; Tomar's ancient synagogue

T R AV E L T I P S

GETTING THERE Tomar is a little more than an hour and a half north of Lisbon, easily accessible by car, but if you prefer there is a direct train from the capital. W H E R E T O S TAY 5-star Hotel República Luxury all the way just 0.3km from the centre. 19 rooms and suites, in a sumptuous building created using only Portuguese materials and makers. Various city tours can be arranged through the hotel.

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hotelrepublica.pt W H AT T O S E E I N T O M A R This is the time to go online and visit sites like Lonely Planet, to discover the wealth of places to explore in Tomar, and their history. Our favourites include: 

The Convent of Christ

This is the ‘must’ and top of every traveller’s list. Gothic, Manueline and Renaissance architecture all in one place. It is huge, and will take your breath away. The 16-sided Charola church has Eastern

influences and spiralling ceilings – supposedly allowing Knights to attend mass on horseback. Words can’t sufficiently describe the splendour – seeing is believing. Allow time, also, to stroll in the gardens and through the walled forest around the Convent. 

The Aqueduct

Built over two decades between 1593 and 1613, the impressive six kilometre structure carried water from the four springs at Pegões. It has 180 arches, some of which are double-decker. Brave adventurers might want to walk along the top. 

The Synagogue

Its entrance is in a little backstreet, almost a mews, and inside the country’s best preserved medieval synagogue, built in 1430 but used only until the Jews were given the choice of converting or leaving, there are artefects and architectural features of special merit. The synagogue, with a Star of David over its door, was declared a national monument in 1921.

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Praça da República

The town hall at one end faces the striking Church of São João Baptista at the other, so you are surrounded by sumptuous architecture. FOODIE THOUGHTS 

Chez Gilbert

R. da Silva Magalhães 38 French, Belgian 

Tanera Antiqua

Praça da República 23 International

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Alpendre

R. Principal 13 Mediterranean, European, Portuguese 

Sabores Ao Rubro

R. João Carlos Everard 91 Mediterranean, European, Portuguese 

Chico Elias

R. Conde de Tomar 92A Mediterranean, European, Portuguese

SHOWERS PLUS

A big ger

S P L A S H WE ALL KNOW THE ALGARVE SPELLS SUN, SAND A N D S E A , B U T U N O B T R U S I V E LY S E C R E T E D A W AY A R E L I T T L E O A S E S O F T R A N Q U I L I T Y. G E T R E A DY F O R C A S C A D I N G WAT E R S A N D A B I T O F A N A D V E N T U R E ; V I S I T O U R WAT E R FA L L S

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DEBBIE REYNOLDS

SHOWERS PLUS

Opposite page: Splashing out in Alte's Vigário Falls. This page right: Fonte do Cadoiça, Loulé; far right: steps that will take you there; below: Pego do Inferno, Tavira.

FONTE DO CADOIÇO, LOULÉ Having done the social media search for this supposed waterfall in the heart of Loulé, we were sceptical it existed, or that we would even find it. So, we were suitably surprised when we found it relatively easily and exactly where it was said to be. Pictures do it a lot of justice as it is smaller than it looks and the area surrounding is also quite cramped, but it is still there – almost in the middle of the town and still as pretty as, well, a picture. Head for Avenida Marçal Pacheco, turn down a cobbled road opposite the auto repair shop, and take the bougainvillea-covered stairs between two buildings and you’ll find the Cadoiço river in front of you, the waterfall to your left. To get up close to the fall, you have to cross over some stepping-stones which can get slippery, so take care. The waterfall is formed from where the Cadoiço River tunnel, which runs under Loulé, emerges. It’s an unexpected cool, leafy oasis worth an add-on visit if you’re doing a Loulé historical or market trip.

Take the bougainvilleacovered stairs between two buildings and you'll find the river and waterfall.

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Returning to Tavira from a cycling weekend in Silves, we stumbled across this beautiful 24-metre waterfall that was, thankfully, in full cascade; after the dry months, the waterfall can sometimes be reduced to a disappointing trickle. Recently, however, it’s falling strong and fast and is well worth a visit. If you need a reprieve from the heat, the lagoon is great for a bracing swim. And it is rather chilly, bearing in mind that the water comes straight from the surrounding hills. With plenty of space around the lagoon, this is a great spot for a shady picnic away from the madding crowds, or you can choose to soak up the sun on the large expanse of grassed area. Literally tucked away behind the town’s cemetery, access from the parking area takes around 20 minutes and you can choose the slightly shorter route on the path that traverses the hill, or you can walk around the hill on the paved area – a little longer, but easier for the less mobile. Both parts get a little steep, but not scarily so. And while you’re there, a drink/snack/meal and walk around the unspoilt whitewashed village of Alte is a treat. Make sure to stop off at the natural springs of Fonte Grande and Fonte Pequena, which is where village women used to do their laundry. You can meander along the Alte River banks, join the resident water bird population for a dip, or simply sit quietly and watch the world go by.

VIGÁRIO FALLS, ALTE

SHOWERS PLUS

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PEGO DO INFERNO, TAVIRA Not as high as Vigário at only three metres, but equally as enchanting, this waterfall is definitely one of Tavira’s hidden gems. Well off the beaten tourist track, it is not well signposted, but Google Maps gets you there easily. Choosing to reach the waterfall by cycling along Tavira’s Gilão River, through poppy fields and fruit orchards, was a lovely way to go, making this a perfect half-day outing. There is parking, so driving is an option. The walk down is relatively easy and will take you around 15 minutes. Once you reach the waterfall, which is fed by the Asseca River, you will no doubt wonder about its name, which roughly translates to ‘Pit of Hell’. There is nothing hellish about it, but according to locals, legend has it that way back a carriage fell into the lagoon, and neither it nor its occupants were ever found. It was then believed that anyone who fell into the lagoon would go straight to hell. Today, it’s more like a little piece of heaven and we seriously regretted not packing a picnic lunch so we could chill out there a little longer. On our visit, a couple of youngsters were having great fun using a swing to launch themselves into the emerald-green water, proclaiming how frio it was. Sadly, the area has not been as well preserved as it should be, following a fire in 2012 after which the municipality chose not to restore its facilities. Personally, the fact that it is not overrun with people makes its more alluring.

BARBELOTE, MONCHIQUE Close to Fóia, which is the highest point of the Algarve, I’m told that this is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the area. Probably also one of the most difficult to find – which is why I still haven’t actually seen it. A day out in the hills away from the incessant Algarve sun seemed like a great idea, so, with pooch in tow, we set off for Monchique with great expectations. With location co-ordinates plugged in, we chugged through the pretty little village of Monchique, winding our way up to Fóia. Almost at the top, we got the instruction to turn left and that’s where it went pear-shaped. What looked like it should have been a road was inaccessible (even if you have a 4x4), so we parked and decided to walk instead. We walked and walked, finally saw a sign saying that Barbelote was 250m away, and walked some more. No more signage and no waterfall to be seen. We did, however, encounter several other day trippers all looking for the same waterfall with no luck. Later we were told the road that would have taken us closer was washed away, or maybe the falls had just dried up. Never mind, it was a great walk in the country and a lovely lunch under the trees in Monchique. So, if you’re the adventurous type, finding this waterfall could be exactly the challenge you fancy. Good luck!

I’m told that this is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the area. Probably also one of the most difficult to find.

S O U L

M AT E S

Â M E M O I I S T H E F R E N C H N A M E F O R A T R U LY P O R T U G U E S E B R A N D A N D I T S L U X U R Y B A G S T H AT A R E B E A U T I F U L P R O O F O F HOW TRADITION AND TREND CAN LIVE TOGETHER IN HARMONY S A N D R A G AT O

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HE FRENCH word for soul is âme. But the soul of Âme Moi is, in fact, totally Portuguese. A number of years ago, I was working in fashion as Editor in Chief of Elle magazine, and this new accessories brand was introduced to me as, ‘the Portuguese Vuitton’. That claim was a good enough trigger to make me want to discover the label. But don’t let the name fool you. It is strategic, it works in the international market and it screams glamour. But everything else is made and inspired right here. And that was the first thing that aroused my curiosity: a luxury bag brand, with a French name, created in a non-cosmopolitan region of Portugal. Why? And that question brings us back to the name, the soul. The roots (and the headquarters) of Âme Moi can be found near Porto, between Douro and Minho. The founders, Alberto Gomes and Margarida Jácome, wanted to honour the artisan savoir faire and the crafts of the region, while creating pieces that can make an impact in every fashion capital of the world. But there was something else, very close to their hearts, that they wanted to incorporate: horses.

When you look at an Âme Moi bag and see more than a luxury item. You see tradition, commitment, craftmanship.

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The icons

The equestrian spirit comes from a family passion – the couple’s two sons are horse riders – and that, too, is an important part of the brand’s DNA. They feel that the bond that exists between horse and rider is a true representation of the soul. You can feel and touch it in every item they create in a very subtle way, through a tassel of natural mane that comes with each bag . Quality and exclusivity are two other important concepts here. You take the best materials and tradition and mix them with the latest trends seen in Milan or Paris, and the result is bags that everyone asks about. And then, there’s the attention to detail (absolutely essential when talking about luxury). The red lining of the bags, representing pure blood (the equestrian world again), the incredible packaging, the different ways to wear the handles... And when you know all of that, you look at an Âme Moi bag and see more than a luxury item. You see tradition, commitment, craftsmanship. But also design, boldness, fashion.

STYLE PLUS

Altough there are seasonal collections, some models are always available, like big divas in their own right! S A N TA N A : a structured medium size handbag with metal plaques on the sides. Classy with an edge. C H I A D O : Like a clutch that means business. A trendy, asymmetric model perfect for transitioning from formal to informal. L I S B O N : Rigid, with a ‘go get it’ feel, that comes in delicious colours like Sugar Cream Beige and Spicy Chocolate Brown. A L L AT A M E M O I . C O M

Corte-Real

Follow signs from Paderne or Boliqueime

F i n e

A r t

Call us: 961 528 679 912 737 762

Algarve

Email us: algarvegallery@gmail.com www.corterealarte.com

F u r n i t u r e

Gallery Open Thurs. Fri. Sat. Sun.

L i g h t i n g

11.30am - 4.30pm

Gallery

C e r a m i c s

Find us on Google Maps GPS: 37.170100,-8.18205

ANSWERS PLUS

12 So are your working pretty much round the clock? If an important newsflash comes up, we'll add it to the website whatever time of day it is. But we try to sign off by 8pm to take the dog for his much loved walk. 13 Does news and come to you, or do you still have to search it out? A lot comes direct from news agencies and local associations, but I also search for additional items that I think will be of interest.

WA N T T H E L AT E S T N E W S ? S U E E N G L E F I E L D – V I A H E R O N L I N E R E P O R T A G E A T A L G A R V E D A I LY N E W S . C O M – T EL L S IT L I K E I S I S A N D A S IT I S H A P P EN I N G . YO U C A N ' T G E T B E T T ER I N FO R M ED, W H ER E V ER YO U A R E

1 When did you first visit Portugal, and was it love at first sight? February 2004. We explored Coimbra, Porto and surrounding areas. In June 2004 we came to Carvoeiro for a family holiday. THAT was love at first sight. 2 So when did you make the move? 1 October 2004. No hanging about! 3 Where did you grow up? I was born in Berkshire and lived in various towns and villages. In 2001 we moved to Wiltshire. 4 What was your business before? I was in the cosmetics industry. My husband, Chris, was European IT Manager for a large software company. 5 What did you do when you first moved here? I was a mobile beauty therapist, Chris was offering mobile computer support (https://techni-call.com). 6 How did you happen into Algarve Daily News? We were approached by Paul Rees to build the initial website in 2009, and then we became part of the team, adding

material and building social media channels. 7 When did you take it over, lock, stock, and hectic hours? When Paul stepped back in 2019. We knew the website inside out, and had built relationships with the collaborators. 8 Who is your audience and how big is it? Our audience is mainly from across Europe and the US. Around 75% live in Portugal full or part time. In 2020, our unique visitor count hit 2,670,606, creating almost 12.5 million page views. 9 Has this year seen growth? In the first half of 2021, we had 1.4 million unique visitors and achieved just over 6.6 million page views.

15 Who is involved in the business? Chris and I day to day. Our son creates adverts when needed, and our daughter helps in between her studies at uni, writing news items and the occasional newsletter. 16 Advertising, what can you deliver to your partners? We have a selection of options (https://algarvedailynews.com/ advertise), which are reasonably priced considering our large audience reach. We go further in that we publish regular features for our advertisers, and share information on our social media channels. 17 Plans going forward? We are really happy with the overall look of the website, but there are definitely some additional sections we’d like to include in the near future, like restaurants and arts and crafts. 18 Are you fluent in Portuguese ? We speak a little and understand a fair bit when people speak slowly. It took a couple of years to get to a decent level, but it’s certainly an ongoing thing!

10 How often is material updated? Monday to Friday on the website and social media channels, and in a Saturday newsletter.

19 Time out, what is your favourite place? The west coast. It looks so different there, and its cooler there, blissful for escaping those hot summer days.

11 Your regulars – how often are they going online? They visit the website daily, comment on new articles, and offer opinions. We are focused on creating a community that supports and helps each other.

20 Favourite festivals here? The Silves Medieval Festival – the costumes, the music and the happy, family feel of the entire event. In the winter I love the São Martinho festivals.

A L G A R V E D A I LY N E W S E: sue@algarvedailynews.com / W: algarvedailynews.com

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questions...

ALGARVE P L U S

14 What’s your own, favourite section on your site? I love property. I've got a passion for interior design, upcycling etc. It would be my dream to buy places, do them up and sell them on...

