algarvePLUS - December 2021 by Martin

P E O P L E

P L A C E S

I N F O R M A T I O N

E N T E R T A I N M E N T

P L U S

D E C E M E B R 2 0 2 1

Merry Christm as A N D A . .

Ofﬁce + 351 289 355 697

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Everybody deserves a little luxury...

So when it comes to pergolas

We have it covered

www.petespergolas.com (+351) 927 883 535

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 Tavira to Guia, 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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l ALGARVE P L U S

December. And it’s cold outside. Certainly at night. But I remember Christmas days sitting on the beach and soaking up the sunshine, and thinking how lucky we were. And still are. In a couple of hours we can be in Lisbon, dazzled by the glittering trees along Avenue Liberdade, and the stalls roasting chestnuts, selling glacéd fruits, and showing off local handicrafts. Or we could cross the bridge and head for Seville, where the Christmas lights can easily compete with London’s Regent Street, and the hot chocolate is thick and creamy and almost a meal on its own. Or we can stay home, here in the Algarve, and walk our beaches, visit our Christmas markets, see the different decorations that each town has come up with, go to concerts, and galleries, and play our favourite sports. And we can get in car the and go discover new places close by that have a special personality. Spoilt for choice? We certainly are. Should the sun bring on the warmth, so much the better! In this issue, we’ve piled on the festive themes – inevitable, I guess – selecting gifts, checking out restaurant menus, choosing the wines that pair with seasonal dishes, DIY-ing the Christmas pud. And we’ve journeyed to destinations that are the ‘plus’ in our Algarve equation, with deepsea diving in the Azores, and pilgrimages to Fátima. And there’s always more... How’s this for a New Year’s Resolution (after the January diet, of course): let’s vow to never miss the opportunity to adventure and discover. We’re here to show you where, and tell you why, in 2022.

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 www.facebook.com/taviradartes

www.instagram.com/tavira.dartes

NEWS PLUS

Present day thinking

Very merry indeed H&M stores (Mar Shopping, Loulé; Algarve Shopping, Guia; Aqua, Portimão) are glammed up for Christmas with new collections in fashion and homewares. If you want a stylish woolly jumper, the choice is great. ONE PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS

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Platibandas do Algarve, is a book that is rich in glorious images of architectural details of buildings in the Algarve. That the text is in Portuguese will not distract from its appeal to those who struggle with the language, because the photographs, by Filipe da Palma, are sensational and referenced by location. This elegant work is priced at €35 and can be purchased from the publisher’s website argumentum.pt

F R O N T COV E R Have a merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year. You have made 2021 special for the AlgarvePLUS team. Thank you.

SOCK ‘N’ ROLL Blokes are not the easiest to buy for, but a dozen pairs of socks will always be welcome. Pedemeia’s boxed selection is €52.20, but there’s a huge range of individual numbers, bright in colour and wacky in design, at their shop in Rua de Santo António in Faro. Or you can shop online at pedemeia.pt IF YOU HAVE ANYTHING YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE

ALGARVE P L U S

ALGARVE CANDLE CO M PA N Y You’ll be spoilt for choice in Lauren and Pam’s new shop in Boliqueime, where the selection is gorgeous and the fragrances amazing – Christmas Spice, Crackling Fireside, and Warm Gingerbread are just a few. In addition to 40- and 70-hour candles made from natural soy wax and luxury fragrance oils, there’s a Christmas tree spray, door wreaths, wax melts, linen sprays and liquid hand soaps. And, of course, gift sets. 289 092 711 algarvecandlecompany.com

BY HAND Self-taught digital illustrator and designer, Dori Dokreates, is fast gaining a reputation for her charming artwork, available as large prints and also postcards. She also hand-makes painted wooden earrings that echo her distinct style and can be custom ordered. They are just €15 with stainless steel posts, and €20 with silver posts. hello.dokreates@gmail.com

SHARP CARDS SEASONAL I N S P I R AT I O N S

Buy from small, local businesses. Maghan Doffing created Picolocco Studios here in the Algarve during lockdown, and put her past experience in greeting card design to good use. The back of each of the four large (A5) Christmas cards that make up a set, double up as gift tags, reducing waste creatively. €10 for the set. Email picolocostudio@gmail.com to order.

Studio Bongard in Monchique has created a collection of small decorative pieces, like these autumn leaves, €120 each, available now in the gallery or online at studiobongard.com. It’s certainly worth taking the time to visit to see the wonders that Tara and Sylvain produce, all individual and all made by hand. 924 220 574.

SMART STUFF The Xplora XGO2 is an ideal first phone for children aged 5 to 12, featuring a 4G mobile phone and WiFi. Running on Android, it sports a colour LCD touchscreen, a camera, and is easy to use. Voice calls can be made and received from pre-saved numbers only – the contacts can be managed on the parent’s app. School Mode can also be activated so that there are no distractions in class, with just the time displayed – all calls and messages disabled – but parents can still track the watch’s location and the SOS function remains active. €125.49 techinn.com/pt

SLIP INTO THIS… Luis Onofre’s leopard and purple fake fur slipper with a golden chain and sparkling leopardʼs head embellishment is lush and plush. Called Alexandria, it is priced at a self-indulgent €188, but Christmas comes only once a year. Buy online at luisonofre.com

wish list

NEWS PLUS

THE RIGHT TOUCH Nicole Cammiss of Karuna Touch is a name worth watching if you have a passion for craftrelated, individual pieces. The materials she uses vary from macramé thread to rope to recycled yarn, and her range includes macramé dog and cat collars, €4-€8; bottle carriers, €6-€8 (there’s one that can be worn across the body); hand-wrapped crystal necklaces, bracelets and keyrings, €6-€20; crystal travel guardians, €8; and dream catchers with crystals, €14€62. All items can be personalised. 917 681 352 karunatouch.4u@gmail.com

Mmmmm Gluten-free, baked cheesecakes, with berries, from the kitchen of Debbie Goodman in Olhão. There’s nothing better than this for Christmas tea, or New Year’s Day lunch, or, come to think of it, any day, any time. Made to order. 914 633 291

JUGGLING Handsome tureen and jug from a ceramics collection by Jean Baptiste Astier de Villatte. Price on application, from Galeria Côrte-Real, Paderne. 961 528 679 algarvegallery@gmail.com Box of three scented soaps, lavender, eucalyptus and violet, €10.50, from Ange Boutik in São Brás. Pop in or buy online at angeboutik.com

L I T T L E P O T T E R Y, BIG STYLE Wonderful decorative handpainted tiles, 14x14x1cm, from a selection at The Little Pottery – Olaria Pequena – in Porches, €30 each, including a gift box. Go visit and you’ll find plenty to tempt you, including plates and platters, bowls and mugs. olariapequena.com

IF YOU HAVE ANYTHING YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE

FÁT I M A A vision of splendour

T H E I M P O R TA N C E O F T H I S S M A L L T O W N I N T H E C E N T R E O F P O R T U G A L I S G E N E R A L LY U N D E R E S T I M AT E D , B U T I T E X I S T S A S A T E S TA M E N T T O T H E FA I T H O F M I L L I O N S ACROSS THE WORLD

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BRIAN REDMOND

HERE ARE times when exploring

the towns and villages in Portugal that you chance upon a simply painted flimsy wooden door, in faded blue, grey, yellow or green. Or sometimes a majestic oaken door with metal studs and hinges, and perhaps a ‘spy’ aperture. But it is normally a piece of furnishing on the door that catches your attention. A small delicate downturned hand, perhaps with an ornate ring on one of its fingers. This dainty hand is a door knocker, meant to ward off evil from the home of the people within, and its provenance stems from North Africa where, in its simplest form, it is a flat onedimensional piece made from iron or brass; while an embellished version may be clutching a little apple. The hand was fashioned to venerate a special young woman, the youngest daughter of the Prophet Muhammad. Her name was Fatima.

TRAVEL PLUS

Opposite page: the Sanctuary of Fátima. This page, top right: The cross in the main square by sculptor Robert Schad; centre: the statue of our Lady of Fátima; below: pilgrims on their knees, approaching the Santuary

The couple married and Fatima changed her name to Oureana. The King granted them land and a castle, which would in time become known as Ourém. For a long time, it was simply the municipal centre of an insignificant small village, but today it is one of the world’s greatest centres of Catholic pilgrimage dedicated to The Blessed Virgin Mary. Its name is Fátima.

And then what happened? Fast forward to the early part of the 20th century, when Europe and the world was in the grip of the most savage war ever conceived. And here the story of the Apparitions of Fátima becomes open to interpretation, but should be appreciated for its importance in the pursuit of faith by millions of Catholics, other Christian faiths and even amongst other religious beliefs and denominations. What happened over a period of time in 1917 goes along these lines: Portugal was a new Republic. It was only a little over six years since its declaration on 5 October 1910. By the 8th of the month, the new government had agreed to expel all religious orders and to confiscate their lands, and as the decade passed it continued with a systematic rejection of all of its monarchical and religious past. The new conservative republicans took the view that Catholicism was the principal enemy of the already prosperous elite and the emerging middle class, and instead of tackling the country’s disastrous economic situation, they targeted the Church, closing convents, stripping Jesuits of their citizenship, and generally adopting an extreme anti-clerical outlook. In the meanwhile, the greater impoverished population was left rudderless, uneducated and illiterate. It was into this societal maelstrom that three

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Iberia was conquered by the Moors in the 8th century and their reign would continue for 500 years. They brought engineering, agriculture, viniculture, irrigation, language and understanding with them. They created seats for learning and the pursuit of knowledge. But despite all this, their time would come to leave or to be expelled. Thus began an era in Portugal and Iberia known as the Reconquista. There were many brave heroes who battled on both sides, but from a Portuguese perspective one individual stood out. His name was Gonçalo Hermingues, also known as Traga Mouros, the ‘Moor Grabber’ or sometimes the ‘Moor Eater’. And it is with him that legend, fact and fiction intermingle to create a fable that would, many many years later in the early part of the 20th century, become connected to a mighty pillar of faith. The story goes that around 1185, a Moorish leader had a daughter named Fatima who was promised in marriage to her cousin. She was not content with this arrangement and had set her eye upon Gonçalo, who came up with a daring plan to snatch her away on the night of the Festival of St John, or the Festival of Light, when the Moors would traditionally be celebrating. After a battle, he succeeded in his quest, and it is said that they fell in love with each other immediately. Gonçalo asked King Afonso for permission to marry Fatima. The King agreed on condition that she converted to Christianity, and more importantly that she was happy to do so.

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Back in time

ALGARVE P L U S

TIME OUT PLUS

young children from Cova de Iria in the parish of Fátima came, and who would upset the status quo: three cousins, Lúcia Santos, aged 10, Francisco 9, and his young sister Jacinta Mato aged 7.

The ‘vision’ The three children were from an impoverished background; they were unschooled and worked as shepherds with the families flock. On 13 May 1917, they were in the fields of Cova de Iria, in the village of Aljustrel near Fátima, when they experienced an apparition of a lady “brighter than the sun, shedding rays of light clearer and stronger than a crystal glass filled with the most sparkling water and pierced by the burning rays of the sun”. The ‘Lady’ asked the children to ‘’recite the rosary every day, to bring peace to the world and an end to the war’’. The children decided to keep the apparition a secret but the youngest, Jacinta, told her mother, who of course told her neighbours and in no time the entire area knew of the children’s vision. The Lady had told the children to return to Cova de Iria on 13 June when she told them that Francisco and Jacinta would be taken to Heaven soon, and she also purportedly showed them a vision of hell. She told them the first of what would become three secrets, and again instructed them that they should return on the thirteenth of the next month and every month until October. As word spread about the apparitions, thousands of people were being drawn to the region; the authorities were troubled by the new-found religious fervour of the common people, because it was seen as politically disruptive in the conservative country. The local Municipal Administrator at the time was called Artur de Oliveira Santos and he was known for his hostility to organised religion. As the apparitions gained popularity, he began to send in the local police in an attempt to frustrate access to the area for the ‘pilgrims’, and on the

morning of the anticipated August apparition, he arrested the three young children, jailed them, interrogated and physically threatened them to divulge the ‘secrets’. They refused. The three were released and reported seeing the Virgin Mary on 19 August at nearby Valinhos. The final apparition was on 13 October and drew crowds of up to 50,000 people, including reporters and photographers. The children claimed to see a variety of visions including Jesus, Saint Joseph, and Our Lady of Sorrows. The crowd’s experience was quite different. The day had began with heavy rains but according to accounts, when the clouds broke the sun appeared as a spinning disc, more opaque than brilliant, that flew towards the ground before lifting back to its normal position. Some people reported that though they had been soaking wet, their clothes dried immediately, as did the muddy ground beneath their feet. Some experienced nothing at all, and afterwards some scientists, theologians and sceptics explained away the perceived phenomena as psychological suggestibility. Whatever the truth is, there is no doubt that religious devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary exploded in the immediate aftermath of what became known as ‘The Miracle of the Sun’. The two youngest seers, Francisco and Jacinta, died during the flu pandemic of 1918/19, and their cousin Lúcia took holy orders. She would, over time, publicly reveal the two of the ´three secrets; the third she wrote down and sealed in an envelope. It was finally revealed by the Vatican on 13 May 2000. Lúcia herself died in Coimbra in 2005.

A pilgrim’s destination Once word of the apparitions began to spread outside Portugal in the 1920s, the numbers of pilgrims who came to visit began to swell so much so that it was decided that a Sanctuary should be built to accommodate the faithful. At its centre is the iconic Basílica de Nossa Senhora do Rosário, which was built between 1928 and 1953 and a 65 metre high

TRAVEL PLUS

Fátima is 120km north of Lisbon.

It is within easy reach of Batalha, Nazaré, Coimbra, and Leiria, and is easily accessible by car. Train access is not recommended as the station referred to as Fátima is in Chão de Maças some 20km from the sanctuary. Hotel accommodation is varied and plentiful, as are shops selling religious artefacts and souvenirs. 



Annual pilgrimages These take place May 12-13 and October 12-13. and attract pilgrims from all over the world. The evening torch-lit processions are particularly impressive – going from the little chapel in Cova de Iria where the Virgin Mary is believed to have appeared to the children. The Three ‘Secrets’

1. A vision of the souls in Hell. 2. Prediction of the end of WWI and the beginning of WWII, as well as a request to consecrate Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. 3. A vision of the Pope, along with others, being killed by soldiers.



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bell tower with a large statue of Our Lady of Fátima over the main entrance. Inside, there are 15 altars and an organ containing 12,000 pipes. The three seers are buried here. Another basilica, the Basílica da Santíssima Trindade, designed by the Greek architect Alexandros Tombazis, was built between 2005 and 2007 and has a seating capacity of 8,000. The courtyard outside double the size of the square in front of St. Peter’s Church in Rome. The Basilica houses temporary exhibits of objects relating to the apparitions, including rosaries, sandals of pilgrims, and the pen used to write the three Secrets. Other places of importance to visit at Fátima include the Capelinha das Aparições (Chapel of the Apparitions), located at the exact point of the apparitions, over an oak tree, the Via Sacra or Caminho dos Pastorinhos, which leads to the apparition site at Valinhos, and to a monument, Calvário Húngaro, which was donated by Hungarian refugees escaping the Soviet invasion of 1956. Nearby, the houses of the three children are preserved and open to visitors, as is the parish church of Fátima where they were baptised. There is a statue of Our Lady at the sanctuary, its design based on physical descriptions given to him by Lúcia. There is a crown on her head and in the interior centre of the crown is a bullet. It was placed there by Pope John Paul II and it was the bullet that struck him during the attempt on his life in 1981, interestingly on 13 May, the anniversary of the first apparition. The Pope believed that it was Our Lady who saved his life and he made two visits to Fátima during his Papacy to give thanks. In the Museu de Cera (Wax Museum) there are figures of the Virgin and the three children, Pope John Paul II, and Lúcia later in her life as a nun, while the Museu de Arte Sacra e Etnologia de Fátima (Sacred Art and Ethnology Museum) exhibits religious and folk art including dolls of Jesus, Nativity scenes and cribs collected in Portugal from the 14th century on.

Need to knows

Below: the Procession of Candles at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima; the square in front of the Sanctuary is twice the size of that in St Peters in Rome. This page, right: the stained glass window depicting the Apparition and the three children who received the three messages; below: commercial, but with charm, the town is full of shops selling religious artefacts

S H H H H

d o n’t sp rea d th e wo rd !

L O C A L H I D E AWAY S I S A H A N D PICKED COLLECTION OF LITTLE G E M S T H AT H AV E B E E N C A R E F U L LY SOURCED, TRIED AND TESTED, MUCH LOVED, AND WHERE POSSIBLE , KEPT S E C R E T. W E TA L K E D T O F O U N D E R E S T H E R VA N O N N A , A N D G E M F I N D E R KARIN BARNHOORN, WHO IS BASED IN THE ALGARVE

Wo rd s:

SUSI ROGOL-GOODKIND

In 2013, when influencers were still something of a rarity, Esther van Onna, above, decided to take the plunge, and combining her marcom knowledge, creative skills and passion for travelling, she set up Local Hideaways, an independent and carefully selected portfolio of authentic, small-scale, one-of-akind accommodations across the world. Vital to the personality of her business, she has visited them all and experienced what they offer: “I need to ensure that they are as wonderful as they claim to be – with a unique charm that will be the perfect match for the people I can direct there.” Lifestyle and travel journalist, photographer, epicurean and cat rescuer Karin Barnhoorn, opposite page, who lives in a beautiful renovated quinta in the Algarvean countryside, joined the team earlier this year as the local gem finder for Portugal, following the path that leads to the discovery of potential hideaways that meet the company’s rigid criteria.

@DAISYSOPHIA

ALGARVE P L U S

STAY AWAY PLUS

CREATIVE PLUS

“There must be something special about a Hideaway: the location, the building, the people, the service. But most of all, it has to have a soul.”

