algarvePLUS - August '22

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Make a splash into property with us this summer!

Contact us if you wish to buy or sell

Office + 351 289 355 697

Mobile + 351 919 136 146

Centro O Tradicional - Almancil

hildegard@sevenquintas.com

www.sevenquintas.com

Seven Quintas Property Search Mediação Imobilaria Lda. - AMI 7490

TS UP U L CA FRO A N 30 R TH SA T: S A E T 37 M RE R W O EA R 38 20 CIP OR T LD E YO 52 CO QU O O UR F E 60 TH F W RA LLE ST SE IO E T LF C I 63 N PR IN M TO N E G O RS S: R ON 72 S: O P TH IC N E BA ' P 75 TH RT IN RB IEC ARD Y T E 78 TE ER EC ES O SH OF P M T H UE 81 W CHN RE EL A RT E RE HA TA F O 83 M A IN TI CI DV TE O S O P N 85 V M N E I T E C S O S: H R 87 CU NE E T C H O EI A Y P 90 LI E AG RR M N EN AT XP PEN E G AT A N T C S E N E D Y D S D RS A C TO FI O UN N ...

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START OFF PLUS

SUSI ROGOL-GOODKIND, EDITOR

+351 965 581 831 | susi@algarveplusmagazine.com

C O N T A C T S MARTIN GOODKIND

KIM COLLEY

Publisher +351 963 146 398 martin@algarveplusmagazine.com

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

APT 1093, EC Olivas de St Ant (Loulé) 8101-904. Printed by Gráficas Piquer, Almeria AlgarvePLUS is published monthly. 6,000 copies are made available through a hand-picked distribution network from Tavira to Guia, Almancil, the Golden Triangle, Loulé, São Brás and Santa Bárbara.

Copyright 2022. 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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July was not the easiest of months here, with weeks of tremendous heat and raging fires. Our Bombeiros who work tirelessly, and the volunteers who assist the charity Alerta, should be applauded for their dedication and their determination to keep people and property safe regardless of the dangers they themselves face. Yet another reason for appreciating what the Algarve has to offer.

In this issue, we take a long look at volunteering, and particularly at fund-raising initiatives designed to raise money for worthy causes. The story of the 100km trek for breast cancer charity Coppafeel, undertaken by our daughter, spells out the life-changing experience for those taking part. Researching what is available here for those ready to give time and energy to help others opened doors to those who want to share the difference each event has made to them, and we'll be hearing more from them in the future.

The summer months provide the perfect opportunity to bring out the experts, the home chefs who will serve up the perfect meal for your and your guests. We’ve checked out some of the top names, and believe you me, this is a temptation worth giving in to!

August is the month for entertaining on a big scale as increasing numbers of couples are finally able to say “I do”, and have chosen to tie the knot here. Read on, for the frocks, the photos and the food.

One thing more... a big thanks to Suzi Steinhofel of Designworks, for stepping in so that our Art Director Kim could take a welldeserved holiday. Suzi was thrown in the deep end and swam stylishly to the finishing post, ensuring we maintained our high design standards. And thanks, too, to our proofreader Adriana Bringuenti, for her enthusiasm and for always being right!

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Welcome

The finest art in the Algarve. Tavira d’artes Art Gallery

www.taviradartes.com Visit us: Travessa Jacques Pessoa 8,Tavira, 8800-374, Algarve Call us: 962 012 111 Email us: taviradartes@gmail.com www.facebook.com/taviradartes

www.instagram.com/tavira.dartes

NEWS PLUS

I MOST DEFINITELY DO

F R O N T COV E R : It’s August, and the figs are ripe and ready. Figs in Port. Fig jam. Figgy pudding. Do it your way.

IF YOU HAVE ANYTHING YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE EMAIL susi@rogol-goodkind.com

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You know where to head for the best ice cream in Vilamoura (Gran Sorvete) and in Loulé (8100), but if you are down the coast, in Olhão, go treat yourself to some great flavours at the newly-opened São Gelados, in Rua 18 de Junho. Made on the spot, there are around 16 flavours – Creme Florentina, Zagara and Stracciatella d'Arancia made of orange and chocolate are among the favourites. 12:00 till late.

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A taste of Olhão

Tying the knot in real style.

Katherina Joyce is an exclusive luxury collection from the Victoria Soprano house that combines design bravado with wow-factor gorgeousness. See more wedding frocks on page 42. victoriasoprano.com

Powder-coated aluminium and thick woven rope are the key features in the Manutti collection at Quinta Style in Almancil. The rope is assembled by hand, a weaving process that more than 60 hours to complete. The range of mass-dyed acrylic, polyolefin or polyester fabrics is UV-treated. withstand the harshest weather conditions, guaranteeing years of outdoor luxury. quintastyle.com

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Creative Talents

SHOPPING HEAVEN

Two new residents at Loule Design Lab are Wesley Sacardi, who is currently completing an outdoor bench to be installed by Infraquinta in Quinta do Lago, and Margarida Valente, whose chair – a metal structure covered in textile waste will be on show in Gama Lobo Palace. More of these talents in our next issue.

With the opening of the new Stockout shop, the Designer Outlet Algarve, the largest outlet in the Algarve and the first in Europe to be integrated with an IKEA store, a shopping centre and an outdoor leisure facilitiy, now has 54 stores, which between them carry more than 70 fashion and lifestyle outlet labels, with exclusive discounts of up to 70% throughout the year. Among the shops with high fashion at really good prices are Bimba y Lola, Adidas, Calvin Klein, Lacoste and Guess. Time to pickup a bargain.

LOOP THE LOOP The team at Portuguese design house Cobermaster Concept, who work mainly in metals, have created a curvy wine rack that holds eight bottles. Loop can be placed horizontally on a counter, fixed to a wall, or upright using a metal base. 61cm high and 20cm deep. €377.61. cobermasterconcept.com

HAIR COUTURE If you want designer-driven hair care, the name Balmain

SITTING STYLISHLY

is the one you need to know. Discover the superb collections for women and for men at Jim Hair Artists, Almancil. 914 452 315 / jimhairartists@gmail.com

NEWS PLUS

NEWS PLUS

Don't settle for simple At Ange Boutik in São Brás, you will find hand-crafted Salmarim Flor de Sal Piri Piri, Citrus, Aromatic Herbs, Mediterranica with hints of olive, and of course, au naturel. All beautifully boxed. €6.90. angeboutik.com

The ultimate beauty gadget

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What if a small device, not much bigger than an eye contour cream pot (and it looks like one too), could maximize your skincare routine? It exists. It’s called Réduit, and has a mission: to reduce the fuss and the time spent on skin care, and to increase the results.

The newest model is called Boost. After getting hold of your own, you just have to download the app (insert age, skintype, products you use) and you’re ready to start using your personal beauty therapist.

Boost’s electromagnetism amplifies the properties that your products already have – 30 seconds for each product and you are done. The different LED light colours indicate the kind of product used: orange for hydrating, red for anti-aging and so on.

Buy it at Douglas stores or online, €199. reduit.com

SUMMER IN THE CITY That there are a good number of reasons for staying in Lisbon during the summer months, especially in August: less traffic, air conditioning and the possibility of spending endless hours in cool, open air spots. One absolute must-go is Soul Garden. It is part of Corinthia Lisbon Hotel, Av. José Malhoa 24 but it has its own entrance, for those who are not fans of hotel lobbies; all the plants and wood cabins will transport you to some exotic distant place. The cocktails are incredible – Magic Garden looks and tastes like a dessert, Garden Tonic is a gin tonic with a twist and Sexy Thai is, well, quite sexy.

Easy-going nachos, chicken wings, beef tartare, tacos and a great selection of Japanese bites that will have you coming back for more. corinthia.com

PINETREES During the recent fires that ravaged land and property along the coast in the central area, the horses and dogs of Pine Trees Riding stables were moved to safety. Thankfully, the buildings were not damaged, and by the following Tuesday the horses and ponies were back at home, and riding commenced.

IF YOU HAVE ANYTHING YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE EMAIL susi@rogol-goodkind.com

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YESTERDAY T H E R E I S A S AY I N G ‘ N O S TA L G I A J U S T I S N ’ T W H AT I T U S E D T O B E ’ W H I C H I S A N O T H E R WAY O F S AY I N G T H AT T H E G O O D T I M E S A N D G O L D E N D AY S H AV E C O M E A N D G O N E , N E V E R T O B E R E P E AT E D . I S T H AT T H E C A S E W I T H T H E A L G A R V E ?

L E T ’ S TA K E A L O O K B A C K A N D S E E H O W I T A L L B E G A N . . .

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BRIAN REDMOND

EARLY DAYS PLUS

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Opposite page: Top and centre: The Grand Hotel Guadiana; below, left to right: Eric Morecambe, Aldeia do Golf, Cliff Richard, the bridge from Portugal to Spain. This page, top: Vilamoura; centre: André Jordan, pioneer of Quinta do Lago; below: Penina Hotel & Golf Resort and left to right: Henry Cotton, golf course designer; Bing Crosby, Bob Hope and Sean Connery among the big names who stayed and golfed. Following page: Hotel Bela Vista.

EARLY DAYS PLUS

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HE GRAND HOTEL GUADIANA (now the Grand House Hotel), situated on the waterfront in Vila Real de Santo Antonio, was the first luxury hotel built south of Lisbon, and opened its doors to businessmen and tourists alike in 1926. It was founded by Manuel Ramirez of the fish canning dynasty to accommodate entrepreneurs who were doing business with his firm, and it assumed a pivotal role in the development of quality hotels in the region.

Portimão’s Hotel Bela Vista in Praia da Rocha, another example of art nouveau and baroque splendour, would welcome many honourable guests during its heyday in the 30s and 40s, including King Humberto of Italy, the Counts of Barcelona, Brazilian President Juscelino de Oliveira and Finnish patriot and war hero Marshal Carl Gustaf Emil Mannerheim.

It wouldn't be long before tourism as an industry began in earnest in this part of the Algarve.

The special appeal The post-war boom in package holidays brought sun seekers flocking from the colder, grey parts of Europe to places like Majorca, Benidorm and Marbella in Spain and, because of its reputation for being unspoiled, to the Algarve.

Many ‘celebrities’ chose to make the Algarve their holiday destination. People like actress and author Jenny Grainer, who has lived here since 1964, and Cliff Richard, with whom Jenny once shared a stage, made Albufeira his second home and founded a successful winery. His support of Albufeira down through the years embedded the town on the Portuguese tourist map. Among his many showbiz highlights, in 1973 he appeared on The Morecambe and Wise Show alongside another Algarvean holiday home owner, the comic genius Eric Morecambe who had a somewhat uncomfortable relationship with the place to the extent that he warned his sons at the time that it was destined to “do a Spain”, meaning that the rural area where his house was would be consumed by hotels and holiday developments, which indeed it eventually was.

In 1974 the first vessel to moor in the new marina was the ‘Giralda’, a two-masted rigged motor sailing yacht, which incidentally belonged to the Count of Barcelona (the current King of Spain’s grandfather) thus continuing their association with the Algarve. These days the marina has 825 berths and can accommodate vessels up to 60m in length – more than twice the length of the Giralda.

And while the marina was under construction, new homes for owners and holiday makers were under construction. One such development was Aldeia do Golf, which was built by the company Norwest Holst that specialised in innovative design. Concrete was the base material, so much so that the sofas in the living rooms, the garden furniture and even the beds were made of concrete. It meant that the rooms remained fairly cool during the summer season.

I recently spoke to Ann O’Connell, a long term resident now based in São Brás de Alportel, about her experience living in one of these houses in Vilamoura when the revolution of 25 April 1974 happened.

Ann recalls that the only inkling they had that something was wrong, was when the banks suddenly closed their doors, post offices and government offices shut up tight, the few fuel stations that existed ceased operating, as did many of the shops through lack of supplies. To alleviate their predicament, they were invited by a local restaurant owner to eat and drink at his place on a tab for as long as they needed and to repay him when things sorted themselves out, which of course they did; they remained long and loyal customers of the restaurant as a result.

Both Ann and her husband Jeff were members of Vilamoura Golf Club at the time but became involved by a circuitous route with a fledgling club, Clube do Golfe da Quinta do Lago in the new development of Quinta do Lago that was anxious to recruit members who were not residents of the new resort in order to complete the clubhouse.

Jeff would become club captain and the couple, along with the other members, enjoyed a period of time that Ann describes as: “relaxed, no fuss and great fun”. This seems to have been the ‘raison d’être’ of living in the Algarve then, a freedom that was respectful of the people, and a communal spirit of careful abandonment.

Of course Quinta do Lago would not have existed without the will and perseverance of one André Jordan, a Brazilian businessman who saw the potential of developing what was essentially unused land on a tidal estuary, complete with mosquitões, at the end of an airport runway. It was 1971 and he knew that he could transform this land into a resort modelled on Punta del Este in Uruguay.

What he envisaged became a resort unlike any other in Europe. Then, as Salazar’s Estado Novo disappeared into the twilight, and Portugal joined the EEC in 1985 under the stewardship of Mário Soares, a leading figure during and after the revolution, the Algarve began to see new roads and highways appear that would speed up access to the many resorts it was building.

It’s difficult to believe that the first road bridge ever to join Spain at Ayamonte and Portugal at Castro Marim was only achieved in 1991.

Before that, the only link across the Guadiana was by ferry and that could only carry six cars, at a push.

Today’s Algarve is unrecognisable from the place discovered by early adventurers, celebrities and holiday makers. Fortunately, the brave ones stayed on and became part of what the Algarve is now. It is certainly not perfect, as Eric Morecambe said in 1967, but where is these days?

And in terms of nostalgia? It seems to me that the older you get, the better it was...

It seems to me that the older you get, the better it was...

Sporting chances It would be impossible to ignore the one pastime or sport that was the main draw that brought that era’s personalities to the Algarve and that, of course, is golf. There had been a rudimentary 9-hole course in Praia da Rocha before the war but in the early years of the 1960s, John Stilwell, an Anglo-Portuguese businessman, had the vision while on holiday of transforming rice paddies near Alvor into a hotel and golf resort; he enlisted the help of Henry Cotton who designed the course.