WINGING IT PLUS

F O R A S P E C TA C U L A R A E R I A L D I S P L AY , T H E B I R D S O F P R E Y AT C A P E S T VINCENT CANNOT BE EQUALLED. FROM L AT E A U G U S T T O E A R LY N O V E M B E R , THOUSANDS – INCLUDING BOOTED E AG L E S , S PA R R OW - H AW K S , B L AC K K I T E S , G R I F F O N V U LT U R E S A N D HONEY BUZZARDS – CAN BE SEEN CIRCLING IN MAJESTIC SPIRALS

Wo rd s:

C A R O LY N K A I N

B I R D S O F A F E AT H E R

Winter weather

ITH COVID in decline, it is certain that large numbers of North American Snow Birds will be migrating to Florida this month. In a similar fashion, northern Europeans will be travelling south to the Algarve to enjoy an extended winter break. For most, the length of stay is determined by the individual, but a new species – the ‘Brexit Brit’ – is limited to 90 days. Realistically, to miss the worst of the weather ‘up north,’ a bird – or a human being for that matter – might want to stay here until March. Populations of Skylarks, Redstarts, Blackbirds, Song Thrushes, Tree Pipits, Kentish Plovers, Turnstones, Oystercatchers, Redshanks, Black-tailed Godwits, Sandwich and Caspian Terns, do just that. If you are a White Wagtail that has flown from Iceland, or a Chiffchaff from the northern Pyrenees, you will probably stay longer than 90 days, and only want to return when

spring is round the corner and you are ready to build your nest. The same can be said Wo rd s:forBmigratory R I A N Robins; R E D Mhundreds OND of thousands pass through Portugal every autumn, heading for North Africa. Some remain in the Algarve and meet up with resident Robins to enjoy the festive season.

A temporary home Perhaps hoping for a mild winter, each year an indeterminate number of finches migrate south. Chaffinches, Greenfinches, Goldfinches and Linnets come from as far afield as Russia and gather in sociable flocks over the Algarve’s agricultural land. If the winter is especially bitter, then flocks of Lapwings may also be seen. Many wading birds make long journeys to meet up with their relatives in Portugal. Avocets, which come from northern Europe, mostly winter on the Tagus Estuary near Lisbon, but some carry on to reach the Eastern Algarve. Augmenting the numbers of resident birds and sharing

MATTHEW GRUBE

their resources, these long-stay visitors are reminiscent of relatives who arrive without a date for their return. Have they forgotten that the Algarve is your home and you are not on holiday? Like the Hoopoes, Storks, Kingfishers, Sparrows and Tits, you have ‘residência’. So, too, do the wise old Barn, Eagle and Little Owls. A colourful selection of other birds spend the whole year here, including Azure-winged Magpies, Green Woodpeckers, Purple Gallinules, Black-winged Stilts and Red-legged Partridges. Many of these permanent occupants can be seen alongside passing migrants such as Spoonbills. These birds are long-distance travellers and only stop off in autumn for a few days of bed, breakfast, lunch and supper. En route from the Netherlands and Germany to the massive mudflats of Mauritania, they are on a mission to reach their destination where, later in the year, as many as 10,000 of them will flock together. As they depart, other temporary residents such as Curlews, Whimbrels and Bar-tailed Godwits, come in to take their places. They, too, stay for a while, but as the days grow shorter they head off for the Afrotropics. Miraculously sensing better foraging, feeding and preferable wintering quarters, there are advance parties of Swallows, Swifts, Martins, Egrets, Herons and Bee-eaters that will already have taken an easterly route to Africa, in some cases crossing the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara Desert. The beautiful Golden Oriole, which spends the summer in the Algarve, has a preference for West Africa. This journey,

which involves an epic crossing of 400 km over the sea from Cape St Vincent to Africa, is undertaken by many other small passerines such as Wheaters, Flycatchers, Nightingales and Whinchats. Some come from distant parts of Europe and break up their long migration by resting and feeding around Sagres before going south again. And the Black Kite, seen throughout the summer close to the Guadiana river, flies a distance of almost 6,000 km to Ethiopia, while Swifts cover more than 8,000 km to reach Mozambique.

Staying put Some Swifts might be seen in winter in the Algarve and Alentejo, feeding on insects driven inland by cold weather fronts. In a similar fashion, the Algarve’s population of Greater Flamingos usually split into two groups once the breeding season begins. Adult birds leave for the wet lands of Doñana in Spain or the Carmargue Delta in France, where they nest and raise a single chick. Younger and older birds remain in the Algarve, where common sense rules – ‘If you’re not capable of mating, you might as well save yourself a journey and stay put at home’. This year, it was different. The adult birds broke with tradition. They did not leave, but instead built their nests and raised their chicks on the wetlands at Castro Marim. Almost certainly, this would not have happened but for the pandemic and consequent lack of human disturbance. As for next year, with life moving to a new normal, it’s difficult to know if the adult Flamingos will head off to nest in France or Spain. Luckily, as residents of the Schengen area, there are no time restrictions if they do!

ALGARVE P L U S

The Black Kite – seen throughout the summer close to the Guadiana river – flies a distance of almost 6,000 km to Ethiopia, while Swifts cover more than 8,000 km to reach Mozambique.

MATTHEW GRUBE

ERNST NEIDHARDT

This page, above clockwise: Flamingoes in flight; Black-winged Stilt; Spoonbills; Avocet in flight . Opposite page: Golden Oriele

M O N A S T E R Y

M A G I C

L E S S T H A N A H A L F H O U R D R I V E F R O M FÁT I M A , T H E S M A L L T O W N O F B ATA L H A H A S O N E O F T H E M O S T I M P R E S S I V E G O T H I C MONASTERIES IN PORTUGAL . EVEN THOUGH IT IS NOT ON THE U S U A L T O U R I S T PAT H , E A C H Y E A R V I S I T O R S F R O M A R O U N D T H E GLOBE DETOUR TO SEE THIS AMAZING STRUCTURE

Wo rd s:

VEN FROM far away, the Monastery

of Saint Mary of the Victory looks spectacular. But the real beauty of it is not in its sheer size, but in the mysterious characteristics that bring to mind a living organism that changes with your every step. Whenever you go, the essence of the monastery remains the same, but the details, shadows, and lights create a different view. In the square in front of the central building, a fully armed knight on a horse proudly points his sword toward the sky; Nuno Álvares Pereira will forever be remembered as a military genius who triumphed over the Kingdom of Castile. Since 2009, it is not only the statue of a knight, but also that of a saint – O Santo Condestável – canonised by Pope Benedict XVI that year. Where the battle took place The name of the town literally means battle. Hardly surprising, considering that at exactly this spot, one of the most important military confrontations in the history of Portugal took place. As a result of this battle, the alliance between England and Portugal was strengthened. Additionally, King João I, of the House of Avis, became king, starting the era of Portugal’s Discoveries.

ANNA ZIELAZNY

The soil soaked with the blood of an army of soldiers seemed like a fitting place on which to build a temple as a show of thanks to the Virgin Mary for her support. When you see the complexity of the monastery, and the structures within structures, there is no doubt that the gratitude was heartfelt. The works started soon after the battle was won, in 1386, but the intricate network of buildings was nearing completion only in 1517. It took the reigns of seven kings, and the work of 15 designers, to create this magnificent example of architectural art. Although the outside of the church is richly decorated, the interior, initially, seems to be modest by comparison. Passing through the elaborate gothic portal with its richly-decorated archivolts, the church itself gives the impression of simplicity, almost a sense of emptiness, until you immerse yourself in the details, and recognise the the genius of the architects who created it. The gothic beauty resounds in towering ceilings and intricatelyworked stained glass windows, which create spectacular paintings that move with the light and time of day. The Battle of Aljubarrota was the last one for many soldiers. King João I found his place of eternal rest beside his soldiers, although in more dignified circumstances; attached to the main church, the founders constructed

LEARNING PLUS

ALGARVE P L U S

The Chapel is called The Imperfect because it was never finished. It doesn’t have a ceiling but opens up to the blue Portuguese sky. Its walls seem to be the most divine form of the whole structure.

LEARNING PLUS

T R AV E L T I P S

a chapel that has multiple tombs, in which mostly members of the royal family are buried. Rich stone engravings and elaborate decorations cover the chapel and commemorate, among many others, King João I, his wife Filipa of Lancaster, and their son, Infante D. Henrique, Henry the Navigator.

ALGARVE P L U S

Perfect imperfection After passing through the cloister, you will head towards the Imperfect Chapel. This part of the church was created during the reign of two kings. The works started when King Duarte I held power and stopped abruptly in 1438 when he died, but, thankfully, re-commenced at the beginning of the 16th century, under the rule of King Manuel I. The Chapel is one of the best-preserved examples of the Manueline style, evidenced in characteristic details – ropes, tree stumps, armillary spheres, florid projections, clovershaped arches, and circles. While King Manuel left his signature style in the building, he also commemorated his predecessor, King Duarte, whose motto Leauté faray tam yaserei (“I will always be loyal”) appears over 200 times in the pillars, arches and vaults here. However, the Chapel is called The Imperfect because it was never finished. It doesn’t have a ceiling or a roof but opens toward the blue Portuguese sky. These walls without ‘ceilings’ seem to be the most divine form of the whole structure.

Restoration Even though the building lasted centuries, proving once again the genius of its builders, the earthquake of 1755 affected it, and what wasn't destroyed by nature was damaged by the Napoleonic troops who set fire to it during 1810 and 1811. After the Dominicans were expelled in 1834, no single body took up the responsibility of restoration and care, and the complex, tragically, suffered. It was thanks to King Fernando II and his successors, that the abandoned convent was restired, recreating the Gothic gem that can be admired nowadays. The metaphor of eternity While in Batalha, take your time to inhale the rich history of your surroundings, and even if religion and battles are not your thing, just enjoy the incredible architectural beauty around you. Forget about the crowds, and focus on one shadow created by the cloister arches, or the colours of the light that soaks through the stained glass. It is not the huge walls, or high ceilings, or heavy tombs, but all of these small ephemeral things are a metaphor of eternity.

GETTING THERE

W H AT T O S E E

Batalha is 145km from Lisbon, so just an hour and a half journey by car. If you are in Fátima, a cab ride will cost you €17–€21, or you can hop on a 107 bus for just a couple of euros. Do check the Covid-19 restrictions before you head out, at covid19estamoson.gov. pt/faqs/

There are lots of guided tours available in the region, some of which will include Batalha along with Fátima and Óbidos. Check out viator.com to see just a handful of the options. Buy tickets for the Monastery in advance, from €7.50, and avoid having to wait in line. getyourguide.com

W H E R E T O S TAY

NOTE: Admission is free at National Museums and Monuments on Sundays and holidays for residents of Portugal

A kilometre or so from the UNESCO World Heritage site are: 

Hotel Villa Batalha

4-star Pet friendly, so your pooch will be welcomed, and a great spa that will welcome you. hotelvillabatalha.com

W H E R E T O E AT 



Hotel Lis Batalha Mestre Afonso Domingues



Burro Velho

Seafood, Portuguese-style, a speciality, and plenty of vegetarian options. Restaurant Vintage

In the Lis Batalha hotel.

Book a room overlooking the Monastery, and enjoy the most amazing views.

Good steaks and both European and Portuguese dishes. Splendid views of the Monastery. Breakfast on the terrace is a must.

hotellisbatalha.pt



4-star



Casa do Outeiro

Tasca da Tinouca

Thumbs up for the tapas here. Superb choice. Restaurant Pérola do Fétal

3-star



Arts and crafts boutique hotel, ideal for families with small children.

All things Portuguese and traditional, including speciality octopus dishes and a truly fabulous duck rice.

hotelcasadoouteiro.com

Above: Room at the Villa Batalha. Below: Breakfast in the sunshine, on the terrace of Hotel Lis Batalha Mestre Afonso Domingues

(+351) 289 358 007 (+351) 912 571 912 studioshop@quintastyle.com Estrada de Vale de Éguas 30 8135-033, Almancil (Last roundabout direction Albufeira) www.quintastyle.com

Look i n g t o c r e a t e y our d r e a m sp a c e ? We’re here to walk you through this process and assist from start to finish. We’ll accommodate you throughout the entire Interior Decorating process as well as any Interior Architectural changes you wish to make.

We’re eager and excited to assist! Quinta Style works closely with you to create the best results, creating a refined, fresh and unique style to last a lifetime. As suppliers of boutique tailored furniture & designs, we create interiors, which are completed on time, within budget & better than imagined.

We’re unique! We're proud to indentify ourselves as a Boutique Interior Design company, where our service is customised to each property, and the products we offer are not mass-produced.

Consider it done Proudly produced in Portugal! We pride ourselves in partnering with local craftsmen to create furnishings that are bespoke and of a superior quality. This also ensures each property we work on has some of the soul of Portugal and supports the local economy.

Perhaps you’re just looking for a few pieces? Not to worry! The scope of our work is highly adaptable and flexible. We are pleased to offer services as small as a re-upholstery of a chair to a complete Interior Design project. From the smallest residential interior update to the largest commercial design project, we give the same amount of care and focus.

Come and visit us and get inspired! In our unique space you will find everything you need to decorate your home or commercial space. You will find a vast range of unique & bespoke products such as beds, headboards, curtains, sofas, coffee tables, rugs, dining tables, chairs, cabinets & lots more! Feel free to contact us to make an appointment or send an email to discuss your ideas and needs.

TASTE PLUS

Stuffed Savoy Cabbage with Red Pepper Coulis F R O M T H E B R I L L I A N T D U O W H O R U N T H E FA R M H O U S E K I T C H E N P R O J E C T I N T H E A L G A R V E , C O M E S T H I S TA S T Y T R E AT, P E R F E C T F O R A L AT E S U M M E R S U P P E R . I F YO U WA N T T O B E S P O I LT W I T H T H E F I N E S T- Q U A L I T Y P R I VAT E C AT E R I N G , S P E A K T O J O N AT H A N A N D H É L È N E , W H O S O U R C E A L L T H E I R I N G R E D I E N T S L O C A L LY. T H I S D I S H S E R V E S 4 - 6

RECIPE

of th e month ...