Okay, so what happens when they are approached by a hotel that seems to meet all the requirements? ‘Seems to’ is not where Local Hideaways is at. “We don’t list a place unless it meets our expectations,” Esther explains. “As a result, we may have a slightly awkward conversation with an owner or manager explaining why their location, for example, does not fit our portfolio. This is essential if we are to maintain the standards we have established. We have to distinguish Local Hideaways from all the others out there and to offer consistent quality to our clients. We are independent, and will never be influenced by others.” Local Hideaways started off with 16 Hideaways in 2013 and now has over 155 in its collection... and the numbers will increase with new finds that are the perfect fit. The company’s philosophy couldn’t be more appropriate to the needs and wants of today’s travellers. There is no question: authentic, small-scale and unique are the bywords, the key factors that have fashioned the new way of travelling. The pandemic, and lockdown, have made people re-evaluate so many aspects of their life, and tastes have changed because of that. Today’s travellers want personal service, plus advice from professionals that will help them plan every day of their adventure. And you can only give genuine, heartfelt advice, if you have been there, experienced it, and have knowledge to share; after all, it’s those insider tips that add an extra dimension of magic to a hand-picked property. Prices? The range covered by Local Hideaways is remarkable – €50-€750 a night. Time to get on the website now, and start planning that dream trip.

Not making the grade

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“There must be something special about a Hideaway: the location, the building, the people, the service. But most of all, it has to have a soul,” explains Karin. “You can’t pick it up and put it somewhere else… that wouldn’t work. The Hideaway is part of a total travel experience, it’s not just a place to sleep... although a good mattress is essential!” And there is more that defines the Local Hideaways ethos. Properties have to be independent and not too big – so no big chains, no impersonal hotels, no tents and no glamping. It’s also a matter of a good vibes. “Karin and I can feel it right away, the minute we walk in,” says Esther. Not only is this adventure-loving twosome on the constant look-out for properties that grab their attention, but their clients, who book via the Local Hideaways website – have come to expect exemplary advice and the best in service. “We know each hideaway so well that we can pass on indepth detail, the ins and outs, the not-to-be-missed features, everything that is part of the unique character of a special place to stay. Once we have a client’s wishlist, we can focus on the perfect match and deliver the dream break they are looking for.” Karin adds: “and if somewhere is fully booked, we can suggest a fitting alternative. Because of the intimate relationship we have with our individual hideaways, we know precisely what makes each one tick.” Integrated into the Local Hideaways offering is a search service. Esther explains how that works: “The client decides the budget and special wants and interests and we propose a custom-made experience, often involving a selection of properties. This will save the clients hours of surfing the web in search of the perfect holiday location; we take care of it for them. We also arrange trips for special occasions like weddings, a yoga retreat or a family celebration. From our long experience, we know the right location for the right clients. And the lowest rates are guaranteed, and that adds to the appeal of our properties.”

@LUISDACRUZ

A bit of a rarity

STAY AWAY PLUS

“We love the Alentejo, the wildness and emptiness. But the Vicentina Coast is a personal favourite – walking the Rota Vicentina is high on the wishlist. And the North – Porto and the Douro area are so worth a visit and there are wonderful places to stay…”

Algarve

Some favourites here in Portugal

ALGARVE P L U S

M ORG A D O D O QU I N TÃO Winetasting experience under the 2,000 year old olive tree at Morgado do Quintão, close to Silves. Accompanied by homemade locally sourced petiscos. Such a special place to be. Also a great Local Hideaway to stay, check the website for more information.

A lovely contemporary B&B situated in one of our favourite parts of Portugal: the Costa Vicentina. This stunning coastline along the Atlantic Ocean, beneath Lisbon, is located in the Alentejo and reaches all the way to the southernmost part of the Algarve. Great beaches, surfing, hiking and biking, this area is an outdoor haven! This Hideaway is right at the starting point of the Rota Vicentina. A life changing experience is an early morning balloon ride over the Alentejo with Up Alentejo. Quietly floating in the air and witnessing the landscape below come to life is a must-do.

The five-day Amaveda (ama-veda. com) Ayurveda detox retreat at Casa Terra eco boutique hotel, hidden in the green hills behind Tavira. Amaveda founder Emily Shaw is an amazing host and great cook. The first retreat for 2022 is 16-21 January.

NA T RAV E SSA S U I T E S PO RTO A brand new B&B right in the city centre of Porto. Modern Portuguese architecture by Luís Sobral of Depa, meets a comfortable stay. Pedro and Mariana are the sympathetic owners. Mariana runs the daily B&B business; she is the best host and knows the Porto insider tips! A lovely breakfast is served to start your day and you’ll be ready to explore the city!

A handpicked collection of authentic, small-scale and one of a kind stays. E: info@localhideaways.com W: localhideaways.com

L O C A L H I D E A W AY S / I n s t a g r a m : @ l o c a l h i d e a w a y s | @ k a r i n b a r n h o o r n

P H O T O G R A P H S : E S T H E R VA N O O N A A N D K A R I N B A R N H O O M

O LUGAR

Porto

Alentejo

CASA T E RRA

Os nossos melhores desejos para o Natal e Ano Novo

Corte Real. The Algarve Gallery.TM: 961 528 679

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

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

EATING OUT PLUS

GRAND HOUSE HOTEL

HENRIQUE LEIS

SUBA

FESTIVE

f l a vours...

WH I LE MAN Y R E S TAU R ANTS , AN D SO M E H OTEL S , WI LL C LOS E OVER TH E H O LI DAY PER I O D, OTH ERS AR E FI R M LY FO C US ED O N TA S TEB U D TI N G LI N G M EN U S AN D S ERVI N G U P SO M E VERY S PEC IAL TR I M M I N G S . N E W Y E AR ’ S E VE PRO M IS E S TO B E S PEC TAC U L AR

VILA REAL DE SANTO ANTÓNIO

TAVIRA

LOULÉ

LISBON

A V E R TAV I R A

HENRIQUE LEIS

SUBA

T H E G R A N D H O U S E H OT E L

Listed in the Michelin Guide 2021, A Ver Tavira is set high up in the historic centre of this beautiful city. Enjoy Chef Luís Brito’s exacting combinations in an elegant environment with a splendid view of the Gilão river. His dishes are skilfully conceived and a fine example of contemporary Portuguese cooking. The New Year’s Eve menu, €200pp, is focused on food, rather than entertainment. 281 381 363

Brazilian-born owner and chef, Henrique was awarded a Michelin Star every year from 2000, handing it back in 2019. Fiercely independent and passionate about every dish, he is creating a tantalising nine-course menu for New Year’s Eve. At midnight there will be music, and fireworks (the terrace of the Vale Formoso restaurant has marvellous views down to the sea, from Faro to Quarteira). €130pp, not including drinks.

restauranteavertavira@gmail.com

289 393 438

In the Verride Palácio Santa Catarina, New Year’s Eve celebrations starts at 19:00 with a welcome drink. A sumptuous seven-course meal follows that includes Chef Fábio Alves’s 35-day matured veal tartar with caviar oysters, pigeon with quince and winter truffles, and a chocolate, hazelnut, gold and hibiscus parfait. At midnight, there will be fireworks, Champagne and raisins. All that, and a magnificent view of the capital. €350pp, wine pairing included.

resthenriqueleis@gmail.com

211 573 055

Grand in every respect, a New Year’s that would be crowned by a stay in this special hotel. ‘Too Glam to Give a Damn’ is the name of the night at the Grand Salon – expect a luscious fivecourse menu, music, fireworks, Champagne toast at midnight, and spectacular views across the water to Spain. €222pp. 281 530 290 info@grandhousealgarve.com

verridesc.pt/restaurants

ALGARVE P L U S

l 19

A VER TAVIRA

EATING OUT PLUS

ALBUFEIRA PINE CLIFFS

PINE CLIFFS

The Maré, on the sandy beach of Praia da Falésia, will be the stage for a great New Year's celebration exclusively for adults. A fivecourse menu, an open bar, and entertainment with a DJ until 1:00 are planned. €225pp, In the peaceful environment O Pescador restaurant an exciting menu will be served, with five signature dishes, and diners will have exclusive access to the sunset deck for a midnight celebration with Champagne. €165pp, with a selection of wines and beer for €25 per person. Reserve online and see the other options, at

QUARTEIRA

VALE DO LOBO

ALMANCIL

DA N O ’ S , B OV I N O

D I P L O M AT I C O

M O N T Y S R E S TAU R A N T

TRIBULUM

STEAKHOUSE , CASA VELHA A N D C A S A D O L AG O

French cuisine at its best – think snails in puff pastry with Champagne sauce, lobster ravioli with whisky sauce, chateaubriand Rossini with truffled mashed potatoes, fine French cheeses served with white Reserve Port. There’ll be live music and dancing – all the ingredients to guarantee a great start to the New Year. €68pp. The Christmas Eve and Christmas lunch menus are €53, and in between Christmas and New Year, chef Hervé will be serving a delicious Bouillabaisse menu of fresh oysters, escargots, and frogs legs.

After a glass of bubbly, choose from tried and tested dishes that get the thumbs up, and there’s something to satisfy all tastes. How about prawnstuffed mushrooms with a brandy and garlic sauce, or a fillet of beef tataki – and those are just two of the starters. Chicken Cordon Bleu, seabass, and medallions of beef join the line up for main course dishes. Party from 19:00 till late and dance into the New Year with fireworks on the Praça. €90pp.

Another special menu is planned for New Year’s Eve. €95pp for a big treat of Jonnie Pratt specials. Mains include roast soy and garlic beef fillet, duck with spiced pear and citrus carrot purée, and an amazing pumpkin and Provolone risotto – but there’s lots more in the way of individual flavours, as you would expect here. Great news for partying families is that kiddies up to four years old eat for free, and there are half portions for the five to 12s.

916 293 149

montys-algarve.com

ALGARVE P L U S

QUINTA DO LAGO

pinecliffs.com/pt/magic-season/

See page 33 for the lowdown. 289 390 700 info@quintadolago.com

PORCHES V I L A V I TA PA R C

Wave goodbye to what should stay in 2021 and welcome in the New Year in style. The Grand Gala show will be accompanied by a five-course menu at €315pp, which includes a late snack. As an alternative, choose one of the resort’s many restaurants – there’s elegant fine dining at Ocean restaurant, €490pp with cocktail and wine pairing included, or Atlântico restaurant, with live music, €235pp and €75 wine pairing. For the other options throughout the resort, check out vilavitaparc.com 282 310 100 reservas@vilavitaparc.com

289 356 079

restaurantediplomatico@gmail. com

QUINTA DO LAGO F O U R S E A S O N S FA I R WAY S

‘Rouge’ is the theme, inspired by the Moulin Rouge. The gala dinner will take place throughout the club and in both restaurants. The €140pp five-course menu includes a selection of house wines, beer, soft drinks and mineral water, petit fours and Champagne. Live music with the Washingtons Band ensures the party spirit. 289 357 500 reception@fourseasonsfairways. com

TRIBULUM

289 397 784 info@tribulumalgarve.com

The Finest Art Gallery in the Algarve

Loulé Gallery Group exhibition celebrating 2021 Season’s Greetings - Boas Festas

www.artcatto.com Avenida José da Costa Mealha Nº43 | +351 289 419 447 | info@artcatto.com

chapter

C A S A

“Wonderful food matched by wonderful service!“ Source: Trip Advisor

A M O R All t h ose yest e rd ays W E L E F T J A C K A N D WA LT E R I N NOVEMBER IN SEARCH OF A BUILDER . THEIR PROJECT IS AMBITIOUS AND COMPLEX, AND CONSTRUCTION COSTS ARE EXPLODING. THEY NEED T O C O N S U LT O T H E R C O M PA N I E S , AND PERHAPS MAKE CONCESSIONS, B E F O R E T H E Y P I C K T H E O N E T H AT W I L L B E PA R T O F T H E I R G R A N D ADVENTURE . BUT IN THE MEANTIME …

Wo rd s:

SUSI ROGOL-GOODKIND

W Amara 5.0

www.amararestaurant.pt Reservas: T +351 289 357 579 @amarafairways Four Seasons Fairways | Avenida André Jordan 37 Quinta do Lago

HILE WAITING to ready themselves to move into the future, Jack and Walter have taken time out to go back into the past. From the beginning of their project, they wanted to share their adventure with our readers, and also on Instagram (@casa_amor_olhao), Facebook (@casaamorolhao) and even on the walls of their building. “Many of our neighbours, often elderly, are not on social networks, which is why we had the idea of an exhibition last summer,” explains Jack. “Walls have eyes, after all. We printed all our Instagram posts, bought wallpaper glue, and plastered the front walls of what will be Casa Amor with a multitude of messages. It was exciting to see locals and tourists stopping, reading, and even taking selfies.” The greatest surprise, the duo discovered, came with the realisation that so much of the building’s heritage is ingrained in the memories of Olhão’s inhabitants. Charming stories were told, recollections detailed, tales repeated that were funny, touching, unexpected, anecdotal, even historical. Jack and Walter soaked them up, wrote them down and plan to treasure them. “They are like a little Christmas present,” says Walter.

VISION PLUS

ALGARVE P L U S

With plans formally agreed, now it is the nail-biting time to select the builder who is able to deliver that dream

What a way to garner a reaction! Social media posts printed up and pasted on the walls of Casa Amor. The locals stopped, studied, and were fast to make comment, recalling past experiences of the property itself, and the people who had actually stayed there in its days as a pension

We r e m e m b e r i t we l l Well, as it’s Christmas, and a time of sharing and caring, we asked the boys to let us be party to some of the comments they gathered. Here are just a handful: For Luciana, this house is part of Olhão’s heritage: “The last time I entered Pension Helena was in 1982 to accompany the family who had come to spend holidays here. There were large dark red velvet curtains. Why do I remember this detail?” The house was part of Maria’s childhood: “There was a kind of banking agency. When we received dollars from our family in the USA, we came here to change them into escudos. I remember we ate much better afterwards and my mother blessed our expatriate cousins.” Cristina remembers that as a child she came to buy tobacco on the ground floor: “It was at Mr. Baltazar’s. I bought Jaguar Duque tobacco for my grandfather from the Alentejo. He smoked pipes and at that time tobacco was sold to miners. And nobody was surprised.” Vanda has no memory of Pension Helena as a building, but she knows its name very well: “When we were children, there was this expression that many mothers used when they thought we behaved like spoilt children: ‘enough is enough, we’re not at the Helena Pension here’.” Joaquim remembers that it was at the Helena Pension that Manuel Zora came to sleep. “Don't you know him? He was

born here and then moved to America. He taught John and Bob Kennedy how to navigate and helped their father, Joe, get alcohol from Canada to the United States during Prohibition. The Coast Guard nicknamed him the Sea Fox because he was never caught. He met Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton and many celebrities. When he came back here in his later years, he used to speak about his incredible adventures. Many people didn’t believe him, thinking he was making up all these stories.” And then there are these last two charming testimonies… Mauricio: “I love this house, because it is here, at the corner of Rua Bombarda and Rua Pádua, that I used to wait for my lover. I would lean against the wall, and when I saw her coming my heart raced. We still live together.” And also the one from Sara about the graffiti written on the doors: “We wrote our first name with white correction fluid. We also wrote the one of the beloved boy. We hoped he would have seen it, but when he saw it, we denied it! It was said that it was not us! Another time…” Aren’t these the most beautiful tributes to Casa Amor? Next month, we will know more about the budget, the development plan, the schedule, and the concessions – if they prove to be necessary. In the meantime, a parting message from Jack and Walter: “Long live love and lovers! All we need is love!”

W H A T

T O

D R I N K T H I S

C H R I S T M A S

E N T E R TA I N I N G AT H O M E ? P L A N N E D YO U R FE S TIV E M E N U TO ALLOW FOR THE DIFFERENT TA S T E S O F YO U R G U E S T S ? T H I S I S W H E R E PA I R I N G CO M E S I N T O I T S O W N , S O T H AT E V E R Y D I S H H A S I T S P E R F E C T PA R T N E R

Wo rd s:

LÍVIA MOKRI

Bacalhau

At Portuguese Christmas, bacalhau is the boss, particularly on Christmas Eve. The most consumed fish in the country, it's said there are 365 different ways to cook it – one for every day of the year.

Traditionally on the 24th, it’s a case of 'cod with all', a dish that includes boiled potatoes, boiled egg, Portuguese cabbage, and sometimes carrots and chickpeas, watered with a good oil that is heated with onion and garlic. While a medium-bodied red would work well with this dish, the naturally higher acids in white varieties make for a nice match with the inherent saltiness of the dish. But some body is also needed., so it’s time to head to the Dão region of Portugal, to the birthplace of one of the country's great, indigenous whites, EN C R UZA D O . The lovely creamy, tropical flavours are supported by naturally high levels of acidity and there's enough weight and power to stand up to bacalhau. A delicious pairing and well worth trying!

Roast Turkey

Roasted turkey is also present on Christmas tables in Portugal, though less frequently than bacalhau. As tradition dictates, turkey can be consumed only after the Mass, which is why it is often the choice for Christmas Day. But to non-Portuguese, turkey remains the star of the show. Pairing wine with roast turkey is certainly not difficult. The meat’s succulent flavour and juicy texture works well with an array of diverse grape varieties, and that opens the door – and the taste buds – to both rich

balanced whites, and earthy, fruit-driven reds. The nuances matter when pairing wine with turkey; how you prepare your turkey will dictate the choice. P I N OT N O I R You can’t go wrong with this, when served alongside a classic, roasted turkey with gravy. Select a new world Pinot Noir from California or Argentina, or you might prefer a real classic from France's Burgundy region, or a German Spätburgunder. C H A R D O N N AY No matter which region you look to, you can’t go wrong in pairing Chardonnay with your turkey; its oaky notes will bring out more complex flavours and textures from the turkey, while a fruity and crisp Chardonnay such as Chablis or Burgundy offers a delicate mouthfeel. Regardless of your choice, the acidity and fruitiness are constants that make for an excellent partner. C H A MPAG N E contains high acidity, which pairs well with traditional roasted turkey and can be drunk throughout the meal, including with dessert. R I E S L I N G A dry, German Riesling is an outstanding choice to accompany turkey. Forget the explosively sugar-ridden bottles that used to dominate the market – dry Riesling is back, and better than ever. The drink’s high acidity and minerality add a delicious touch to the turkey while keeping your taste buds soothed and comfortable.Beaujolais The Beaujolais Cru

Choosing a wine for each dish on the Christmas menu is difficult. It is necessary to choose a small portfolio of labels, which cover the largest number of dishes with well-achieved harmonisation.

nation and home to some of the freshest, most delicious seafood in Europe. It also has the highest consumption of fish per capita of any European country. The question is, what to pair with it? That grand Christmas dinner is almost here: when else in the year can we enjoy Champagne for breakfast, heavy reds for lunch and great Ports for an afternoon relax? It's the season of delicious foods. Good sparkling wine is sacred in these moments of celebration, followed by a white, and also a red of medium structure and good softness. And finally, it is essential to open a fortified wine for dessert to comfort the soul and cheer the spirits. Fortunately, there is a large repertoire of Portuguese wines with this profile, and many good options of high quality at good prices, in each region of Portugal. But as joyful as the Christmas meals can be, it's nearly impossible to find a few bottles that will hit the right note with every element. Choosing a wine for each dish on the Christmas menu is often difficult, either because of the dynamics of the dishes that arrive at the table together, or because of a large number of guests. For this reason, it is necessary to choose a small portfolio of labels, which cover the largest number of dishes with well-achieved harmonisation. That's where we can help you now... just read on for our guide to festive food and wine pairings!