The first players teed off on the 1 June 1966 and the Penina Hotel and Golf Resort came into being. Then the big names arrived. Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, Sean Connery, Jack Nicklaus, Lee Trevino, Tony Jacklin, among countless others played the championship course, and in the process enhanced the cachet of the sport in the Algarve. Henry Cotton who, while playing at Penina, had as his caddy a donkey called Pacífico, would go on to design three more courses in the region, Benamor near Tavira, Vale do Lobo Ocean Course, and Pestana Alto also in Alvor.

In the meantime another ambitious project was under way near Quarteira on a 1,600 hectare farm called Quinta do Morgado that would go on to become Vilamoura.

The year was 1971 and hectares of land were excavated to create a man-made harbour; breakwaters were built out to sea and a section of the coast was breached to flood the area that is now the marina.

Love food wine

Something delicious is happening at Fairways

“Our first visit and definitely will not be our last.

The menu is excellent value and the service is outstanding, attentive, without being overbearing“.

Open for dinner from Tuesday to Saturday

Amara 5.0

Amara at Four Seasons Fairways, Avenida André Jordan 37, Quinta do Lago. www.amararestaurant.pt

Reservations: 00 351 289 357 579

|

@amarafairways

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CHEFS PLUS

HOME COOKING W O N D E R F U L 5 - S TA R C U I S I N E S E R V E D U P B Y T O P

P R I VAT E C H E F S AT YO U R P L A C E . T H E Y ’ L L B R I N G T H E S TA F F, T H E E Q U I P M E N T, T H E K N O W H O W, S O YO U GET ALL THE PRAISE. WE CHECKED OUT THE BEST

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CHEFS PLUS

Anise: A Cuisine Affair

If designing your own menu is something that’s important to you, then Anise: A Cuisine Affair is one of the catering companies that can guide you. The team, founded and led

by Ana Carmo Costa, specialises in bespoke menus whether for an intimate cocktail party for 20 people or a wedding for 200. They also offer a delivery service bringing preprepared food to your home, business or location so you can serve it to your guests as and when you wish. Anise supplies everything including cutlery, glassware and can even supply flowers, candles and more to set the perfect scene. Focusing on fresh ingredients sourced seasonally, the food ranges from authentic Portuguese to modern French and spicy Indian.

T: 919 817 212 E: ana@anise.pt W: anise.pt

Algarve Fine Food

Algarve Fine Food was the brain-child of Gisela Matthjis, who was reportedly the first person to launch catering in the Algarve when she opened in 1995. Since then, she has been working with chefs, waiters and event managers to create a distinctly different style.

Susana Santos joined Gisela’s team in 2009 as its wedding and event planner.

The twosome are happy to cater for any event from intimate dinners to barbecues, and will even send a private chef to your villa if you don’t fancy cooking while on holiday. They’ll talk through the menu with you and do the shopping, or you can go to the market with the chef to choose your own ingredients, making it a truly personal experience.

T: 289 396 270 / Gisela: 915 987 200, Susana: 911 025 158 E: info@algarvefinefoods.com W: algarvefinefoods.com

The Farmhouse Project

There’s a big emphasis on farm-to-table and freshness at the Farmhouse Project in Almancil. Couple Jonathan and Hélène (who produced our August Recipe of the Month, page 30) met in Thailand and were keen to bring some of the vibrant cuisine they found on their travels to the Algarve. From barbecues and canapé parties to family sharing-style, refined dining and weddings, the couple say they are dedicated to using locally-sourced ingredients of the highest quality. Services on offer include menu planning, food shopping, table setting and transportation.

The couple also offers classes, so you can try your hand at cooking for your own gathering. Here, you’ll learn a range of techniques including how to fillet a fish, make a stock, source the best ingredients and the chef may even let you in on some of his secret top tips.

T: 910 006 265 E: thefarmhouseproject.pt@gmail.com W: farmhouseprojectkitchen.com

CHEFS PLUS

The Chef Affairs

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Soul Food Algarve

Soul Food Algarve boasts 15 years of experience and is the signature project of Chef Paulo Monteiro who promises the freshest, local ingredients and “hand-crafted cooking sprinkled with our unique whimsical elegance and exceptional service”, and caters for both corporate and private functions including weddings and barbecues.

With Paulo comes a wealth of experience as he worked at the former Michelin Star restaurant, Ermitage in Vale do Lobo. If you decide to use Paulo’s team for your event, you can expect to take your pick from a number of themed menus including Veggie, Breakfast and a unique concept called the ‘Flying Buffet’. Soul Food Algarve also offers all the complementary services, from cocktails and wines to musicians, florists and wedding planners.

T: 938 138 763 E: comercial@soulfood.pt W: soulfood.pt

Be it a relaxed and casual dinner party or a very special occasion, The Chef Affairs will do the honours wherever you are in the Algarve. The team, headed by Italian chef Roberto and his wife Arianna, works with you to customise the menu to your food preferences, theme and budget. You can hire a professional chef to come and cook in your home or they’ll provide the full service for you. The menus are based on a cuisine of Mediterranean influences using fresh seasonal products including seafood from the Lagos and Sagres fish markets, shellfish from the Alvor lagoon and Costa Vicentina, as well as meat and vegetables from the Alentejo’s countryside and farms. A speciality is the Portuguese dining experience, with the ‘Taste of Portugal’ and ‘The Portuguese BBQ’ set menus.

T: 917 009 238 E: info@thechefaffairs.com W: thechefaffairs.com

Zeca’s Street Food

This is a different kind of catering service and perfect for those who may want something other than the traditional canapés and sit-down meal. Zeca’s Truck and Stall provides freshly made street food specialising in Mexican cuisine – think all-time favourites including burritos, tacos and nachos. The mobile kitchen pitches up at parties, festivals and special events like weddings but also travels around so if you want to taste the treats for yourself, check Zeca’s social media posts to find out when they are next in a town near you. Paella is a real speciality, which Zeca himself will cook in front of your gang of guests.

T: 962 587 683 E: zecasstreetfood@gmail.com W: zecasstreetfood.com

Tribulum at Home

Born during the pandemic, Tribulum at Home was formerly known as No Contact Catering, allowing you to enjoy everything that Tribulum has to offer from the comfort of your own property.

Chef Jonnie Pratt (that's him on page 14!) and his team offer a wide variety of great value services including private chef experiences (with waiting staff and barmen), home delivery of your Tribulum favourites, a bespoke meal tailored to your wishes, event catering and private wine/ cocktail pairings.

Whether it’s a dinner at home with your family or an occasion of up to 500 people, Jonnie’s team will ensure your special event is one to remember that you, as the host, can relax and enjoy. Every menu is creatively curated by Jonnie himself, and with sustainability, the environment and artisanal practices at the core of the brand's values, the majority of ingredients coming straight from the Tribulum garden.

T: 289 397 784 E: info@tribulumalgarve.com.

W: tribulumalgarve.com

Côrte-real Gallery New exhibitioN - simply the best iN the alGarve Call us: 961 528 679 | 912 737 762 | Gallery open: thur. Fri. sat. sun.11h - 17h email us: algarvegallery@gmail.com | www.corterealarte.com

Follow these signs from paderne or boliqueime

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ON FILM I T ’ S N O S E C R E T T H AT T H E L AT E S T B L O C K B U S T E R FA S T A N D F U R I O U S WA S R E C E N T LY S H O T I N P O R T U G A L , B U T W H O K N O W S A B O U T T H E PA S S I O N AT E P E O P L E A N D T H E I R AMBITIOUS PROJECTS WHICH ARE SHINING A LIGHT ON T H E A LG A RV E ?

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Ready for action I first hear them from Vanda Everke, founder of Ferragudo-based Spy Manor Productions, who recently co-produced (with MovieBox Group) the feature film, The Infernal Machine.

Starring Guy Pearce (The Hurt Locker, The

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King’s Speech) and directed by Andrew Hunt (Frost Bite, Miles Between Us), the thriller, due for release by Paramount in 2023, was shot here last year, although it is set in America.

“The beauty of the Algarve is that the light and parts of the landscape closely resemble southern California,” says Vanda.

MovieBox’s Julian Hicks agrees. “It’s a perfect double for California and even locations like South America and parts of Asia, Europe, South Africa and Australia.”

It was also the third time MovieBox Studios was used to shoot a feature film. Standing on the ‘set’ in the cavernous warehouse in Loule’s industrial zone is surreal. I see remnants of the interrogation room and depot I saw only minutes ago watching the film’s trailer.

It assures me that the ambitious movie studio is no pie-in-the-sky, but already a happening thing. Phase 1 consists of two stage spaces for high-end film and TV use, and a creative hub using shipping containers for meeting spaces, production offices, costume stores and workshops, and is due to be completed next year. Phase 2 will follow in 2023 and 2024 with another four stages, workshop space, prop store and production offices, followed in the next five years by a water tank stage, virtual production space, editing suites, a production village, cafés and bars.

“With the capacity to host multiple productions, we really need local talent and skillset, advice and backing to support each part of the process,” says Julian. “We have procured routes to finance and seek to continually improve and advance our financing models.”

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entioning to friends that I’m writing an article on the movie industry in the Algarve, I get a resounding: “Huh, what movie industry? It obviously won’t be a very long story.”

Well, it’s a Tuesday morning in July and I’m in Loulé at the launch of Film Algarve, a coalition of local and international movie buffs who share a vision for the future of filmmaking in the Algarve.

There’s the CEO of the MovieBox Group, Julian Hicks; Manuel Baptista from the Loulé Film Office; cinematographer Frank Kallenberg; Laura Carlos of the Algarve Film Commission; Itchy Fish Film Ltd CEO, TJ Herbert; actor and creative producer Marcus Andre and a host of other luminaries in the movie business.

They’re all here to share how the Algarve is catching up to northern Portugal’s burgeoning movie industry and to introduce an international movie studio complex taking shape in Loulé.

Starting my research, I had a sense that there had been some film action in the Algarve, but until recently it was somewhat fractured. The buzzwords now, however, are collaboration and coalition.

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MOVIE MAKING PLUS

Making a difference

partly shot in Loulé and Lagoa in November 2020.

With a real estate business as part of Spy Manor group, Vanda says their end goal is to bring more investment to Portugal and elevate the Algarve region. They are currently working on launching The Algarve Film Collective, an initiative to unite and consolidate everybody who can contribute to the film industry.

“There is so much potential here and the more we connect the dots, the more viable it becomes for everyone.”

Having produced over 25 films in the UK and five in the Algarve, including John Hurt’s final role in That Good Night, MovieBox is perfectly placed to add value to the local film industry.

“One of our unique facets is our willingness to interact with the film production community as a whole,” says Julian. “We support the development of new talent and ability, and actively assist and invest in its growth.

“We are in talks with Apple, Amazon and Disney as anchor tenants and are also co-producing with National TV Stations SPi for Netflix. We have three movies slated for 2022 and early 2023, all of which will need various suppliers, businesses, location providers, talent, equipment, construction, logistics, storage and transportation to make this industry thrive.”

Importantly, the team believes in building a cultural and economic legacy to enhance the lives of people who live in the Algarve without negatively impacting its culture or environment.

Back at SpyManor Productions Vanda tells me about how the Portugal Film Commission has done a great job of promoting Portugal as a film destination.

“Since 2019 they have heavily boosted the country and offer very appealing and competitive incentives and rebates for filmmakers to come here.”

Already the industry has grown in leaps and bounds. Manuel Baptista of the Loulé Film Office tells me that the income for the region has gone from around €200,000 a few years ago to €6 million, with “a lot more to come”. In January 2023 it will host the second Algarve Film Week, following the successful first edition in January this year.

Award-winning actor Marcus Andre is another team player who is leading the charge to give the Algarve a starring role in the international movie industry.

Winner of Best Leading actor in the Prisma – Rome Independent Film Awards for his role as Nuno Fernades in Floaters, he heads up creative production and business development at MovieBox Studios.

She’s also passionate about promoting the region and developing its talent and own content, and started with hosting a Scriptwriters Workshop in 2020.

“Our thought was to develop television shows which naturally have a longer production time, so from the workshop we selected two writers and are now developing two TV shows which are at pitching stage.”

The first is a fantasy adventure called The Keepers, which has its roots in Portuguese history, and the second is a true crime story called The Cold Mind .

Another success story was their involvement in bringing the World Trailer Awards to Vilamoura in February this year.

“A sister festival to the Golden Trailer Awards, which have been held in the US for 20 years, the World Trailer Awards honour outstanding marketing excellence in 32 categories across cinema, television, gaming, podcasting and radio streaming and social media.”

“The ceremony was recorded and broadcast on the online platform Deadline the next day – a great showcase for the region on an international level.”

Spy Manor was also involved in the film There’s Always Hope directed by Tim Lewiston and starring Colm Meaney (Hell on Wheels) and Kate Ashfield (Shaun of the Dead), which was

Floaters also won the Best International Short Award at the Paris Art and Movie Awards last year for its scriptwriter and director Tomek P Chenczke, another passionate Algarve resident.

A star of stage and screen, Marcus has worked in Portugal, UK, Germany and Brazil. His most recent role was in the short film unSin alongside American actress Paula Lobo Antunes.

A joint production by local producers Ber/Liner Productions, kallenberg art and MovieBox Studio, it was filmed in Lagoa earlier this year and marked Marcus’s debut as a writer and producer.

“With the Algarve’s landscape as the main backdrop, the plot evolves the troubled relationship between siblings Edward and Helen Walker, with the central theme being the practice of conversion therapy and its harmful consequences,” says Marcus.

“Although the topic has already been openly debated and banned in many American states, in Europe the procedure continues to exist, only being banned in Malta, France, Albania and Germany (partially).”

Clearly there is no shortage of content, creativity and vision to promote the Algarve across the world’s movie industry.

“In recent years, there has been a confluence of circumstances that, taken together, offer an unparalled opportunity for the film industry to create a significant economic

Rapid growth

MOVIE MAKING PLUS

WHY PORTUGAL?  Portugal is on average 20-25% more affordable than Spain when it comes to crew, locations, cast and ancillary space.  Accommodation is also cheaper, with great autumn and winter offers and discounts available.

and cultural shift in this region,” says Julian Hicks. “Now, with plans for an international studio complex connected to the world via Portugal’s excellent transport network, and a growing community of highly-skilled filmmakers living and investing in the region, it’s time to truly put the Algarve on the world’s filmmaking map.”