FOR THE COULIS:  2 roasted and peeled red peppers  100g crème fraîche  Juice of half a lemon  Pinch of white pepper and cooking salt TO SERVE:  Crispy garlic  80g feta, crumbled

M ET HOD

1 Fill a large saucepan three-quarters full with water, add a good pinch of salt, and heat. 2 In another large saucepan, combine the onion, garlic, and a good glug of olive oil, and let them sweat for about ten minutes on the low-ish heat (cooked without colour is the goal). 3 Remove from the heat, and transfer the onion mixture onto a plate and leave on one side. Give the saucepan a quick wipe and increase the heat. It's time to cook the lamb and beef. Like most proteins, oil the meat

rather than the pan (it saves nasty splashes and burns!). 4 If you find there is a lot of liquid/fat during cooking, drain it off or cook the meat a little longer, until the juices evaporate. 5 Your first pan of water should be up to the boil by now and it’s time to blanch your cabbage leaves. Only use the large outer leaves of the cabbage and save the rest for another meal. 6 Using a pair of tongs, remove the leaves from the boiling water once they are limp and flexible. Drop them into ice water to cool, so they retain their nice colour. Dry on kitchen paper and pop in the fridge.. 7 In a saucepan, combine your minced meats, onion mix, orange juice, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, beef stock, and spices. Let it simmer for around an hour. 8 Let the mix cool before rolling your cabbage leaves. Lay your leaves flat and carefully add around 140g of the mix to each cabbage leaf and gently roll, securing with a toothpick, if necessary. 9 Place the rolls on a tray, and pop in the warm oven for around ten minutes. NOW THE SAUCE:  Gently warm the peppers in a small saucepan, and add the crème fraîche.  When hot, remove from the heat, season, add the lemon juice and stir well until it forms a smooth velouté texture.  Place a few spoonfuls at the centre of each plate, and add the cabbage rolls, either whole or sliced into pieces. Sprinkle it with crispy garlic and edible flowers. The perfect accompaniment to this dish would be Iranian smoked rice

T H E F A R M H O U S E P R O J E C T / T: 9 1 0 0 0 6 2 6 5 / W : f a r m h o u s e p r o j e c t k i t c h e n . c o m

ALGARVE P L U S

1 large Savoy cabbage (greener the better!) 800g minced shoulder/leg of lamb  500g minced beef  1 large onion, finely diced  8 garlic cloves, peeled and chopped  Juice of four oranges  1 small cinnamon stick  4 star anise  500ml beef stock  1tbsp soy sauce  1tbsp Worcestershire Sauce  Olive oil  White pepper and salt 

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I NGR E DI E N TS

OUR DOORS ARE OPEN AGAIN... WE LOOK FORWARD TO CELEBRATING A NEW YOU.

Jim

H A I R A RT I S TS

Pho ne or em a i l for t h at s pec i a l a pp oi n tm e n t. T: +351 914 452 315 E : j i m h a i r a rt i st s @ gm a i l.c om E stra da Va l e d o Lob o 9 47 A | 81 3 5 - 016 A lm a n c i l

FOOD PLUS

TA S T E S

g reat ...

MONKY I N AN U N LI K ELY LO C ATI O N , AWAY FRO M FARO ' S MAI N D R AG , IS A N E W A S IAN R E S TAU R ANT THAT K EEP S FL AVO U RS AN D TE X TU R E S AUTH ENTI C

WNER AND CHEF of this new eaterie, Rui Sequeira, opened Monky just a few months ago, in a residential area near the university, and beneath an apartment block on a busy road. Recipe for disaster? No way. This place has all the ingredients for success. It is youthful and energetic, demonstrating a passion for Asia, and not just its tastes, but its brilliant colours and exotic vibes. The dishes are original, but rooted in tradition, introducing touches that are unique. Rui knows what he is doing, and where he wants to be going. After

studying to be a chef, he reached the final of a TV cooking contest at the age of 21. He spent time in France, at Serge Vieira’s restaurant in ChaudesAigues and then, back in Portugal, went on to work at Ocean, Vila Vita Parc’s 2 Michelin star restaurant in Porches, where he remained for six years, reaching the position of sous-chef. Great experience leads to confident thinking, and Rui decided to follow his dream and having his own restaurant, in his home town. Alameda opened in 2018 and was greeted with rave reviews. Then, during lockdown in 2021, with restaurants closed, the man who will work to turn every negative

FOOD The best of Asian and from the countries known for their special flavours

DECOR Inside: striking, contemporary, cool. Outside: laid back, relaxed, great vibes

PRICE Around €20 a head, plus drinks (the Asian take on sangria is a must)

M O N K Y / R u a M o t o C l u b e d e F a r o L J A / B n º 3 , 8 0 0 0 - 1 2 3 F a r o / T: 2 8 9 0 9 0 3 5 0 / W : m o n k y r e s t a u r a n t e . c o m

ALGARVE P L U S

into a positive, created a take-away ‘digital’ business specialising in Asian cuisine. And not just Asian in one form, but in many. “In hard times,” he says, “we can cry about it or make something of it. Of course it was challenging, but it proved that when you really want something and you have the right team by your side, anything can happen.” And happen it certainly has. The success of the takeaway business and the demand for the dishes that have become his signature, prompted Rui to open Monky in June. His staff are well-trained and charming, his three chefs knowledgable, his menu a sheer delight. Ingredients are sourced locally, and cooked as they would be in their country of origin. Tonkotsu ramen from Japan; curries from Indian and Thailand, nasi goreng from Bali. Try oysters from Ria Formosa with kimchi juice and lime; spicy tuna tartare with mango and pani puri; shrimp gyozas and an amazing gado gado salad from Indonesia with an exotic peanut sauce. When it comes to puds, Rui’s Chocolate Bomb takes a lot of beating. Monky is open daily for lunch and dinner, and there’s a DJ Thursday to Saturday. Sit outside under a canopy of fluttering cut-out flowers, and let Rui decide what you should try. He gets it right, every time.

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‘Without doubt, this place has all the ingredients for success’

Y�� rs�n�� l�ndsc�� DESIGN | CONSTRUCTION | MAINTENANCE

T: +351 289 397 165 E: info@cape-gardens.com W: cape-gardens.com

RATINGS PLUS

ENJOY yourself

S TA C E Y B A R T L E T T W E N T O N L I N E IN SEARCH OF THE TUTORIALS D E S I G N E D TO MAK E YO U FE E L l 33

AND LOOK GOOD, WHILE

ALGARVE P L U S

LE AR N I N G TO MAK E YO U R OWN ESSENTIAL OIL S , SOAPS AND B E AU T Y PAC K S . F U N A L L R O U N D, A N D S E R I O U S C O S T- S AV E R S

Learn How to Make Your Own Essential Oils

There is something about essential oils that give me an instant sense of calm. Lots of people swear by their healing and relaxing properties, that can reduce stress and aid sleep. But to make your own does require research and thought. The variety of oils and uses is vast and it is important to thoroughly look into what you are using. Some ingredients can be toxic in certain forms and concentrations, and may be hazardous to pregnant women, animals, and children in particular.

Assuming you know what you are doing, there are lots of videos available with instructions to make essential oils easily and cheaply at home. This video is one of the simplest, and shows you how to make your own mint oil in a slow cooker or a crock pot. At only 1½ minutes long, the process seems really easy – which it is – but it does takes a bit of time to get to the finished result. youtube.com/ watch?v=LCZcoeKeyGA

My score: 4/10

Beginners guide to Candle Making

Once I had made some essential oil, I began to think about a use for it and aromatherapy candles came to mind. Again, there is a huge number of YouTube videos, many of which promote specific candlemaking kits or equipment, but I was attracted to this one as it claimed to be suitable for beginners, and does not require anything too expensive or hard to source. Essential equipment

includes a thermometer and candle wicks, both of which can be found online easily. In this video, use of a heat lamp is also suggested, but it is not essential although it does give a neater finish. I made my very first candle in a bowl, adding a few drops of the mint oil that I had made. As advised, I used two wicks as the bowl was quite large. The finished article looked a bit amateurish but it burned well, although I could have added more oil to enhance the fragrance. youtube.com/ watch?v=CrJ9UE6Nihw

My score: 6/10

RATINGS PLUS

ALGARVE P L U S

Night Face Packs

I was instantly attracted to this video by the thought of being able to make ten different face packs out of two ingredients. Beginning with a combination of cucumber and banana that when mashed together resembles baby food, the ingredients in most of the masks are simple, and things that you probably have at home such as yoghurt, turmeric and oats. I am not sure how effective some of the masks are, as I did not see or feel any particular improvement after washing them off. Also, the consistency and smell of some were not particularly pleasant, but the mask for clear skin with oats was nice, and I felt that my skin was smoother afterwards. While most of the

ingredients are simple, there were some that threw me, like Multani Mitti. I looked this up to find that it is more commonly known as Fuller’s Earth, a clay that is said to offer a wide variety of beauty benefits for both skin and hair. You do not need to use much each time, and you can buy the powder form cheaply online for around €5 for a small bag. All in all, this video is an introduction to simple face masks, and also provided inexpensive fun for my daughter, who loves to make potions out of anything she can find! youtube.com/watch?v=XZeCzaFhmo

My score: 8/10

Easy 3-Ingredient Homemade Soap Recipe

Thinking about other uses for my essential oil, I decided to follow my sister’s lead – she made beautiful personalised soaps as favours for her wedding guests, and they were impressed with how professional they looked. A quick scroll through soap-making videos identifies the need to use sodium hydroxide (lye), which sounds a bit scary, but can be easily sourced online. Lye is caustic so it is advisable to use goggles and gloves when handling it; you also need to ensure that you work in a wellventilated area. You can get creative, colouring and fragrancing your soap with turmeric, milk, honey, lemon and other ingredients that you have at home, and you can use a variety of oils or just one type, such as coconut or olive oil.

Once you have your oil and water at an exact temperature, you combine everything and put it in a mould. These can be silicone moulds or even a loaf tin or milk carton. The soap then needs to sit for at least a couple of days before being removed from the mould and left for a month or longer to ensure the longest-lasting and best quality results. I was quite impressed with my first attempt; it was not necessarily the prettiest, but I am sure with practice and experimentation with different ingredients (rose petals are suggested and would look and smell amazing), I may just be able to make some soaps to rival my sister’s. youtube.com/ watch?v=_17twXLAf30

My score: 7/10

Easy DIY Hair Masks

Here’s how to make four different hair masks using ingredients you have at home. Each mask is for a different hair complaint, from frizzy to greasy, and they are extremely quick and easy to make. The consistencies and aromas can be a little overwhelming (especially as each mask is supposed to be left on your hair for between 20 and 45 minutes). The masks did seem to have an effect but it was

short-lived, and therefore, unless you want to be doing it every day, this is not a long-term solution. Also, the video makes the whole experience look a lot nicer and a lot less messy than it actually is! The simplicity of the ingredients and process of mashing and mixing make this a fun to try and something that I will definitely have a go at. As for the results though, I don’t think I will be ditching my shop-bought intensive conditioner just yet! youtube.com/ watch?v=7TRCzL0meiI

My score: 6/10

In summary, it is truly amazing what you can make at home, often with items that you already have and for a fraction of the cost of shop-bought alternatives. I will definitely make more candles and soap, and face and hair masks for fun with my daughter. My final word of advice, though, is to maybe stick to the mashed banana for the face mask rather than hair as it turns out that banana does not wash out that easily and leaves quite a potent smell!

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T H E G O L D E N A G E C E L E B R AT I N G G L A M O U R A N D A L L U R E , WE ARE REMINDED OF A TIME WHEN H O L LY W O O D A C T R E S S E S W E R E T H E F I L M S TA R S O F A G O L D E N E R A . T H E Y C O N T I N U E T O S U R V I V E T O D AY A S I C O N S O F P O P U L A R C U LT U R E . YO U N G P E O P L E W H O M I G H T N E V E R H AV E S E E N AN AUDRE Y HEPBURN MOVIE STILL RECOGNISE HER IMAGE IN ART WORKS

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C A R O LY N K A I N

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ABOUT THE ARTIST

Your three favourite movie stars ever? Audrey Hepburn Marlon Brando Isabella Rossellini

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The film you could watch over and over and over again? Breakfast at Tiffany’s

ARI ARP is a German artist who uses montage techniques to give cinema idols a different lease of life. She studies billboards and magazines looking for wellknown actresses, models, pin-up girls and starlets, checking out their superficial smiles and retouched beauty. Her life-size pictures combine their flawless appearance and femininity with unconventional backgrounds, experimental breaks and contrasts. To emphasise the transient existence of these women in an ephemeral world, Arp powerfully re-colours their eyes, lips, clothing and accessories. The desire to reach personal perfection is a fragile state of being, and Arp’s depictions contrast with the original photographs. She shows the women as vulnerable figures rather than symbols of silver-screen success. Montage-making is a complicated process involving the gentle handling of materials. After many years of experimentation, trial and error, Arp can peel away the individual layers of an image impregnated onto paper. Requiring sensitive handling and even pressure to realign each wafer-thin transfer is time-intensive and precise. She is able to build up a finely-textured surface that cannot be replicated with similar computergenerated images. Additional techniques, to apply acrylic, charcoal and pastel chalks, need especially careful attention to avoid damaging the delicate surface. The veneer given to each montage is needed for protection. A clear layer of synthetic resin safeguards the surface, provides depth, intensifies the colours and gives a lustrous appearance. Reminiscent of the cover of a glossy magazine or a face reflected in a mirror, the sheen reinforces the concept of women as decorative objects. Each picture asks a question: “Does the smile look shallow?” Arp comes from a line of German photomontage artists based in Berlin. The most famous is Hannah Hoch whose highly-technical work, packed with revolutionary ideas, has been highly praised in recent years. Describing herself as a ‘photomonteur’ – photo mechanic – like many other female artists of the 1930s and 40s Hoch was mostly disregarded. At the same time in Hollywood, the faces of women on the silver screen were enjoying fame and recognition like never before. Arp’s pictures help to highlight the paradox between the artists and the icons.