ALGARVE P L U S

ORTUGAL is a sea-faring

CHEERS PLUS

is a young wine that is light and high in acidity, making for a distinct and enjoyable match. Beaujolais Nouveau is also a popular choice – this light and fruity variation will complement the turkey, and its low alcoholic content will effortlessly highlight sweeter flavours. SANG I OVESE The Italian Sangiovese is another excellent choice – its subtly spicy flair helps bring out more unique, savoury flavours in your turkey.

ALGARVE P L U S

Stilton cheese

If there’s a cheese deserving attention all on its own, it just might be Stilton. Made entirely from cow’s milk sourced from three English counties, the tall ‘cylinders’ of cheese stand apart. Named after the Cambridgeshire village where it is made, Stilton carries a wallop of flavour and a crumbly texture. It is smoky, nutty, and savoury, a real Christmas special. Creating wine and cheese pairings is challenging, but a good pairing is well worth the effort, especially when it comes to blue cheese, whose strong flavours can clash with many wines. In general, it can be said that the bolder the cheese, the bolder the wine. Blue cheeses need strong wines or sweet wines to balance their flavours. Consider these: PO RT WINE A traditional pairing for Stilton is a Port wine that you can pair with other types of blue cheese as well; the tannins and high alcohol are offset by the wine’s intense grapey sweetness. Look for an LBV (Late Bottled Vintage) port in your wine shop, which is ready to drink upon purchase (as opposed to Vintage Port, which is meant to be cellared). S H E R RY Another type of fortified wine with a strong flavour profile, the sweetness of Sherry

works well with the pungency of the cheese. A very old, oxidative sherry like the nutty Oloroso is particularly good. M A L BEC This medium to full-bodied red with notes of dark fruits (such as blackberries and plums), cocoa, and leather is a great partner for blue cheese. C A BER N E T SAU V I G N O N Cabernet Sauvignon is another medium to full-bodied red option. While it shares some similarities to Malbec, it does feature stronger tannins, making it the more intense of the two. If you pair Cabernet Sauvignon with a milder blue, however, you might lose some of the more subtle notes of the cheese. TOKA J I ASZ U Some white wines also make for a great pairing with Stilton. One excellent option to consider is Tokaji Aszu. This sweet, white dessert wine features notes of dried apricots, figs, dates, and nuts. All these flavours appear also in the golden Tokaji wines of Hungary, which are labelled from 2 to 6 that denotes their sweetness, 6 being the richest.

Bolo Rei

Dessert is a big deal in Portugal and no meal is complete without a sweet finale, especially at Christmas time. Bolo Rei, quite literally ’King Cake’, is traditionally eaten over Christmas. Shaped like a crown, its soft, sweet dough is embedded with dried fruits, nuts and baked until crunchy. A lovely tradition here in Portugal is to hide a dried fava bean in the cake somewhere, and whoever finds it in their portion has to buy the cake the following year! With a sweet dessert like the Bolo Rei, it is best to drink something that brings out the fruity character, without overpowering it.

Moscatel de Setúbal is perfect for this; tangy and sweet with lovely flavours of apricots, nectarines and honey. Make sure you taste a younger bottle, as they can get quite smokey, dark and nutty with age; delicious, but not quite right with Bolo Rei!

Christmas pudding

There is an argument that you don't need anything to drink with the classic Christmas pudding, especially if you've sloshed brandy all over it, but if you're pairing other courses you might fancy a small glass of something sweet. If you serve a rich sweet wine like a Moscatel or a sweet Sherry, you can make an already rich pudding overwhelmingly rich. On the other hand, a lighter dessert wine such as a Sauternes or a glass of sparkling wine can get lost amidst all the rich spicy fruit. In my view, the type of wine that works best is a dessert wine with flavours of orange or apricot, an aged Tawny Port or rich Madeira. Try a ten or 20-year-old Tawny, which is slightly less sweet than a Ruby Port or a Late Bottled Vintage, and I think the nutty flavours work well together. Serve it as they do in Portugal, lightly chilled. Less-sweet wines such as non-botrytised, late-harvest Rieslings can match less-sweet desserts. The rule of thumb is the sweetness of the wine should be equal to, or greater than, that of the dessert. Otherwise, you won't be able to taste the wine. If you’re a beer fan you might enjoy a bottle of barley wine (an extra-strong ale) with the pudding. Or serve your pud with a small wellchilled glass of Grand Marnier or other orangeflavoured liqueur.

PROMOTION PLUS

WINTER WONDERS

T DANO'S Sports Bar & Restaurant,

there’s an amazing new menu almost every night of the week. Tuesday is Pie Night, Wednesday fires up the Wild Grill, on Thursday enjoy Oysters & Guinness, and on Saturday and Sunday come together for tapas and beer, plus all the live coverage from the Champions’ League. Stay active and enjoying the outdoors throughout the Christmas period, with plenty of sports and activities to get involved in. From The Campus’ Family Tennis Championship and Christmas Padel Tournament, to the Junior Open Golf Tournament, and The Bike Shed’s 100km Challenge to cycle to the highest peak of the Algarve, there’s lots of ways to keep enjoying the great outdoors this December. For a cosy Christmas Day or Sunday lunch, dine in Quinta do Lago style in the comfort of your home with your own Christmas Hamper. Simply order online, choosing your favourite ingredients for a warming three-course meal for up to ten people, and you’ll receive it complete, pre-prepared and ready to cook, with full instructions. For those who prefer dining out, don’t miss the three-course Sunday lunch menu in the relaxed

and beautiful setting of the newly renovated Clubhouse. Nothing brings people together like a classic Sunday roast, and with views overlooking the magnificent golf course, the Clubhouse is the perfect place to dine in style. The festivities continue on Boxing Day with live football and fantastic food at Dano’s. Visit Quinta do Lago’s stylish family sports bar to watch the Boxing Day Premier League games with a pint of Guinness or Hop 13, plus a tasty menu that promises something delicious for the whole family. On New Year’s Eve, Quinta do Lago will be brimming with energy with no less than four great celebrations across the resort – at Bovino Steakhouse, Casa Velha, Casa do Lago and Dano’s. With fireworks as the clock strikes midnight, the live music will be as impressive as the food as we kick off a brand-new year together. Then start the New Year off as as you mean to continue, with Dano’s fabulous New Year’s Day Brunch. Join the fun and laughter and exchange of resolutions with your family and friends while the kitchen cooks up a storm of your favourite dishes and sharing plates.

On New Yearʼs Eve, Quinta do Lago will be brimming with energy with four celebrations across the resort, at Bovino Steakhouse, Casa Velha, Casa do Lago and Dano’s.

For bookings or more information contact i n f o @ q u i n t a d o l a g o . c o m

/ 289 390 700.

ALGARVE P L U S

M AG I C A L M O M E N T S AWA I T YO U AT Q U I N TA D O L A G O W I T H A H O S T O F F A M I LY E V E N T S T H R O U G H O U T DECEMBER. LET THE FESTIVITIES BEGIN A S W E S W I T C H O N T H E Q U I N TA D O L AGO CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTS AT D A N O ’ S . C O M E T O G E T H E R WITH YO U R LOV ED O N ES TO EN J OY M U LLED WI N E , H OT C H O C O L AT E A N D C H R I S T M A S MUSIC ON THE PLAZA

GET THE MESSAGE OVER

S N O W Y W R E AT H

Hanging wooden decoration, 14cm, €4.95

All the Christmas trimmings. Handmade centrepiece for the table or to dress the door,

ANGEL

30cm diameter,

CANDLE

€19.95

HOLDERS

ALGARVE P L U S

Set of six, €24

Make it a merry E NJOY A GLASS For flowers, a favourite perfume, or just as decoration. Set of three, €28

CHRISTMAS Ready to shop for all those seasonal goodies and decorate your home in seasonal style? We’re picked some real winners P h ot og ra phy:

G A R R E T T WA L S H

ADDED CHARM Joyful wooden carving, 10cm high, €8.49

PROMOTION PLUS

S AT I N H E A R T

S I LV E R E D T R E E O F L I F E

Little box for secret things, 9cm wide, €9.95

ALGARVE P L U S

27cm high, €16.95

SEEING RED Polished platter, 30cm diameter, €8

TINKER BELLS Box of 12, €9.95

DELIVERING SMILES BOWLED OVER

S TA R R I N G R O L E

Nutcracker figurines, above and left above,

Set of four glazed bowls, 5.5cm diameter, €8

Another decor idea, 35cm across, €19.95

25cm high, €15.95 each

KIT & CABOODLE : C aminho do Cerro do Galo Armazém 3 , 8135 - 028 Almancil T: 2 8 9 3 9 4 2 5 7 / W : k i t a n d c a b o o d l e . p t / E : s a l e s @ k i t a n d c a b o o d l e . p t

A VERY DIFFERENT CELEBRATION MEAL OKAY, SO YOU COULD SETTLE FOR TURKEY AND ALL THE TRIMMINGS, OR YOU COULD INVEST THE TIME AND EFFORT INTO A TRULY MEMORABLE DISH, THE WORK OF YOTAM OTTOLENGHI AND HIS TEAM LEAD BY NOOR MURAD

Rice with Lamb, Chicken and Garlic Yoghurt SERVES 8 / PREP 15 MINUTES / COOK 2 HOURS 20 MIN UTES / SOAKING 1 HOUR +

I NGR E DI E N TS CHICKEN

RICE

GAR LIC YOG H U RT

1 whole chicken (1.4kg)  2 cinnamon sticks  1 onion, cut into six wedges (150g)  1 head of garlic, skin on and halved widthways  1tsp ground cumin  1tsp ground cinnamon  2tbsp olive oil  1½ tbsp lemon juice  5g parsley, roughly chopped  salt and black pepper



2tbsp olive oil  40g unsalted butter  1 onion, finely chopped (150g)  300g minced lamb  3 garlic cloves, finely chopped  1½ tsp ground cinnamon  1tsp ground allspice  400g basmati rice, washed, soaked in cold water for at least 1 hour and then drained



500g greek yoghurt 2 garlic cloves, crushed

GARNISH 50g unsalted butter 30g blanched almonds  30g pine nuts  ¾ tsp aleppo chilli, or ½ tsp regular chilli flakes  5g picked parsley leaves  4tbsp pomegranate seeds  

TASTE PLUS

Get ahead: Cook the chicken the day before, refrigerating the flavourful stock and shredded chicken separately. M ET HOD

2 For the rice, put the oil and half the butter into a large saucepan, and place on a medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook for 7 minutes, stirring often, until lightly golden. Add the lamb, garlic and spices and cook for 2 minutes more, stirring often, until the lamb is no longer pink. Add the rice, 700ml of the warm stock, 1¾ teaspoons of salt and a good grind of pepper. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover with the lid and cook for 15 minutes. Take off the heat and allow

MAKE IT YOUR OWN:

it to sit, covered, for 15 minutes more. Add the remaining butter and set aside.

4 Put 2 tablespoons of oil into a large sauté pan on a mediumhigh heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5 minutes, to warm through. Remove from the heat, stir in the lemon juice and parsley and set aside. 5 Make the garnish by putting the butter into a small frying pan on a medium-high heat. Add the almonds and cook for 3 minutes, stirring, until lightly coloured. Add the pine nuts and cook for another 2 minutes, until golden. Remove from the heat and add the aleppo chilli. 6 Spread the rice over a large, round serving platter. Top with the chicken, then pour over half the garlic yoghurt. Finish with the nuts and butter, followed by the picked parsley

THIS IS JUST ONE OF THE MANY

 Swap the lamb for beef mince, or a mixture of the two, if you wish.

ADVENTUROUS DISHES OTTOLENGHI

The cinnamon rice is a treat on its own, so you could skip out on everything else

LOVE (EBURY PUBLISHING, €24) A



Eat this with some veggies and a spoonful of yoghurt

AND HIS TEAM SERVED UP IN SHELF COMPENDIUM OF RECIPES THAT PAY HOMAGE TO HUMBLE KITCHEN CUPBOARD ESSENTIALS

l 31

3 Meanwhile, make the yoghurt sauce by whisking together the yoghurt, garlic, ¾ teaspoon of salt and the remaining 150ml of warm stock in a medium bowl.

ALGARVE P L U S

1 Put the chicken into a large saucepan, along with the cinnamon sticks, onion, garlic, 2 litres of water and 2 teaspoons of salt. Bring to the boil, then lower the heat to medium-low and simmer, covered, for 70 minutes, or until cooked through. Lift out the chicken and, when cool enough, tear into large bite-size chunks, discarding the skin and bones. Place the chicken in a bowl with the ground cumin and cinnamon and set aside. Strain the stock through a sieve set over a large bowl, discarding the solids. Measure out 850ml and keep warm (save the remainder for another use).

TASTE PLUS

Millionaire’s trif le

ALGARVE P L U S

SERVES 12 / PREP 45 MINS / SET 1 HOUR / L A S T S 2 - 3 D AY S , IN THE FRIDGE

I NGR E DI E N TS

M ET HOD

500ml ready-made vanilla custard 100g ready-made caramel (doce de leite)  100g milk or dark chocolate, chopped  600ml double cream  2tbsp icing sugar  1tsp vanilla extract  1 x jumbo chocolate Swiss roll  500g shortbread biscuits  300g caramel sauce

1 Pour the ready-made custard into a pan, add the caramel and chocolate and heat over a low heat, mixing together until smooth and melted. Pour into a bowl and leave to cool, stirring occasionally to prevent a skin forming.

 

TOPPING  1 x packet brownie bites  100g chocolate sauce  Chocolates  Sprinkles

CUSTOMISE 

You can use any type of cake in place of the Swiss roll.

 You can add 1–2tsp of sea salt to the caramel to make salted caramel.

You can swap the caramel for chocolate sauce, or a fruit coulis. 

 You can add a layer of jelly – follow instructions on the packet.

2 Put the double cream, icing sugar and vanilla extract into a separate bowl and whip together to form soft peaks. Slice the Swiss roll into 1cm round slices and then place a layer of slices into the bottom of a large serving dish about 20cm in diameter and 10cm deep (glass is best so you can see the layers). 3 Add half of the custard mixture and spread evenly, then add a layer of shortbread biscuits. Add a third of the whipped cream and then drizzle over a third of the caramel sauce. 4 Repeat with another layer of Swiss roll slices, the other half of the custard, another layer of shortbread biscuits, a third of the whipped cream and a third of the caramel sauce.

Top with a layer of brownie bites and the remaining whipped cream. Drizzle over some chocolate sauce, the rest of the caramel sauce and any decoration you fancy, such as sprinkles, or chocolates! 5 Leave the trifle in the fridge to set for about an hour before tucking in.

PLENTY MORE YUM IN JANE’S PATISSERIE (EBURY PRESS, €25), BY THE FOOD WRITER, PHOTOGRAPHER AND BLOGGER, JANE DUNN.

FOUR SEASONS

Q U I N TA D O L A G O

5 Year club membership from €3500

S u n sh i n e h ol i d ay d e a l s f or Sp r i n g a n d W i n t er Luxury villas with private swimming pool or Jacuzzi Central clubhouse with heated indoor & outdoor pools, Lounge & pool bar and two restaurants Sports & Wellness . Gym & classes . Kids club & nursery . Golf shop . Mini M arket Discover how you can benefit from the 5 year club membership deals at our inform ation centre in Quinta do Lago.

FairwaysDirect.com Official Resale & Rental Representatives

V I VA

V I V E I R O S

Handcrafted Daily At ourgelatos store inhandcrafted Loulé market Natural daily Using locally-grown Homemade cakes, wafflesproduce and desserts All Vegan, available at our store in sugar-free Loulé Market gluten-free and Mercado de Loulé

@8100gelato

THERE ARE PLENTY OF BIG GARDEN CENTRES DOT TED ACROSS T H E A L G A R V E T H AT C AT E R T O A L L TA S T E S , B U T I T I S T H E S M A L L S P E C I A L I S T O P E R AT O R S W H O O F F E R A D V I C E , A N D P L A N T S T H AT A R E P E R F E C T F O R O U R C L I M AT E . SOME OF THOSE LISTED HERE ARE V E R Y S M A L L , S O A LWAY S P H O N E O R E MAI L B E FO R E YO U PLAN TO VISIT

MENTE

P S Y C H O T H E R A P Y

AFRO PLANTS

Psychotherapy, Counselling & Coaching

LETʼS TALK...