THE RIGHT JUICE was the first English language feature film fully shot and set in the Algarve. It premiered at the Teatro das Figuras in Faro in 2014.

It is the story of Oliver, city bankrupt, who attempts to grow oranges on an old farm and discovers the land is barren for reasons that are more sinister than appear at first glance.

ORANGES, NO LEMONS Sebastiaan Opschoor, an independent filmmaker residing in Portugal, won a prestigious Award of Merit from The Impact DOCS Awards Competition in the US last year for his short documentary, The Orange Life of the Algarve, which highlights organic orange farming in the area and an industry that is excessively using chemicals because they think they need it to meet mass demand. The film, which also won the Cotswold International Film Festival for Best Documentary Short Film, was made without any budget and produced by Matteo Rovetti of Algarve Food Experience and Pash Marketing Agency.

 The ICA (Institute of Cinema and Audiovisual) manages more than 20 types of financial support for national cinema and audiovisual projects, in development, production, distribution, among others.  Portugal participates in several supranational funds and programmes, such as the Creative Europe Programme (European Union), Eurimages Fund (Council of Europe) and the Ibermedia Fund (Iberian and Latin-American Countries Community).  Portugal is also a member of the EFP – European Film Promotion, a structure created in 1997 with the goal to develop and strengthen the worldwide promotion and distribution of European cinema.

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 Portugal is part of a number of co-production treaties – Italy, Spain, France, Germany, Cape Verde, Angola, Mozambique, Brazil, Israel and Morocco, which means that co-producing with Portuguese partners is opening doors to possible co-productions with more than 50 countries.

ALGARVE P L U S

Far left: MovieBox Studios site map. Left: Setting up for filming. Above: John Hurt, in his final role, in That Good Night, a MovieBox production

 There is a diverse multicultural pool of talents here, from technicians to wardrobe stylists to makeup artists, and specialist operators including drone pilots and steadicam operator.

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 Portugal offers up to 30% cash rebate as an incentive.

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Casa

Amor I T ’ S A U G U S T . J A C K A N D W A LT E R G O BACK AN D FO RTH B E T WE E N TH E P O P UP STORE AND THE CONSTRUC TION S I T E . W A LT E R ' S P A S T R I E S A R E A R E AL SU CCE SS , JACK ' S CLU B SANDWICH (THINK CHICKEN AND FIGS) TOO, AND THE WORK ON W H AT W A S P E N S Ã O H E L E N A I S P R O G R E S S I N G AT A G O O D P A C E

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E L AI N E J OYCE

UR TWO ENTREPRENEURS are working to a

new timetable. Up at 06:00, and an hour later Walter lights the oven for the first baking session of the day, while Jack sets up the terrace. The duo are now among the early birds at the market with Walter choosing the fruits for the tarts – blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, mangoes, kiwis... the best of what is

Garrett

Walsh

+351 919 259 769

available.

The pop-up store opens at 09:00 but the regulars know that the croissants are ready earlier and are there to ask for “a coffee and a freshly squeezed orange juice, is that possible?” Yes, of course it is, and that is one of the reasons why those customers are regulars. Walter has made Breton cakes using the best butter, and a pack is waiting for adorable little Alba – one every morning.

Is this a flourishing business? “Our pop-up store is first and foremost a human adventure,” say Jack and Walter. “We have met all those who follow Casa Amor on Instagram, Facebook or in AlgarvePLUS magazine. We put faces to nicknames, we discuss, we take stock of the site, we exchange advice and share ideas. The venture has opened new doors for us, forged new friendships and confirms, every day, that Olhão is the centre of our lives and exactly where we want to be.”

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The small pastry shop has fast become a meeting place that brings together those who settled here many years ago and those who dream of doing so in the near future. It is also the new breakfast spot for tourists staying locally who delight in the granola. “What makes us happy,” says Walter, “is that we have attracted a Portuguese clientele who know and appreciate French pastry and a different coffee”∙ The subject of the coffee served at the pop-up is another story of encounters. “Our friends from Horta da Cima spoke about an excellent coffee shop in Loulé, Bean17,” says Jack.

“We went there immediately on hearing the excellent reports, and talked to Ilona and Jan. We love the coffee they serve, an organic coffee from Peru. Jan roasts it himself, a gentle roasting, no question here of burning the beans! And that’s how we became the first customers of their new service.” (Bean 17’s story featured in the June issue of AlgarvePLUS. If you want to re-read it– see page 60 at https://issuu.com/wannabeeartist/ docs/1-88_june_digital_singles_small) At 15:00, as the alleys empty, Jack and Walter close the pop-up store and Casa Amor becomes the all-absorbing centre of their attention. E-Obras, the builder and Sena Architects are still on deck. The structure is now completely saved, and the house will last another 100 years. The mirador on the roof is built; the light concrete screeds are poured; the exterior walls

finally breathe without the tiles that were laid in the 70s; the patio is taking shape, and the structure that will support the pool is under construction.

“The whole electricity and water structure is installed,” confirms Jack. “We can even see where the sconces, switches and sockets will be in the future. We are really very happy with the performance of Josué Medeiros and his team – in five months they have carried out considerable and complex works to achieve the highest possible standard.”

And meanwhile, the Santa Catarina tiles that will cover the terrace are being manufactured. “We entrusted this special order to Alberto Rocha, whose artisanal and local production respects tradition and corresponds well to the spirit of the project,” explains Walter. (Those considering a venture of their own should keep note of the specialist companies now involved in the development of Casa Amor.)

From the beauty of baking to the challenges of realising a dream of restoring an ancient building to its former glory, Jack and Walter have never been busier, or more fulfilled. Business schools and the world of high finance belong now to a life before... and the duo have no regrets. “Fingers crossed that it will last,” jokes Jack, “even if standing all day is not so easy!”

PROJECT POWER P O R T U G A L I S I N T H E F O R E F R O N T O F R E N E WA B L E I N N O VAT I O N , O P E N I N G E U R O P E ’ S L A R G E S T F L O AT I N G S O L A R PA R K I N J U LY. L O C AT E D O N T H E A L Q U E VA R E S E R V O I R I N T H E B A I XO A L E N T E J O , I T C O N S I S T S O F 1 2 , 0 0 0 S O L A R PA N E L S A N D C O V E R S A N A R E A

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HE SOLAR PARK project

undertaken by EDP has helped to maximise the efficiency of the photovoltaic panels by locating them on water. In summer, low temperatures near the surface increase their effectiveness by as much as 11%.

By floating the panels on water, EDP incurred no real estate costs for the purchase of land.

And because the Alqueva dam was already producing hydroelectricity, there was a grid connection already in place, negating the need to construct new transmission and distribution lines. An additional benefit is the battery storage system that is one of the largest in the country.

In times of low consumption, the design allows solar power to pump water from the reservoir to produce new hydroelectric power.

This shiny man-made island floating on a man-made lake is a ‘win win’ situation that has minimised the impact on the environment

and boosted EDP’s desire to become a fully green company by 2030. A further license has been granted to float another solar park on the reservoir. EDP’s ambitions include the installation of solar panels on all public buildings by 2025; these plans comply with the objectives of the Portuguese Government to become Carbon Neutral by 2050.

A treat for visitors Aside from the innovation of the solar park, the Alqueva reservoir is able to cater for tourists, providing a plethora of activities for them to discover.

Described as the largest artificial lake in Europe – 83km in length – the shoreline is as long as the coast of the Algarve. Fourteen species of fish breed in the lake and wildlife, particularly a variety of birds, are drawn to the area. Seven villages perch on the lakeside’s edge and there is holiday accommodation, campsites and numerous boat trips, including self-drive

PROGRESS PLUS

Alqueva Visitor & Interpretation Centre Open every day including Sundays and public holidays T: 284 315 100 | W: edia.pt/en/

Dark Sky Observatory T: 913 103 540 | W: darkskyalqueva.com Open Tuesday to Saturday, 14:30–21:00

JUST SO YOU KNOW...

ALTHOUGH GOATS CAN SWIM FOR REASONS OF SELF PRESERVATION THEY PREFER TO KEEP THEIR FEET DRY. THEY WILL STEP OVER A PUDDLE RATHER THAN STEP IN IT. SLIPPERY FEET CAUSE

stone by stone before the area was flooded.

Although its location is new, the village has not changed. A short distance away a small modern museum catalogues events that have altered the character of the area.

Perhaps one of the most extraordinary occurred in 2011 when the reservoir and the surrounding countryside were designated as

ACCIDENTS MAKING GOATS FEEL INSECURE ON ROUGH TERRAIN.

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Museu da Luz Open Tuesday to Sunday, 09:30–13:00 and 14:30–17:30 T: 266 569 257 | W: museudaluz.org.pt

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the First Starlight Destination in the World. The official Dark Sky Observatory is open to the public and located in the village of Cumeada. It is equipped with state-of-the-art telescopes for solar and astronomical observations, allowing a unique visual experience beneath one of the least polluted skies in the world.

In 2020 the Dark Sky Alqueva Reserve received two awards at the World Travel Awards; Europe’s Responsible Tourism Award and Europe’s Leading Tourism Development Project. Those awards complement improved water supplies and renewable electricity. A fascinating and totally unspoiled area with a visitor centre that is open to the public explaining the technology that supports the Alqueva solar and hydropower plants.

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houseboats with sleeping facilities.

I chanced upon a half-day trip across the tranquil waters. The guide explained that, in parts, the lake is 100 metres in depth and buoys mark the course of the River Guadiana, which is the lake’s source. The dam gates closed in 2002, and by 2010 water from the river reached its maximum capacity.

Some 426 islands still stand above the level of the water. On one island a Billy goat has been stranded for 11 years. Like a character from a fairytale, he bleated when our pleasure boat passed by. Although goats can swim long distances, presumably he prefers life on his private island.

According to our guide the food source on ‘goat island’ is reliable and replenished with the seasons. There is sufficient vegetation to support a hermit like him, and of course there is no shortage of water for him to drink!

Another point of interest in the area is Aldeia da Luz. Nothing about this sleepy place appears to stray from the image of a typical rural Alentejo village. Bright whitewashed houses with terracotta roofs line the calçada-paved streets, but this village was the only physical obstacle standing in the way of creating the reservoir. Rather than it being destroyed, in 2002 it was dismantled and reconstructed

A taste of MADEIRA D I D YO U K N O W T H AT M A D E I R A W I N E S W E R E T H E F I R S T E U R O P E A N W I N E S T O T R AV E L T O T H E A M E R I C A S A N D A S I A? A N D T H AT M A D E I R A WA S T H E C H O I C E T O T O A S T T H E S I G N I N G O F T H E U N I T E D S TAT E S D E C L A R AT I O N O F I N D E P E N D E N C E ?

N O W YO U D O ! J O I N U S O N A T O U R T O F I N D O U T M O R E

LÍVIA MOKRI

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ADEIRA IS A DESSERT wine that is in

a class of its own, not only because of its amazing sweetness and texture but also because it is virtually ‘immortal’, while the vast majority of wines, once open, oxidize quickly, resulting in a tasteless, spicy drink.

Madeira is a dense fortified wine with a high (17-22 %) alcohol content. Its colour can vary from amber to dark coffee, and depending on its type – dry to sweet – the aromas and flavours can be very different. Its taste depends on the harmony of three factors: sweetness, acidity and the degree of alcohol. All Madeira wines contain at least 20g per litre of residual sugar. However, this sweetness is offset by a good dose of acidity. The aftertaste lingers and gets longer with the aging of the wines.

Madeira wines don’t change; once on the shelves, they can be consumed immediately as no further maturation is required, and

even after opening, they can be stored almost indefinitely.

The history of Madeira wines The island of Madeira was discovered in 1419. It was first home to prisoners, then to settlers who arrived bringing their vines with them, but due to the mountainous terrain, viticulture required a great deal of effort. For that reason an irrigation system was devised which is still used today, called Levadas.

Madeira wine was discovered by accident. The Portuguese island, known as the gem of the Atlantic, served as an important refueling point for ships crossing the ocean, where barrels were filled with local wine to which the crew added brandy to improve its durability on long voyages.

Over time, it was found that the warmth of the ship’s cargo compartment dramatically improved the quality of the wines, making them richer, more complex and more stable. In the mid-18th century the Madeira winemakers started to copy this

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process, which is how the two maturation methods used today developed.

The making of Madeira wines There are only 500 hectares of vineyards on the island. The grapes are traditionally harvested by hand from mid-August to mid-October as part of a dedicated festival, and transported to the winery where the stem is removed and the fruit crushed to remove the seeds and peel. The resulting must, obtained from pressing, is fermented and then fortified, a process in which the fermentation is stopped when 96% alcoholic distillate is added to it. The length of time involved dictates the style of the wine – dry, semi-dry, semi-sweet, and sweet. The wines are then subjected to one of two maturation processes.

In the Estufagem process, the Estufa, a stainless steel tank, heats the wine to 45-50°C for at least three months using a heating coil. The wine is then matured at room temperature

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for at least 90 days, allowing it to cool gradually, until it reaches the desired quality for bottling, a process that cannot take place before 31 October of the second year after harvest.

Madeira wine is always the result of blending with wine made from other grape varieties, usually the Tinta Negra. The year on the label indicates the age of the youngest wine in the blend.

The second process, called Canteiro, takes its name from the wooden beams (canteiros) that hold the barrels in which the wines are aged on storage racks at different heights in warehouses for at least two years, where they are exposed to the warming effect of the natural heat of the sun.

The barrels are not completely filled, so the wine oxidizes slowly, producing spicy and smoky aromas with flavours of roasted nuts and dried fruits. Due to the complete oxidation, these wines, like Tawny Port, will be robust and can be stored not only for years, but for centuries.

After a few years, the barrels at the highest level will move to a lower, cooler rack. When they finally arrive at the ground level, the wine is then bottled and allowed to rest for an additional two years before it is made available for sale.

The best Vintage and Premium wines are made with the Canteiro process.

Know your grapes

wines and is the darkest Madeira wine. It has a rich aroma of barley sugar, caramel and coffee, as well as dried fruit, orange peel and apricot.

The English name, Malmsey, is used for the white MalvasiaCândida grape, the first grape variety planted on the island.

The wine has aromas of caramel and vanilla, which can be found in the taste. An excellent dessert wine, it is traditionally served with coffee, cake or walnuts, and popular to pair with bitter chocolate. Malmsey is arguably the most famous of all the Madeira wines.