Best line from a film? “I always thought that time was a thief that stole everything I love from me. But now I know that they give before they take, and every day is a gift. Every hour. Every minute. Every second.” Alice in Wonderland The colours you wear most? Dark blue, black and white The shoes are you wearing right now? Sneakers! Fast and uncomplicated… like me What are you having for dinner? Salmon with salad and an ice cold Lugana… cheers

Mari Arp has produced a new exhibition of these most memorable images for Galeria Côrte-Real.

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IN MARCH 2020, THERE WERE 11 . 2 MILLION DOWNLOADS O F Z O O M . T O D AY, M O S T O F U S A R E I N Z O O M F O R M E E T I N G S , T H E R A P Y, I N T E R V I E W S , C H AT S , YO G A , T R A I N I N G , R AV E S , R E U N I O N S , T H E AT R E , M U S E U M V I S I T S , A N D D AT I N G . FA R A H N A Z E X P L A I N S T H E D A N G E R S

MAZING THOUGH it is, to be able to

do all the activities listed, and maintain connections while in the lockdowns of the last year and a half, the sad truth is that the interface I used to attend my dear uncle’s funeral was the same as the one I used to run a training session for 100 people unknown to me. Some of us have had Zoom overload. Some of us are getting a taste of a new virus, ‘Zoom fatigue’.

What’s it all about? Even the billionaire Zoom founder, Eric Yuan, admitted to suffering from Zoom fatigue. Linked to an overuse of virtual meetings, the signs are like any burnout and can include: forgetfulness and difficulty concentrating; difficulty maintaining relationships and being present with loved ones; frustration and irritability with co-workers; physical symptoms, like muscle tension, pain, fatigue, and insomnia. You might find yourself avoiding, cancelling, or postponing

video conference calls or notice that after a work or family meeting, you’re tense and tired, or that you are finding it hard to handle your responsibilities. These are signs that Zoom fatigue has set in.

Just some of the causes – Too much screen use in itself is connected with physical strain on your eyes, worsening of existing eye conditions like myopia, dry eyes, retinal damage and blurred vision. There is physical tension resulting from hunched shoulders; sleep deprivation connected to blue light exposure; the increased risk of obesity and associated health conditions like diabetes and loss of cognitive ability. Neuroscientists have found that the structure of the brain is altered by excessive screen time and impaired social skills – how many of us felt awkward when interacting physically after lockdown? And overuse of the screen can result in putting our brains into an addictive state – this explains why even though we may be sick of the screen we find ourselves glued to it.

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SUFFERING from ZO O M F AT I G U E ?

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In the absence of more substantiated research we can use our own self-awareness and take the time to notice how we feel and notice what we need and act accordingly. – Exhaustion through monotony results when we are in the same room, with the same lighting, the same boxes on the screen, the same gadget, the same chair. The sameness of it all, and the blurred lines between work, relaxation and play, can lead to our brains remaining in an anxious, under-stimulated state and can therefore lead to exhaustion.

Managing Zoom fatigue

– Anxiety can be caused by an excessive amount of direct eye gaze as people look at other faces closeup. Professor Jeremy Bailenson, who examined the psychological consequences of video communication, says that the direct eye contact is unnatural and not what people would typically do in person. During a Zoom call, you are often staring at the speaker close-up, just like in public speaking, or in intimate communication.

Even as lockdowns have eased, many of us are still struggling with the idea of travelling to see loved ones, so we carry on zooming to stay connected, even reluctantly. As our sense of self, our communities, our self-esteem and happiness are all interconnected, Zoom meets a need. A simple conversation with someone can lead to us learning something about ourselves, and can help us work through a difficult issue or emotion. And so, to avoid Zoom fatigue, we need to use it better.

– Seeing our own faces and gestures over several hours a day on video is stressful and taxing. Imagine, says Professor Bailenson, having someone follow you around all day with a mirror. Seeing yourself in a distorted way can also lead to anxiety about your appearance, where self-esteem may already be an issue. People are using the editing function to enhance their self-view, thus basically giving themselves a virtual facelift. Noticing the distinction between yourself in an actual mirror may lead to some uncomfortable feelings. – Video chats mostly force participants to stay in a fixed position, whereas in real conversation we naturally and spontaneously gesture. On the screen every level of communication is deliberate, like unmuting to talk, talking only one at a time, use of emoticons to indicate understanding, and in work meetings we might only unmute to say hello and goodbye! This superficial and unspontaneous communication undermines the main purpose of Zoom to maintain connection, and instead may leave us feeling lonely and disconnected.

The brain creates new pathways and habits fast, if Zoom is to become the familiar, habitual form of communication, it is very possible that in the long term we may find actual social interaction challenging, uncomfortable and intimidating.

1. Use the old-fashioned mobile phone – without a video – for communication 2. Take Zoom out of the full-screen option and reduce the size of the Zoom window to minimise face size 3. Use the ‘hide self-view’ button 4. Turn your eyes and body away from the screen so that you are not overwhelmed. 5. Stand up during calls, put your gadget on a cardboard box to raise it. Standing up automatically changes the setting, how you move and your mindset. 6. Don’t use the self-enhance function; be seen as you are. 7. Reach out and ensure that you have some real time with real people where you can be your real self! 8. If you are a leader of a company consider hybrid working – working solely on zoom is not ideal. There is still yet a lot to learn about the effects of Zoom and considerable research is underway. In the absence of more substantiated research, we can use our own selfawareness and take the time to notice how we feel and notice what we need and act accordingly.

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ITHOUT QUESTION, our bestselling model is the Portuguese Chair. Having reached the status of an icon, it is our anchor product, the one for which we are known in Portugal and across the world,” says Adico’s Karin Resende. “It is timeless; the lines are simple, it is comfortable and durable. It is almost a case study of Portuguese design because it is unequivocally a symbol of Portugal. “There are few records of other objects surviving nine decades with this cultural relevance. In fact, the probability of a living Portuguese person never having sat in a Portuguese Chair (or an Adico chair) is practically nil.” She’s probably quite right, considering this stalwart furniture manufacturing business has been around for more than 100 years. Founded in 1920 in Avanca, Estarreja, by Comendador Adelino Dias Costa, the company is still operating in the

same building where everything started; the road where it is located is even named after its founder.

A passion discovered The young Adelino grew up in Avanca, in Portugal’s Aveiro region, but moved to Brazil with his family when he was 12. The son of a locksmith, he dreamed of continuing, and building on, his father’s business when he moved back to Portugal. His first step was in Lisbon, where he worked as a locksmith for the famous Fábrica Portugal, soon gaining notice, and respect, for the perfect way he worked his materials. A short time later, the family story goes, he set up a small workshop in Lisbon. Then, on a trip to Porto, he became interested in metal furniture manufacturing and started learning more about the process. In 1920, he founded his own metal furniture company in Avanca, which he named Adico – an acronym for his name

Oris volore quo blacea voluptur, temodipsa aut officim aximentius etur asint ea nobit repudaeperro beatae offictius, volendu cipsam, opta sum ut que poressum hillit liaspelecab ipsunt,

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While there are no records of which was the first ever outdoor chair produced, there is no doubt that Adico is well known for the now iconic traditional Portuguese Chair, known as Model 5008.

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Vieira, Carrilho da Graça and Fernando Hipólito; and designers Jorge Silva, Helena Ladeiro, Filipe Trigo and Jorge Carvalho, among others. “Over the years, we have worked with several architects and designers, and some of our current catalogue models are a result of these valued collaborations,” said Karin. But, looking back to how it all started, there is a firm belief that it was mostly due to Adelino’s progressive vision and the emergence of the 1920s leisure culture, and a time when the company was associated with good taste, solidity and cheapness, although the latter, today, is no longer an ingredient essential to its personality. Elsewhere in Europe, functional products of good design emerged, furniture of the art deco movement and inspiration from the Bauhaus school. Adico had all the characteristics to identify itself with progressive design, working steel as an accessible, economical and practical medium. Today the company exports to over 30 countries regularly, and a further 20 on a one-off basis working with, among others, South and North America, Africa, Europe, Asia, the Cayman Islands and Madagascar.

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Simple, streamlined design never dates and can be reworked time and time again to create something new

– and set about creating a proudly Portuguese family business that has stood the fickle test of time. Today, it is run by the third generation of the Dias Costa family, with 100% Portuguese capital. The company started out producing general purpose furniture, such as iron beds and washstands. But in the 1930s, after the illness of Adelino’s son Benjamin, it branched out into hospital furniture, showing a remarkable aptitude for sophisticated technologies, such as hydraulic surgery tables. It was during this same period, that Adico developed a line of outdoor tables and chairs. “Adico then had two perfectly distinct business areas: hospitals and terraces, and that still remains until today,” says Karin.

The right number

Huge choice today In all, Adico offers over 100 models, all carrying the ‘Made in Portugal’ signature. For its centenary, this forward-thinking company extended the family of products based on the original 5008 model. Besides the chair, there is a two-seater bench and a high stool, as well as a polypropylene model of the chair. “Everything is made in Avanca, at our factory, and also by our local partners, who assist in the production of some models, for example the polypropylene chair,” says Karin. For domestic use, Adico works closely with architects, dealers and décor stores who represent their brand as valued partners. Here in the Algarve, the company enjoys a commercial partnership with In-Petto, based in Boliqueime, whose showroom where the outdoor range is displayed is, appropriately, on a deck, so clients can see the models in their natural environment. If you’re ready to dress up your outdoor spaces, worth knowing is that there are 34 different colours and finishes for the metalic models, and a choice when it comes to wood and fabric. And if you want something that carries your own signature, you can even go bespoke. Manufactured in steel and aluminium tube or wood, the outdoor ranges promise to resist sun and rain as long as clients follow the care recommendations. The advice is to stack the te chairs by model and according to instructions and to protect them during winter months from rain and snow (yes, there is snow in some parts of Portugal!). “We also recommend that furniture is kept away from heat sources and is cleaned only with water and non-abrasive soap,” Karin confirms.

Having produced around 47,000 pieces of furniture last year, its obvious this heritage brand has survived the test of time, providing creativity, quality and durability.

While there are no records of which was the first ever outdoor chair produced, there is no doubt that the company is well known for the now iconic traditional Portuguese Chair, known as Model 5008. “Adico is proud of each and every single model produced over its 100 years, but we cannot help but stress the importance of the Portuguese Chair, because of its huge commercial appeal worldwide, and its recognition as a Portuguese design icon.” She mentions the exhibition of the 5008 in Cascais in 2016, where the chair was reinterpreted by artists such as José de Guimarães, Leonel Moura, Sofia Areal; architects Álvaro Siza

See the Adico outdoor range, by appointment, at In - Petto, Rua dos Malhadais 126 , 81 0 0 - 0 82 Boliqueime T: 9 1 0 4 4 0 7 2 8 / E : i n - p e t t o . n l / W : a d i c o . p t

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GUIDA PEREIR A FIRST VISITED PORTUGAL 30 - ODD YEARS AGO, LOOKING MORE FOR A CHANGE THAN FOR A PERMANENT HOME. B U T I T D I D N ’ T TA K E LONG FOR HER TO R E A L I S E T H AT T H I S WA S W H E R E S H E WA N T E D TO BE – FOREVER. HER JOURNEY IS TOLD IN A LY S O N S H E L D R A K E ’ S A N T H O L O G Y, A N E W LIFE IN TH E ALGARVE ,

AM FROM Macau, a small Far East territory

originally under Portuguese administration, and I am Macanese, the daughter of a Portuguese and Chinese mixed couple. I’m a member of probably one of the smallest demographic groups in the world, the last generation of what was considered true Macanese. In 1989, my mom had sold a house in Macau and she invited me, my daughter, and my older brother to visit Portugal on holiday and stay with her in the beach house she owned in Ericeira, a small town north of Lisbon. My childhood best friend and godmother of my daughter, Vanessa, had just moved to the Algarve to live, so I took a brief side trip down there to see her. The minute I arrived in the Algarve, from Toronto where we lived, that feeling of ‘home’ came flooding in. It gave me a fresh perspective on how, and what, our little family really needed, at least until I figured out where our future would be. I thought this was a place where I could take my time, reflect, and make the right decisions for our future. At the same time, Vanessa would be exposed to fresh air, wonderful weather, and a lot of outdoor activities – things she was deprived of living in a big city. In Toronto, I was constantly working to make ends meet, and travelling endless hours commuting to work every day. I was spending very little time with Vanessa, and knew this was not how I wanted to live. I convinced myself that we needed change. I also had a strong feeling that I was doing the right thing, so I packed up, and with the help of my big brother and his partner, we took the leap. I thought to myself, “I have nothing to lose, and if it doesn’t work out, I can always go back”.

Guida Pereira first saw the Algarve as a stopping place where she could relax and review her life's wants and needs. It didn't take this budding artist long to recognise she had discovered her always home, and decades later she says it was her best ever decision

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Armed with 2,000 Canadian dollars, we moved to Portugal. At least for a while, I could then contemplate life, so to speak, and decide calmly what to do next. It wasn’t supposed to be a forever place; it was just where I felt I could find some peace and make the right decisions while my child grew up in a safe and free environment. I was very attracted to the Algarve, not only because of the obvious good weather and space, but in certain parts of the old towns I sensed a vibe very similar to that of old Macau, before all the big casinos arrived. There was also another attraction to me: in the Algarve there were many different nationalities living in perfect harmony, and being of mixed-race, I felt very comfortable.

Finding work… and a social life Originally, I settled in Albufeira, solely based on logistics. As a single mother, I didn’t know where I was going to find a job, so I thought it would be easiest to place ourselves in the middle. That way, I would be able to travel in either direction for employment. Finding a job with a young child was not easy. It also was probably one of the strangest experiences I had here, because having worked in corporate Canada, I was not prepared for the different work culture at the time in Portugal. In fact, since I did not have a car for the first six months here, I found it almost impossible to find a job. Public transport at the time was almost non-existent, but once I was mobile, it made things a lot easier, and I started working in sales. After a couple of bad experiences, I joined an English medical clinic and stayed there for 22 years as the Practice Manager. Socially, the Algarve was a very new and interesting place to be at that time. Because I was young when I arrived, I managed to make new friends through work and going out, and also through the different sports on offer. In my case, it was tennis – or, I should say, my attempt at tennis. I guess because around 40% of the population here is foreign – everybody is from somewhere else – I found people quite receptive and friendly.