Going to therapy when you feel overwhelmed should be as normal as going to the doctor for a persistent cough or unexplained pain... gen@mentepsychotherapy.com mentepsychotherapy.com The Green Building | Room 9 | Loulé Zoom or in person

W H E R E : Quelfes W H O : Alain and Marie Rzepecky W H AT: Growers of rare and unusual African, Arabian Peninsula and Indian Ocean's islands plants and seeds. afroplants@gmail.com / afroplants.net

AZI PLANTAS CACTUS W H E R E : Odemira W H O : Joana Gil Ribeiro W H AT: Range of cacti and succulents. facebook.com/azicactus

GARDENING PLUS

BROMÉLIAS DO BREJO W H E R E : Setúbal W H O : Jorge Freixial W H AT: Bromeliads and Tillandsias, unique in Portugal. 963 675 849 aereas.bb@gmail.com / bromeliasdobrejo.com

CACTIJARDINS W H E R E : Porches W H O : Vânia Rua W H AT: Large range succulents, cacti, caudiciform plants. 932 798 525 cactijardins@hotmail.com / cactijardins.com

CAMINHOS SOMBREADOS W H E R E : Lagoa W H O : Benoít and Ann Clairbois W H AT: Mediterranean shrubs and succulents. 917 795 395 caminhos.viveiros@gmail.com

VIVEIROS EIRAS ALTAS W H E R E : Sta Catarina, Tavira W H O : Martin Lücke W H AT: Succulents, cacti, ornamental plants, fruit trees. 963 424 026 / 281 971 489 harmonygardens.eirasaltas@ gmail.com

JARDIMSECO W H E R E : Tavira W H O : Joanna Foster and Benedict Hurst W H AT: Own grown plants suited to dry gardens. Trees, shrubs, palms, aloes, agaves and ground cover succulents in unusual varieties. 967 495 831 jardimseco@paisotec.com / jardimseco.com

PROJECT EARTH W H E R E : Estoi, Faro Nuno Santos W H AT: Handmade pottery and caudiciform plants. 919 689 098 nunosantos.boy@gmail.com / facebook.com/PROJECT.eARTh.pt/

Q GARDENS GARDEN CENTRE, W H E R E : Odiáxere, Lagos W H AT: Variety of garden plants, shrubs and trees, landscaping and maintenance. 282 799 633 qgarden@mail.telepac.pt

QUINTA FJAERE W H E R E : Penina, Alvor W H O : Maria Eduarda da Silva Guerreiro Home grown succulents and cacti presented in unusual containers 917 317 093 mfjaere@gmail.com

QUINTA DA FORTUNA W H E R E : Sítio da Fornalha, Moncarapacho W H O : Dietfrid Kranich W H AT: Plumerias, trees, fruit trees. 289 792 190 / 962 567 178 d.kranich@web.de / quintadafortuna.pt

SEMENTES DE PORTUGAL W H E R E : online seed shop W H O : João Gomes W H AT: Native plants and Mediterranean meadow seed mixes. 262 094 789 geral@sementesdeportugal.pt / sementesdeportugal.pt

VIVEIROS DO CARDAL W H E R E : São Bartolomeu de Messines W H AT: Good selection of ornamental trees and shrubs. 282 332 640 facebook.com/ viveirosdocardal

VIVEIROS JOSÉ MARIA DINIS W H E R E : Monchique W H AT: Fruit trees, ornamental trees and garden plants, citrus. 966 522 033

VIVEIRO NOSSO NINHO W H E R E : Porches W H O : Marian Monique Vanneste W H AT: Succulents, bulbs. 968 702 836 marvanneste@yahoo.co.uk

VIVEIRO VERDE W H E R E : Quelfes W H O : Karin Dahmen W H AT: Robust plants, shrubs and trees. Good selection of aloes, agaves and herbs. 968 702 836 karinundjens@clix.pt

WINGARDEN & HOME W H E R E : Lagoa W H AT: Orchids, large range of rare interior plants. 282 353 975 geral@win-garden.com / wingarden.com

The Mediterranean Gardening Association Portugal recently had its first fair in close to two years and, more than 3,000 people attended the two-day event in Estoi. Visit mgaportugal. org for information and inspiratio, or contact the Association’s secretary, Rosie Peddle on 289 791 869 / mgapsec@gmail.com

W H E R E : Alcantarilha W H O : Benoít Clairbois W H AT: Own-grown plants for Mediterranean gardens including salvias, lavenders, shrubs and trees. 917 795 395 viveirosdafonte@gmail.com / viveirosdafonte.pt

VIVEIROS DA FONTE

W H E R E : St Estévão, Tavira W H O : Alexandrino Alho W H AT: Cacti and Succulents, ornamental and fruit trees, shrubs, tropical and exotic plants. 917 019 286 viveirosbodega@hotmail.com / m.viveirosbodega.webnode.pt

ALGARVE P L U S

VIVEIROS BODEGA

PROMOTION PLUS

A mirror for

T H E S E T T I N G S U N “ FO RG E T TH E ARTISTIC JARGO N ”, ARTIST K E VI N LOWE RY P R O C L A I M S . “ C E N T R A L TO E V E RY PA I N TI N G I S T H E E LU S I V E Q U A L I T Y O F L I G H T A N D H O W I T P L AY S O N WAT E R ”

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C A R O LY N K A I N

ARTIST’S CHOICE

Is everything captured there and then? I do start a number of paintings on location, gathering reference material, starting paintings, making lots of sketches and taking photographs, but the majority of the work is done back in the studio. The three artists you most admire? I've always found Cezanne a great inspiration. Of the more contemporary artists, Patsy Farr and Richard Suckling would be two of my favourites. If you could own any artwork, what would you choose? Katsushika Hokusai's The Great Wave Off Kanagawa.

GALERIA CÔRTE- REAL is signposted from Boliqueime, Ferreiras and Paderne O P E N : T H U R S D AY t o S U N D AY, 1 1 : 3 0 - 1 5 : 3 0

T: 9 6 1 5 2 8 6 7 9/ 9 1 2 7 3 7 7 6 2 / c o r t e r e a l a r t e . c o m

Southern Portugal is well endowed with a rare quality of winter light. It is this clarity that enables Lowery to paint his sunsets. Once the light has disappeared, the night sky in the region is considered by UNESCO to be a reservation for star gazing. Public lighting is minimised to afford the perfect conditions to see the sky. In the early morning, as the sun rises across the plains towards the Spanish border, griffon vultures and Bonelli’s eagles glide through the freshest of fresh air. Even compared to the north west of Ireland where Lowery lives, this is an unexplored area. It is way off the tourist trails, providing habitats that support red deer, wild boar, cat-like genets and one of Europe’s largest colonies of bats. Despite the many other possibilities that Lowery might choose to paint, he refers to his obsession with water and brilliant sunsets. The French Impressionist artist Claude Monet – best known for his paintings of water lilies – used sunsets to experiment with light and colour. The Houses of Parliament shows a sunset reflected in the River Thames, and multicoloured backgrounds create inspiring skylines for his Sunset on The Seine in Winter and his portrayal of Twilight in Venice. Like Monet, Lowery’s work is partly figurative, but his expressive use of colour can sometimes cross the line into slight abstraction. Currently, an exhibition of his latest paintings is on display at Galeria Côrte-Real on the outskirts of the village of Paderne.

to look at, but simultaneously it’s real. The sun in all its evening glory reflected in the rippling water of Europe’s greatest artificial lake. Located in the Alentejo, this body of fresh water is a man-made reservoir and one of Portugal’s most extraordinary sites. In the far distance are the high hills of the Serra de São Mamede, designated a parque natural. The region is totally unspoiled after more than 30 years of conservation and protection. Attracting the attention of Irish artist, Kevin Lowery, are the challenges of painting sunsets. “By their transient nature, they test an artist’s ability to choose the critical moment and then to commit it to canvas. At the same time, I appreciate the way sunsets provide a more varied and warmer colour palette than is usually available when painting water. Evening after evening, I take up a position by the lake and wait for the sunlight to unfold. The water turns the sky into rivers of shifting colours”. The lake was created in 2002 by the Alqueva Barragem – a dam that captures the water of the Guadiana river. The reservoir is vast, covering 250km². Valleys were flooded, as was the land where the village of Aldeia da Luz once stood. It was relocated stone by stone before its footprint was submerged beneath the water. It is an eerie place to visit where the memories and personal possessions of the villagers are held in a new museum.

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ARANORMAL

Where were you born and raised? Born in Galway and raised on the North West Coast of Ireland, the sea has influenced most of my life from surfing to the focus of my work as an artist.

1. W O U L D Y O U D I Y T H AT G R A N D F I N A L E TO CH RISTMAS LU NCH? L AU R A SH E A TESTED OUT FIVE ONLINE RECIPES AND T U T O R I A L S , F I R S T LY T O S E E I F I T ’ S W O R T H T H E F A F F , A N D S E C O N D LY I F S H E C O U L D P R O D U C E O N E T H AT C O U L D B E S E R V E D O N T H E B I G D AY W I T H O U T E M B A R R A S S M E N T. H E R A DV I C E ? P O P

A Christmas meal wouldn’t be complete without at least one offering from Delia. This is a wonderfully traditional recipe that hasn’t changed much over 40 years. The nice thing about it is that substitutions are offered, which means you can make a gluten-free version, too. Some ingredients may be harder to find, such as barley wine, so I used cider instead. There is a longer prep and cooking time than some recipes, but overall I found this to be fairly simple. Soaking the base overnight was no hassle, and the steaming for eight hours was not as bad as I expected. It just means you do need to set yourself an entire day to keep an eye on it! Depending on how big

ALGARVE P L U S

O P E N T H E P R O S E C C O AT T H E S TA R T !

The Traditional One

T h e p roof i s i n

your steamer is, you could make multiple smaller puddings and store until Christmas. I served this with the usual accompaniments of brandy butter and thick cream. You can make your own flavoured cream, such as cinnamon and orange liqueur, which is a favourite of mine! Very simple to do, just buy your favourite thickness of cream and slowly add in ground cinnamon and the liqueur teaspoon by teaspoon until the flavour you want is there. deliaonline.com/recipes/ international/european/ british/a-traditional-christmaspudding

My score: 8/10

THE PUDDING

RATINGS PLUS

The Vegan and Gluten Free One

A fantastic recipe with easy-tofollow instructions. As with any good homemade food, you can make changes and substitutions to this one. I can recommend using Beirão as your alcohol base (for all of the puddings listed here) due to the lovely caramel tones and hit of orange flavour. All the information I found on this liqueur does state vegan- and gluten-free, but if there is a favourite tipple of yours, do use that instead! I really like the idea of putting some dried

papaya in to the mix for a twist, and this can be purchased easily at any municipal market or good health food store. This pud required minimal equipment, and as less steaming time is needed, it could easily be made on the day. It did come out as a very light, almost fluffy, cake, so not the traditional heavy Christmassy consistency. This is not a criticism, and I would make it again to take around to friends as a festive treat. Serve warm with your favourite vegan ice cream for a sit-down meal, or cold with a festive cocktail if relaxing with friends. rhiansrecipes.com/christmaspudding/

My score 6/10

The Victorian One

This historical offering is one to follow with the kids and get them involved. The prep work is really simple, and the video has some nice little educational bits in it, which you can then recall and enjoy if you watch A Christmas Carol during the holidays. No marinating overnight needed and the steaming process is only about three hours. If making with children, you could use apple and orange juice instead of brandy so that everyone can enjoy a mouthful. Out of all of the recipes I tried, this was the simplest to follow, and does not require a long list of ingredients. In fact, I would imagine most people would need only to purchase the suet, as you can create your own

spice blend with whatever is in your cupboard. This pudding can be made in advance, and many people suggest keeping it under a bed in an unused room! However, as long as it is cool and dry, store wherever is easiest for you. You could re-steam, as the video suggests, or microwave if under time constraints. To make this a family effort, I would suggest getting the kids to decorate the pudding before serving, with fresh berries, edible glitter and glacé cherries. youtube.com/watch?v=QvVDy9z6Nk

My score 6/10

The YouTube Quick Guide

I have realised since trying to make a pudding from a YouTube tutorial that I am not as good at multitasking as I thought! I found it difficult to watch, listen and make all at the same time, and had to keep pausing the video to catch up as I cannot chop as quickly as Jamie does. This also proved a challenge once my hands were a bit sticky, when I needed to rewind the video several times. One tip is to watch it first, make notes on ingredients and measurements, and get your workstation set up and everything ready at your fingertips. It was quick and easy though, once sorted out, and

it is nice to see how each stage should look if you are doing it correctly. This pud only needs four hours’ steaming, so half the time of Delia’s recipe, which makes life easier if you are doing other food prep at the same time. This recipe is also designed to be made and served on the day, which is different to many others that require steaming in advance and then reheating on the day. As this recipe doesn’t suggest marinating the fruit in alcohol for 12 hours beforehand, it has a lighter taste and is more delicate. youtube.com/ watch?v=w96fi9SqYpU

My score: 7/10

The Organised One

If you are a super planner and have your gifts purchased and wrapped in November, and your Christmas cards written, stamped and sent on 1 December, then this is the recipe for you! It does take commitment, the prep time is long if marinating overnight, as is the cooking time (seven hours). The ingredient list is a bit more complex than others, but you can make your own choices with the dried fruit and candied peel. I would choose to add in dried cranberries and ginger but it would also work

L AUR A SHEA: @ l a u r a _ l o v e s _ t r a v e l l i n g 2 0 2 1

with mango and pineapple. You could add in extra types of nuts too, particularly hazelnuts. This pudding can be made and stored for around four weeks to allow the flavours to develop which again is an organised person’s dream! It does suggest that you steam again when ready to serve for the most intense flavour, rather than zapping it in the microwave as this could dry it out and deaden the taste, and when you have waited this long it is not worth taking a short cut at the final hurdle. I like that this recipe gives nutritional information and calories per serving, however this will go out the window once I serve it with all of the usual pairings. thespruceeats.com/traditionalchristmas-pudding-recipe-435070

My score 5/10

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IT’S A GREAT PLACE TO BE

WINNERS PLUS

AWA R D WORTHY F LO AT E R S , A M OV I E S H O R T, PRODUCED ON THE ALGARVE AND BASED ON TRUE EVENTS, LOOKS LIKE SCOOPING UP SOME I M P R E S S I V E I N T E R N AT I O N A L TROPHIES. LOCAL HERO

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LOATERS has picked up the Best International Short Award at Paris Art and Movie Awards festival, 2021.

It also secured a Best Actor Award nomination for Marcus André at the same festival. The film has been officially selected by Firenze FilmCorti Festival in Florence and FestShortBerlin, the Berlin International Film Festival. And that’s for starters. It has received an Award of Recognition at Accolade Global Film Competition, and in the same competition, an Award of Merit for the cinematography. Floaters has been submitted to the Sundance Film Festival, Tribeca Film Festival, Aspen Shortsfest and Ann Arbor Film Festival, all Oscaraccredited festivals.

The inspiration So what’s it all about? Tomek P Chenczke, the highly experienced scriptwriter, stumbled across a piece of local news some four years ago, when the bodies of a man and a woman were washed up on the beaches of Lagos. The victims were found within a kilometre of each other and the police questioned whether there was a connection between the two. A small barking dog guarding the body of the woman was mentioned in the report. Tomek could not get the brief newspaper story out of his mind. “Somehow, I felt that the two deserved more than a casual few paragraphs’ mention, and that there had to be a story worth telling to make sense out of a seemingly senseless tragedy. That’s how Floaters was born; it’s a narrative that makes a connection between the two Algarvian worlds – that of local residents, and that of expats represented by the two characters in the story. I wanted to force my heroes into a much more meaningful relationship spurred by a shared drama.”

SUSI ROGOL-GOODKIND

From fact, came fiction, but Floaters would have remained on Tomek’s computer if it had not been for his fortuitous encounter with a fellow Pole living in the Algarve, Sławek Deležuch. “Sławek is a family man of many talents,” says Tomek. “He can build a house, pilot a boat, grill the best fish ever, and in his spare time shoot some footage for MTV. I get tired thinking about all the things he juggles on a daily basis. I sent him a script. ‘Let’s do it,’ he said, with his typical self-assurance and oblivion of mundane obstacles.”

New territory The duo walked into a nerve-wracking world of pre-production, unaware of the problems they would have to face before they could even get onto a set. “Had we thought the whole thing through from the start, we would have probably chosen to build a house or two instead,” says Tomek.

ALGARVE P L U S

B E H I N D I T , I S J U S T LY P R O U D

TOMEK P CHENCZKE , THE MAN

“As it was a let’s-see-what-happens project, we never bothered with creating a budget or discussing how much money needed to be spent. We relied heavily on the goodwill that usually accompanies filmmaking – family and friends, and the strength of the story. We were blessed with wonderful actors, Marcus Andre and Vianca Meyer who, loving the project, were willing to work for less than usual. Our fantastic director of photography, Jacek Kedzierski, (recipient of the Merit award at Accolade Global Film Competition), asked only two questions before he boarded a plane from Warsaw: ‘Where?’ and ‘When?’.” Post-production company, Walla Production Collective, in Lisbon did an incredible job to squeeze Floaters into their schedule and work with the absurdly ambitious deadlines. “Everybody involved wanted to prove that the magic of filmmaking does not require big budgets and crews, but good ideas, talented people and lots of luck,” says Tomek. And Lady Luck was with them all the way, it seems. “The Algarve is my home,” he continues. “It is full of human stories that do not require maritime landscapes and cloudless skies. Our mantra while making the movie was: only ‘story’ and ‘reaction’ shots – we deliberately avoided staging of frames that would exploit Algarvian scenery; the visual narrative is almost para-documentary.” There is a lot of talk on the Algarve about a burgeoning movie industry, but as Tomek and Sławek discovered, you can find yourself pretty much alone casting actors, extras, finding a crew, props, locations. “We supported ourselves with local contacts, social media, friends from Lisbon, and Warsaw where some of our props were produced. It was a case of ‘all hands on deck’, with daily disappointments and sleepless nights.” Then they were on the set. And from pressing the ‘go’ button to the end result, they wrapped the entire production in seven weeks, with four days of actual filming. The finished product, which is narrated 50% in Portuguese and 50% in English, is astonishing. The content, and the storyline, are gripping and raise curiosity, questions, concerns. And they generate from a true tragedy, that received little exposure. The filming took place at Senhora da Rocha and around Silves, and locals contributed enormously. “José Vitor Rodrigues put up with 4am ocean shoots on his fishing boat; Martina Frahsdorf of Country Riding Centre in Silves assisted us with horses, and pacified overexcited dogs; the owner of Lord’s Bar at Senhora da Rocha opened three hours early to accommodate a drowsy boat crew that had been shooting the ocean scenes; Helder and Silke Rocha of Solid Rock Algarve Horse Trail Adventures took charge of animal transportation challenges, Marcus André secured his character’s house location. And on the day of a ‘dog crisis’, our actress, Vianca Meyer, rushed to the set with her own puppy to save the day. There were no ranks or distinctions; at some point, everybody was a grip, a gaffer, a driver, a clapper or a lighting designer. Without that amazing atmosphere of cooperation and unwavering belief in what we were doing, Floaters would never come to life.” And come to life it certainly has. As has the announcement of Tomek’s movie production partnership Slavtom (www.slavtom.film).