Terrantez white grapes are a rarity, with a strong lemon flavour, somewhat similar to Sercial.

Tinta Negra is the only major red grape in Madeira where it was first grown in the 18th century. It is a highly versatile variety and is currently found in 80-85% of Madeira wines. Also called Negra Mole, the grape is the main type used in the Algarve wine region.

The Madeira wine styles Finest wine is made mostly from Tinta Negra grapes, aged for at least three years using the Estufagem process.

Rainwater is a light, pale-coloured wine that largely contains Tinta Negra grapes. This type also matures for three years with the Estufagem process. It is the most popular Madeira style among American and British consumers.

Reserve (5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, and 50-plus year-old wines) where the indicated year refers to the minimum ageing period of the wine.

The wines over 20 years old have an intense, complex, rich aroma, good structure, complexity and balance. They are delicate, smooth and velvety with a long-lasting finish.

Colheita (vintage) – a wine with an indication of the year of harvest, aged in wooden barrels for at least five years, with outstanding characteristics.

Frasqueira or Garrafeira – the year of harvest and the grape variety are also indicated on the bottle after maturing in wooden barrels for at least 20 years.

Madeira wine has a high (1722 %) alcohol content. Its colour can vary from amber to dark coffee, and depending on its type – dry to sweet – the aromas and flavours can be very different.

The most commonly-used grape varieties in the production of Madeira wine are white Sercial, Verdelho, Bual, Malvasia and Terrantez, as well as red Tinta Negra.

If one of these grapes is noted on the label of the wine, that wine must contain at least 85% of the listed variety.

The grape variety shown is also an indication of taste – Dry Sercial, SemiDry Verdelho, Semi-Sweet Boal, and Sweet Malmsey.

Terrantez is usually made into semi-dry wines but is now a rare grape variety because very little of it is grown on the island.

Tinta Negra red grapes, however, are not listed on the labels but can be included in dry and sweet wines, depending on the process.

The dry-style wine from Sercial grape is rich in citrus flavours, especially orange and lemon, sometimes with burning acids, at a young age, but as the wine matures, it develops more nutty flavours, making it the perfect aperitif.

Verdelho grapes produce a semi-dry, extremely elegant wine with a tropical and exotic character and slightly nutty flavours, rich in aromas of dried fruit and honey, and sometimes notes of coffee and chocolate.

Bual (also known as ‘Bual da Madeira’) produces semi-sweet

Storing Madeira wines Madeira wines should be stored in a dark place in an upright position.

Do not let the wine touch the cork as this could affect its taste – cork degrades faster than wine.

Perfect pairings Madeira wine offers several pairings, depending on the degree of sweetness. Dry Madeira can be a great aperitif. The semi-dry type is often consumed with appetizers or as an accompaniment to soups. Semi-sweet varieties go perfectly with cheeses, and sweet Madeira wine is the ideal partner to desserts, chocolate and coffee.

Younger wines should be consumed at 13–14°C and older varieties at 15–16°C; the colder the wine, the less you can feel its real aroma and taste.

Decantation may be required before Madeira wine is consumed to remove deposits that have accumulated over the years. However, once the bottle is opened, its contents remain in fine condition for decades.

The Finest Art Gallery in the Algarve

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Vietnamese

Veggie Summer Rolls W H E N P E O P L E T H I N K S P R I N G R O L L S , T H E Y A L M O S T C E R TA I N LY T H I N K D E E P - F R I E D N A U G H T I N E S S . B U T T H E S E , F R O M J O N AT H A N A N D H É L È N E O F T H E F A R M H O U S E P R O J E C T, A R E E AT E N R AW , W R A P P E D I N R I C E P A P E R , A N D A R E S U P E R H E A LT H Y

SERVES 4–5

I NGR E D I E N T S For t he s u m mer r ol l s

RECIPE

of the month...

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      

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1 pack of rice paper, 12 sheets (Banh Trang brand is the best) 250g rice vermicelli noodles 1-2L warm water 4 carrots, peeled and grated ½ red cabbage, julienned 300g bean shoots, washed 2 shallots, thinly sliced 1 cucumber, de-cored and julienned (cut into long, thin strips) 200g mangetout, julienned 1 tbsp fish sauce 4 tbsp rice vinegar 15 fresh basil leaves 15 fresh mint leaves 10g finely chopped coriander

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T O TA L T I M E : 3 0 M I N U T E S

For t he p e a nut s a uce        

2 tbsp cooking oil 2 tbsp minced garlic 1 tbsp freshly grated ginger 2–3 tsp creamy peanut butter 1 tbsp soy sauce 2 tbsp rice vinegar 4 tsp water Crushed peanuts, a handful

1 Put a pan on medium heat and sauté the garlic and ginger in oil until fragrant.

2 Add the peanut butter, soy, rice vinegar and water and mix thoroughly. Bring the mix to the boil, and then immediately turn off the heat. Put the pan on one side until the creamy peanut sauce cools down.

3 Serve in a dipping bowl alongside rolls, topped with crushed peanuts.

MET HOD 1 Soak your noodles in boiling water for 5–7 minutes (timing can vary depending on the noodle brand, so check the package instructions). Drain and cool the noodles under cold running water.

2 In a medium bowl, mix the noodles and carrots, red cabbage, bean shoots, shallots, cucumber, and mangetout together for a rainbow colour.

Add fish sauce and vinegar and mix again.

3 Fill a large bowl with warm water, and dip your rice paper in for 2-3 seconds, until it softens. It needs to be pliable and easy to handle.

4 Let´s get rolling. Place the noodles and rainbow veggie mix in the centre of the sheet and top with a few mint and basil leaves and coriander.

Don´t be put off if your first few rolls look a little sloppy, it´s normal! They normally get better after the first few rolls.

Chef´s tip: Double the rice sheets if you wish to make up extra rolls for future meals. They’ll store well in the fridge for two to three days, and the coolness helps keep them firm, preventing them from falling apart. Don’t place completed rolls next to each other because the rice paper will stick! You can cling film them individually to protect them.

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A C T U A L LY, J O N AT H A N C L O A K E F I R S T D I S C O V E R E D T H E S E C O L O U R F U L , F R E S H A N D TA S T Y S N A C K S O N T H E S T R E E T S O F S O U T H E R N C A M B O D I A M A N Y Y E A R S A G O N O W , A N D N O T I N V I E T N A M , W H E R E T H E Y O R I G I N AT E D . R E A D A B O U T T H E F A R M H O U S E P R O J E C T ’ S C AT E R I N G A N D P R I VAT E C H E F S E R V I C E S O N P A G E 5 4

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THEN

NOW

S TA R T I N G O V E R , I N A C O U N T R Y T H AT ’ S N E W T O YO U , W I T H A L A N G U A G E T H AT ’ S S T R A N G E T O YO U , C O P I N G W I T H L O S S A N D L O O K I N G T O R E - B U I L D YO U R L I F E –

ONE

W O M A N H A S M E T T H O S E C H A L L E N G E S A N D S TA R T E D A N E W C H A P T E R H E R E I N L A G O S

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PILAR ALBERTSON

LIVED IN THE UK for 12 years, in a stunningly beautiful part of the English countryside with serene views. It was magical. But the passing of my husband right after he retired was an unexpected development I was not prepared for, but had to deal with. There was no sense in trying to understand what happened or why.

We had designed and built our home together. He was the engineer, and I was the creative one; our visions collided into this cohesive creation that was an expression of our collective ideas. It was heavenly!

Then COVID hit shortly after his departure and my world was enveloped in silence; darkness overtook me.

My soul needed the light and the sun, as well as the sea, so I contemplated relocating either to France or Greece, but a close friend suggested that I considered Portugal. I had no idea what the future would hold for me as a widow dealing with bereavement. My children live in the United States, but I did not want to move back there, so I took a leap of faith and began to a

search the internet, and one place – just one, in Lagos – met my list of criteria: House. Beach. Renovation. Algarve!

Opening new doors On a late Wednesday afternoon, I contacted my agent, Hildegard of Seven Quintas in Almancil, and asked her to look at the property. She and I did a Facetime walk-through it, and I intuitively opted to purchase it without seeing it firsthand, since it met the check marks on my bucket list.

Being an interior designer, I saw the potential and how easily it could be reconfigured, redesigned and rebuilt. I had owned a highly successful design store in Canada that taught me how to blend beautiful decorative pieces with contemporary elements, and my late husband and I had built an award-winning house in the UK. I believed it would be a simple process to create a new home because, theoretically, I had the experience to transform this property.

My Cotswolds home had sold, and I needed a place to

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make mine. But the challenges, including covid restrictions, were considerable. Working with a single contractor in a foreign country was an obstacle initially, as was sourcing materials, and day-to-day communications were often a problem, too. Being alone, and particularly during lockdowns, made things extremely difficult.

But essentially, what doesn’t bend you makes you stronger. The contractor saw my vision and we transformed a derelict property with plumbing, electrical and spatial issues into a truly serene home.

Walls were moved, elevations were increased, and new life was breathed into the tired place.

The project took a year to complete; what seemed like a long-winded process for me was, essentially, a rapid one by Portuguese standards.

My furniture had been in storage in the UK for a year and was brought here by removals people who had to overcome the bureaucracy during covid restrictions and Brexit; systems were still being put in place by customs in the UK covering goods leaving there and entering an EU country.

The paperwork was held up by absentee agents in the London immigration office, suffering with covid. But we managed, and the goods were finally delivered to Lagos in June 2020.

My home is my creative outlet. Although there needs to be a defined sense of order in my

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surroundings, the energy and expression through art are also a sanctuary for me. The pieces I have in my home are a testament to my journey. They define who I am. They are a connection to my past, to those who have left me and to those that I will forever carry in my heart.

All things new

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The Algarve, and Lagos in particular, now hold a sense of magic for me. There is something so healing about the sunshine and the energy of the ocean that reflects the serene pace of life in Portugal when compared to the UK or the US. I don’t speak the language, but one is still able to communicate. Walks on the beach afford a sense of privacy and a connection to a place of healing. How can it not?

In this journey of solitude and gratitude that I now experience

Through social media and a wonderful photographer, Andrea Ludovice in Cascais, I found a highly-acclaimed artist who could create something very magical for me. Her wall murals in Lisbon and Cascais made a huge impression on me.

Jacqueline de Montaigne is an internationally known, AngloPortuguese painter and muralist, an artist who expresses herself through introspective and biographical images. She uses secondary texts, and the visual identity of her figures to explore our true nature versus imposed beliefs and societal expectations.

Nature has a strong presence throughout her work, bringing a sublime, ethereal calm to it. Fauna and flowers are used as symbolic meanings to weave stories throughout her ‘canvas’.

In Victorian times, flowers were used to send coded messages, mainly of love or to make declarations of love. I wanted a story

with friends and my beautiful family, I have met local people who have come into my life for a reason; powerful women who have shared their energy and wisdom.

When we are in an emotional place of acceptance, there is a shift that allows us to connect with beings and nature that simply bring joy.

Added touches Our journey through life is one of sharing and telling stories. I had one more mission with this place of refuge in which I now live. I had a ‘blank canvas’ in my garden that was asking for a story, a legacy as such.

Lagos is known for its beautiful street art. Talents from all over the world have left their mark on walls and alleyways in this fine city; I waited and watched for an artist to come my way, and the day arrived when she did.

of my life, and Jacqueline delivered that, using watercolours to create fluidity and harmony, illuminated with precious metals – gold leaf that absorbs and reflects the light in such a rare and beautiful way. That is her signature and it absolutely sets her work apart.

Semita, my beautiful wall mural, was signed and created for me in June and her presence is symbolic of all the kind people who have transformed my journey here in Lagos. Her name is from the Latin for ‘a path’, appropriately reflecting my journey through time.

The mural has personal messages embedded throughout the wall… it’s like a symbolic tattoo on my arm, that is a link to my past and my future. She carries my legacy and reflects my story as her beautiful eyes watch me as I navigate my personal space, and her beautiful soul keeps me safe with the memories that I hold so dearly in my heart.

team@mariasbeachalgarve.com www.mariasbeachalgarve.com Bookings: +351 289 358 675

Restaurant & rooftop bar . Sunbeds, shades & beach hut . Resident DJ & live music Beach hut serving coffee and snacks open from 09:00h - 19:00h . Restaurant open all day from 12:30h until late . Bookings essential @marias_algarve

@Marias restaurant and beach

On Garrão beach, between Vale do Lobo and Quinta do Lago, drive past Dunas Douradas Beach Club, we are at the end of the road.

LOVE FOOD

LOVE LIFE

LOVE JULIAS

JULIA'S BEACH, PRAIA DO GARRAO, ALMANCIL. FOLLOW SIGNS FOR VALE DO LOBO AND THEN RIA PARK HOTEL. Info@julias-algarve.com

00 351 289 396 512

online reservations: julias-algarve.com

@juliasalgarve

ANSWERS PLUS

12 Your whirlwind concert tour, where has it taken you so far, and where this month? 20 August, TerraSul, Alcácer do Sal (Noites de Baco); 27th Albufeira (Noites no Jardim).Then 2 September, Castro Verde (Festival Castro Mineiro); 27 October, Faro.

13 What music do you listen to during your own time out? People say that in terms of music today everything has already been discovered. So I prefer to listen to music from 50 years ago when everything was more raw and analogic.

L A S T M O N T H , W E TA L K E D A B O U T T H E TA L E N T E D G U I T A R R A P O R T U G U E S A P L AY E R , R I C A R D O M A R T I N S , W H O S E J U LY C O N C E R T S A C R O S S T H E A L G A R V E H A V E B E E N S E L L- O U T S , A N D T H E R E A R E M O R E I N A U G U S T

1 Where were you born and where did you grow up? I was born in Faro and I grew up in São Brás de Alportel.

2 And now, where is home? I live in Loulé.

3 Do you come from a musical family?

I’m the first musician in my family.

4 When did you first discover a passion for music? My father loved music and his taste was eclectic – The Beatles, Elvis Presley, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Demis Roussos, Gipsy Kings, Spanish and Italian music, so I had contact with all kinds of bands and genres. At age 14, I wanted a classical guitar to play my favourites songs.