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Portugal has given me an appreciation of good grilled fish, tomatoes, onions, oranges, olive oil, the extremely good wine, love, hope, and happiness. Most of all, it has provided me with a sense of contentment and peace, and I really don’t want to be anywhere else.

It came to Guida in a dream about the aunt who had always advised her, that she should follow a new career and focus on art. And that is exactly what she has done, establishing herself as an abstract artist and fulfilling a long-held passion

When I first arrived, there were only two things I missed, and one of those was Chinese food. I managed to meet all the Chinese people who lived in the area, so they could feed me and I, in turn, became their translator for local authorities. The second thing I missed was the city vibe, but travelling to Lisbon or Seville on weekends provided all the city I needed in the exact dosages required. I started asking myself why was I trying to figure out where to go next. I had already found a place where people who had worked their whole lives had decided to settle for their retirement, and I had the possibility to do that while I was still young and could enjoy it. I didn’t know if there would be a long tomorrow – none of us do – and that was when and why I decided Portugal was going to be my permanent home. I have never regretted that decision.

by uninhibited emotion, learned experiences, and nostalgia. Being an abstract painter, there is no end to where my expression can go, and it is my favourite escape. The time through my forties and into my fifties has been a path of self-discovery, but these are also the decades when we realise or know what we want. Having been able to live here, discovering my love of painting, yoga, food, space, and environment, has actually been what has made this place so magical. Portugal has given me an appreciation of good grilled fish, tomatoes, onions, oranges, olive oil, the extremely good wine, love, hope, and happiness. Most of all, it has provided me with a sense of contentment and peace, and I really don’t want to be anywhere else. See Guida’s artwork at guidapereira.com

A new vision In 2012, I was made redundant overnight; suddenly, I had become too old and expensive to keep. Trying to figure out what I was going to do next, I had a dream one night in which I met with my aunt – as a child, I had always asked her for advice. In my dream she said to me, in a very matter-of-fact way: “Of course you know what you’re going to do, you’re going to paint.” When I woke up, I announced to my brother, who was staying with me on holiday at the time, that I was going to start my career as a professional artist. And I must say, it has been the best career decision ever, not so much financially, in fact barely, but because I have never been happier. What resulted was the start of a collection of paintings demonstrating my love of bold colours, fuelled

FIND OUT MORE Ten percent of the revenue from the sales of Alyson Sheldrake’s A New Life in the Algarve, Portugal, a collection of life stories from people who have made the Algarve their home, will be donated to the Alerta Charity which raises funds to support the Bombeiros. Details of Alyson’s other books can be found on her website, alysonsheldrake.com

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booked

Book of the month

By Elizabeth Stroud Publisher: Simons & Schuster Genre: Contemporary fiction Must admit to having a bit of an inward groan when this book was chosen for our book group. It was a Pulitzer Prize winner in 2009 and has subsequently been made into a film. Highly-acclaimed books can be a bit too luvvie and highbrow for us mere mortals, but Olive Kitteridge is just wonderful. The book follows the life of Olive in a series of short stories that describe intricately, and with such eloquence, Olive’s quirky traits, which don’t exactly endear her to the reader at first. The stories are set in the North American state of Maine, in an insular town on the coast where nothing really happens, but everyone has a tale to tell. The stories are not Olive’s story but recount the causes and effects of emotional complexity suffered by the residents of the somewhat puritanical town. Olive is brusque, uncomplicated and doesn’t understand why life is full of difficulties and contradictions. As time progresses, her transparency, her understanding of human nature and mostly her goodness, is exposed. She is often misunderstood and her actions misinterpreted but I love Olive; I wish she was my friend.

THE SARACEN STORM: A novel of the Moorish invasion of Spain By JM Nunez Publisher: ISBN Canada Genre: Historical fiction The Moorish influence and occupation of the south of Spain and Portugal surrounds us today, and adds so much to the history of the region; castles, architecture and culture are heavily dominated by the Moorish presence. Based on historical figures and events, The Saracen Storm is the story of one of Spain’s best-loved heroes and the role he played in the nation’s darkest period: the Moorish invasion of its lands in 711 AD. When 19-year-old Pelayo, the illegitimate son of the Duke of Asturias, is asked to lead a cohort of soldiers to hunt down a party of Saracen raiders, he seizes on the chance to escape the city and the scandals that have swirled around him for years. Trained in combat, and taught the dark arts of war by a brilliant ex-monk, he is determined to prove those who say he is unfit for command wrong. As he follows the trail of devastation left by the raiders, he discovers that Valentina, his half-brother’s betrothed, has been taken captive. The mission that he has viewed as an adventure now turns into a personal quest to save the headstrong daughter of his father’s closest ally from the slave markets of Arabia. A fascinating historical lesson as well as an enthralling story.

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OLIVE KETTERIDGE

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I N DAW N A N N A N DA L E ’ S B O O K C H O I C E T H I S MONTH, EVERY ONE IS A WINNER, WITH A FIVES TA R R AT I N G , F R O M T H E F R I V O L O U S A N D F U N F I L L E D , T O TA L E S TA K E N F R O M H I S T O R Y. D O C O M PA R E B O O K P R I C E S O N L I N E H E R E – T H E R E ’ S A B I G VA R I AT I O N F R O M S T O R E T O S T O R E

READS PLUS

HARRIER 809: Britain’s Legendary Jump Jet and the Untold Story of the Falklands War

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By Rowland White Publisher: Penguin Genre: Historical war The Falklands conflict evokes so many memories. I was 14 years old, loved netball and Tony Potter, then suddenly the whole country was all grown up and serious. I recall watching the news: Brian Hanrahan famously said: “I counted them all out and I counted them all back”, while my mother cried. When the Falkland Islands were invaded by Argentina in April 1982, Britain’s immediate response was to send in a task force. The reality of the situation was that a mere 20 Sea Harriers, operating from two aircraft carriers, would take on the might of the Argentine air force – some 200 planes strong. The MOD estimated that within four days and against such formidable air power, half the harriers would likely be lost. To reinforce that meagre force, and in just three weeks, the RAF formed, trained and equipped a brand new squadron from scratch. Not since the Second World War had so much been expected of such a small band of pilots. Their home would be a container ship, converted into a makeshift carrier. 809 Naval Air Squadron was born. Other covert operations mounted by MI6, and the SAS in Latin America, would provide vital intelligence to protect the task force from attack, but in the vanguard of the conflict it would be the Sea Harriers of the 809 whose heroics in the South Atlantic would become legendary. Maximum respect to all those brave souls.

EASY PORTUGUESE COOKBOOK: Recipes to Bring Home the Flavors of Portugal By Stacy Silva-Boutwell Publisher: Rockridge Press Genre: Cookery This book is for all of you who have been out for dinner and sampled an incredible, wonderful, traditional dish and have tried to recreate those flavours and tastes at home. I can actually now reproduce (ish) some pretty amazing Portuguese meals without too much stress. This book is a marvel full of simple instructions and ingredients readily available without fuss. I’ve made petiscos, carne guisada, and even those amazing pastéis de nata. Beautifully photographed, this book makes a perfect gift.

BRING THEM HOME By DS Butler Publisher: Thomas & Mercer Genre: Crime thriller DS Karen Hart is attempting to come to terms with the tragedy of a car accident, in which her husband and five-year-old daughter died, coping with her grief and the pressure of her job, while feeling that there is much much more behind the case she is working on – that invoves the disappearance of two children. Karen feels that there is some link to an unsolved crime in which a 19-year-old girl vanished the previous year, but just how the two crimes are linked she has yet to discover. I’m not going to spill the beans and tell you whodunnit, suffice to say that this is an excellent start to a series and deals very gently with an horribly disturbing subject.

THE TIME OF MY LIFE By Tilly Tennant Publisher: Bookouture Genre: Chick lit As chick lit goes, this is a really light-hearted and silly-funny read, perfect for the beach or back garden. Single mum Bonnie is a born romantic, but she’s been seriously let down by love. Her good-for-nothing husband walked out on her and daughter Paige two years ago, and hasn’t been heard from since. Between trying to make ends meet, managing teenage mood swings and the serious lack of eligible bachelors in her small town, Bonnie has all but given up on finding her happily ever after. But, despite real-life romance being in short supply, Bonnie can still indulge in a harmless imaginary one. She’s started writing to her totally unattainable dream man, baring her soul before screwing up the pages and tossing them in the bin. However, when fate intervenes and Bonnie actually meets the man she never thought she could have, events take an interesting turn. Envelopes addressed to her start mysteriously arriving on her doorstep and, although Bonnie never sent him any of the letters she wrote, he has now begun writing to her...

A Landscaper for All Your Gardening Needs...

E ST. 1994

Photos: www.azul-properties.com

FROM DOURO TO ALGARVE I N T H E H E A R T O F T H E D O U R O VA L L E Y, T H E R E I S A P E A R L

INTRODUCED ITS OWN PORTFOLIO OF ELEGANT WINES, WHICH

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SUPPLING THE PORT HOUSES FOR MANY YEARS, HAS NOW

A M O N G T H E W I N E R I E S – Q U I N TA D A F U R A D A – T H AT, A F T E R

THE PRODUCER PLANS TO INTRODUCE TO THE ALGARVE

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HE DOURO is a world-famous wine region, situated in the north of Portugal. Its landscape is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its wines are loved by aficionados across the globe. One winery is particularly noteworthy, Quinta da Furada. With a pedigree stretching back more than 200 years, it is located in Ervedosa de Douro and is now looking to expand its presence in the south by partnering with exclusive wine bars, restaurants, hotels and wine shops. The Quinta has belonged to the same family for some seven generations; its name, Furada, comes from the many ancient holes and excavations attributed to the Romans when they were searching for precious metals. What sets this vineyard apart from the others? Well, for starters, many were completely damaged by the fatal 19th-century disease, phylloxera, but Furada only in part, and its ancient olive groves, with the region’s oldest most beautiful olive tree, survived.

Vo l u m e a n d v a r i e t y The soil is essentially schist, and also granitic, and the vineyard has 25,000 very old vines and another 25,000 from more recent plantings. There are mostly native grape varieties, affected by different solar radiations and altitudes. The stunning line up includes: reds: Tinta Roriz, Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Amarela and Tinto Cão;

LÍVIA MOKRI

and whites: Malvasia, Cercial, Bical, Rabigato, Moscatel, Fernão Pires and Viosinho. And there are very many more. Up until 2017, all grapes of the Quinta were transformed into port wines at the famous exporting houses in the Douro Valley, like Ramos-Pinto, Wisie Krohn, Taylor’s and Niepoort. And that year, the Pata d’Urso wine collection was born. Firmly committed to enhancing the Douro region, Quinta da Furada opened its own store, Pata D’Urso, in Ribeira do Porto, where you can taste and buy, not only its wines, but also its other products, such as olives, olive oil, honey, dried figs, almonds and vegetables. Pata d’Urso means ‘bear paw’, and the story behind the name is interesting in itself. One old book about the Quinta talks of the existence of bears on the land before the 18th century. At that time, bear hunting was a privilege for only a few, and when a bear was killed, the hunter had to pay the charge to the landowner or Lamego’s bishop, of one or two paws of the animal. In those days, the paw was considered a true ‘delicacy of the Gods’. Wine lovers will delight in knowing that the Furada Port wines, still aging in old barrels, will make their debut soon. First to be unveiled will be the White Port, with its remarkable balance of concentration, aroma and freshness. Next will come the silky-tasting Tawny Furada Port. But let me talk to you here about the wines, the excellent Pata d’Urso wines, which I was delighted to taste, and now to introduce them to the wine lovers in the Algarve, who can order them online.

WINE PLUS

The mix of ancient and new vines and a terrain that is rich in schist, and also granite, have create the perfect environment for healthy growth of the many grape varieties at Quinta da Furada. The wines, under the name Pata d’Urso, were introduced just four years ago, and are meeting with great success, while the winery continues to supply the great port houses

WINE PLUS

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Up until 2017, all grapes of the Quinta were transformed into port wines at the famous exporting houses in the Douro Valley, like Ramos-Pinto, Wisie Krohn, Taylor’s and Niepoort. Then the Pata d’Urso wine collection was born. 1. Pata d’Urso Tinto 2017

2. Pata d’Urso Branco 2019

This red wine was produced in the vintage of 2017, a year that was classified as the second hottest and the fourth driest since 1931, with precipitation values far lower than normal. The harvest took place in August, from the vines of the Quinta, some of which were over 120 years old, growing between 250 and 400 meters in altitude, with south, east and west exposure, with a small area facing north. The early harvest resulted in a fresh and elegant wine from grapes with balanced natural acidity. Some two years of refinement in French oak barrels and nine months of rest in the bottle, has produced this beautiful wine. It is a complex red, with a light ruby colour and an intense fruity aroma of red berries, with some smoke and vanilla. On the palate there is a lovely bouquet of red fruits and jams, mixed with a touch of coffee and dried figs. Good concentration and magnificent texture with a perfect balance between excellent acidity and round tannins are part of the personality, with the wood well integrated. This is a full-bodied, dry drink, with a persistent, silky and velvety finish. An excellent wine with good aging potential.

This white wine is the product of the recently-planted, youngest vines of the Quinta, but respectful of the old white grape varieties of the Douro Valley vineyards, fermented at controlled temperature, and aged in both stainless steel vats and oak barrels. The wine presents a light citrus colour in the glass, and very intensive fruity and floral aromas, mostly tropical fruits, with some notes of lemon and white flowers. On the palate, the wine has complex but balanced flavours – the sweetness of the ripe, tropical fruits mixed with the pickled lemon, accompanied by a touch of lemon peel. This is a very fresh wine, with a strong but natural acidity that leads to a long persistent finish, and a real elegance. A world of aromas and flavours in one bottle, this excellent wine has a beautiful freshness and aftertaste.