Floaters has taken true events, and developed the characters and the circumstances to create a gripping storyline that is receiving attention in the film festival world

The festival process

ALGARVE P L U S

WINNERS PLUS

Tomek sent a full script to Colorado’s Moondance International Film Festival, where it made the finals. “From the beginning, we were focused on entering the film into festivals circuit. That’s generally the purpose of shorts. They are your introduction into the industry, your calling card. If you are able to pass the test of different cultures, different juries, different audiences, chances are you are on the right track; you’re probably telling something people want to hear. And watch. “We were overwhelmed with our unexpected win at this year’s Paris Art and Movie Awards festival (PAMA). When it doubled with a nomination for Best Actor for Marcus, we were stunned, and thrilled. In its 11 years, PAMA has become one of the most influential indie festivals in Europe, with a 30,000-plus audience and 2,000plus entries every year. And then to be recognised by the Accolade Global Film Competition with Awards for Recognition (movie) and Merit (cinematography)! The AGFC has an 18-year history of selecting films from over 70 countries that later went to win BAFTAs and Oscars.”

TRAVEL PLUS

R A I N B O W ' S

E N D

T H I N K H AWA I I , I R E L A N D A N D N E W Z E A L A N D . S O M E W H E R E I N BET WEEN IS THE AZORES – AN ARCHIPEL AGO OF NINE VERDANT GREEN VOLCANIC ISL ANDS L APPED BY THE AZURE NORTH AT L A N T I C O C E A N A N D F R A M E D W I T H R A I N B O W S

Choosing to explore the eastern island of São Miguel, we landed at Ponta Delgada in a rain shower that stopped in minutes, revealing our first rainbow of many. A friendly and extra accommodating welcome from our transfer team set the tone for what would be one of our most memorable holidays ever. Within minutes we were admiring endless green pastures and hills on our way to the fishing town of Vila Franca do Campo, where we would board our yacht for a week’s scuba diving adventure. After meeting our crew – Captain Carlos, chef Vânia, and divemaster Matteo – and six fellow divers, it was time for the first of many first-class utterly delicious dinners on board the custom-built Water and Wind

This page: Lagoa das Sete Cidades – Seven Cities Lake – from Vista do Rei on São Miguel island. Opposite page, top right, clockwise: Furnas, the crater of a ‘sleeping’ volcano; the Azorean pineapple; many dolphin species call the Azores home year-round while others are migratory; the stunning Terra Nostra park and botanical gardens

HILE MOSTLY known in mainland Portugal for its dairy products, that’s just the cream on top of a delicious blend whipped up by Mother Nature. You can adventure as much as you like, from hiking, canyoning, whale and dolphin watching to surfing, deep-sea fishing and scuba diving. Or, if you fancy a more restful holiday, you can take a donkey tour, wallow in thermal baths under towering trees, visit a tea factory or a stunning mountain chapel, stroll around a botanic garden or simply sit back on a sandy beach or by a cool pool sipping cocktails. Or, like we did, you could do both.

DEBBIE REYNOLDS

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The diving offers everything – canyons and caves, walls and wrecks, to reefs and deep blues. This page, top left: Ponta Delgada; below: a double rainbow over the sea; above: an underwater photographer with manta rays. Opposite page: Park House, overlooking the thermal pool at the Terra Nostra Botanical Gardens; inset: a tasty treat, queijadas de Vila Franca

catamaran, one of the few liveaboards in the Azores. We chose well. Water and Wind delivered on the promise of effortless diving, literally going from your bed (a very comfortable one in this instance) straight into the sea, with maybe a little detour in-between for coffee or a snack. The diving also didn’t disappoint, offering everything from canyons, caves, walls and wrecks to reefs and deep blues. After our relaxed checkout dive off Vila Franca, we headed off to Ponta Delgada and the SS Dori wreck, a Second World War ship that finally sank here in 1964. Then it was full sail ahead to Santa Maria island, where we encountered devil rays and barracuda at Calçada do Gigante, before descending just ten metres at the famous Ambrosia open water dive site. We marvelled at the inquisitive schools of amberjack and wahoo until our breath was quite literally taken away, as no less than 12 manta rays performed a graceful picture-perfect water dance around and above us. Another highlight was diving Baixa dos Patos off the little Formigas islets, where friendly dusky and island groupers happily posed for pictures, only outshone by the five manta rays that joined us at our safety stop, then ‘escorted’ us to the boat. In 21°C, mostly calm ocean with up to 40m visibility,

each of our 14 dives offered something special, including octopus, a Spanish dancer, nudibranchs, shrimps, triggerfish, trevally, moray eels, parrotfish and on our final dive, a reclusive turtle. Above the water we were blessed with frolicking bottlenose dolphins, fin whales and a pilot whale. Not to mention spectacular sunsets and moon rises. The beauty of diving these islands is that dive sites have to be booked in advance, so you get exclusivity while you’re there. In this instance, eight divers and our divemaster. What a pleasure!

Back on land Having to say goodbye to the ocean and our new friends was softened by knowing we still had a full two days to explore São Miguel, and we did it with relish. If you don’t have a car, take a tour – it’s definitely the best way to see the top sights without wasting time trying to negotiate your way around. We were picked up from the marina and treated to a local delicacy, Queijadas de Vila Franca, the sweet little pastries created in the 1600s by nuns in Vila Franca do Campo, before a visit to Nossa Senhora da Pas, a charming hilltop chapel with spectacular views over Vila Franca. Then it was onwards and upwards to Furnas, a town built in the crater of a ‘sleeping’ volcano (it last erupted

Good to know

TRAVEL PLUS

TAP, SATA and Ryanair fly from Lisbon to the Azores. It’s a two-hour 20-minute flight.

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The warmest months are June to September, with temperatures up to around 23°C. Winter temperatures are around a maximum of 15°C. You can expect rain all year round, but showers come and go quickly.

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When visiting the thermal pools at Furnas, make sure your costume and towel are dark because the waters will stain lighter fabrics a murky brown.

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Take good walking shoes.

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Do try the local beer, Melo-Abreu, brewed on São Miguel Island.

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If you love flowers, especially hydrangeas, visit in July and August when blue, pink and purple blooms burst from every field, hill, roadside, garden and park, thanks to the fertile volcanic soil. Note, however, that it’s illegal to pick them from public spaces. There are numerous very good tour companies on the island, which was voted second in the world for sustainable tourism by National Geographic Traveler in 2014. We used Big Blue Adventures.

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in 1630, so no worries), but which still sports several hot springs and geysers and charming street fountains where you can help yourself to natural cool spring water (so much better than the bottled type!). Here you’ll also find the jaw-dropping Terra Nostra botanic garden that date back to 1775 and where the US consul built his ‘Yankee Hall’. It is a truly amazing site, where the impressive Park House majestically overlooks the large thermal pool. If you can, spend a day here. Stroll the award-winning 12.5-hectare park, picnic at one of its little lakes, rest in the shade of towering 100-yearold trees or selfie yourself into a coma in the cycad garden or the camellia collection. Then relax in the rejuvenating waters of the geothermal pool and jacuzzis. As a last stop, visit the breathtaking crater lake of Lagoa do Fogo, where you can simply sit and soak up the view from above (but be sure to check the weather first because low-lying clouds obscure the view) or take the 30-minute trail to the small sandy beach at the bottom of the lake.

The taste of the place No trip to Furnas would be complete without sampling its traditional Cozido das Furnas, a hearty stew of meats and vegetables, slow cooked by thermal steam in a pot in the ground. Most restaurants in the area offer this dish, but go hungry… it’s a mountain of a meal. A visit to the Gorreana Tea plantation and factory is another treat where you’ll learn more about the tea-making process and get to taste the different varieties. This is a good stop towards the end of the day when a fine ‘cuppa’ is called for. And you can do some souvenir shopping at its gift boutique. Choosing to spend our last day savouring the delights of our fabulous four-star beach hotel, Pestana Bahia Praia (which actually charged three-star rates for our luxurious suite) and enjoying one last dip in the ocean, we didn’t get time to visit the Azores capital of Ponta Delgada with its distinctive black and white architecture, cobbled squares, museums, monuments and, we’re told, great nightlife. Which is why we’ll be back. There’s all this and another eight islands to explore. Bring it on.

AROUND 100 MILLION HOURS O F V I D E O A R E WAT C H E D E V E R Y D AY O N FA C E B O O K , T H E P L AT F O R M W I T H M O R E T H A N 2 . 0 7 B I L L I O N M O N T H LY A C T I V E USERS. BUSINESSES NEED TO GET TO THE VIDEO PRODUCTION B A N DWAG O N . . . H E R E ’ S H OW

LIGHTS, CAMERA… ACTION! Wo rd s:

JASON GRANVILLE

S I ARGUED last month, in this digital age

video is possibly one of the most powerful marketing tools available. There has been an explosion of video on social media in recent years, and it’s not because firms are full of techies who like making them; the undeniable fact is that they get your message across far more effectively than other forms of communication. There are plenty of specialist companies out there offering their services for a fee, including my own, and in some circumstances, this might be your best option. In recent years, the cost of professional video production has been reducing dramatically, and it is now more affordable than you might think, so don’t write this off as an option. Today, you can expect to pay around €20+ for a 5-15 second logo animation, which will bring your logo or brand alive, and can be used time and time again when you add it as an intro or outro to any video. And a 15-30 second promotional videos that should cost you €50+, depending on the complexity and amount of content you supply, product images, etc. However, while good video production can take time and some expertise, and you may consider you have better things to do with your time, don’t be fooled by the smoke and mirrors of the industry. If you have the time, inclination, and a little bit of flair, you can create your own productions.

ALGARVE P L U S

SOCIAL PLUS

Content is the key There are some proven tactics that you need to be aware of. Certain types of videos seem to perform better on social media, but what one audience likes, won’t work for everyone. Don’t be afraid to try different things to see what your audience responds to. Popular features include product demos that highlight what you offer; live videos of your product or service in action; promotional videos that appeal to the hearts and minds of your potential clients; user-generated content, such as testimonials; contests that show your product or service in good light but also amuse your audience; announcements, such as new features, or events your clients can attend; tutorials that show how your product works (no one wants to read a manual anymore, if they ever did); and behind-the-scenes stuff that helps to make your potential customers feel part of what you do. Whichever subject matter works best for you, remember that all good social media videos also have a few things in common.

Ye s , s i z e m a t t e r s It is a creative nightmare, but each social media platform has its own size requirements, and you can only partially predict which device your audience are going to view your video on. Do you create your masterpiece in landscape

(16:9), portrait (9:16), or square (1:1)? Well, my advice is generally the latter; it works well on Facebook, Instagram, and most handheld mobile devices, but if you know from research that your audience use a particular device, or your message leans to a different format, don’t be afraid to experiment. We’re not talking big bucks here, and a small change can have real impact on what actually works.

Creation Short videos tend to perform best on social media. We’re talking 2-3 minutes tops on Facebook and Twitter. Instagram only allows videos of up to one minute, though the old upper limit of 15 seconds is still often a good length to aim for, and generates the best results with Facebook ads; the last thing you want to do is bore your audience. To this end, I ran through a few themes you could use for your videos, but try to make sure they engage, educate, entertain, or inspire your audience, too. Research shows that you have about three seconds to grab someone’s attention, so use them wisely. Can you hear me? Don’t rely too heavily on your videos being heard, as most social media platforms mute videos until the user chooses to turn the sound on. If you want people to listen, you first need to engage them visually and then encourage them to select the

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SOCIAL PLUS

There are plenty of places where you download footage on a wealth of subjects, free of charge for both personal and commercial use, with no royalties or strings attached. Just take care to avoid clips that have already been overused. option for sound. Captions of what they could be hearing is a great way to tease them into doing this. Go native With Facebook and Twitter, you can either share a link to a video hosted on another site (usually YouTube) or you can upload a video file directly, which is called a ‘native’ video. Facebook’s algorithms prioritise native video, meaning your video is more likely to be seen in users’ feeds if it’s uploaded natively.

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Branding firms use branding because it works. Brands allow your audience to know it is you at a glance, so use them all the time in your logo animations, website address, corporate slogans, advertising etc.

ALGARVE P L U S

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Awaken the Creative Giant inside of you. If the above hasn’t left you running for the hills, or to find my phone number, there’s probably a budding Steven Spielberg inside you raring to go, so let’s unleash it. What do you do next and what do you need? Well, apart from imagination, most of what you need you probably already have, and the rest is available online at no or little cost.

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Storyboard First. You need to deliver a story or message. Plan how you are going to proceed; I personally like to start with a storyboard, a graphic organiser that plans a narrative using images and words. It can be as basic as a few scribbles setting out the beginning, middle, and end of your video, or something more complex if you are truly aspiring to greatness.  

Hardware Most modern smartphones have fantastic video recorders, as do most DSLR digital cameras, which means you probably already have the hardware you need. These are ideal for product demos, live videos, tutorials, behind-thescenes videos. However, while it is possible to both record and edit your videos on a smartphone, the addition of a computer is a game-changer in my opinion. With a greater choice of software, the larger scale for more detailed work, and of course the processing power, the editing advantage this brings can be transformational.

Software This is where I think a computer comes into its own. Not just because they are more powerful, or that you have a wider choice of good free video editing software with enhanced features, but it’s just a lot easier working in scale, especially when bringing different elements together. My recommendation for free video editing software is, without doubt, OpenShot, which is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux. However, if you have around €50 to spare then I highly recommend upgrading to Movavi Video Editor Plus 2022, also compatible with Windows and Mac. If you are committed to using smartphones apps, it really depends on if you are an Android or iPhone user, the size of the screen, and personal preferences. I can only suggest that you download a few and have a play, it will come down to which one suits you and your device best.

Crafting your message Unlike Steven Spielberg, we don’t have the budget or film crew to create all the content we might want, but don’t panic, there are plenty of places where you can download footage on a wealth of subjects, free of charge for both personal and commercial use, with no royalties or strings attached. Just avoid clips that have already been overused. A simple Google search for ‘free stock videos’ will reveal a plethora of options, but a few of my favourites are Pixabay, Pexels, and Upsplash. If you need music or sound effects, I would suggest Bensound for your music, and YouTube for your copyright-free sound effects. Hopefully, the above has helped inspire the budding directors out there into action, but as always, if you see yourself as more of a producer, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with your script.

JASON GR ANVILLE East Algar ve Digital T: 9 1 6 9 8 4 6 6 8 / E : j a s o n @ e a s t a l g a r v e d i g i t a l . c o m / W : e a s t a l g a r v e d i g i t a l . c o m

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 do Lob o 9 47 A | 81 3 5 - 016 A lm a n c i l

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NEW LIFE PLUS

IN OUR FINAL EXTR AC T FROM 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, P O R T U G A L , DAV I D T R U B S H AW, LO N G -T E R M R E S I D E N T A N D A R T I S T,

RETIRED TO the Algarve, with my wife Penny, in 2004. We had visited Portugal many times on holiday and loved it – the beautiful beaches, months of sunshine, friendly locals, good food, delicious wines, and not forgetting the port. It ticked all the boxes. We were both hooked on books. I was a director in a publishing company, and Penny worked in the famous Foyles Bookshop on the Charing Cross Road in London. Then, in 1982, we decided to open our own bookshop, Unicorn Books, in Epsom. This grew into a successful chain of seven bookshops and a small school supply unit. But we said goodbye to Unicorn Books Ltd in 2003, and moved to Portugal the following year. We both love the Algarve and have definitely put down roots here.

From painting to writing I started to paint again, with private tuition under the expert eyes and professional guidance of two German artists, Kerstin Wagner and Gudrun Bartels, and the collaboration has resulted in exhibitions in Portugal and Germany. I paint both abstracts and landscapes in mixed media. Trees and leaves feature in many of my paintings and prints. I am intrigued by trees – their shapes, textures, and leaf patterns – and how they blend, mould, and merge with the landscape. Even dead plants and fallen leaves have a unique structure and design. Perhaps this has something to do with my early ancestors. The name Trobeshawe has been traced back to Saxon times and comes from the Saxon words trobe (tree) and shawe

Shape and pattern are the focus of many of David's artworks, which have a special charm and a distinct Portuguese element

ARTIST p oss i bly a POET?

ALGARVE P L U S

Al m os t a n

TELLS HIS STORY

www.

ALGARVEPHOTOGRAPHY .com

R E A L

E S TAT E ,

W E D D I N G ,

FA M I LY,

P O R T R A I T

(shade). One of my early ancestors fought in the Crusades. I also enjoy writing poetry, especially haiku, the Japanese style which aims to capture a feeling, in three short lines, and evoke images of nature. Shortly after we came to Portugal, I joined a creative writing group that helped me develop my writing. My favourite word is serendipity, which can be defined as ‘making unexpected and delightful discoveries by accident’. There is a quotation attributed to the Greek poet Simonides of Ceos, who said, “painting is silent poetry, poetry is eloquent painting”. A simple but beautiful summary. I would not suggest that my paintings are silent poetry or that my poetry is eloquent painting, but I can empathise with this comparison and by coincidence – or serendipity – painting and poetry came together for me. After I started to paint again, I wrote a book using some of my earlier haiku poems with a selection of my paintings. I titled it Haiku for You – A Celebration of the Four Seasons. In our garden, my favourite tree is a beautiful, large white poplar and watching this change with the seasons inspired me to paint it and compile the book. We printed 250 copies, all of which sold, and I made a donation from sales of the book to a local children’s charity through the Silves Rotary Club. On a different level, I also like writing, hopefully, humorous poetry.

S A N TA’ S S U R P R I S E B Y D AV I D T R U B S H AW Father said to me, on Christmas Eve, As we sat around the Christmas Tree, Now don’t forget, Tonight’s the Night! Santa’s coming – so you might – Leave something nice out – just for him – Like two mince pies and a glass of gin – Tonic too, forget the ice! But Dad, I said, this worried me – Should Santa Drink and Drive? Don’t worry son, that’s okay – Rudolph’s radar knows the way – It’s really him who drives the sleigh! Dad made the drink, I got the pies – We stood them on the shelf. Good Night, Sleep Tight! I went to bed, at last I fell asleep. Something woke me – Santa’s here! I think I’ll take a peep! Crept downstairs, it’s getting light – Peeped around the door – what a fright! Snoring gently, on the floor – It’s Dad, and on his face a grin! Mince pies have gone, and the gin!

Garrett

Walsh

+351 919 259 769

No sign of Santa, back I go – There in my bedroom – Ho! Ho! Ho! A bulging sack, on top, a note – From Father Christmas – Good for Him! Dear David, Thanks, mince pies were great – P.S. Your Father drank the gin!!