5 What genre of music inspired you originally? Many have, and still inspire. I used to listen to lots of rock, jazz and classical, even more than Fado and Portuguese music.

6 How old were you when you decided on a career as a musician? Nice question.

In fact, I never decided – things just happened that way. It was never my goal to be a musician, but people started to invite me to play with them – the school band, a

16 Do you always work alongside the same players? Who are they? I work mostly with Claudio Sousa on the classical guitar and Luis Trindade on the bass but I always try to find new people to give a different flavour to the songs.

folk group and things got more serious.

8 The Portuguese Guitar – when did that come into your life? I was 20 when I heard a version of Carlos Paredes Movimento Perpétuo played by Gonçalo Pereira. I was captivated. The first Portuguese Guitar I saw was the one I bought.

17 What has been your most exciting concert so far and what made it special? I’ve played in some special places but our first time in Kiev, Ukraine, with my trio on 2018, was wonderful. We were invited by the Portuguese Embassy to play with the National Philharmonic of Kiev. There was an audience of 600 and we had 13 songs prepared and encore after encore. It was very touching. This year would have been our fourth time there. Unfortunately the war started.

9 What makes it special and the sound so unique? I think the double strings give an extra sensitive flavour to it. It’s a unique instrument and the way of playing it with just two fingers on the right hand (thumb and index) introduces a different mood.

18 Medfest – how did you find it? It was great to play there again and our stage was very intimate. It was good to see people react to new songs and react to the fusion of an electric guitar in overdrive and a Portuguese Guitar.

10 Is it a completely new learning experience? Yes, it is very different from the electric guitar. Learning the technique and the tuning were the most challenging parts.

19 If you could perform anywhere in the world, where would you choose? I have played in China and India. I would love to visit Oceania and Japan.

11 Did you have a special teacher? I’m self-taught, and shared learning with friends via VHS.

20 Where can one buy your CDs? Via my website, Facebook, Instagram or email to info@ricardomartinsgpt.com

7 What was the first instrument you mastered? It was the electric guitar, one of my passions.

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15 How many CDs have you made and when where they released? So far, three solo CDs, in 2014, 2017, and Escapismo in 2021. I have a new project, TerraSul, with rock/blues guitarist Vitor Bacalhau and we recorded Encruzilhada this year.

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14 Do you compose your own pieces? Yes, I compose my own pieces and arrangements.

HEADS UP A N U N U S U A L A N D E C L E C T I C G AT H E R I N G O F M O D E R N S C U L P T U R A L P O R T R A I T S I S C U R R E N T LY G A I N I N G T H E AT T E N T I O N O F C O L L E C T O R S W H O D E L I G H T I N T H E STO R I E S B E H I N D T H E Q U I ZZ I C A L A N D FA S C I N AT I N G F E AT U R E S

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COLLECTIONS PLUS

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REATING BUSTS of individuals goes back to ancient times, and museums in Vilamoura and Milreu, Estoi, contain many prime examples of Roman sculptural portraits. Honouring family members and dignitaries associated with the Empire, these marble busts were commissioned to provide a perfect anatomical likeness.

Depicting warts, wrinkles and imperfections, they are unlike the Greek busts that were sculpted centuries before and made to flatter an individual by improving his or her appearance.

Take the Roman Empress Agrippina the Younger; a bust of this grand lady was discovered in Milreu. A ruler of great importance – granddaughter of Augustus the first Roman emperor, sister of Caligula and wife of Claudius – she is

portrayed as she was in life. Far from being represented as beautiful, sculptors strived and were admired for replicating her sturdy masculine appearance precisely.

Paying respect to those of importance as well as family ancestors was a vital aspect of Roman life and busts were a status symbol displayed in the homes of the well-to-do.

Sometimes they were made of bronze, but due to the material being reusable, many of them were melted down by subsequent generations to make sculptures of their own.

In contrast to these naturalistic Roman busts are the modern interpretations that appeal to the art collectors of today. Looking for more spiritual and emotional intensity, in many cases, it is without question art from Africa that has inspired this avantgarde work.

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Towards the end of the 19th century, as a consequence of colonial conquests and expeditions into the ‘dark continent’, curios and sculptures began appearing in museums in Europe.

Notably, the Musée d’Ethnographie du Trocadero in Paris displayed artifacts with ethnic origins, many of them from sub-Saharan Africa.

For modern artists from the so-called Paris School they provided a degree of fascination. The highly stylized flatness and abstraction of the human form,

So began Picasso’s new enlightened view of art that he applied to his own sculptures – Bust of a Man, 1908 and Head of a Woman, 1909 – and to his paintings. In fact, the masklike faces that are seen in the painting Les Demoiselles d’Avignon, 1907 are considered by some to mark the birth of Cubism in art.

Five years later in Italy, Modigliani began making sketches of masks and figures from the Ivory Coast. Emulating the heart shaped elongated faces with

The masklike faces as seen in Picasso’s painting Les Demoiselles d’Avignon, 1907 are considered by some to mark the birth of Cubism in art. fragmented geometric shapes and vivid colour palettes were unlike anything they had seen before.

Antique shops selling African knickknacks and trinkets were popular in Paris, and Gertrude Stein recalled how Matisse bought a small African figure on the way to her house. Picasso happened to be there and it caught his attention.

Encouraged by Matisse, he visited the Trocadero to see more similar exhibits.

Although unimpressed by the dimly-lit building, he started to study the unusual contents of the African galleries.

small mouths placed in unnaturally low positions, Modigliani developed his own version of the style. It was to become the trademark of his later paintings, but it was a series of sculptural busts created in 1912 that first depicted this distinctive facial appearance.

At Galeria Côrte-Real an exhibition reflects the many different styles that originated with African artists and artisans. From German Expressionism to African American Modernism and Abstraction, the selection on display cannot fail to fascinate.

G a l e r i a C ô r te - R e a l i s s i t u a te d o n t h e o u t s k i r t s o f t h e v i l l a g e o f P a d e r n e a n d s i g n p o s te d f ro m B o l i q u e i m e , Ferreiras and Paderne O p e n : T h u r s d a y t o S u n d a y, 1 1 : 0 0 – 1 7 : 0 0 / T: 9 1 2 5 2 8 6 7 9 / E : c o r t e r e l a r t e . c o m

Get your outdoor space Sunshine-ready!

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WEDDINGS ARE B AC K O N T H E AG E N DA , M O R E AND MORE COUPLES ARE OPTING FOR A D E S T I N AT I O N , A N D FOR MANY THE A LG A RV E I S T H E I R FIRST CHOICE

S T. P A T R I C K - G A E T A N A

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TYING the knot N O W T H AT

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“Twinkle toes: butter soft suedes, organza, French lace, Italian satins, feathers, pearls and embroidery.”

“My favourite locations for wedding photography include Pine Cliffs with its breathtaking views and lush gardens, Pousada Palácio in Estoi, Thai Beach Club and Tavira, where it is possible to have your intimate ceremony inside the Castle Rui Serra Ribeiro Serra Ribeiro Photography

G R A C E L O V E S L A C E , N AT H A L I A

Di Hassall Designer

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“Men are dressing the part.

Soft colours, narrow cuts, piling on the style with added details. Today's groom wants to get noticed.”

“The famous Benagil cave can no longer be accessed by boats., but many venues close to the beach and a short walk is often preferable to kayaking the sea caves.”

Roberto Vicenti robertovicenti.com

Garrett Walsh Algarve Wedding Photography

I DO PLUS

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Louise Hayes, A Taste of Decadence by Louise

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“Most popular is the 2-3 tier round semi-naked wedding cake accented with flowers and touches of edible 24 karat gold leaf. Top flavour choices are Salted Caramel, Red Velvet, Zesty Lemon, Passionfruit & Raspberry and Decadent Chocolate.”

“Rainbow pastel coloured bouquets; lots of flowers, and full blooms; all white.”

MARYLISE

Aude Touly Flowers by Aude

“Last year, we handled three weddings. This year we have a total of 96 weddings – double our pre-pandemic numbers – and we are fully booked for 2023. Spend, based on 100 guests, is from €40,000. A popular venue for our clients is Monte do Serrinho in Messines de Baixo.”

Paula Grade, Algarve Wedding Planners

I DO PLUS

Maria R Farrajota Os Agostas

L I L LY

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“We have an average of 160 to 200 people per weekend and from six to ten weddings a month, mostly English and Irish. The number of guests per wedding is lower this year but probably due to travel difficulties or because of covid.”

WE LOOK FORWARD TO CELEBRATING A NEW YOU.

Jim

H A I R A RT I S TS

Pho ne or ema i l for t h at s pec i a l a pp oi n tm e n t.

T: + 351 914 452 315 W: J i m ha i r a rt i st s.c om 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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Portugal

Vila Sol Office: Urbanização Vila Sol, Lote E, Lojas 1, 2 e 3, 8125- 307, Quarteira Lagos Office: Rua dos Celeiros, Bloco 1,Loja 1 8600-726, Lagos

AMI Nº 9540

B O R N A N D R A I S E D I N T H E A L G A R V E , J O Ã O F R E I TA S , A K A J O H N N Y O F J O H N N Y ’ S TO U R S , H A S A S P E C I A L PA S S I O N F O R TH E WE ST COA ST R EG IO N AN D ITS WO N D E R FU L B E ACH E S AN D C H A R M I N G V I L L A G E S T H AT A R E U N T O U C H E D B Y T I M E

T

HE ALGARVE is just a small part of southern Portugal and one that captures our hearts for its friendly and welcoming people, its gastronomic diversity, its wonderful beaches, its ancient traditions, its rich history and its artisan products that are unique in every way.

Going west, there are coastal villages with stories to tell and routes to follow whether you are driving, cycling or walking. And wherever you stop, the Algarve offers you countless treasures to discover and enjoy, and return to see again.

As a certified tour guide, so very proud of my Algarve, I have to admit to a personal preference for the western area, despite loving the region

as a whole. No matter the season, the west is always special in its own way. The beaches, wild and free from the masses of tourists that are usually found in other areas along the coast, are of incredible beauty: Ponta da Ruiva in Vila do Bispo, Martinhal in Sagres, Amado in Carrapateira and Amoreira in Aljezur are just a few of the jewels of the west, the villages protected by their huge cliffs that enchant those who visit them.

Here are a few lines about some of the little villages, with short descriptions hinting at just a small fraction of what the west can offer.

The rest? Find out for yourself or through local professionals who know this area like the back of their hands and will introduce you to special places with their own unique stories that you will not find in the regular guide books.

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SAGRES

In ancient times it was referred to as the Promontorium Sacrum, a mythical place where the known world ended and where spirituality has always stood out, hosting various rituals, which in earlier times were in dedication to Saturn, Heracles and Cronos, and later in invocation to a Christian martyr, St Vincent. It is the most southwestern point of continental Europe.

ARRIFANA

In the extreme northwest of the Algarve coast, between Carrapateira and Odeceixe, in the Aljezur region, you can find a safe harbour, protected from the north wind, called Arrifana.

The beach here is a favourite with surfers and bodyboarders and the views from the old fortress atop the cliffs are spectacular.

CARRAPATEIRA

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With a history dating back to ancient human settlements connected to the sea and fishing, from the Palaeolithic age to the time of the Romans, many people have anchored in Carrapateira’s riverside or passed through the Roman road and stayed there. Just a few kilometres from the village, its beach has a unique beauty that leaves visitors speechless.

ODECEIXE

At the northwestern end of the Algarve is the quiet village of Odeceixe. It is a small picturesque village with white houses and narrow streets. Here you can walk and cycle, enjoying the slow pace of the region and will also find one of the most famous routes taken by European hikers. Walkers will not want to miss this. The beach and river allow visitors and locals wonderful summer and surfing moments.

PEDRALVA

A charming and cosy place of little traditional houses with a laidback atmosphere that charms its visitors. Surrounded by nature, this can be a great central spot for exploring and enjoying the region. The little village of Pedralva is a hidden gem.

Previous page: the colourful houses of Odeceixe. This page, left, top to bottom: the lighthouse at São Vicente; riding on the beach at Carrapateira; Pedralva village in Aljezur; the boardwalk along the coast at Carrapateira.

Above: Ready to surf in Arrifana

JOHNNY’S TOURS T: 9 6 6 5 0 7 0 5 1 / E : i n f o @ j o h n n y s t o u r s . c o m W: johnnystours.com

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www.russell-decoz.com

BBQ RECIPES

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GET OUTDOORS, DON YO U R OV E N M I T S A N D CHECK OUT THESE ONLINE BARBECUE R E C I P E S T H AT W I L L I M P R E S S Y O U R F A M I LY AND FRIENDS. A VEGAN SPECIAL IS INCLUDED, AND SOMETHING THE KIDS CAN G E T I N V O LV E D I N . Y U M !

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LAURA SHEA

The Kid Friendly One

When I found this article, I loved the fact that there were so many choices laid out in front of me, and just a click on the link took me to each recipe. The skewer idea is fantastic, as you can pick and choose your ingredients to suit the tastes of your little ones. Don’t be afraid to get them involved and let them have fun with it. I spread the different options out on the table in containers and had a pile of wooden skewers ready (make sure to soak these for a few hours in cold water before using to stop them burning on the barbecue). Let the children make their own combinations and ask them to make enough for all the family. Not only will this get them thinking into how flavours might go together, but it will also give a sense of pride in helping to feed other guests. One favourite we found was chicken, pineapple and yellow pepper with a brush of barbeque sauce! epicurious.com/expert-advice/kidfriendly-recipes-for-the-grill-article

My rating: 7/10 Let the kids have a look and pick the ones they want to try!

RATINGS PLUS

The Crowd Pleaser One

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The Simple yet Impressive One

We are spoilt in the Algarve for fresh and beautiful seafood, so don’t ignore this when it comes to planning your cookout menu. Yes, it might seem a bit scary, but this recipe from Jamie Oliver is perfect as it looks impressive, but it is easy to cook safely. Wherever you buy your prawns from, head there and stock up as this is going to be a very popular dish when you have friends round! Watch the whole video as there are loads of nice bits, but about nine minutes in is where you want to focus. I love basil with prawns, but use anything that you like, and even better if it’s from your own garden or windowsill.

Great tip in there as well, when the bacon is crisping up then the prawns are done.