3. Pata d’Urso Rosé 2019 The rosé wine is the result of a rigorous selection of the oldest grape varieties of the Douro that are present in the old vineyards of Quinta da Furada. After the manual harvest, the grapes are crushed and de-stemmed. The pre-fermentation maceration is carried out at low temperatures for 24 hours. Afterwards, the must was removed to make this rosé. The fermentation process was carried out in the used, 600-litre French oak barrels for six months. The wine presents a beautiful, very deep pink colour, full of aromas of red fruits, strawberry and raspberry, with floral touches of rose petals, and a hint of the subtlety of vanilla. On the palate, surprisingly elegant and smooth, dry wine, with light tannins, ending in a long and fresh finish, filled with pleasant acidity. The Pata D’Urso White 2020, Rosé 2020 and Red 2018 are available now at the Pata d’Urso Store in Ribeira do Porto. You can visit the winery and take a tour, conducted by the vineyard owner. And if you are interested in these excellent wines for your business, get in touch with the producer, Duarte Alegro, on 918 119 125 / furadadourovalley@gmail. com and visit furada.pt to see everything on offer. Lívia Mokri has joined the AlgarvePLUS team. She is an award-winning wine writer, WSET wine expert, and wine sommelier. She is also the founder of LiViagem Algarve Private Tours.

HEROES PLUS

TA B L E M A N N E R S C H E F S A N D F O O D I E S A L I K E K N O W T H AT FINE INGREDIENTS NEED THE RIGHT B A C K D R O P. S T U D I O N E V E S P R O V I D E S T H AT WOW FAC TO R I N T H E FO R M O F C E R A M I C P L AT E S A N D B O W L S T H AT M A K E A L L D I S H E S L O O K ( A N D TA S T E ) E V E N B E T T E R

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S A N D R A G AT O

HE DECISION to leave a steady job to follow a new-found passion sounds both inspiring and scary. But that’s exactly what Alex Hell and Gabi Neves did. After attending an intensive course in ceramics in Spain, the Brazilian couple decided to abandon their home country, and successful careers in advertising, to open, in 2018, a crockery atelier in Portugal. Not far from the centre of Lisbon, in Alcoitão, Studioneves was born. From day one, Alex and Gabi’s vision was to give life and substance to unique, personal pieces. And it is their tailor-made method that appeals to great chefs – the creative minds who know that a plate or a bowl is not just an utilitarian element, but an important part of the whole ‘show’. And that explains the ‘hot affairs’ that Studioneves has with many of the Michelin-star and fine dining restaurants, both in Portugal (Feitoria in Altis Belém; Fortaleza do Guincho in Cascais; Bairro Alto Hotel, Alma and Prado in Lisbon) and outside (D.O.M. in São Paulo, Brazil; Celler de Can Roca in Girona and Asador Etxebarri in Azpe, Spain; and Mirazur in Menton, France). As Gabi says, the briefing from each is finely detailed because the pieces have to serve a specific purpose. Then the best materials are chosen and talented hands bring to life a series of works of art on which fine dishes are

“We are a married couple in love with making the highest-quality gastronomic ceramics”

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presented. Most often, after a brief is met and the product development completed, the working models are thrown away... exclusivity, after all, is the name of the game for these big, important restaurants.

At your place But now, if you don’t have a dining reservation on the agenda, you can experience Studioneves at home. Your home. Recently created, Studioneves Home is a line of versatile pieces designed to make your table more beautiful and even more special. Durability and practicality are key, as they are in the big restaurant models, but the home line is more organic, and adapted to everyday life. And contrary to the rules of fine dining – where the crockery must make the food shine but never overshadow what the chef is presenting – in the home line the design proposition is more innovative and bold. Some pieces introduce a splash of colour, others feature soft pastels. Glazed or not, they add a special and sensational ingredient to your dinner party. But even in everyday life, a simple Studioneves mug (I love

mine because it sits perfectly and comfortably in my hand) gives your breakfast table or your work desk that personal feeling. Beside the ergonomic touch, there’s another element that makes each piece so special: its uniqueness. “No two pieces are alike,” says Alex. “The fact they are handmade gives them an exclusivity, a distinct personality, within a concept that permeates the entire collection.” So what you take home to serve your eggs on, or drink your tea out of, is an unrepeatable moment of creativity. Although the clay is the same as that used in the crockery of the great restaurants, Gabi has created a kind of blend to give the home collections the desired naturalness, adding a small amount of oxides to give the pieces a more earthy touch. In the times we are living in, beauty must not be divorced from sustainability. More than ever, we recognise that our world can’t deal with more aggression; today, every choice matters. So it comes as no surprise that Studioneves chose the organic route for their business. As Alex says: “We use all our knowledge, and our commitment to durability and the environment, to

offer a unique product, the best possible: the plates we would choose for our own home.” One of the duo’s triumphs came with reducing the kiln temperatures by nearly 150 degrees (handmade ceramics are usually fired at 1,300 degrees. What this means is a reduction of 30% in natural gas consumption, and as a result, fewer pollutants are produced. And this has been achieved without compromising the final quality: the material is 17% more resistant. And the icing on the cake? The collection’s packaging is plastic-free and made of eco-paper, which means it is 100% recyclable.

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To t a l l y d e v o t e d When you enter the brand’s wesite, studioneves. com, you see a picture of Alex and Gabi in the studio together with a straightforward introduction: “We are a married couple in love with making the highest-quality gastronomic ceramics”. Hence, the subtitle: Studioneves, Gourmet Design. The word that springs to mind when you visit the studio in Alcoitão is ‘commitment’. Not only the obvious one – between the beautiful couple themselves – but also to the values that sustain the label. From the time they decided to embrace this new life, the twosome set themselves a priority goal of maintaining environmental awareness (on their website they clearly state where they want to be in 2025). Finding a way to marry sustainability with aesthetics and practicality was the challenge, and one they accepted with tranquility. And love. Visible, palpable love. “We strive to make ceramics of the highest quality , evolving our work with a commitment to the betterment of people, society, and our planet,” they say. Besides love, they infuse serenity and passion into each of the pieces they create in their studio. Walk around the premises and you can smell the softness of the clay, watch in awe how it transforms into bowls and plates by the touch of human hands, feel the heat when they come out of the kiln. And before you leave, you know you want to take some of those beauties with you. Not because the big chefs endorse them (ok, that’s a good reference too) but because you felt the love.

What makes us different?

HEROES PLUS

Durability: “Our ceramics are recognised around the world for their high durability. This is due to the care and attention we pay to the raw materials. “We thoroughly study the technical data sheets of the professional clays we use, always looking for the highest level of resistance. The design of our pieces turns out to be a consequence of this choice of material.” Consistency: “Our raw material is consistent and high quality. We are able to replicate the same dishes years later thanks to our suppliers, who were selected by us over a decade. Another advantage is that these ‘partners’ are close to the studio, thus guaranteeing logistical efficiency and lower emissions.” Practicality. “All pieces are suitable for use in an oven, microwave and dishwasher – the latter is widely recognised as using less water than manual washing. The planet thanks you.” Innovation. “Our process of innovation has always been inextricably linked to our search for high-strengh ceramic pastes and the use of non-toxic glazes. But we wanted to go further. For us, innovation nowadays is to rethink all our work based on sustainability. “When we innovated and decide to use rainwater to produce enamels, we found that the pH changed. So we had to continue to innovate to get to the perfect formula. When we innovated by baking the clay at a lower temperature, we managed to emit less carbon dioxide. There was much trial and error until we reached our final product. At Studioneves, one innovation leads to another.”

Bowls and plates and mugs and platters, the Studioneves Home collection introduces a palette of soft colours and gentle textures. That every piece is a handmade one-off adds to the appeal of this made-in-Portugal brand

FOR THE SAKE OF YOUR COMPANY

GET CLUED IN. If you think design work involves a clever headline, well taken pictures and some pretty graphics, think again. Most of the time our clients know what they want to promote but have no idea how to get it out there. It’s like starting a job with a blindfold. So our job begins with the strategy behind the objective, we drill down into the heart of what you want to achieve and ﬁnd the best way to get there. And then we craft the clever stuff around that! If you want to remove the blindfold and get a clear idea of how to make your promotions succeed call us on 917 203 850 and we’ll start by getting clued in.

t. +351917 203 850 . design@suzisteinhofel.com . www.designworks.com.pt

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TECHNO PLUS

GETTING SMARTER

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SMARTPHONE MAKERS H AV E B E E N F O C U S I N G O N EVER-IMPROVED CAMER AS R E C E N T LY, T O T H E E X T E N T T H AT I T I S V I R T U A L LY I M P O S S I B L E T O TA K E A B A D P H OTO WITH A P H O N E N OW. SO IT LOOKS AS THOUGH T H E F I E R C E LY C O M P E T I T I V E M A R K E T I S S TA R T I N G A N O T H E R ‘ E N V I R O N M E N TA L S O U P ’ P H A S E , WITH DESIG N ERS TRYING OUT LOTS O F N E W F O R M AT S A N D F E AT U R E S CH R I S PAR TR I DG E

EADING THE CHARGE to the new breed of phones is Samsung, with the latest folding phones – one that folds out like a book and the other that folds up like an amêijoa. The Galaxy Z Fold3 is truly a wonder to behold. When folded, it is a standard smartphone with a screen covering one face and an array of lenses on the other. As you unfold it, a marvellous joint mechanism in the ‘spine’ unfolds the flexible inner screen to create an almost tablet-size 7.6in device (for comparison, the iPad Mini has a 7.9in screen). For travellers, the Galaxy Z Fold3 offers the ability to do real work on your phone, especially as it is compatible with Samsung’s highly-regarded S-Pen stylus, which is great for digital art and makes handwriting recognition easy and accurate. And, of course, watching movies on the big screen is a delight, especially as the selfie camera is concealed by minimising the number of pixels over the camera lens, effectively rendering it invisible. The big screen also makes editing photos easy, as an edited pic can be displayed next to the original so changes are evident. The phone can be folded and placed on a surface like a laptop for Zoom meetings.

The Galaxy Z Flip3 has the familiar format of the old flip phones from the turn of the millennium, except the screen extends over both halves rather than having physical keys on the bottom half. The screen on the cover is larger, though still only large enough to show notifications and widgets such as the weather forecast. The main benefit of the Flip3 is that it is a small, handbag-friendly format that can still be folded out when you want to watch movies or play games. A big problem with previous Z Fold and

Above: Brazilian football star Roberto Carlos gives Nokia's XR20 a hard time. Below: Fold or Flip, Galaxy offers both

TECHNO PLUS

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Right: If Nokia's 6310 looks familiar, that is because its styling recalls the classic ‘candy bar’ phone from the noughties. Below: Today's phones are tried and tested

Z Flip models was lack of resistance to water and dust, and that has been partially addressed with IPX8 water resistance, though that only gives protection against short immersions in fresh water. There is little dust protection.

Price not right Which leads me to an even bigger problem – the prices. The Z Fold3 starts at an astonishing €1,959 at Worten and the Z Flip3 at €1,099. Adding memory Up the cost even more. This is not good value. Both phones are much thicker and heavier than their non-folding equivalents, and the joint mechanism is notoriously vulnerable. Because of the huge screen area, battery life is limited, though it is likely to survive a day. And the cameras are not top of the range. For comparison, you could get the same small/ big screen combo with an iPhone SE and an iPad Mini. The cameras will be better, they will be much more robust and half the price.

Nokia gets tough Robust construction is the unique selling point of the new Nokia XR20 smartphone. It is built to a military spec called MIL-STD-810H and no, I don’t know what that really means either, but one imagines that Paras can use it in hand-tohand combat and report back to base on it afterwards. The screen is the latest Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, the toughest they produce, and is rated to IP68 meaning it is dust, dirt, sand and water-resistant. It can also withstand both freezing and scorching temperatures between -20 °C to +55°C.

For comparison, you could get the same small/big screen combo with an iPhone SE and an iPad Mini. The cameras will be better, they will be much more robust, and half the price.

Happily, for those of us who don’t want to look like off-duty Paras, the phone is not styled like a tank but it does feature a nano-textured rear cover so it won’t slip out of your hands so easily. And it has a lanyard loop so you can be certain it will not be lost when you are sailing or mountaineering. Nokia is so confident of the XR20’s invulnerability that they filmed Brazilian football star Roberto Carlos aiming several of his legendary free kicks at it, causing spectacular flights of phone but no apparent damage. And if the worst happens in the first year of ownership, screen replacement is free. So, for a stylish phone that will survive all holiday activities from sailing to mountain biking to sunbathing, the XR20 offers great value at €569. Nokia has also launched a feature phone that could not be a greater contrast to the Galaxy Z Flip range, being totally basic. If the new 6310 looks familiar, that is because its styling recalls the classic 6310 ‘candy bar’ phone from the noughties. The screen is bigger and much brighter, but it still has physical keys optimised for ease of use. Retro game classic Snake is built in. And the battery life is measured in weeks rather than hours. One warning note – the operating system is S30+, a feature phone OS that runs very few apps beyond basic messaging. However, at €64 in FNAC, the 6310 is great value for anyone who just wants to make calls. I am considering one for my mother-in-law and believe me if she can operate it, anyone can.