NEW LIFE PLUS

A love of gardening I have always been interested in the Feng Shui of gardening, which is probably the oldest form of garden cultivation in the world. It dates back thousands of years to China, which was already a great civilisation while we in the west were still largely barbarians. It is based on the simple philosophy of man and nature living in harmony, and that life is infused with an invisible energy, the Chinese name ‘chi’. This is a life force that circulates through our environment and is essential to our wellbeing, health, and happiness. Paths, an essential part of any garden, should not be laid in straight lines, but have gentle curves or winding pathways that facilitate the passage of natural energy. We have used calçada to make several curved walkways, paths, and circular areas on which to stand pots. Balance is also a vital element, and we have mixed the shapes and sizes of the plants in our garden. Massed beds of colourful flowers are popular in western gardens, but Feng Shui recommends subtlety, with a few delicate colours and plenty of green leaves. This is a far better conductor of the chi. Trees are important, so we planted several, and my favourite is the white poplar I mentioned. It was about two metres tall when first planted, but now (ten years later) it is over 20 metres in height. It has white and green coloured leaves and a beautiful trunk covered in orange lichens, a sure sign of unpolluted air. Gardening in the Algarve is a rewarding challenge and well worth the effort, whether you are experienced or a beginner. Depending on where you live, there are several gardening clubs who will help, advise, and provide friendship. The Mediterranean Gardening Association promotes Mediterranean plants and gardens, produces a newsletter, organises lectures and events, and sells a

range of gardening and wildlife books in English. We have been living in the Algarve for 16 years and our only regret is that we didn't move here earlier. We are very happy and settled, and have no regrets about moving from the UK and making the Algarve our home. Yes, we have definitely put down roots here. To anyone reading Alyson’s book, I hope our stories may help you decide to make the same life-changing decision. All we have is now. Please check out the art of mindfulness, which will encourage you to find stillness so you can stop living on autopilot and consciously choose which thoughts to appreciate. So when you feel yourself rushing again, you can slow down, be grateful, present, and totally immersed in the moment, and you’ll start living a more mindful, joyful life. Here in the Algarve, you are in the perfect place to do exactly that.

FIND OUT MORE Alyson Sheldrake is an Algarve-based artist and author. A New Life in the Algarve, Portugal, is available to purchase on Amazon worldwide. Find out more at alysonsheldrake.com Ten percent of the revenue from sales of the book will be donated to Alerta, raising funds to support the Bombeiros.

ALGARVE P L U S

David's only regret is that he and his wife Penny didn't make the move to the Algarve earlier, where their roots are now firmly planted

A R E S D E M E S A F E S T I VA L D E O B J E C T O S E M A R I O N E TA S IS NOT A SL AP- UP MEAL OR A P U P P E T S H OW. I T I S A N E X H I B I T I O N T H AT A P P E A L S T O A L L A G E S , O N N O W AT T H E M US EU DO TR A J E I N SÃO B R ÁS

Wo rd s: C A R O L Y N K A I N P h ot og ra phy: N I G E L M O O R E

S T R I N G S AT TA C H E D

N THE foyer of the museum, a prominent quotation from the author Virginia Woolf sums up the importance of cuisine: “One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.” Jorge Cerqueira, a present-day maker and master of stringed marionettes, has used his artistry, technical skills and cartoon wit to showcase a group of extraordinary figurines. Taken individually, each one is noteworthy, having an important place in the history of cuisine. A marionette of the French chef Escoffier presides over the exhibition, standing beside a kitchen range that is a permanent feature of São Brás museum’s original house. All of the exhibits are captioned with interesting facts. Who would have ever known that the world’s most popular Marie biscuit was named after the Duchess of Edinburgh, wife of Queen Victoria’s second son? Or, that in the 15th century, the beautiful granddaughter of King Manuel I wrote Portugal’s first ever cookbook with her own neat hand? This

valuable object is stored today in a library in Naples and the exhibition tells visitors how and why it ended up there. There are plenty forMinstance, Wo rdofs:other B Rquirky I A N facts; RED O N D it was a Spanish princess who introduced drinking chocolate to the European courts, and tournedos rossini was named after the Italian composer and gourmet Gioachino Rossini. Notably, the marionette of Rossini has a torso imaginatively carved to look like a harp, and arms that are delicately tattooed with musical notes. Throughout the exhibition, the clever use of wood and other natural materials is especially ingenious and a hallmark of Cerqueira’s work.

A long history Puppets known as bonifrates have been telling Bible stories outside of churches in Portugal for around 500 years. The mysteries of the nativity were acted out in shows on Christmas night in street performances, private homes and palaces. Prescipios, which replicated the stable

INTERESTS PLUS

These extraordinary puppets, or bonifrates, were used as the mouthpiece through which to air political views

where Christ was born, became the centerpiece for scripted stories told by bonifrates. But it was a Jewish playwright in the 16th century who was an important catalyst in transforming the art of puppet theatre into a secular genre. He was to pay with his life for crossing such a boundary and daring to criticise the establishment. António José da Silva was a lawyer by profession, and lived in Lisbon as a ‘new Christian’ convert. During his years as a student he was arrested, suspected of secretly following the Jewish faith and put to ‘the torment’ of ropes and racks for a period of three weeks. He endured the great auto-da-fé, a ritualized public penance, held in the presence of King João V, where he confessed to the sin of ‘judaising’. His life was spared but his name was listed and not forgotten. Returning to his legal studies, he matriculated, joined his father’s business, and with more serious intent began to write satirical operettas for puppets. Convinced by his own first-hand experience, he believed the country was being ruled by a fanatical monarch with a following of dissolute men. Using puppets as his mouthpiece, he could point out and criticise a society that cared nothing for its most disadvantaged subjects, and squandered money on wasteful projects. Using every device in a repertoire of special effects, songs, poetry and comic dialogue, his bonifrates appeared in fabulous costumes weaving skillful plots that highlighted the many injustices occurring around the country. His characters were complex, but

because their motivations were believable, they caused the kind of controversy José wanted to stir. Over a period of five years he wrote eight operettas, becoming a Master of Marionettes. The spoken dialogue interspersed with arias and minuets was delivered by bonifrates – mostly carved from wood or cork and worked by rods. Regularly playing at Lisbon’s Teatro Bairro Alto to full houses, sadly this success was short-lived. José cannot have been surprised when the authorities summoned him again. His subversive activities as a playwright were not easy to prove, and the accusations did not relate to his plays. Instead, it was the Holy Office that charged him with religious transgressions alleging that he had relapsed into Judaism. Under the rules of the Inquisition, he was imprisoned for 13 days, and although professing his innocence throughout this time, he was condemned to die in a public execution. People who had once applauded his plays now stood in the crowd. Like those who wanted to die in the Catholic faith, José was first strangled before his body was burned according to the procedure of an autoda-fé. Instead of watching puppets on the stage, members of the royal family and dignitaries sat on a dais beneath an ornate awning, and watched this grotesque show. The exhibition is on until 15 January 2022 Museu do Traje, São Brás T: 289 840 100 Open: Monday to Friday – 10:00 to 13:00; Saturday and Sunday 14:00 to 17:00

ALGARVE P L U S

Notably, the marionette of Rossini has a torso imaginatively carved to look like a harp and arms that are delicately tattooed with musical notes.

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READS PLUS

FULLY

booked

By Tessa Dunlop Publisher: Headline Genre: Modern history

Book of the month

Army Girls is the intimate story of the final few women who served in in the Second World War and are still alive to tell their tale. They were female soldiers in a war Britain wanted to fight without conscripting women. It was a vain hope; by December 1941, for the first time in British history, women were called up, and a generation of girls came of age in khaki, serving King and country. Barbara trained to drive army-style in giant trucks, and Grace swapped her servant’s pinafore for battledress and a steel hat; Martha turned down officer status for action on a gun-site, and Olivia won the Croix de Guerre in France. Commemorating the 80th anniversary of conscription for women, Army Girls captures remarkable stories from the last surviving veterans who served in Britain’s female army, and brings to life a pivotal moment in British history. Precious memories and letters are entwined in a rich narrative that travels back in time and sheds new light on being young, female and at war. An incredible book that I found both humbling and educational. The ladies are an amazing testament to the strength we all possess when duty calls. Utmost respect.

By Jeremy Clarkson Publisher: Penguin Genre: Modern life Clarkson’s Farm was the surprising TV hit of the year. Personally, I loved it, and even more surprisingly, quite liked Jeremy Clarkson at the end of the series too! Jeremy has a farm in the Cotswolds and decided, in his infinite wisdom, to become a farmer and have a go at the “farmy” type stuff he imagined people who live in the country do. It’s very silly, and rather touching, but actually an insight into the hard work and reality of farming. Jeremy actively cultivates the image of himself we are familiar with, but beneath that quite ridiculously macho exterior, it would appear there beats a real live heart! The characters he introduces us to are so quintessentially wonderfully odd with their local accents and total disregard for Jeremy’s fame. Jeremy loves his year attempting to run a farm, and I can totally see why. I don’t want to spoil this terribly English tale of fluffy lambs and misbehaving tractors, but this is a delightfully funny and happy book that would make a wonderful coffee-table addition. Or, of course, a Christmas gift!

ALGARVE PLUS

DIDDLY SQUAT - A YEAR ON THE FARM

ARMY GIRLS

l 59

O N S U N N Y D AY S Y O U C A N S T I L L S I T O U T S I D E A N D R E A D, A N D CO M E TH E E V EN I N G , G E T I NTO TH E N E X T C H A PTER I N FRO NT O F A B L A ZI N G LO G F I R E . H E AV E N ! T H I S M O N T H , DAW N H A S P U L L E D TO G E TH ER A M IX O F TITLES – SO M E WITH A R E A L S E A S O N A L F L AV O U R , O T H E R S T H AT P R O M I S E I N T R I G U E A S W E L L A S S H E E R E N T E R TA I N M E N T

READS PLUS

THE CHRISTMAS BOOKSHOP By Jenny Colgan Publisher: William Morrow Genre: Feel-good This book is just, just, oooo, a cuddle on a chilly day, sipping a mug of hot chocolate wrapped up in a blanket. You get my drift? It’s so warm and wonderful and Christmassy and perfect. You know there will be a happy ending but it’s not going to be plain sailing, with lots of ups and downs, but as long as there is sunshine at the end of it all the journey is worthwhile. Set in Edinburgh at Christmas, the book takes us on Carmen’s trail of heartache through to happiness. The images described of Edinburgh are enchanting. I feel as if I were there, walking along Princes Street, looking into Jenners’ window or up at Edinburgh Castle. Not a traditional love story but, if you want a book to lift your spirits and embrace the mood of Christmas, this is the one for you.

PRIVATE EYE: THE 60 YEARBOOK Edited by Adam MacQueen Publisher: Private Eye Genre: Satire A history of the past 60 years with a twist. Inside are the stories that led to the fall of two cabinet ministers, countless corrupt business figures, and even the official in charge of making sure that the behaviour of everyone else in Whitehall was above board. It includes writing by such satirical giants as Peter Cook, Richard Ingrams, Craig Brown, Auberon Waugh and Ian Hislop. The mixture of humour and truly tenacious deep-throat journalism that seeks out and finds the nasty parts of our society is a heady mix. A potted, cynical history/reference book that reminds us that some things – actually most things – never change.

ALGARVE P L U S

THE JOLLY CHRISTMAS POSTMAN DISHONOURED By Jem Tugwell Publisher: Serpentine Book Genre: Psychological thriller If you like a twist and a ‘wow’ kind of surprise, you will love this one. Can’t give the game away, but it’s a real goodie! I’m a great believer in karma and even more so now! Absolutely loved this, and was rooting for Dan and feeling his frustrations at every turn of the page. In a nutshell, Dan has worked hard for the perfect life. He has a loving wife, beautiful kids, a fabulous home and is a successful businessman. One afternoon, Dan steps onto his usual train and sees the waitress who served him an hour earlier. It all seemed so normal, but it was the most dreadful mistake. Four stops later, Dan is a criminal who has lost everything. He’d only just met her, so why did she destroy him... and why did she say “sorry”? Dan battles through a web of lies and deceit to clear his name and win his life back, but first, he needs to find out who plotted his downfall. A great read, lots of tension and plenty of red herrings to keep you guessing right to the very end.

By Janet and Allan Ahlberg Publisher: Heinemann Genre: For children My children adored this book, which is, in my humble opinion, the most wonderful Christmas book for children ever. The beautiful illustrations and tiny letters are simply marvellous. Absolutely perfect for children to read and explore for themselves from about age seven, but even more delightful as a book to read to your children from about age three. The Jolly Postman visits the inhabitants of a village at Christmas, delivering letters and parcels. Such a simple idea executed delightfully.

A LITERARY HOLIDAY COOKBOOK By Alison Walsh Publisher: Skyhorse Genre: Cookery I absolutely love the concept behind this book – a literary tea party. Reading the blurb made me seriously consider throwing a themed tea party just so I could show off all these great recipes! Beautifully photographed, the author has captured the essence perfectly of literally masterpieces such as Dracula, and Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. I made the Blue Cheese Mouse Bites and Sugar Plums from the Nutcracker. Absolutely fabulous and so enthusiastically received. Novel, but not gimmicky, because this is real food, with an extra creative twist.

REAL LIFE PLUS

MEDICAL BODIES HERE IN PORTUGAL A R E I N C R E A S I N G LY A W A R E O F T H E R I S K S A S S O C I AT E D W I T H U N T R E AT E D D E P R E S S I O N , A S AWA R D - W I N N I N G S O U T H A F R I C A N J O U R N A L I S T, G LY N I S H O R N I N G , W H O H A S E X P E R I E N C E D T R A G E DY, E X P L A I N S

NE TYPICAL sunny South African

Sunday two years ago – much like those in Portugal, friends there tell me – my husband and I woke to the unimaginable. Our beautiful, strapping son Spencer, 25, lay dead in his bed. There was no mark on him. No clue near him. He had quietly walked the dogs with me the night before, while I chatted excitedly about him starting his first job in engineering on Monday. He’d just graduated with his degree. He was about to step out into life. Now he was gone, forever. And I was stepping out, with my dazed husband and our younger son, on the journey I tell in Waterboy: Making Sense of My Son’s Suicide. It’s a journey of agonising loss, overwhelming grief and endless self-questioning, but one that has led me to a new understanding of a subject I had thought I understood, as an award-winning health writer: depression and anxiety. In South Africa, it’s estimated that one in ten people suffer from depression, and every day 23 people die by suicide. In Portugal, the suicide rate is half – 11.5 per 100,000 people, against our 23.5 out of 100,000, according to the World Health Organisation. But as Dr Teresa Alves dos Reis at NOVA Medical School, Lisbon, has pointed out, while Portugal is a “small, sunny, welcoming country with a good quality of life”, this idyllic image is not felt or lived by a large proportion of the population, as mental health data clearly shows.

Here in Portugal The first Portuguese Mental Health study published in 2013 revealed the second highest 12-month prevalence for depression in Europe. “We could say that melancholy is an inherent characteristic of Portuguese people, inherited from fado and the feeling of saudade,” Alves dos Reis writes. “But the reality felt by the people suffering from depression may have other more important factors to blame.”

S pea k i n g t h e u n spok e n :

Glynis sits on a bench where the family placed a plaque for him, above a stream in the Drakensburg mountains, Spencer’s favourite place

FIND OUT MORE Waterboy: Making Sense of My Son’s

Tr y i n g t o m a ke s e n s e o f i t

Suicide, is published by Bookstorm, and

What kept me afloat through this was the extraordinary loving support, insight and occasional sharp prod from my three best friends since schooldays, now spread across the world, who reached out to me in a series of WhatsApp and email exchanges that became the backbone of Waterboy. As Suzy Brokensha, editor of Fairlady magazine, which has published many of my health pieces down the years,

SUICIDE CRISIS HELPLINE IN PORTUGAL:

is available from Amazon and select bookstores. All royalties go to the South African Depression and Anxiety Group.

Voz d e A p o i o , 2 2 5 5 0 6 0 70 / vo z d e a p o i o . p t ; S O S - E s t u d a n te ,

915 246 060, 969 554 545 / sosestudante.pt

puts it: “Fundamentally, Waterboy is about love – between a mother and her sons, between a woman and her partner, and between Glynis and her closest friends, three women who hold her wisely and well enough to allow her to find (and lose, and find again), her footing on the rock of their lifelong bond.” It’s also, Suzy observes: “Glynis’s attempt – as a mother, first and foremost, and then as an experienced journalist with a special interest in mental health – to make sense of her son’s death. A search for acceptance (she struggles to forgive herself, with all her experience and knowledge, for not seeing the signs), but also for reasons for the increase in chronic depression: a real crisis, worldwide.” The holiday season is known to be particularly difficult for those with depression. If making this book part of your holiday reading can help take some of the stigma out of suicide, and get people talking about it, and about depression and anxiety, or bring fresh understanding to those who have lost someone, or see them struggle with it, it will have achieved its goal.

ALGARVE P L U S

She cites lack of investment in mental health intervention measures (such as focusing on early detection and treatment of depressive disorder), and of strong therapeutic guidelines that avoid excessive use of benzodiazepines (Portugal has the highest known use of antidepressants in Europe). But as Civio Medicamentalia reported in April this year: “although the use of antidepressants is worth watching, anti-anxiety medications are setting off even more alarms among mental health professionals. Portugal appears at the forefront in the prescription of this type of medicine, but Spain and Croatia are close behind.” One reason for the lack of appropriate treatment is undoubtedly the stigma associated with mental illness, which Ricardo Gusmão of the medical faculty at the University of Porto has pointed out, “seems to be higher in Portugal than in other countries, and exists not only among patients, but also in the medical profession”. I found the extent of the problem daunting, but worse was discovering the devastating reality of depression and the complex factors fuelling it, as I delved ever deeper, eventually following my son’s online searches through his computer history as he descended to the depths. But my kind, thoughtful, super-bright boy with a wicked sense of humour hid it from us and from the world – as I learnt many sufferers do – seeming to cope, while inside they wrestle the agony of hopelessness, meaninglessness and despair.

Portugal is thought of as a “small, sunny, welcoming country with a good quality of life”, but this idyllic image is not felt or lived by a large proportion of the population, as mental health data clearly shows.

PHOTOGRAPHY PLUS

GOVERT SAKKERS RIA FORMOSA W H E R E Near Fuzeta W H E N 2019 W H AT ’ S S P E C I A L The contours of the sand were very special. A DV I C E TO OT H E R S Take an ultra-light trip above the Ria Formosa. C A M E R A Canon 80D and a Tamron 16-300mm lens

GARRETT’S VIEW “An idyllic escape away from it all, taken from above.”