It would be difficult to overcook this dish without letting it burn and blacken, but you will see the deep pink colour come through showing you when it’s ready. The watermelon and feta salad is a classic, so definitely give this a go to pair with the skewers and serve with a chilled, dry rosé wine for a sophisticated adult evening. youtube.com/watch?v=4dYICEw_NKo

I have always felt very strongly about the importance of laying on decent nibbles at a party, and a summer barbecue is no different in my eyes! There will inevitably be those at your soiree who gravitate to the grill area to give their advice and opinions, but some of the starter options from this website should distract them nicely. We cannot ever ignore the importance of catering for peoples’ dietary requirements, but these vegan options are appealing and delicious for everyone.

The beetroot hummus is so easy to knock up and the recipe can be doubled if you are expecting a few guests. The chickpea burgers are easy to make, but will need to be cooked on a tray on the grill as they come out a bit crumbly. You can make these to your taste by adding in any spices you like, and experiment with adding in dried papaya or nuts (very yummy!). The pop up ads are irritating, but this page is worth it for the huge selection of dishes on offer. bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/best-veganbarbecue-recipes

No barbecue would be complete if there wasn’t some sort of burger on offer, but how do you cook them to perfection?

I agree with the tip of not too much prodding or turning as they will break up, especially if you are using homemade patties. The fear of undercooking is real though, and would be embarrassing if it were to happen in front of loved ones.

Depending on the thickness of your burger, cooking time will vary but roughly four minutes per side is a good rule of thumb.

One cheats tip I can give you is to have a spare “tester” burger on the grill. Have it in the middle of the food and when you think it’s time to serve, take this one off and cut it open to look inside. This way you won’t risk plating up cold or raw in the middle burgers! The idea of brushing with butter is lovely and decadent, or you could use a nice sauce instead. If making turkey burgers, a mix of soy sauce and mirin works really nicely to baste them with for an Asian twist. Try cooking the onions in a skillet on the grill for ease! youtube.com/watch?v=iM_KMYulI_s

My rating: 9/10

My rating: 8/10

My rating: 8/10

Brilliant selection, just wish there were less ads.

Really helpful to see how burgers should look if you are new to grilling.

Easy to follow video and the recipe is simple but stunning.

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The Skilful One

If you have the time to invest in a show stopping dish for your gathering, then give this a go. It does require patience and the proper equipment but it will be worth it.

Have a read up online on how to smoke meat, as pretty much any grill set up can be used with a bit of tweaking. Once you know how, you will want to experiment with smoking loads of other foods as it really does enhance flavour. For the rub-in stage one you can create your own perfect blend which is great fun. Try using ruby port infused with sea salt picked up at Loulé market and some paprika as this works well with strong meat. Use your preferred blend of local honey for the steaming section, and maybe try adding a sprinkling of cinnamon sugar for the sweet

hit. For the final cook, I would just use a store-bought barbecue sauce and apply as much or as little as you want using a brush. The meat will be tender and full of taste, so the sauce will add some colour and softness at this stage. Then just tuck in and enjoy your efforts! cookprimalgourmet.com/recipes/smokedribs-3-2-1-method/

My rating: 7/10 Skill, equipment and patience is needed!

@ L AU R A _ L OV E S _T R AV E L L I N G 2 0 2 1

Ready to invest in a new barbecue? See page 54

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The Vegan Friendly One

PROMOTION PLUS

Any time, every time S U N S H I N E A N D I C E C R E A M A R E N AT U R A L P A R T N E R S . W H I C H M E A N S T H AT H E R E ON THE ALGARVE IT IS ICE CREAM T I M E A L M O S T E V E R Y D AY ! I F Y O U ’ R E I N V I L A M O U R A , T H E R E ’ S O N LY O N E P L A C E TO INDULGE … GR AN SORVETE , ON THE MARINA

The ice cream is transported here in special freezer trucks, delivered weekly, and every one of the 20-plus flavours is a winner.

Yes of course, there are the must-haves, the classic vanilla, chocolate and strawberry, but the repertoire of contemporaries will satisfy even those who previously reckoned they had been there, and tasted it all.

Black cherry, doce de leite, mango and salted caramel were my pick last week (no, not all at the same time) – and I treated each one with the same respect one would wines.

it’s a flower-canopied outdoor deck, set against a background of the plush boats moored in the marina harbour), that stays open until late, seven days a week.

And it’s not just the opening hours that appeal; his brand, Gran Sorvete, is something to truly appreciate, because it scoops the prizes for quality and choice.

What makes them special? Well, they are produced in Italy, near Rome, by expert makers with decades of experience, an appetite for experimenting with all things new, and access to the very finest of ingredients.

I looked for the initial impression, the colour, the aroma, the flavour, the lingering taste. But sadly, each experience was over too quickly, so it was a case of ‘set ‘em up, John’ and going for seconds. And each time I took more of my choice of the day home with me, perfectly packed to keep its cool until I got back and ready for another round.

If you want a real mouth-watering treat, one that is also gluten-free, get down to Gran Sorvete and sample what’s on offer. And do wave – you can’t miss me – I’m the one sitting there smiling contentedly. gransorvete.com

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CONSIDER myself to be something of an ice cream aficionado and rarely a meal out – or in for that matter – ends with anything other than a dish of the flavour of the moment.

I have taken my pick in the US (too sugary), the UK (too bland), across Europe and Asia (much of a muchness).

Wherever I have travelled, my appetite for ice cream goes with me.

So imagine my delight when John Beeby kindly opened his ice cream parlour (actually,

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WALKING for a cause S P O N S O R E D T R E K S N O T O N LY R E S U LT I N D E L I V E R I N G V I TA L F U N D S T O T H E C H A R I T I E S A N D R E S E A R C H I N I T I AT I V E S T H AT ARE RELIANT ON CONTRIBUTIONS, BUT THEY ALSO ARE LIFEC H A N G I N G F O R T H O S E TA K I N G PA R T

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TRUE GRIT PLUS

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How it happened A year ago I found myself talking to TV presenter Emma Willis about a project I was working on. We were trying to schedule a meeting, and she told me that she wouldn’t be around the following week as she was off on a charity trek, 100km over five days. The charity was Coppafeel… one I’d never heard of. At home that evening, I looked them up and after reading through their website, found myself applying for the 2022 trek.

And if you haven’t heard of Coppafeel, now’s the time! Founded by an incredible human, Kris Hallenger, it is the first breast cancer charity in the UK with the sole mission of instilling in young people the knowledge and tools they need to get to know their bodies, promoting monthly self-checks for both women and men.

Back to Kris. In 2009, aged 22, she was diagnosed with incurable breast cancer. She knew very little about the disease, was unaware that breast cancer could affect people in their twenties, and realised there was very little information out there to educate young people to look out for the signs, so that if there were changes in their breasts / chests they would discover them early. Coppafeel was born to match the spirit of Kris’s passion for life: to bring people together and raise money, while pushing them outside of their comfort zone, making friends along the way, and together spreading this vital message.

Before I knew it, nine months had passed since registering my interest and the application form arrived. I completed it one night in the early hours, clicked submit, and eight weeks later, the email arrived… I was in, and jumping for joy as I’d never won anything in my life.

I had seven weeks to raise the first chunk of money – £1,050. And more to the point, in ten weeks I’d be walking 100km. And at the time, the most I was managing (on a good day) was 12,500 steps.

Getting prepared I set up my JustGiving page, and the fundraising began. I had a total target of £2,250 and no idea how I’d make it. Or how I’d ever increase my fitness as a full-time job and three kids tend to keep me busy most of the time!

But then the magic began. The charity released a spreadsheet with the details of all the trekkers, and before I knew it, I was in a whatsapp group with 100 others. Everyone was in this together. Even before we met.

The cancer warriors and survivors shared their stories, their trials and tribulations, they shared advice, inspiration and motivation.

Then there were those who had lost friend or relative to cancer, and those who, following struggles with their mental health, wanted to do something to find themselves again, while supporting a great cause. The group came from all walks of life, from their 20s to 50s, across the country, but we quickly became united. And then the first marvellous moment happened…

One of the ladies on the group, Ally, shared that she had been contacted by a friend of a friend to thank her. You see, as the charity is about awareness, everyone on the walk takes to social media or local media to spread the word.

This woman had seen a post on Facebook, it had motivated her to carry out a self-examination, and she found a lump. She went to the doctor, and then for a mammogram. She had the biopsy.

And yes, it was cancer. And they caught it early. That was when the power of what we were doing hit me. With every social media post each one of us put out, someone, somewhere could be saved.

Fast forward to the trek itself. We’d collectively raised around £350,000 by the time we arrived on Wales’ Pembrokeshire Coast, and we’d been split into four teams. At the campsite, our tents were already erected, in four rows, atop a cliff, overlooking the ocean. It was stunning.

Before the hike I figured I’d be putting myself to the test, meet some nice people, feel a daily sense of physical satisfaction, and learn to battle through physical pain. And I’d have been content with that. But oh no, what I gained from those six days was so much more.

Daily life can be hectic. But when you’re hiking, it’s everything but. You are disconnected from the stresses of phone calls, emails, traffic, queuing. There’s no post to open, no school gate, no office gossiping. Hiking takes all of that

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ROWING UP in central London in the 70s meant living with a garden the size of a postage stamp, tube travel to school in a concrete jungle with a concrete playground, and not riding a bike for fear of being hit by a car.

Urban living at its best. That, coupled with a fast-growing chest, and various accompanying self-esteem issues, meant I didn’t do much exercise… in fact, beyond the school swim team, I didn’t do any exercise. None. At. All. If someone had told me then that in the year I’d turn 50, I’d complete a 100km trek in the scorching heat over five days with 120 strangers, I’d have laughed them out of the room. If they’d added that I’d be camping at night and using a nearby hedge as a toilet… I’d have thought they were insane.

But in June 2022 that’s just what I did. And it was life changing in so many ways.

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pressure away. And putting one foot in front of the other for ten hours a day is one of the most powerful ways to unwind. You listen to the sounds of nature, breathe in the scents, feel the air on your face, the wind in your hair, and you focus. One step at a time. Nothing else matters.

A week with people connected by a need to raise money for charity was a week with people who are kind, caring and compassionate. And this behaviour is contagious. And it’s incumbent on us all to be a little more kind every day.

The best leaders don’t have the loudest voices When you’re on a physical challenge of any type there will be those who are strong, and those who are struggling. With tough terrain or harsh weather conditions and physical pain from blisters, sprains or muscle aches, the gap between the two will increase.

And this can wreak havoc on a team dynamic.

Day Three was torturous, with soaring heat, no shade, few places to stop to refill water, and a ten-hour mixed terrain hike. It entirely split the group. Those ahead were battling the heat while waiting for those at the back to ‘catch up’; those at the back, with growing blisters and heat rashes, did not want to stop the trek guides for first aid, fearing widening the gap even further.

Their mood was plummeting, their self-belief exhausted. They’d reach the stop to be greeted by heat weary team-mates, who were visibly aggrieved. It was no fun for anyone. By the end of the day there were tears.

The solution given to us by the trek guides was to let those struggling lead the next day. And that was one of the greatest life lessons I have ever learnt. When the people at the back took to the front, they couldn’t see a gap to bring them down. Their pace was faster, their mood lighter, their voices heard. They asked for the stops, they asked for the pain support, and they led the way with a smile on every face. Those at the back when the pace was too ‘slow’ just stopped for a while, and then continued at pace. It brought the group back together.

The simplest move, the greatest result.

Being yourself is enough Being away with strangers and taking on a challenge as a group allows you to fully be yourself. And it’s so very freeing. No-one knows what skeletons you have in your closet. No-one judges you by anything other than what you do and how you behave. Everyone is starting from scratch again. No-one is wearing (much) makeup, everyone is dressed for function and comfort, everyone eating together, sleeping in tents, weeing in the wild.

When we are all stripped back as humans, we are so much more equal, and it’s a great leveller. Every single person in our group has flourished since the trek, their self-belief has soared, and it seems across the board we have all found some inner peace, and self-acceptance.

Somehow on that trek I realised that I’m alright, just the way I am. That I am enough, that I can wear the things I want to wear, that I shouldn’t worry about what others think. I am me, and that is absolutely okay.

TRUE GRIT PLUS

HERE ON THE ALGARVE, THERE ARE PLENTY OF OPPORTUNITIES TO GET INVOLVED WITH FUNDRAISING ACTIVITIES, AND FOR TRAINING. IN MAY, JO WALKED 10–15KM A DAY, UP AND DOWN THE HILLS ABOVE LOULÉ.

Regular self-examination is critical Every year in the UK, 1 in 7 women, and around 500 men, will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and it’s not a disease that only affects over 50s. Around 80% of the Coppafeel trekkers have had, or have breast cancer, and were at different stages of treatment.

The journey to diagnosis may be quick but the mental and physical scars last for much longer.

If we taught our children, at the point of puberty, to self-examine in the bath or shower, on the first of every month, the number of cases of breast cancer diagnosed too late would be reduced. And when you trek with people who are post mastectomy, and pre reconstruction, or have opted to be a ‘flattie’, and you see these brave warriors reach the finish line, take off their tops and hold up a sign telling the world to check their chests, then you really realise the power of joining a charity trek.

For more about Coppafeel head to coppafeel.org and if you’d like to donate, Jo’s JustGiving page is still open at justgiving.com/ fundraising/Jo-Chadwick1

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JOE MOUNTAIN, co-founder of Almancil-based villa rental specialists Sandy Blue, is a master of marathons, running his first in 2002 and many dozens since then, across the Sahara, in the Amazon, the Himalayas and Iceland as well as those closer to home.

In 2020 during lockdown, Joe’s youngest daughter Maia decided she wanted to raise money and awareness for mental health issues so they did a half marathon with two weeks’ preparation. Then Joe, together with John (the ‘J’ of BJs Oceanside), ran to raise monies for local charity, Refood, to help those struggling through the pandemic. SandyBlue’s owners and guests clients have been hugely supportive.

“My aim,” Joe says, “is to keep on finding tough challenges as they keep me sane and I hope to inspire others to push themselves outside of their comfort zone. Raising awareness and money for great causes is a privilege.”