MADE IN

BRITAIN

THE VERY BEST IN RANGE COOKING

To discover more, visit or contact: AGAbrás, Lda, Rua Boaventura Passos, no. 18, 8150-121 São Brás de Alportel T: 91 781 2155 | E: info@agabras.com | W: agaportugal.com

WHERE NOW PLUS

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BRIGITTE BARDOT When Brigitte Bardot burst onto the international movie scene in the mid-1950s, she epitomised the rest of the world’s idea of a Frenchwoman – sexy, outspoken and liberated. Her starring role in the 1956 film And God Created Woman, in which she played an amoral teenager who had affairs with the men of a respectable small town, caused a scandal in the USA, not least because she appeared in a bikini. Brigitte came from a prosperous Parisian family, and had been strictly brought up, which may have accounted for her rebellious streak. She had planned a career in ballet, but instead focused on French and international films and music. Idolised by men – including, it’s said, the Beatles – women imitated her style with gingham dresses, 'Bardot' necklines and just-out-of-bed hairstyles. She married film director Roger Vadim while still a teenager, and had three further marriages (and one son with actor Jacques Charrier). She retired from show business in 1973 to concentrate on becoming an animal rights activist. She was awarded the Legion d’Honneur but refused to accept it. In 1986 she founded the Brigitte Bardot Foundation, funded by auctioning her jewellery and other possessions, and campaigning against the seal cull, the sale of horse meat, and the use of animal products in traditional Chinese medicine. Most recently, she has expressed controversial political view and continues to go her own way, saying that “only with animals have I ever found peace”.

W H AT E V E R H A P P E N E D T O … T H E G I R L T H AT E V E R Y M A N FA N TA S I S E D A B O U T A N D E V E R Y W O M A N WA N T E D T O E M U L AT E ; T H E M U S I C M A K E R W H O R O C K E D A G E N E R AT I O N ; T H E M O V I E S TA R W H O M A D E S O U T H PAC I F I C H E R OW N ; A N D T H E S M A L L E S T R A D I O I N T H E WO R L D

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JILL ECKERSLEY

JAMES TAYLOR

70s

Six-times Grammy winner, James Taylor was one of the most successful singer-songwriters of the 1970s, the era when it became almost obligatory for singers to write and perform their own material. Born in Boston and brought up in North Carolina, he had music lessons as a child and by the time he was 14, he was learning the guitar and writing songs. With his friend Danny Kortchmar he played in local coffee houses, and later formed a band called The Flying Machine. However, his teenage years were dogged by mental health and drug problems. In 1967, he moved to London and was signed to the Beatles’ Apple record label, as well as being introduced to Peter Asher who became his manager. Having relocated to California he released the album Sweet Baby James in 1970. With songs like Fire and Rain and the title track, this was his breakthrough album and has been chosen as one of the all-time greats by Rolling Stone. In 1972 he married fellow musician Carly Simon although they were divorced in 1983. During the ’80s he produced more music, often in collaboration with other artists and his family. Both his siblings and his own children are also musicians. His latest release, American Standard, came out in 2020, and he has recently announced that, Covid permitting, there will be a UK tour in January and February 2022.

50s

60s

THE TRANSISTOR RADIO It must be almost impossible for today’s youngsters, permanently plugged in to their portable electronic gadgets, to imagine a time when music you could appreciate ‘on the go’ was a concept from science fiction. Transistor radios, small enough to pop into your pocket or carry in your handbag, were the cool accessory of the 1960s. In the previous 40 years, radio had developed from crystal sets that only one listener could use at a time, to cumbersome valve sets that took pride of place in the living room. And then came the transistor. Invented in 1947 as a solid-state alternative to the valve, it made small, powerful, hand-held radios possible. The first one was demonstrated in 1953 and the following year the Regency TR1 was marketed as ‘The World’s First Pocket Radio’. Just five inches high, it was priced at US$49 – the equivalent of about US$400 in today’s money, so well out of reach of the budget of American teenagers of the time. In 1956, Walter Brattain, John Bardeen and William Shockley were jointly awarded the Nobel Prize for Physics for their research on semiconductors and their discovery of the transistor effect. The Pye company produced the first British commercial transistor radio, the Pam 710 in 1956, and by 1960 most UK and European radio manufacturers were producing their own sets at affordable prices. Every teenager wanted one and most were lucky, turning the inventors’ ‘transistor effect’ into something they could hardly have imagined!

The World’s First Pocket Radio was priced at US$49 - the equivalent of about US$400 in today’s money.

Chicago-born Mitzi Gaynor originally trained in ballet and danced in the corps de ballet as a teenager. She was just 12 when 20th CenturyFox offered her a film contract, and after that she danced, acted and sang her way through a succession of classic film musicals in the 1950s. They included There’s No Business like Show Business, Anything Goes and Les Girls. Mitzi worked with all the top male stars of the era, including Frank Sinatra and Gene Kelly. Her biggest and most famous role was, of course, as Nellie Forbush in the film version of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s South Pacific in 1958. Not all the stars in that film sang the songs, but Mitzi’s versions of A Wonderful Guy and I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair were unforgettably hers. She married her manager, Jack Bean, in 1954. Theirs was a long-lasting showbiz partnership until Jack’s death in 2006. She made her last film in the early ’60s and was kept busy with television and nightclub work. In 2008, she starred in a US TV special about 60 years of TV dance, and toured her one-woman stage show all over North America in the following years. In 2017, Mitzi was inducted into the Great American Songbook Hall of Fame. At 90 years old, she is an active supporter of the Professional Dancers Society, which provides support for retired entertainers, and she also has a lively online presence on Twitter and her own website missmitzigaynor.com.

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MITZI GAYNOR

The Portuguese have been working clay since prehistoric times, when they used terracotta urns to store water, wine and olive oil, and fired kitchen and houseware items such as jugs, mugs and bowls.Today, skilled artisans are turning this ancient heritage into new forms of art. A ceramic journey from north to south would start in the city of Aveiro, known for its fine tableware and porcelain, with Vista Alegre being the most famous in Portugal. Caldas de Rainha in mid Portugal is famous for its Bordallo Pinheiro pottery, which

where plates, bowls and platters are piled high for you to choose from and take back; others are showrooms where I can order what will later be delivered by courier. But best of all are the warehouses where you have to

focuses on

move carefully not to knock something over.

fruit, vegetable

These dusty, poorly-lit work spaces are

or animal shapes – its green cabbage serving bowl is recognised the world over. Meanwhile, in the Alentejo lies the village of São Predro de Corval, where plates, cups and bowls are still made in small workshops and decorated with colourful patterns, or left plain to show the pretty brown of the clay.

full of surprises. I have spent hours going through these treasures, coughing and sneezing from inhaled dust in order to find the most wonderful and unusual pieces. If you wonder about the turquoise deer plate or salad bowl with a white bull design in my shop window, this is where they came from.

I have visited many of these ceramic birthplaces, and have my five favourites, where I go regularly, admire and pick the pieces which will end up in my shops. Some places are modern, well organised factories,

HOMES: Rua das Lojas, Rua 5 de Outubro nº 68 . FaSHiOn and accESSORiES: Rua José Fernandes Guerreiro, nº39 OPEn: Monday - Friday 10.00-13.00; 15.00-18.00; Saturday: 10.00-14.00 T: +351 964 222 612 inSTa: martina.loule / martina-loule.com

EXPAT INFO PLUS

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW about taxation in Portugal

I n c o m e t a x If you are resident in Portugal, your worldwide employment earnings, pension, rental and most other income over the year is added together to calculate your income tax bill. For non-Portuguese residents, only income sourced from Portugal is taxable here. Portugal’s sliding scale of income tax ranges from 14.5% (for income up to €7,112) to 48% (for income over €80,823). Shares, securities and bonds etc – are instead taxed at a flat rate of 28%. However, if you are a Portuguese resident, you have the option to pay tax at the scale rates instead, if that works out cheaper for you. Note that if a bank account or investment is within a jurisdiction classed as a ‘tax haven’ by Portuguese authorities, income is taxed at a higher rate of 35%. This includes investments in Gibraltar, the Isle of Man and Jersey.

have recently moved to Portugal and have not been resident within the last five years, apply at your local tax office to lock in these significant benefits. Under NHR, most foreign income, certain capital gains, interest and dividends can be taken tax-free. Key exceptions are UK government service pensions and rental income, which remain taxable in the UK. And since last year, NHR includes a flat 10% tax on foreign pension income and withdrawals (including lump sums). Non-habitual residents employed or self-employed in Portugal in certain ‘high added-value’ professions can also benefit from a flat 20% income tax rate. P r o p e r t y w e a l t h t a x Portugal’s Adicional Imposto Municipal Sobre Imóveis (AIMI) continues to apply a wealth tax of sorts to high-value Portuguese property, regardless of where the owner is resident. You are only liable if your stake in Portuguese properties is over €600,000, and then only on the value above that. So, if, for example, you and your partner jointly own a Portuguese home, the property will only attract AIMI if it is valued over €1.2 million. Rates are 0.7% for individuals, 0.4% for companies, and 1% for properties over €1 million. Some companies are not eligible for the allowance.

C a p i t a l g a i n s t a x If you are a Portuguese resident and sell property or assets – anywhere in the world – 50% of the gain is added to your annual income and taxable at the relevant income tax rate. Your main home, however, won’t be taxed if you reinvest the proceeds to buy a new main home in Portugal or elsewhere in the EU/EEA. Post-Brexit, UK property is now classed as a non-EU/EEA asset, so you can no longer receive this exemption if reinvesting proceeds into a main home in the UK. If you are aged over 65 when selling a property, you can avoid Portuguese capital gains tax when reinvesting into an eligible insurance contract or pension fund – great news for downsizers. You must do this within six months of sale to qualify. Meanwhile, non-residents face a flat 28% charge on 100% of any gain from Portuguese assets.

I n h e r i t a n c e t a x ( ‘ s t a m p d u t y ’ ) Portugal’s version of inheritance tax remains fixed at 10% and applies only on Portuguese property and assets inherited or gifted outside of the direct family. Beware, however, that unless you take action, Portugal’s ‘forced heirship’ succession law will automatically pass portions of your estate according to your bloodline, regardless of your written wishes. Many UK expatriates remain UK-domiciled, so take care to review your position regarding UK inheritance tax.

N o n - h a b i t u a l r e s i d e n c e ( N H R ) A key financial benefit of moving to Portugal is its non-habitual residence (NHR) regime, which offers new residents highly attractive tax benefits for their first ten years here. If you

Tax rates, scope and reliefs may change. Any statements concerning

Ta x p l a n n i n g f o r P o r t u g a l It is sensible to regularly review your financial planning to ensure everything is optimised for your family’s circumstances and goals. The way you structure your assets can make a big difference to your tax bill, so take personalised, cross-border advice to make the most of tax-efficient opportunities.

taxation are based upon our understanding of current taxation laws and practices, which are subject to change. Tax information has been summarised; individuals should seek personalised advice.

T: 2 8 9 3 5 0 1 5 0 / E : p o r t u g a l @ b l e v i n s f r a n k s . c o m / W : b l e v i n s f r a n k s . c o m

ALGARVE P L U S

re you preparing to accomplish your dream of living in the Algarve? Or have you recently arrived and are learning how everything works here? Even if you have been living here a while or just regularly visit a holiday home, make sure you understand how Portuguese taxation may affect you.

I T I S V I TA L T H AT Y O U U N D E R S TA N D T H E R U L E S A N D R E G U L AT I O N S T H AT G O V E R N A C O U N T R Y, E S P E C I A L LY W H E N I T C O M E S T O TA X AT I O N . A D R I A N H O O K , P A R T N E R , B L E V I N S F R A N K S , I N T R O D U C E S T H E BA S I C S YO U N EED TO K N OW A B O U T

GO MOVES

A family-run business based in the Algarve. Full/part house removals with or without pack and wrap service. Collection and delivery service from any shop in the Algarve to your house. No job is too big or small. We cover the Algarve, Portugal, Spain, France and may consider other countries. enquiries@gomoves.eu 913 318 990 | 913 206 015

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Algarve office

Ave 5 de Outubro, No 246, Almancil, 8135-103 +351 289 395 739 algarve@currenciesdirect.com

authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority as an Electronic Money Institution under the Electronic Money Regulations 2011. Our FCA Firm Reference number is 900669. Our EU services are provided by Currencies Direct Spain. © Currencies Direct Spain, E.D.E., S.L., Avenida del Mediterráneo, 341, 04638 Mojácar, Almería, Spain. Registered in the Commercial Registry of Almería under the Spanish tax ID number B04897930. Currencies Direct Spain, E.D.E., S.L. is authorised by the Bank of Spain as an Electronic Money Institution under Law 21/2011 of 26 July and Royal Decree 778/2012 of 4 May. Our registration number with the Bank of Spain is 6716.

PO18329EN

PO18438EN - Algarve Plus Mag Changes v1.indd 1

15/01/2021 13:00

ADVICE PLUS

YOUR money R I C A R D O C H AV E S O F A L L F I N A N C E M AT T E R S I S O N T H E P L U S TE A M A N D H ER E TO A N SWER YO U R Q U ESTI O N S O N TH E I S S U ES T H AT A F F E C T Y O U R L I F E S T Y L E I N T H E A L G A R V E . T H I S M O N T H , S TAT E P E N S I O N S , L A N D O W N E R S H I P A N D B U Y I N G A N E W C A R

– Be of retirement age (which is currently 66 years and seven months) – Have a minimum of 15 years of contributions, or 144 months, if covered by Voluntary Social Security (SSV) – Be in a career recognised by Social Security – Be a resident in Portugal – Have no debts to Social Security The pension is paid by bank transfer, so you must register or change your IBAN in the Social Security web Portal. I have heard rumours that a plot of land facing my house, though a distance away across the valley, has been purchased and that the owner is planning to park his mobile home there (he lives elsewhere). I have seen that electricity and water are going in, too. How can I find out if they intend to rent space to other mobile home owners and if that is the case, is there any way I – and other neighbours – can insist that they edge the plot of land with trees to block the site from view? Firstly, let me advise you that you should seek legal advice in questions like this and only lawyers or solicitors are allowed to provide such advice. Normally when a plot is purchased, the direct neighbours have the right of first refusal, otherwise they may challenge the sale and demand that the property be sold to them. With reference to the mobile home owners, in order to rent the space as a camping site, it’s necessary to have special licences. If you suspect this is not the case, you need to report the matter to the local council, with

I have been paying my pool cleaner and maid in cash for a good long while. Does this put me in a compromising position? A pool cleaner is providing a service to you. The fact that he hasn’t billed you, implies that the amounts you pay him include all the taxes that he’s liable for. The maid is a different matter as you, the employer, are obliged to pay social security contributions based on the number of hours she works for you. This is a legal entitlement that would entitle her to have social benefits. You should also have work accident insurance to cover any risks while she is in your employ.