G a r r e t t Wa l s h (a l g a r v e p h o t o g r a p h y. c o m) a g r e e d t h a t t h e t h e m e o f P e a c e a n d Q u i e t o p e n e d t h e d o o r t o s o m a n y d i f f e r e n t v i e w s . We a s k e d h i m t o s e l e c t his f avo urites f rom th e many submissions f rom m e mb e rs of th e Alga r ve Ph oto gra p h e rs G ro up. View m o re at a lg a r ve p h oto g ra p h e r sg ro u p .o rg

I N T E R P R E TAT I O N S DARYL GABIN C A N Y O U H E A R T H AT ? W H E R E Ribeira Vascão W H E N May 2014 W H AT ’ S S P E C I A L The way in which the subjects are sitting on chairs in a river with their Crocs on the chair backs. A DV I C E TO OT H E R S An opportunistic moment where one sees something and is able to capture it. There was a lot going on, and I was in the water myself. C A M E R A Canon 7D

GARRETT’S VIEW “The riverʼs calmness captured in this humourous composition.”

TONY WOODS JUST US T WO W H E R E Olhão W H E N 2019 W H AT ’ S S P E C I A L I like the way the street light highlights the two people. It was so peaceful and quiet, there was no one else around. A DV I C E TO OT H E R S A telephoto lens was used so as not to disturb the couple. C A M E R A Canon 5Dmk2

GARRETT’S VIEW “The simplicity and calmness warms me to this photo.”

ANTÓNIO PIRES ALGARVE P L U S

TRANQUILITY W H E R E Albufeira W H E N 2018 W H AT ’ S S P E C I A L The light and quietness. A DV I C E TO OT H E R S The beach at winter has a special atmosphere of abandonment. C A M E R A Canon EOS R

GARRETT’S VIEW “Capturing the vast sea on a calm day leads to special results.”

NIGEL MOORE SUNRISE W H E R E Ponta da Piedade W H E N October 2021 W H AT ’ S S P E C I A L Special lighting and long exposure. A DV I C E TO OT H E R S Always use a tripod for long exposure. C A M E R A Fuji X-T3

GARRETT’S VIEW “Can't beat the sunrise for peacefulness captured here in Lagos.”

The family-run Amesbury Abbey Group offers an elegant retirement in country house style at Monte da Palhagueira. For those who are looking for the reassurance of constant professional care, our nursing care may be the way forward. Alongside all the beneﬁts of residential care, our nursing care adds the additional security of 24-hour care provision from qualiﬁed nursing professionals. Our team spend a lot of time getting to know each resident as an individual, learning their preferences and understanding their concerns, working hand in hand with GPs and other associated care professionals to provide outstanding personalised nursing care.

NURSING CARE

Here when you need us

Our exceptional care team treat all our residents with respect, dignity and friendship, and our nursing home has a warm, family atmosphere. Each individual aspect of our nursing care is designed to give our residents the best possible quality of life and the highest standards of 24-hour care.

For further information, please contact Senior Sister Hazel Gordon at T: +351 289 990 900 E: mdpnursinghome@amesburyabbey.com Monte da Palhagueira, Gorjôes, 8005-488 Santa Barbara de Nexe, Algarve www.retirementvillageportugal.co.uk

á! Learn to communicate easily, speak with locals, or prepare for your CIPLE exam to get your Portuguese nationality. Enrol now, call us on 289 301 356 for information, and start speaking Portuguese as soon as amanhã!

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PRESSIES PLUS

UNDER THE

TECHNO TREE

P L AY I N G S A N TA T H I S Y E A R ? C H O O S E B E T W E E N A T O TA L LY I N D U L G E N T , T O P O F -T H E - M A R K E T V E R S I O N , A N D A M O R E P R A C T I C A L , B U D G E T- F R I E N D LY O P T I O N I N T H E M A I N T E C H C AT E G O R I E S CH R I S PAR TR I DG E

SMARTPHONE

Luxury choice: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3, €999.99 from FNAC When Samsung launched its range of foldable smartphones, all the geeks focused exclusively on the techtastic Fold3 with its book structure that opens into a tablet. However, it is the Flip3 with its powdercompact shape that allows it to be folded into a small box, that has taken the public fancy. It is obvious when you think about it – for all its amazingness, the Fold3 is a brick when it is folded, and a not-verybig tablet when opened out. The Flip3, on the other hand, is a great smartphone when opened out, and a small, cute, pocket-friendly cuboid when folded up. Cutting the price by a third also helped, although the Flip3 remains a costly item for a phone with cameras and screen that are excellent, but not quite as good as you would get in a similarly priced Galaxy S21. Samsung clearly understands the Flip3’s appeal to style addicts, because they have just launched the Flip3 Bespoke Studio, where you can personalise your phone with a range of exclusive colours and frame options. The palette of 49 colours is designed to ensure that every combination will work, and you can even register your phone so you can change the colours in the future. The drawback is that the phone must be ordered from Korea and it takes a month. And it costs a good few hundred more.

Nokia's G20 is regarded as great value for money, while Sumsung's Flip3 will appeal to those who put style as a priority

Real world choice: Nokia G20, €202 from FNAC The Nokia G20 is a mid-range smartphone at a budget price, providing a lot of style for the money. The 6.5in screen is bright and vivid, and the battery should keep going for three whole days. The plastic back features an engineturned finish that is nice. The camera has a 48 megapixel sensor and a lot of AI processing but is a bit slow – so expect a lot of blurring of fast-moving objects. OXO audio is provided so you can shoot videos with spatial surround sound – ideal for TikTok or Instagram. The phone uses Android One, which means it is blessedly free of unwanted apps. All in all, a great value phone.

Samsung’s Flip3 is a great smartphone when opened out, and a small, cute, pocket-friendly cuboid when folded up.

ALGARVE P L U S

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PRESSIES INTERIORS PLUS

SOLID STATE MEMORY

ALGARVE P L U S

Luxury choice: SanDisk Extreme Pro 500GB, €115.99, Worten Every traveller should have a solid state memory device to store essential data just in case the laptop or phone gets damaged in transit. Solid state (chips rather than rotating discs) is totally robust and can be written and accessed very fast – and small enough to slip it in your suitcase without risking your allowance. The SanDisk Extreme Pro is rugged enough to survive airport baggage handlers, and rather stylish with its red flashes. It features the new ultra-speedy USB-3.2 Gen 2x2 data transfer standard, but your laptop will need to be compatible to gain that extra speed. Otherwise, ordinary USB-C sockets will work just fine. A terabyte version is also available. Real world choice: Western Digital My Passport Portable 500GB, €86.04, Worten A nicely styled unit with a high-speed USB-C port, My Passport features hardware encryption enabled by password to keep out hackers should the device go missing. Higher capacity units are also available.

BLUETOOTH SPEAKER Before you head out shopping, take our advice and crosscheck prices online. Here in Portugal they vary enormously from supplier to supplier

Luxury choice: Sonos Roam, € €199.99, FNAC The sound that very small speakers can now produce is amazing. In the bad old days, you would have needed a mains-powered behemoth the size of a filing cabinet to produce the sound of the tiny Sonos Roam, a tribute to digital music and the latest magnet technology. The Roam has both WiFi and Bluetooth so you can listen to your phone playlist when you are out, and connect to streaming services when you are at home. And, being a Sonos, you can incorporate it into your Sonos home sound system, perhaps in the bathroom (it is waterproof). Real world choice: JBL Go 3, €35.99, Worten The JBL Go 3 takes miniature speakers to a ridiculous extreme – it is barely the size of a pack of cards. But the sound is awesome, with a particularly surprising bass. The stylish fabric covering is waterproof and it has a carrying loop built-in. Bluetooth connects it to your device.

EARBUDS

Luxury choice: Apple AirPods Pro, €229, Amazon.de They are things of beauty, with a luscious sound and noise cancellation technology that eliminates external irritants such as aero engines, while enabling you to switch easily to ‘transparent’ mode so you can hear the aircrew offering you a glass of something. AirPods Pro are also light, waterproof and come in a battery case that extends your listening time to more than 24 hours between charges. The only downsides are the usual issues with Apple products – the cost and the fact that they only work with other Apple products.

Real world choice: Soundcore Liberty Air 2 Pro, €89, Amazon.de Anker’s sonic sub-brand Soundcore has built up a solid reputation for great sounds at reasonable prices, and the Liberty Air 2 Pro buds carry this process on. Stylishly designed with six colour options available, they are water resistant and contain an effective active noise cancelling system. The sound will blow your socks off. The charging case gives a listening time of 26 hours. A considerate touch is the range of sizes of earbuds provided – no fewer than eight pairs – so whatever the size of your lugholes, you should get one that fits nice and snugly.

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

WHERE NOW PLUS

JENNIFER GREY

W H AT E V E R H A P P E N E D T O … W H E N A Y O U N G S T E R H I T S T H E H E A D L I N E S I N T H E I R E A R LY Y E A R S A N D S TAY S F I R M LY I N T H E S P O T L I G H T , W H Y D O W E E X P E C T T H E M T O A LW AY S L O O K T H E S A M E , O R A T L E A S T T O L O O K L I K E A N O L D E R V E R S I O N O F T H E I R W E L L- K N O W N S E L F ?

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JILL ECKERSLEY

TOMMY STEELE Once known as Britain’s first rock ‘n’ roll star, Tommy Steele was the Bermondsey lad who took the British charts by storm in the 1950s. A former merchant seaman from a working-class background, he had played guitar in skiffle groups before a voyage to the USA introduced him to the music of Buddy Holly and others. At that time, many British pop songs were cover versions of American hits and Tommy’s Singin’ the Blues in 1957 rivalled Guy Mitchell’s version. Tommy’s career progressed at lightning speed – at one point, he was releasing a new single every three weeks. His ambition was always to become an all-round entertainer and before long he was appearing on the West End stage as an actor and also in highly successful movies like Half a Sixpence in 1965, and Finian’s Rainbow in 1968. In his later years, he has also become a respected sculptor, with a Beatles tribute, Eleanor Rigby, on show near The Cavern in Liverpool, and a statue of two rugby players, called Union, at Twickenham. In 2019, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the British Music Hall Society, and in 2020 he was knighted as Sir Thomas Hicks for his services to entertainment, and charity work. He describes his life as a ‘showbusiness fairy story’ and most recently praised the NHS and volunteers for the success of the COVID vaccination programme, saying that the queues when he received his jab at Lord’s Cricket Ground reminded him of his wartime childhood!’

50s

ALGARVE P L U S

80s

Jennifer Grey is best known for her starring role alongside Patrick Swayze in the 1987 film Dirty Dancing, for which she was nominated for a Golden Globe award. In her tribute to her late co-star, who died in 2009, Jennifer referred to working with him on “this tiny little low budget movie that we thought no-one would ever see!” Dirty Dancing is now considered a classic, and was the first film to sell a million copies on video. Jennifer was born in New York City to parents who were both in show business – her father is Joel Grey, who starred alongside Liza Minnelli in Cabaret, and her mother was a singer and actress. Jennifer’s first major role was in the teen comedy Ferris Bueller’s Day Off in the mid-1980s. Jennifer was dating one of her co-stars, Matthew Broderick, and the couple were involved in a car crash in Ireland in which two people sadly died. Jennifer herself was injured, and too traumatised to enjoy the success of Dirty Dancing when it was released in 1987. She did, however, return to acting in films and TV, and in 2010 won Dancing with the Stars, the US version of Strictly. In 2001, she married actor/director Clark Gregg. The couple have a daughter, Stella, but were recently divorced. Jennifer has recently became more involved in her Jewish faith as well as political activism – she took part in the US-led ‘Women’s March’ in 2017 just after the inauguration of ex-President Donald Trump. Most recently, rumours have circulated that she might star in another Dirty Dancing movie so fans should watch this space…

90s

Own up. The last time you made a cup of tea, did you carefully measure loose-leaf tea into a china pot, add just-boiling water, and leave the resulting brew to infuse for a measured amount of time? Most of us just toss a teabag into a mug these days… or do we? A charming legend suggests that the Chinese Emperor Shennong drank boiled water until a tea leaf fell from a bush into his cup! The first teapots from Yixing were made from porous, unglazed earthenware. Some were imported into Britain, along with tea, by the East India Company. By the 18th century, British companies were making porcelain teapots in Midlands factories – the football team Stoke City is still known as The Potters. Afternoon tea soon became a British tradition, always made in a teapot with loose-leaf tea. As recently as the 1960s, only 3% of British households used teabags. Nowadays, experts are still saying that loose-leaf tea made in a pot gives a better brew. This is because a teapot has sufficent room for the tea leaves to absorb water and expand, allowing minerals, vitamins, flavours and fragrance to be extracted. Freshly-drawn water, a warm pot and cups, and a tea cosy, is said to be the perfect recipe, and it’s recommended that only one type of tea is brewed in each pot – whether you favour Gran’s old brown heirloom teapot or something prettily chintzy. Vinage is very much in fashion and nowhere more than in china.

Legend suggests that the Chinese Emperor Shennong drank boiled water until a tea leaf fell from a bush into his cup.

l ALGARVE P L U S

CHINA TEAPOTS

There aren’t many actors who retire from movies at the tender age of 14, but Macaulay Culkin did. After starring in the two hugely successful Home Alone films, he took a step back from the acting career that had begun when he was just four years old, and returned to high school. Macaulay was the fourth of eight children and, by his own account, had a troubled childhood with a father he later described as ‘overbearing and controlling’ and from whom he is now estranged. He returned to acting in his early 20s, and then in 2013, formed a comedy rock band called The Pizza Underground. He has survived family tragedies – his half-sister died from a drug overdose and his full sister, Dakota, was knocked down and killed by a car. A brief marriage while he was still a teenager ended in divorce, and he had a long relationship with actress Mila Kunis. In 2013, he went to live in Paris and by 2017 he was living in Thailand with a new partner, his co-star Brenda Song. The couple welcomed their first child, a son, named Dakota after his sister, in April 2021. Currently, Macaulay hosts a satirical website called Bunny Ears which parodies Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop site. Asked about his childhood fame, Macaulay says: “I had all the fame anyone could want… and I ran away from it.”

MACAULAY CULKIN

If you are reading this article, you are likely to be older than five and not expecting Father Christmas to deliver gifts on his sleigh to your living room. But you may be the one responsible for organising the gifts and providing a festive atmosphere. As I am always scouting for local handmade and bespoke accessories, I can provide a few items that could help you in this matter. One very original present could be our portuguese slippers called ‘pantufas’, made from woolen remnants that are carefully cut and overlapped until reaching the perfect thickness. The slippers will easily adapt to any foot, and after just a couple of days you will feel that their shape is definitely yours. In the same Herringbone fabric we have a traditional flat cap, the boné. It is made of 100% lambswool and is a great substitute for your summer straw hat. To pair with the pantufas I have a range of socks in cotton, wool and cashmere from a family-owned portuguese brand. The socks come in many colours, either plain or with very contemporary designs; they are too cool to be hidden under your trousers! For the winter season I have found a wooly version of our popular blankets, which are woven in the Serra d’Estrela mountains

on ancestral looms. The blankets have a timeless design, and often old pattern books are opened to inspire the young talents of the factory to create new designs. And if you notice a very pleasant fragrance in my shop, it comes from a soy wax candle from the Algarve Candle Company. The candles are hand poured from natural soy wax and natural frangrance oils. We have different aromas: Christmas Spice, Fresh Snow or Warm Gingerbread, which should not keep you from baking.... Merry Christmas!!

HOMEWARES: Rua das Lojas, Rua 5 de Outubro nº 68 FASHiOn And AccESSORiES: Rua José Fernandes Guerreiro, nº39 OPEn: Monday to Friday 10.00 -13.00; 15.00 -18.00; Saturday: 10.00 -14.00 cALL+351 964 222 612 inSTAGRAM:martina.loule/ WWW.martina-loule.com

EXPAT INFO PLUS

UK INVESTMENTS:

how are they taxed in Portugal I F YO U H O L D T H E S A M E S AV I N G S A N D I N V E S T M E N T S YO U H A D IN THE UK, EVEN AFTER LIVING IN PORTUGAL FOR SOME YEARS, IT I S WO RT H R E V I E W I N G YO U R A S S E TS TO S EE I F YO U A R E H O L D I N G T H E M I N T H E M O S T TA X - E F F I C I E N T W AY F O R P O R T U G A L . DA N H E N D E R S O N , PA R T N E R , B L E V I N S F R A N K S , E X P L A I N S

B a n k i n t e r e s t Although bank interest in the UK is tax-free under a certain threshold for UK residents, it is taxable for Portuguese residents – either taxed as investment income at 28% or at the scale income tax rates. With interest rates stuck at all-time lows while the cost of living creeps up, many UK savings accounts are failing to outpace inflation, so it is worth exploring alternative structures for your money. U K s h a r e s , s e c u r i t i e s a n d b o n d s UK investments such as life assurance bonds, unit trusts and open-ended investment company (OEIC) funds can offer tax relief and other advantages while you are in the UK. Once resident in Portugal, however, investments such as these attract the flat 28% tax rate and Portuguese capital gains tax when sold. Certain capital gains are added to other income for the year and charged at the relevant Portuguese income tax rate (although inflation relief is available after two years). Ta x b e n e f i t s f o r n o n - h a b i t u a l r e s i d e n t s If you are new to Portugal and successfully apply for Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) status, certain foreign income and gains that may be taxed in the source country (under tax treaty rules) are exempt from Portuguese tax. UK bank interest and dividends are taxable in the UK, so they do not attract Portuguese taxes for non-habitual

I t ' s n o t a l l a b o u t t a x There are other compelling reasons to review how your savings and investments are structured. You need to ensure they meet your income and currency requirements as well as your current objectives, time horizon and risk tolerance. Unfortunately, many people hold portfolios that do not work as hard as they can and are no longer suitable for them. Be aware too, that post-Brexit, UK-based advisers cannot use the EU ‘passporting’ system to provide regulated financial services to EU residents. Can your adviser continue advising you and carrying out investment instructions, or are there limitations? UK-based advisers are also unlikely to have the deep understanding of the Portuguese regime necessary to provide the most tax-efficient financial planning solutions. With opportunities to enjoy extremely favourable tax treatment on your capital investments in Portugal, restructuring UK assets can prove profitable, so take time to explore your options.