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TIMO KOKKILA, CEO of Pontos Group, the developer of Ombria Resort, is a seasoned runner for charities in Finland and Spain, and took part in a fund-raiser for the António Aleixo Foundation in Loulé. During the Algarviana Ultra Trail in November 2021, he and his team ran a 300km relay along the Via Algarviana, together with Markus Aho, Nelson Viegas and Rui Silva.

“Sharing the 300km with team mates made it easier for us.

There were several individuals completing the race alone from start to finish, which was incredible. We believe our success is directly linked to our ability to work as a fully contributing member of the local community, building vital infrastructure, sponsoring sports and cultural associations and creating partnerships. We mainly reach out to potential donors on social media and send newsletters to our database of owners and potential clients.”

of the month

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READS PLUS

FULLY

booked

Book of the month

By Natalie Livingstone Publisher: John Murray Genre: Biography From the East End of London to the Eastern seaboard of the United States, from Spitalfields to Scottish castles, from Bletchley Park to Buchenwald and from the Vatican to Palestine, Livingstone follows the extraordinary lives of the Rothschild women from the dawn of the 19th century to the early years of the 21st.

As Jews in a Christian society and women in a deeply patriarchal family, they were outsiders. Excluded from the family bank, they forged their own distinct dynasty of daughters and nieces, mothers and aunts. They became influential hostesses and talented diplomats, choreographing electoral campaigns, advising prime ministers, advocating for social reform, and trading on the stock exchange. Misfits and conformists, conservatives and idealists, performers and introverts, they mixed with everyone from Queen Victoria to Chaim Weizmann, Rossini to Isaiah Berlin and the Duke of Wellington to Alec Guinness, as well as with amphetamine-dealers, suffragists and avant-garde artists. Rothschild women helped bring down ghetto walls in Frankfurt, inspired some of the most remarkable cultural movements of the Victorian period, and in the mid-20th century burst into America, where they patronized Thelonious Monk and dragraced through Manhattan with Miles Davies.

THE NOTHING MAN

By Catherine Ryan Howard Publisher: Corvus Genre: Thriller A fantastic tale of cat and mouse with a liberal dose of gruesome, psychological twists.

At the age of 12, Eve Black was the only member of her family to survive an encounter with a serial attacker nicknamed the Nothing Man. Now an adult, she is obsessed with identifying the man who destroyed her life.

Supermarket security guard Jim Doyle has just started reading The Nothing Man– the true-crime memoir Eve has written about her efforts to track down her family’s killer. As he turns each page, his rage grows because Jim’s not just interested in reading about the Nothing Man – he is the Nothing Man. Jim soon begins to realise how dangerously close Eve is to unravelling the truth. He knows she won’t give up until she finds him; Jim has no choice but to stop her first.

I loved this book – it was such a page turner. The characters felt like the neighbours next door or the lady at the supermarket. It was all so plausible and terrifyingly real. Highly recommend this one if you are a fan of being frightened!

ALGARVE PLUS

THE WOMEN OF ROTHSCHILD: The Untold Story of the World’s Most Famous Dynasty

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C R E AT I V E S A L A D S F O R H O T- D AY D I N I N G G O T T H E AT T E N T I O N O F D A W N A N N A N D A L E A LO N G W I T H A C O U P L E O F T H R I L L E R S , A B I T O F FA M I LY H I S T O R Y, A N D S O M E B O O K S B A S E D O N T R U E L I F E S TO R I E S . B E S T O F A L L , T H E S E A R E H E R O W N C H O I C E , N O T S I M P LY NE W BOOKS PUSHED BY THEIR PU BLISHERS

READS PLUS

CLASSIC SCIENCE FICTION STORIES

By Adam Roberts Publisher: Macmillan Collectors’ Library Genre: Science fiction

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A fabulous collection of short stories from 1750 to the early part of the 20th century featuring space aliens, spectacular inventions, futuristic technologies and vividly imagined worlds.

Classic Science Fiction Stories highlights not only famous writers such as Edgar Allan Poe, HG Wells and HP Lovecraft, but also gives voice to lesser known but equally inventive writers such as Florence McLandburgh and Ambrose Bierce.

What makes these stories so interesting is the perception of the future as envisaged almost 300 years ago. Mesmerizing and expertly crafted, these tales are by turns intriguing, terrifying and, at times, downright comic.

Together they show how science fiction took root to develop into the global phenomenon it is today.

THE GIVER OF STARS

By Jojo Moyes Publisher: Penguin Genre: Chick lit England, late 1930s, and Alice Wright feels restless and stifled. She makes an impulsive decision to marry wealthy American Bennett van Cleve and leave her home and family behind. But, stuffy, disapproving Baileyville, Kentucky, where her husband favours work over his wife and is dominated by his overbearing father, is not the adventure nor the escape that she hoped for. That is, until she meets Margery O’Hare – daughter of a notorious felon and a troublesome woman the town wishes to forget.

Margery’s on a mission to spread the wonder of books and reading to the poor and lost, and she needs Alice’s help.

Trekking alone under big open skies, through wild mountain forests, Alice, Margery and their fellow sisters of the trail discover freedom, friendship and a life to call their own.

But, when Baileyville turns against them, will their belief in one another and the power of the written word be enough to save them?

Inspired by a remarkable true story, The Giver of Stars features five incredible women who really did change the face of history. A joyful book; so uplifting and happy – perfect holiday reading.

TORNADO

By John Nichol Publisher: Simon & Schuster Genre: War biography Former Tornado Navigator John Nichol tells the incredible story of the RAF Tornado force during the First Gulf War in 1991; the excitement and the danger, the fear and the losses. It is an extraordinary account of courage and fortitude.

“We were doing about 620 miles-per-hour, 200 feet above the desert, in total darkness.

Everything was running on rails as we approached the target. Then all hell broke loose. I remember the missile being fired at us; I broke left and shouted, “Chaff!” All I could see was a flame, like a very large firework, coming towards me. Then there was a huge white flash.

I remember an enormous wind and then I was knocked unconscious. My last thoughts were that I was going to die.”

In 1990, Iraqi dictator, Saddam Hussein, ordered the invasion and occupation of neighbouring Kuwait, setting in motion a chain of events that had unimaginable political, military and personal repercussions. This is the story of the aircrew at the heart of Operation Desert Storm, almost none of whom had any prior experience of armed combat.

RIVER COTTAGE GREAT SALADS

By Gelf Alderson Publisher: Bloomsbury Genre: Contemporary cooking Gelf Alderson has spent years serving up original, veg-centric meals to delight the guests at River Cottage. His recipes redefine the idea of salad, as playful flavour pairings, clever techniques and vibrant dressings bring out the very best in seasonal produce.

Divided into chapters such as Quick, Hearty, Spicy and Lunchbox, these recipes use everyday ingredients and give plenty of suggestions for seasonal swaps as well as delicious alternatives.

With minimal effort, you’ll be serving up showstoppers like char-grilled cabbage, pickled pears, pesto and walnuts, honey-glazed leftover belly pork with shredded summer veg and roast asparagus, feta, almonds and sourdough croutons. There’s also a whole chapter of dressings and pickles to enliven even the simplest bowl of leaves.

With more than 80 recipes and countless more variations to be explored, Gelf demonstrates how, with a bit of creativity, simple ingredients can be combined to make truly great salads. Marvellous meals with the minimum effort during the summer heat.

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With an acute focus on customer service, each project is tailored to meet the specific tastes of the client, with all their needs being looked after from start to finish – and beyond.

For Sarah’s team, a personal service and consultative approach is a crucial part of the design process. She works closely with each client, ensuring every detail is carefully crafted and considered, no matter how large or small.

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IN THE MOMENT NBC IS A TOTAL ARTIST. MUSIC IS THE CORE BUT WITH THE LAUNCH OF EPÍLOGO, A SHORT MOVIE, HIS MOTTO – “EVERYONE CAN BE EVERYTHING” – BECOMES REAL

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SOUNDS PLUS

When did you first come to realise that music is your life?

There wasn’t a specific moment, in fact I didn't realise it. Because, you know, music was in my life all the time. In my family background. I grew up in the church. Music in black churches is a must; it is part of worship. Singing and having revelations through music is what happens in these churches. It is what it is! So music is part of who I am since I was born, it’s in my blood, in my soul and in my personal history.

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imóteo Tiny dos Santos is NBC – Natural Black Color. He was born in São Tomé e Príncipe but came to live in Portugal with his family at a young age.

Music was always a companion, an instinct, a goal. He was one of the founders of the Portuguese Hip Hop, but moves easily across many genres – soul, R&B, rock, electric.

His motto – which is also the name of his 2016 record – is Toda a Gente Pode ser Tudo, and he is living proof of that. And in a time when inclusivity has so many different meanings, NBC launches his first short film: EPílogo directed by Chris Costa.

A dive into his African roots, his family, his art, translated in sounds, words, movement, images. All these different forms come together in around 15 minutes of film with the purpose of telling part of the story. The title translates as Epilogue, but we feel it is all just beginning for NBC. Because there’s so much more to tell.

We asked the questions...

How would you define youself in the genre spectrum?

I don’t define myself. Probably the music industry needs that definition, but not me. What defines me is my evolution as an artist, as a musician and that, in my opinion, doesn’t have to have a closed box.

You gotta open yourself up to create, to innovate. I make music from the soul, that is my definition, it can be rap, soul or rock. It comes from the inside.

How does your personal story – coming to live in Portugal at a very young age, for instance – influence you as a musician?

It was a natural consequence. My father was looking for a better life. We lived in São Tomé, and the future would probably be different for me if I’d stayed there. It doesn’t mean that it would be worse, that’s not it! Just different. And my father was looking for something for himself when we got here.

But the influence on music was more when I realised that I was not a normal child from a small country village in Portugal, but that I was black, from Africa. Television showed me that through some videos, and then I started asking questions.

And from those questions came the desire to have a voice on a number of issues.

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I know it was a long hard way to get where you are now. What would you have done diferently if you could?

Nothing! My path was perfect to get here. I did everything I could do to get where I am now.

All my experiences are now my baggage, and whenever I need something from that baggage, that learning, I go and get it.

What next projects can you tell us about?

Right now I have a film coming out. The short film EPílogo was, and is, one of the most important projects I have ever done. This is because it brings together music, of course – music always – and an old dream: to make a film. Not to mention the fact that it shows a lot of my life, my family and the love that unites us.

It works, almost, as a summary of everything I have done up to this point in my career and the various phases I have been through.

For now, this is the project I am focused on and where I am investing heart and soul. But I will have more! This is the beginning.

I am a creative being, a creator of pieces of art, in the various dimensions and expressions that this represents. So... I’m always creating!

That’s the path, always trying to be better than before. That’s all.

Your son is a musician in the making.

What is your advice to him?

I don’t give him much advice, because I feel that if I give him advice, I will build a wall. He needs to smash his face into the various walls that his own path will bring him and manage to overcome them on his own.

What I say to him is: “When you smash your face I will be there to help you get up.”

I feel that nowadays you don’t have to be just this or that, mainly in the arts world.

Is that why you felt the need to make a short movie?

It’s true what you say, it’s not locking ourselves in a box. But that’s not the reason I created a film, no. I felt the need to make this film to tell my mother that I love her. And to show the world that she was capable of making something of her life.

She made a man out of me, and I am proud of her.

What does music give you that nothing else can?

It gives me time travelling and the perception of my senses and their depth. @naturalblackcolor: for info about future gigs and film showings

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BUSINESS TIPS PLUS

A N D B U S I N E S S E S A R E J U M P I N G O N T H E B A N D WAG O N FA S T. T H E M A R K E T I N G T E A M AT G U I D E S F O R B R I D E S S H A R E T H E S T R AT E G Y T H AT L E D T O N E A R LY A Q UARTER OF A MILLION VIE WS OF J UST ON E OF TH EIR TIK TOK VIDEOS

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J E N N Y DAV I E S

1 COPY TRENDS TikTok is ALL about trends. Get started by watching videos on your ‘For You’ page and give them a go yourself. It’s an easy way to make content because you simply copy another video and add a new caption that matches your brand.

Sounds too good to be true, and against all your copyright principles? This is how most of the viral TikTokers have built their empire of followers and it is the accepted way to use the platform. Of course, original content is great, but you can get views and likes from doing lip sync and dancing videos as you can from creating content from scratch.

2 GET SPOTTED Your Tiktok success depends on the algorithm showing your videos to a relevant audience. If enough people engage with it, the algorithm shows it to more people, and that’s how content can go viral.

To gain a following on TikTok you should ideally post every day, or at least every few days. The TikTok algorithm favours accounts that post consistently so this will increase your chances of a video going viral. Unlike some platforms, there’s no risk of posting too much content.

3 ADD COMMERCIAL CONTENT A restaurant might film the making of its most in-demand dish; a hair salon could create a before and after story. The possibilities are endless, but do include content featuring you and your team as this helps your audience and followers to get to know you.

4 EXPERIMENT There’s a lot to be said for trying new types of content to put your business out there. You might want to add videos of you giving tips and advice to your audience, showing them a ‘day in the life’, or just recalling a funny experience. Try videos of different lengths; have a go at making one- and two-minute films.

5 ADD CAPTIONS AND HASHTAGS Captions are a huge part of conveying your message. Aim to write short, engaging captions that either explain the video or add an extra level of humour. Always include some hashtags that are relevant to your business. Aim to have three to five hashtags with keywords pertinent to your industry or the sound you’re using or the trend you’re copying.

6 INTERACT You'll also need to spend time interacting with other content creators, understanding what works for your competitors, and responding to messages left on your videos to encourage more interaction. The guru of wedding TikToks, Gideon Hermosa, has noticed that comments with a minimum of five words seem to be favoured by the algorithm.

The message is clear. Get on the ball today and create a business TikTok account for your company. You never know where it could lead to over the next few years.

Find out more at getstarted.tiktok.com

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PHOTOGRAPHY PLUS

ANTÓNIO PIRES

Stone Forest Where Mértola, the main church.

When October 2021 What’s special The amazing history of what was a 12th century mosque.

Advice to others Carry a good wideangle lens. In this case I used a Tamron 15-30mm SP VR f/2.8 lens to cover the whole inside of the Church, because with a normal lens it is impossible to catch all the columns.

Camera

Canon EOS R

Garrett’s view

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“Wide-angled, perfectly symmetrical and gentle lighting make this photo special.”

C e i l i n g s . . . n ow th a t 's a n i n te re s ti n g b r i e f, o p e n to a l l k i n d s of m e a n i n g .