Email your finance questions for Ricardo to martin@algar veplusmagazine.com for inclusion in the f ir st available is sue of A lgar ve P LU S . To c o n s u l t d i r e c t l y w i t h R i c a r d o C h a v e s , e m a i l r i c a r d o @ a l l f i n a n c e . p t

I need a new car – mine is many years old and starting to have ongoing problems. I have a company here, but not sufficient monies to buy a new vehicle. What is the best way forward? The car would be used more for work than for pleasure as my wife has a car we use if going out. The three most popular options are credit, leasing and renting. The most common choice these days is renting, which means that the ownership of the vehicle remains with the rental company, who will normally charge you a monthly fee, which includes servicing, maintenance, insurance, tax etc. With renting, the car will be returned at the end of the contract. Leasing is normally provided by banks and you are actually purchasing the car, paying by instalments. The advantage here is that you pay a deposit and can also leave a lump-sum to the end, to lower the instalment charges. The car remains property of the leasing company, until you make the final payment. Insurance and other services are normally not included in the monthly cost. This is a good option if you are willing to keep the car at the end of the contract. You can also choose the credit option, in which the bank lends you the money to buy the car. This is normally the most expensive and it means that the car belongs to your company from day one.

as much detail as possible. You should include all the relevant information and, as mentioned previously, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a lawyer.

ALGARVE P L U S

I get a UK state pension. Having lived here for many years, and worked as a self-employed person, am I entitled to a pension here, too? And where would I apply to? I am 71 years old. The old-age pension can be claimed online through the Social Security portal, or in the nearest Social Security office. After filling out the application, and provided you meet the necessary conditions, the application will automatically be approved, and you will be granted a provisional pension within a maximum of 24 hours. To be granted a pension, you must:

Berger chairs re-upholstered

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EXCHANGE PLUS

APPLYING FOR RESIDENCY I T I S A LTO G E T H E R P O S S I B L E TO L I V E , W O R K A N D R E T I R E TO PORTUGAL, ALBEIT WITH A FEW MORE HURDLES THAN BEFORE COV I D -1 9 A N D B R E XIT C A M E A LO N G . H E R E I S A B R I E F G U I D E F R O M J O S E A L M E I D A TO A N S W E R YO U R M O S T U R G E N T Q U E S T I O N S

D7 o r ‘ r e t i r e m e n t v i s a ’ The D7 – sometimes called the ‘passive income visa’ – is one of the most popular visas due to its low costs and attainability. Anyone with a regular or passive income, be it a pension or remote job, is able to apply for the D7 visa. This means that if you have an income of at least €7,620 per annum, you are eligible to apply for a D7 visa or residence permit. Once granted, you’ll be able to live and reside in Portugal for a specified time (which is renewable). After five years, however, you will be able to apply for permanent residency or Portuguese citizenship. Those who are not eligible to apply for a D7, however, include individuals with any criminal convictions that

have carried a jail sentence, or those who do not have the ability to support themselves.

The NHR is another popular way to move or retire to Portugal. One of its major benefits is that it allows most foreign income to be exempt from Portuguese taxation laws for ten years. So, if you rent a property back in the UK, or are working remotely, then you can avoid Portuguese taxation. This is an excellent option if you’re working from home, and with the Covid-19 pandemic having restructured most of our working lives, the NHR is likely to gain in popularity in the coming years.

Proof of income and residence Of course, you will be required to supply proof of income. So, you’ll need a bank statement showing some sort of income – pension or rental income – the more paperwork the better. You’ll also need proof of a place to live, usually in the form of a rental agreement. Airbnb and hotels are most often not acceptable as a form of proof as they are temporary residences. But if you have friends or family in Portugal, you can always use an invitation letter as proof. Another important document for all of the visas mentioned in this list is proof of health insurance to cover you during your time in Portugal. Any savings will also provide further support and would reinforce the likelihood of you being granted residence from the view of secure forms of income. Applying for residency in Portugal post-Brexit and amid the Covid-19 pandemic may at first seem like a veritable minefield of bureaucracy. But, in reality, many of the rules remain relatively accommodating to non-EU citizens, and perfectly achievable with the right knowledge. Currencies Direct has helped over 325,000 individuals and businesses move money abroad since 1996. It has an ‘Excellent’ Trustscore on Trustpilot, over 20 global offices and a team of more than 500 currency experts. See below for full contact details.

For more detailed information , please contact the loc al of fice T: 2 8 9 3 9 5 7 3 9 or register at c u r r e n c i e s d i r e c t . c o m / p o r t u g a l to get regular updates on the currency markets , (u s e A l g a r v e P L U S m a g a z i n e a s t h e r e f e r e n c e) .

Apply for Non - Habitual Residency (NHR)

One of the most common questions from Brits is about visas post-Brexit. First up, if you were living legally in Portugal before 31 December 2020, then you will already be protected by the Withdrawal Agreement. Britons moving to Portugal after this date will need to apply like anyone else outside of the EU. Luckily, Portugal is one of the more relaxed countries when it comes to handing out residency status to those outside of the EU; after all, the UK and Portugal have a long-standing and friendly relationship. For those seeking to buy property in Portugal post-Brexit, the Golden Visa Scheme offers a five-year residence permit to those looking to buy a residence worth €500,000 and above. In some instances, the Portuguese government has granted the same plan for those who have bought properties for €350,000 plus, so it’s worth investigating further if your property value fits within this bracket. Once this five-year limit has passed, you can apply for a permanent residency or a Portuguese passport. Added to this, you only need to spend a week once every year to be eligible for this form of residency, making it one of the most flexible visa schemes anywhere in Europe.

ALGARVE P L U S

The Golden Visa

DATELINE PLUS

THE agenda T H I S M O N T H ’ S S P E C I A L S E L E C T I O N O F T H I N G S WO R T H S E E I N G

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A R T

1. MAGDALENA MOREY

Tavira d’Artes, Tavira 962 012 111, On now

This fine Expressionist artist uses mixed media for amazing colourful figuratives, Here, Spring Equinox. 100x70cm

2. MANOLI ORTIZ DE LA TORRE

3. JAMES MYLNE ArtCatto, Loulé 289 419 447, On now

Celebrating the 20th anniversary of her awardwinning Faro Airport sculptures, The Plane Watchers, sculptor Teresa will have works on show, including this fado guitar, both inside and outside the shopping precinct.

5. KAREN WRIDE First Class Art, Guia 917 081 893

McQueen Vision, ballpoint pen and spray paint on card. 118x87cm

Oil on canvas, 1200x50cm

6. MEINKE FLESSMAN

Fresco Gallery Almancil, 911 765 566 On until end October

More of the Famous Five

Darling, acrylic on canvas, 100x120cm

Quinta Art Collective Vale d'El Rei Hotel & Villas, Carvoeiro, 962 544 650 Throughout September Fibre art, sculpture, oils, abstract landscapes, portraiture, drawings, and mixed media are some of the disciplines from the artists: Jessica Dunn, Toin Adams, Jane Rodenburg, Tracy Carson and Andrea M Bird.

IF YOU HAVE ANYTHING YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE

You may well have seen her incredible work with fabrics at the Colectivo 28 in Loulé, and now’s the chance to see to see her artworks. Paint with the indigo plant on cotton paper.

ALGARVE P L U S

Mar Shopping, Loulé Until 30 September

4. TERESA PAULINO

Aderita Artistic Space Vale de Lobo, 912 186 868, Opens 17 September, 10:00

DATELINE PLUS

THE agenda M U S I C

FADO AT REPUBLICA 14 Olhão, 910 513 614 Every Tuesday, 20:00

ALAALGARVE P L U S

And you can reserve a table for a special dinner.

JAZZ CONCERT Museu do Traje São Brás 19 September, 17:00

CONCERTS AT REPUBLICA 14 O L H ÃO, 9 1 0 5 1 3 6 1 4

Algarve Photographers Group

3 September, 21:00: Hammond Project - Carlos Araújo and Luís Ruvina with Paulo de Carvalho as special guest. 11 September, 21:00: Quintet Sull'A Corda - with works by Mozart, Bottesini, Grieg, Tchaikovsky, Shostakovich. 18 September, 21:00: C-U¿ Presentation of the CITÉ album. 25 September, 21:00: Michael Lauren Trio.

TATTOOS Amigos do Museu Museu do Traje São Brás On till 29 September

You know the theme, now see how this group has captured it. Left: Red Rose by Daryl Gabin

MILAN MILADINOVIC Amigos de Musica Os Agostos Nr Santa Bárbara de Nexe 14 September, 11:00, music of Scriabin 16 September, 17:00, music of Franz Liszt

To book for a concert presented by the prizewinning Serbian pianist, email reservasconcertos@gmail. com. Tickets are €25. To find out more about the Amigos de Musica, visit amigos-de-musica.org

G E T

I N V O LV E D

Figs on the Funcho São Bartolomeu de Messines, 912 595 539 9 September: Carob Harvest celebration and Tapas €20 per person, limited numbers. 19-23 September: Five-day, mixed media painting workshop. €230 per person (18 hours tuition and one lunch) 25 September, 19:30: Riverside picnic. Your picnic basket will be packed with delicious vegetarian dishes, full of flavours, textures and combinations. €35 per person. Wine and beer cash bar. cheryl@figsonthefuncho.com for full details.

Loulé Criativo There’s a busy September programme, that includes classes in tile painting, palm weaving, and clay moulding. Visit loulecriativo.pt for specifics and tutor contact details.

FIA: International Handicraft Fair Parque das Nações, Lisbon 4–12 September, 15:00–22:00

If you are in the capital and into arts and crafts, you’ll not only see national and international artisans demonstrating their skills and selling their wares, but also be able to sample gastronomic delights, from 12:30. Tickets are from €5. Kids up to 15 get in free. Visit fialisboa.fil.pt/visit/?lang=en for more info.

ZECA´S STREET FOOD

Chef ZECA offers catering for your home, including private parties, weddings and events. Zeca will entertain your guests by cooking a delicious giant paella outdoors and he can serve a Mexican feast from his food-truck Take your pick! Call Zeca +351 962547683 Email zecasstreetfood@gmail.com

LAST WORD PLUS

AND finally WH I LE H E I S N OT H I D I N G B EH I N D H I S C A M ER A , A N T H O N Y M A R T I N I S L O AT H E T O D I V U L G E A N Y P E R S O N A L I N F O R M AT I O N A B O U T H I M S E L F , H I S F A M I LY, H I S I N T E N T I O N S . A N D H E W I S H E S M O R E P E O P L E W O U L D S TAY P R I VAT E

ALGARVE P L U S

HEN RESTAURANTS were either closed, or had limited opening hours, I had more time on my hands, which consequently led to increased TV-watching and websurfing and, as a result, my views on social media have been reinforced. It is a haven for misfits, for embittered misogynists, conspiracy theorists, con-artists and the alt-right. It is a perfect platform for all those who feel that the world has ‘dun-them-wrong’. Social media gives them a place to air their views, incite insurrection and insult, troll, and libel anyone they wish. You may think I’m wrong, but let me tell you a story. A man I know, we’ll call him Alan, received a Facebook friend request. He replied, asking the requester why he should want to befriend a total stranger. The answer came back instantly. Requester said that he had seen Alan’s date of birth on his profile, and where he lived, and that his father had been living in the same town prior to returning to Nigeria. After a few more Facebook conversations, Alan found that the two of them had quite a lot in common. They had lived in adjacent streets, he knew the family dog, they had gone to the same school and when Alan mentioned his teachers, the man remembered them. After a few chats they found they had even more remarkably parallel preferences: they liked the same food, went to the same holiday destinations and even that their first cars were of the same make. The man told Alan that he had mentioned the conversations to his now very elderly father who, it transpired, knew Alan’s mother’s family before she married, and was delighted that his son had made contact. Particularly delighted, as he had had on his mind for a long time, the debt he owed to Alan’s grandfather who, apparently, had lent him £10 – not a small sum in the ’30s. Now, with contact established, the father wanted to clear his conscience and settle the debt. So if Alan would send him his bank details...

How nice, thought Alan, to know there are still people with conscience and a wish to put things right. It was only later, and after he had given his bank details, that he realised his new ‘friend’ had previously been able to access considerable information about him, and access it easily – hence the mother’s maiden name, first car, etc etc. Simply message here... if you are a Facebook user – think carefully before including that ‘about’ information. AS I MENTIONED EARLIER, I have been watching

more television than ever before, including quite a few foreign-language Netflix series such as Spain’s Money Heist, Lupin from France, Fauda and Shtisel from Israel and Denmark’s Borgen. But streaming TV has its disadvantages. As one episode ends, the next follows and before you realise, it’s 1.30am and you have been watching the box for five and a half hours non-stop. And the evident relaxed ruling on fourletter words, is very surprising. And here I must apologise to the reader who asked me to ‘watch my language’ when I used ‘sod it’ and I’ll be ‘buggered’ in a piece. For today’s television scripts, and even interviews with teenage role-models, the conversations are full of bo****ks, a**e-holes and motherf****rs. We all use certain words that are not considered socially acceptable – if I hit my thumb with a hammer I can assure you I don’t jump up and down shouting ‘botheration’. But then I’m a bloke, and blokes, historically, swear, but normally only around other blokes – it is a form of bonding, of creating a circle of the like-minded. But now it’s everywhere: men, women and the whole gamut of LBGTQ+. And I ask myself, is it wrong? It’s only language and let’s face it, it has been proven that, if said in anger or frustration, it makes you feel better. But what happens when these words enter the common lexicon? We will have to invent new one-syllable words for when hammer meets thumb, and human approaches orgasm, because, let’s face it, ‘botheration’ just won’t cut it.

If I hit my thumb with a hammer, I don’t jump up and down shouting “botheration”