The tax rates, scope and reliefs may change. Any statements concerning 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. Keep up to date on the financial issues that may affect you on the Blevins Franks news page at blevinsfranks.com

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

A l t e r n a t i v e i n v e s t m e n t s t r u c t u r e s Even outside of NHR, highly tax-efficient opportunities are available to residents of Portugal. Many expatriates benefit from holding capital in a structure similar to an offshore life assurance policy or bond that acts as an investment wrapper to a conventional portfolio. No tax is payable on the underlying investment income until a withdrawal is made. Even then, only a proportion of the profit is taxable in Portugal and the effective rate of tax drops over time. For the best results, speak to an adviser who can guide you on both UK and Portuguese taxation, the interaction between them, and tax planning opportunities.

residents. This is the case even if the income is not actually taxed in the UK under ‘disregarded income’ rules. Those benefitting from the NHR regime can therefore receive UK dividends and bank interest completely tax-free – but gains on the sale of UK shares are always taxable in Portugal.

ALGARVE P L U S

P r e m i u m B o n d s a n d I S A s You may feel sentimental about Premium Bonds you’ve owned for decades, but once you are resident in Portugal the winnings stop being tax-free. They are taxable here, and if you are lucky enough to win one of the larger prizes, the Portuguese tax authorities will benefit too. Likewise, ISA interest and dividends become subject to Portuguese taxation (and non-UK residents cannot make new ISA deposits). Investment income for Portuguese residents is taxed at a flat rate of 28%, but you can opt to pay tax at the scale rates if that proves more beneficial. In this case, the income is added to your other income for the year and taxed at rates ranging from 14.5% for income up to €7,112 to 48% for income over €80,823 (2021 rates).

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

GO MOVES

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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.

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ADVICE PLUS

YOUR money

I was recruited by a publishing company. The terms were put in writing to me and I accepted the position and commenced working. Over a few weeks, assurances were given to me about my pay, and for my own records, I noted down the hours I had worked. The management were full of praise for my efforts, which formed a huge portion of the total project. Just before it came to fruition, I was removed from the project without notice, and had not been paid. When I tried to communicate with the management team they threatened me with legal action for harassment. I was owed €1,950, and it emerged that I was not the first person to be treated in this way. Our agreement had stated that my initial payment would be in cash, then on invoice thereafter. I was forced to issue a green receipt (ato isolado) to try to reach a resolution. And while this green receipt was annulled, as they never settled the payment, I am now facing fines of almost €500 from the Finanças, for not paying the IVA detailed in the invoice. I am now at my wits end. What do I do? Our advice is that you report the situation to ACT (Autoridade para as Condições do Trabalho) – act.gov.pt – which is the official institution in Portugal dealing with working conditions. In certain situations, an employment contract does not need to be in writing; ACT will be able to look at your case. Please note that we are not allowed to offer legal advice, you should always seek a lawyer or solicitor.

We are NHR here but still have a business in the UK, and an apartment there that is rented out. We have a considerable amount in storage in the UK – furniture, clothing, homewares etc – all of which are old now, and rather than pay storage costs there, I would prefer to have everything shipped here, where I can use, sell or give away most of it. What are the post-Brexit legalities and costs involved in doing this? People have been telling me it is impossible and that I will be charged by Portuguese customs etc. That would be ridiculous – my two sofas must be 20 years old! Now that the Brexit transition period has ended, moving goods between Great Britain and the EU and vice versa must be declared to customs and is potentially liable to duty and import VAT in the country of arrival. While the effects of this major change on international businesses have been well publicised, there are also implications for private citizens, who until now could transport their possessions freely across the UK/EU border. You are no longer allowed to just load a van with furniture and head off across the Channel; customs clearance will be required for the load, even if it is all your own stuff. All removals to and from the EU now require in-depth inventories and packing lists. Each client will have to provide proof of identity, residency and destination, and also monetary values. Each removal firm has to be registered with HMRC as an economic operator with an EORI number. They also must register with the relevant European authorities, or use outside agencies to act on their behalf for the client.

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 m a t t e r s . p t

Taxwise, as you issued a green receipt (ato isolado) you are liable for PIT and VAT, but providing the receipt was cancelled prior to the deadline for payment of the VAT, the debt should be automatically cancelled and you would not need to include this income on your Personal Income Tax (IRS). If, however, you cancelled the green receipt after the payment deadline, you need to issue a formal complaint to the tax authorities and ask them to cancel the debt. The success of this complaint will depend on the timing, and on the decision made by the local tax office, who can in certain cases maintain the VAT debt.

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As NHR, is there any reason/value to become full residents? How difficult is it, and what is the cost? People often confuse residency and Non-Habitual Residency, because the term non-habitual misleads them. NHR are tax residents of Portugal, which means that they have a special tax status, which allows them to pay less or no tax in Portugal, on certain types of income. The NHR status has been available since 2009 and anyone can apply, providing they do so before the end of March of the year following their arrival. An NHR will have the same tax status of any other resident, once their ten-year NHR period expires.

R I C A R D O C H AV E S I S O N T H E P LU S T E A M A N D A N S W E R S YO U R Q U E S T I O N S O N T H E I S S U E S 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 . H E R E H E E X P L A I N S N H R S TAT U S , B R I N G I N G GOODS FROM THE UK, AND FINES FROM THE FINANÇAS

‘tis the season to be jolly

T R E E D E C O R AT I O N (Rings not included)

9.65€

19.95€ EACH

A Xmas kiss :)

15.95€

MISTLETOE

18.95€

149.00€ with oodles of ideas

High quality pre-loved and upcycled furniture plus gift centre

for a quiet space after Xmas lunch

Browse: www.kitandcaboodle.pt Chat: 00 351 289 394 257 .00€

129

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EXC HANGE PLUS

M O N ETARY P O L I CY EFF E C TS

I n t e r e s t ra t e s Analysts expect both the Federal Reserve and the Bank of England (BoE) to raise interest rates at least once by mid-2022. The ECB, on the other hand, has said it doesn’t anticipate a rate hike until 2024. Higher interest rates usually strengthen a currency as they offer lenders a higher return, thereby attracting foreign investment. If the ECB doesn’t raise rates until 2024, the euro may depreciate against other currencies over the next two years. Since City traders started to price in an earlier BoE rate hike, following the bank’s hawkish September meeting, the pound–euro exchange rate has risen over two cents, or about 1.8%, to hit 20-month highs. Financial markets have priced in an 87.5% chance the BoE will raise rates in its December meeting, but many economists think the bank will wait until February or March 2022. When a rate hike does come, it’ll likely boost the pound-euro exchange rate.

Tapering The other way a central bank can tighten monetary policy is by winding down economic aid. Under the ECB’s ongoing pandemic emergency purchase programme (PEPP), the central bank has dedicated a total of €1.85tn in support to the Eurozone’s economy. As a bank winds down support, borrowing costs should (theoretically) increase, again making the currency more attractive to investors and thereby increasing its value. Again, the ECB looks like it may lag behind. The ECB has said it doesn’t foresee withdrawing its economic support by tapering asset purchases until March 2022 at the very earliest, and only once certain conditions are met. In addition, many economists expect the ECB to transfer

some of its PEPP support into its regular asset purchasing programme, keeping its monetary policy fairly loose. Yet the ECB has slowed the pace of its bond purchases – without cutting the total amount – in a move that economists consider akin to tapering, even if the ECB insists it’s not. This puts the ECB behind the BoE, which made a similar move back in May. Meanwhile, the Fed began tapering its asset purchases last month. As such, the euro could fall further against both the pound and the US dollar next year.

December meetings This month, all three central banks have meetings over two days, so we could see significant movement in EUR exchange rates. If the ECB stays dovish while its peers announce tightening measures, the euro could plunge. Policy missteps However, according to a Reuters poll, most economists think the ECB has the right idea. 64% believed that a bigger-than-expected slowdown in growth was a greater risk to the eurozone economy than persistent higher inflation, which matches the ECB’s view. Meanwhile, there are concerns that the BoE will make a policy misstep. If it tightens too soon, the bank could choke off the UK’s recovery. Any evidence that this may be happening, such as declining retail sales, would likely boost EUR/GBP.

Protect from volatility However, according to a Reuters poll, most economists think the ECB has the right idea. 64% of those polled believed that a bigger-than-expected slowdown in growth was a greater risk to the eurozone economy than persistent higher inflation, which matches the ECB’s view. Meanwhile, there are concerns that the BoE will make a policy misstep. If it tightens too soon, the bank could choke off the UK’s recovery. Declining retail sales, would likely boost EUR/GBP. Currency Direct has helped over 325,000 individuals and businesses move money abroad since 1996. It has an ‘Excellent’ Trustscore on Trust Pilot, over 20 global offices, and a team of more than 500 currency experts.

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) .

central banks are getting ready, or even starting, to tighten monetary policy. But the European Central Bank (ECB) is increasingly at odds with its global counterparts. So what are the key central banks likely to do in the coming months? And how could this affect EUR exchange rates?

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S INFLATIONARY pressures mount, many

M O N E TA R Y P O L I C Y, I S P R E T T Y I M P O R TA N T F O R E X PAT S . T H E D E C I S I O N S T H AT C E N T R A L B A N K S M A K E H AV E H U G E I M PA C T S O N THE CURRENCY MARKET AND, B Y E X T E N S I O N , YO U R WA L L E T. J O S É A L M E I D A U P D AT E S U S

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

Apart from all that gift wrapping and tree decorating, there are many events to keep you occupied this month

A R T

QUINTA COLLECTIVE J E S S I C A D U N N A R T S T U D I O, BOLIQUEIME, 962 544 650 F R I DAY 3 D E C E M B E R , 1 7 : 0 0 - 2 0 : 3 0 S AT U R DAY 4 A N D S U N DAY 5 , 1 1 : 0 0 -1 8 : 0 0

KAREN WRIDE

First Class Art, Guia, 917 081 893 Open Monday to Friday 10:00-14:00, other times by appointment 10% off all artwork until 24 December.

GUSTAVO FERNANDES Art Catto, Loulé 289 419 447 Showing now

Shallow Waters, oil on canvas, 120x168cm

MARISKA PISAM

Museu do Traje, São Brás On until 3 January 2022 Monday to Sunday, 14:00-17:00 966 329 073 / admin@amigos-museu-sbras.pt IF YOU HAVE ANYTHING YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE

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Small Works Exhibit: Affordable new works including paintings, prints, postcards, mixed media, mosaics, jewellery, sculpture, fibre art and photography. Refreshments will be served. hello@quintaartcollective.com

DATELINE PLUS

THE agenda SYLVIE PAULIC TAV I R A D ’A R T E S , TAV I R A , 9 6 2 0 1 2 1 1 1

L'Italianne, by this French artist who has a beautiful classical style. Oil on canvas, 90x70cm

A R T

SUSANA CEREJA Gama Rama Rua do Prior 13, Faro On until 22 January 2022 967 042 186 gamaramagallery@gmail.com

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In this surprisingly different environment, with exhibition space, four studios and a shop, Unfolding – a Creative Process Trail, is the theme of plastic artist Susana Cereja, who presents a fresh look at old methods.

ALGARVE ART Winter Exhibition Holiday Inn, Armação de Pera 4-5 December, 12:00-18:00

Exhibiting artists include Frans Bresser, Bob Tidy, Rowan Marques, Lynn Collins Baldock, Mientje de Goeij-de Rooij, Aynur Foring, Samantha Van Der Westhuizen, and Kay Maunder.

F A I R S

A N D

CHRISTMAS FAIR Museu do Traje, São Brás 5 December, 10:00-18:00

Gift ideas, homemade products, street food, entertainment.

966 329 073

admin@amigos-museu-sbras.pt

M A R K E T S

ACCA CHRISTMAS MARKET Tribulum Restaurant Saturday 11 December, 11:00-17:00

Raising funds for children’s charities. Food, drink, luxury gifts and a great atmosphere. Entertainment for all ages, and that all-important visit from Santa himself.

EXCHANGE MARKET Republica 14, Olhão Sunday 26 December (and last Sunday of every month) 16:00-19:00

Pre-loved clothes and books to give a new personality to your wardrobe, and your shelves, all ready to be reloved.

910 513 614

geral@re-criativarepublica14.pt

Written and directed by Carolyn Kain, and costumed by Barbara Mountford, The Great Pretenders tells a story based on fact, of Britain’s involvement in the downfall of the Portuguese monarchy. It is a bawdy romp with references to events that took place in London, Lisbon and Africa. Not to be confused with gothic, grunge or cyberpunk, Steampunk features bustles, lace, décolletage, militaria and the craziest top hats!

DANIEL KEMISH Christmas Special Teatro Lethes, Faro 289 878 908 actateatro.org.pt Tickets €12.50

Daniel and his band present classics of the past two years and songs that will be included

NUNO MARCOS Amigos De Musica Os Agostos Santa Bárbara de Nex Tuesday 14 and Thursday 16 December, 19:00 Tickets €25 Award-winning Nuno Marques is one of the most sought-after Portuguese pianists of his generation, developing an extensive, international performing career from his current base in New York, from where he also directs Porto Pianofest — an international piano festival held annually in Porto. Visit the Amigos website for details of the two programmes: amigosde-musica.org/category/ forthcoming-concerts/

LOULÉ CRIATIVO Join a session and learn a skill – this time round, it’s Christmas-related subjects: - Handmade Nativity scene in clay - Garlands and Christmas arrangements with elements from the Loulé countyside - Traditional Christmas pastries and sweet potato cakes - Christmas truffles - Fig cheeses in three flavours loulecriativo.pt/en/turismocriativo/experiencias

Museum do Traje, São Brás 10 December, 19:30 11th and 12th, 16:00 Tickets €10 (Amigos €8) 966 329 073

in their next album. Audiences can send a message to the band's Facebook or Instagram pages to request their favourite songs.

E X P E R I E N C E S

STEAMPUNK ON STAGE

S T A G E

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O N

BIKE FUN RIDE Saturday 4 December 10:00-17:30

reservasconcertos@gmail. com to book

CORK CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS WORKSHOP Vale do Lobo Auditorium Thursday 9 December, 16:00-18:00 €36 (resort members €29)

VALE DO LOBO CHRISTMAS MARKET Auditorium, Saturday 4 December, 10:00-17:30

This is the 11th edition of the event that attracts over 1,000 visitors. Delicacies for the gourmet kitchen, accessories and fashion, home decor items, crystals, cosmetics, jewellery, plants, greeting cards, books and toys, food and beverages.

Learn to create your own Cork Christmas decorations, working with a local artist, then paint and decorate them with different materials and motifs. valedolobo.com/en/events/ cork-christmas-decorationsworkshop/

Vale do Lobo, Altimetria Associação Desportiva and WELL, invite you to enjoy a morning of mountain biking along the trails next to the Ria Formosa, in aid of the Wolf Valley Charity Fund. There will be a beginner's level of 20km, and another of 30km. valedolobo.com/en/events/ bike-fun-ride-vale-dolobo-2021/

LAST WORD PLUS

AND finally Y O U ’ D T H I N K T H AT R I G H T N O W A N T H O N Y M A R T I N W O U L D BE FULL OF SEASONAL CHEER, EXUDING GOOD HUMOUR A N D B O N H O M I E . B U T N O , H E ’ S H AV I N G H I S G R A N D F I N A L E T O 2 0 2 1 , A N D H AV I N G A S L A M AT C O N S E R VAT I V E T H I N K I N G

A ALGARVE P L U S l 8 2

RE YOU READY for Christmas? Have

you reserved your tree? Is the turkey on order? Have you got your crackers, paper hats and table gimmicks? If you can answer yes to these questions then you can sit back, relax, open a decent bottle, and allow yourself a soupçon of schadenfreude as you contemplate your compatriots back in the old country. Christmas trees in short supply. Turkeys to be searched for via Google and delivered by DHL, black-market pigs in blankets and a ration card could well be needed to obtain some sprouts. Also, quite possibly anyone who has has managed to blag themselves a tree, will need to be aware that stars of Bethlehem are out (offence to non-Christians), and the fairy on top must be androgenous. Welcome to the Less Than United Kingdom, year 2021. But what is that lot doing to themselves? There always were divisions – there is in every society – but apart from the usual North versus South, the haves versus the have-nots, and left-wing-rightwing, you have heated debates about statues staying up or not, and countless gender-specific arguments from the use of public loos to how to address others. Is this because lockdown brought a sudden stop to the momentum of being a fast-moving, forwardthinking society, and left everyone in limbo with nothing to do but complain about everybody else? Of course, it’s very easy to blame the pandemic for all the problems that have arrived at that sceptred isle; that precious stone set in the silver sea; that green and pleasant land of hope and glory – to use a few of the phrases beloved by little Englanders. When are the Union-flag-waving, last-night-of-the-Proms junkies and Brexiteers, going to realise that Britannia no longer rules the waves and, leaving Europe not only made the UK weaker, but helped bring about its present problems. At this point I have to stress that this magazine does not do politics, or have a political bias, this is

just me who, apart from a hiccup in 1997, has been a conservative (with a small c) all of his adult life. But while the present incumbent is in number 10, I cannot bring myself to support this incompetent clown. Whose interests does he represent – his own, or the country’s? It seems to be the former, for he is quite happy to misrepresent circumstances (okay, lie) to the people for his own personal advancement. As captain at the helm of the good ship Britannia, he changes his allegiances as quickly as he changes his partners. Prior to the Brexit vote, he had two columns waiting to be published – one for leaving and the other for staying. And he then sat on the fence, waiting to see which one would get him into No 10. And now he has another perfect political partner in our present Foreign Secretary, Ms Truss. Our Liz was, right up to the vote, a staunch Remainer until, keeping the maritime analogy going – she saw which way the wind was blowing, jumped ship and became a voice for Brexit. What’s this got to do with Christmas? Well nothing really, it’s just me blowing off steam and totally ignoring it being the season of goodwill to all men (or should I say people, or perhaps those with, or without, uteri?). I started scribbling this down a few weeks ago, after becoming disillusioned with, not so much the party of my choice, but its leaders. Now however, they are so steeped in scandals, jobs for the boys/girls, and protecting each other’s backs that the hole they have dug is getting deeper by the day. Are they blind to public opinion? Are they so wrapped up in themselves that they cannot see that it is their own actions that will finally lead to their defeat? I, personally, am fed up with the lot of them. I’ve stopped following the UK news and now watch Euro News and the US news channels. Their politicians might also be lying toads but at least, in the main, they’re better dressed. And on that note, I shall sign off 2021 by wishing you all, whatever you call yourselves, a very Happy Christmas and New Year.

Over there, a ration card could well be needed to obtain some sprouts... and Christmas spirit