S u b m i s s i o n s f ro m m e m b e r s of th e A l g a r ve P h o to g r a p h e r s G ro u p we re va r i e d a n d i m a g i n a ti ve . G a r re t t Wa l s h (a l g a r ve p h o to g r a p hy. co m) p i c ke d th o s e h e f e l t h a d a s p e c i a l i m p a c t . S e e th e g ro u p s ' ex h i b iti o n s a t th e M u s e u d o Tr a j e , i n S ã o B r á s

Interpretations FRED BOS

Symmetry Where Alcobaça Monastery.

When April 2017, APG outing.

What’s special The towering high ceiling.

Advice to others Place the camera on the floor and use the 10-sec shutter delay to prevent an interesting selfie.

Camera

Nikon P7800

Garrett’s view “The dramatic perspective of interlocking lines, with a symmetrically centered perspective make this photo shine.”

NIGEL MOORE

Loulé Castle Where Loulé When July 2021 What’s special Stumbled on this old ceiling without knowing it was there!

Advice to others Always be aware of all surroundings in old buildings. Watch for the best light and be aware of any shadows falling on subject.

Camera Fujifilm X-S10

Garrett’s view “With a play in perspective, this photo creates a curious view of this old Algarvian vaulted roof.”

JAN M TROMP

Ceilings of Seville Where Royal Alcazar Gardens.

When June 2022 What’s special One of the most exuberant Alcazar ceilings.

Advice to others Never forget to take your iPhone pro with you, even when in the possession of a Leica!

Camera

Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max

Garrett’s view “With such intricate detail, it is difficult to determine if it is a macro, thus adding intrigue to this photo.”

ERNST NEIDHARDT

Printemps, Paris Where Printemps Shopping Mall.

When October 2019.

What’s special The amazing detail.

Advice to others Details at a great distance require a tripod to achieve sharpness.

Camera

Nikon D 810

Garrett’s view “Like a burst of sunlight, this photo vibrates energy from the centre out.”

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

Dora Guerreiro

Jessica Grace

DG Algarve Properties | (+351) 289 355 336 | (+351) 912 391 925 | dora@dgalgarveproperties.com Estrada de Vale do Lobo, Rua Manuel Teixeira Gomes 947 1º Dto, 8135 - 016 Almancil, Portugal

www.dgalgarveproperties.com

AMI 14557

TECHNO PLUS

A B I T O F P R A C T I C E I S A L L I T TA K E S T O T U R N Y O U R S N A P S I F N O T I N T O M I N I W O R K S O F A R T , T H E N AT L E A S T I N T O A N I M P R O V E M E N T O N T H E O R I G I N A L . S O B R I N G O N T H E S U N S H I N E , B R I G H T E N T H O S E F LOW E R S , A N D G E T T H E B E S T F R O M YO U R S E L F I E S – T H E R E A R E F R E E B I E A P P S R E A D I LY AVA I L A B L E

Wo rd s:

I

CH R I S PAR TR I DG E

GOT A NICE compliment about my photography skills from a member of my rowing club the other day.

“You are a master at making us look good,” she said.

Which is particularly satisfying as it takes very little trouble to transform humdrum snaps into memorable images using the apps supplied with your smartphone.

It’s just that, surprisingly, few people bother.

And there is a plethora of apps for download that can take the process still further, enabling you to remove blemishes, apply fancy filters and add a huge range of stickers and other items. Most of them are free, though many have in-app purchases for the most advanced features.

The basic edits that I apply to every photo that I share are to straighten, crop and enhance. These three steps are enough to get yourself a reputation as a master who makes people look good. All three operations, and many more, are available in the most popular apps – Google Photo, Apple Photos and Samsung Photo Editor (part of the Gallery app.)

These edits work in much the same way in all the apps – just bring up the photo from the gallery, select ‘edit’ and ‘crop’. First, straighten the image either by using two fingers to grip and rotate it or by moving the slider below. Then crop it by moving the corners. Don’t be afraid to crop hard – zooming in on the subject can remove distracting detail behind – but beware of zooming in

so far it becomes fuzzy. It is also possible to correct ‘keyholing’, the perspective effect created by holding the phone skewed.

Finally, press the ‘enhance’ or ‘fix lighting’ button. This is not infallible as some lighting conditions seem to confuse the software with lurid results, so always make a judgement as to whether it is really an improvement.

These three steps will upgrade your images significantly, but if you want to go further you can easily sharpen the image and adjust the brightness, contrast, saturation and warmth and other parameters. The Samsung editor even has an object eraser allowing you to remove things like telegraph poles sticking out of the subject’s head, but this has to be used with care to avoid messy artifacts. I am told that a very popular use for the object eraser is to remove ex-husbands from wedding photos, but I

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(well nearly!)

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PICTURE PERFECT

TECHNO PLUS

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digress.If you want to go further into editing your photos, here are some outstanding free apps available both on Android and Apple devices.

SNAPSEED Owned by Google, Snapseed has all the features missing from Google Photo, such as a repair tool for removing blemishes such as spots, effects that can be ‘brushed’ on to highlight specific areas, and an impressive portrait tool.

Snapseed also has a huge array of filters to make your pictures look like grainy black-and-white shots, vintage colour pics (Ektachrome, anyone?) and apply a photo frame. A photo flipping tool corrects selfies taken in the standard mirror image mode, which is so irritating when lettering is visible (another tool that is inexplicably missing from Google Photo).

An interesting feature is the ability to expand the canvas, either with a black or white surround or a ‘smart’ surround that draws from the edges of the image itself in much the same way that the ‘heal’ feature works. This can be impressive if the surround is fairly featureless, but can look like a jumble of random photo elements if you do not use it carefully.

AFTERLIGHT Simple but powerful, Afterlight has a great selection of editing options that can be applied by touch for precise editing.

There are many filters, some supplied by guest photographers.

Afterlight can also work with RAW images, which contain all the data off the sensor to create highly detailed images, but not all smartphone cameras take RAW. The app is free with in-app purchases for the more advanced options.

It takes very little trouble to transform humdrum snaps into memorable images using the apps supplied with your smartphone.

CANVA For crafters, Canva is a simple but brilliant tool for creating printed material such as cards, posters and invites, as well as online stuff like social media posts. It also has basic editing features such as vignetting, sharpening, brightness and saturation by adjusting a slider. Canva has an enormous range of templates; creating print materials was never easier.

ADOBE LIGHTROOM MOBILE As powerful as you would expect from the creators of Photoshop, the free version of Lightroom has all the standard tools allowing you to retouch, crop and enhance your images quickly and easily.

Sliders adjust colour and brightness; if you want all the advanced features, you will have to pay for premium membership.

Kit for better smartphone photos Better photography is not just about software – a tripod for holding the phone securely in place will help immensely, and lights can transform indoor shots. Photo accessories brand Joby makes a range of tripods, lights and other kit that helps make smartphone photographs almost professional in a compact, transportable form and at reasonable cost.

The Joby Gorillapod Starter Kit is based on a small tripod with grippy flexible legs that can be used to support your phone on uneven surfaces or wrapped around convenient fixtures, and it comes with a nifty clamp that fits any smartphone, plus mounts for cameras or torches. Good value at around €29.The Joby Beamo Mini LED light is a compact rechargeable unit that can be controlled by Bluetooth from your phone. It has standard camera mounts so flexible arms on a suitable Gorillapod tripod can hold the light next to the smartphone, and a handy magnet allowing you to attach it to any convenient metal objects for those floodlit shots. The Beamo Mini costs €69.88.

WHERE NOW PLUS

70s

VICTORIA PRINCIPAL

Whatever happened to…

R E M E M B E R D A L L A S , A N D F A W LT Y T O W E R S , T W O O F T E L E V I S I O N ’ S B I G G E S T E V E R S U C C E S S S T O R I E S , O N E F U L L O F F A M I LY I N T R I G U E , T H E O T H E R A B A R R E L- L O A D O F L A U G H S ? W E C A U G H T U P W I T H T H E S TA R S , P L U S O T H E R S

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Forever remembered as Pam Ewing, the role she played in Dallas until 1987, Victoria Principal’s career might have been very different. Born in Japan, where her father, who was in the US Air Force, was stationed, she had an international upbringing. While in the UK she attended the Royal Ballet School, and as a child and teenager also appeared in TV ads. She planned to study medicine, but after a serious car crash, switched to acting, arriving in Los Angeles in the early 70s. She won a ‘Most Promising Newcomer’ award in 1972 after appearing with Paul Newman in The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean.

By the mid-70s, she had become a talent agent. After seeing a Dallas script she said: “I could not imagine not being Pam!” She applied for the role, got it, and the rest is TV history. “Everyone in the show was just perfect for the parts they played,” she says.

Victoria later created a range of skincare products called Principal Secret, as well as her own line of jewellery, saying that Dallas had given her a springboard to achieve her dreams. In the new century she has concentrated on her philanthropic interests and environmental concerns. Twice married and divorced, she owns homes in California and Switzerland and a ranch to rehabilitate abandoned animals.

Her Foundation supports ecological projects that protect the US coastline. She also campaigns against toxic pesticides, and works on various initiatives for the welfare of children and animals.

JILL ECKERSLEY

CONNIE FRANCIS The best-selling female singer of the late fifties and early sixties, who sold more than 100 million records, Connie Francis came from a strict Italian-American family in New Jersey. She appeared on TV as an accordion-playing child, and soon signed a record contract, although her first releases weren't hits. Her 1958 version of a classic song from 1923, Who’s Sorry Now?, was aired on Dick Clark’s American Bandstand and shot into the charts, followed by a string of hits like Stupid Cupid and Where the Boys Are. The latter was the theme song from a movie of the same name in 1960, which gave Connie her first acting role. Throughout the sixties, Connie had hits all over the world in at least 12 languages. She sang in front of the Queen, and to US troops during the Vietnam war.

Sadly, her career success was not matched by happiness in her personal life. A romance with singer Bobby Darin was disapproved of by her father, and each of her four marriages ended in divorce. In the 1970s she was attacked and raped and since then she has spoken up for the victims of assault. She gave up singing for a time but resumed her career in the 90s with hits in Germany and seasons in Las Vegas and San Francisco.

She published her most recent autobiography, Among My Souvenirs, in 2017. There is a Connie Francis Way in her home town.

He could neither sing nor dance.

“But,” he said, “I make people laugh.”

60s

JOHN CLEESE When signing up to the famous Cambridge Footlights dramatic club, John Cleese had to admit that he could neither sing nor dance. “But,” he said, “I make people laugh”.

He has gone on doing that for more than 50 years. Born in Weston-super-Mare, he taught for two years before going to Cambridge, where he met Graham Chapman who later became his fellow-Python.

A spell in the USA introduced him to Terry Gilliam and also Connie Booth, whom he married in 1968. John later wrote for BBC programmes like The Frost Report, where he met the rest of the Pythons – Terry Jones, Michael Palin and Eric Idle. The first Monty Python’s Flying Circus episode aired in 1969 and changed British comedy forever.

Sketches like the Dead Parrot and the Ministry of Silly Walks passed into legend. There were three Python films and live shows in aid of Amnesty International.

In the 70s came the equally legendary Fawlty Towers, with Basil Fawlty allegedly based on a rude hotelier John had stayed with in Torquay. His wife Connie Booth, with whom he co-wrote Fawlty Towers, played the role of the long-suffering Polly in the series.

He later starred in many successful films like A Fish called Wanda and Clockwise, and made cameo appearances in a James Bond film and two Harry Potter titles.

John Cleese says that he takes almost nothing seriously and he has recently criticised the dafter extremes of so-called ‘political correctness’ which, he says, stifle creativity.

A long-time Liberal Democrat, he has been outspoken in his support for Brexit and his disapproval of Donald Trump. Married four times, he has two daughters and two grandchildren.

He claims to be especially fond of lemurs – one new species has been named after him – and quips that as they are such sweet creatures, perhaps he should have married one!

1700s ENCYCLOPAEDIA BRITANNICA The oldest English-language general encyclopaedia was first produced in Edinburgh, Scotland in 1768 and published by ‘a society of gentlemen!’

Its founders were Colin Macfarquhar and Andrew Ball, its contributors were all experts in their particular field, and the encyclopaedia ran to 2,500 pages in three volumes. The information it contained on all subjects was regularly updated – the second edition was 9,000 pages long and published in ten volumes. By the beginning of the 20th century, the company had changed hands several times and American businesses took over, but the principles in every edition remained the same, with contributors describing the very latest findings in all areas of knowledge.

The dawning of the computer age changed the way the Encyclopaedia chose to present its information. The first digital version of the 15th edition was created in 1981 with a two-disc CD appearing in 1995. In 2012 the company announced that once current stocks of the printed volumes had sold out the Encyclopaedia would no longer be available in book form.

However, the online versions continue to serve 100 million people worldwide. There is also an app which can deliver the whole thing to an iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. Recent contributors have included Bill Clinton, Desmond Tutu, Milton Friedman and Carl Sagan.

Everyone needs a place to keep their things.

A survey says that a woman owns five to seven handbags, not counting all those tote bags, shoulder bags, gym bags and pouches, which are occupying our wardrobes.

Bags come in many styles, sizes and materials, but for me, they have to be well made, fashionable and functional.

It took a while to find a range of bags which ticked the boxes and are exceptional at the same time.

The most simple and useful of my bags is the tote bag in high quality French linen which comes in ten striking colours, it’s perfect for the beach and grocery shopping and fits snugly in any suitcase.

A little softer, but equally durable are the raffia bags. They come from Madagascar, where artisans can carry out their traditional craftwork and are also paid a fair income. The bags are made of raffia leaves. Harvesting raffia is considered a sustainable practice, which means that the plant is not harmed during the process and can continue to grow and produce. The bags

For leather fans I have found a brand

come in many natural colours, but also in

which uses left over material to make

shades of green, orange and black.

handbags, tote bags, telephone bags and wallets.In the leather industry thousands of tons of leather is wasted each year. This “dead stock” is reused

My favourite is “Yolande”, a large versatile bag which is great for going shopping on market days.

by small family run factories in rural India where the workers are trained adults receiving fair wages. The result is a collection of bags in the most

HOMES: Rua das Lojas, Rua 5 de Outubro nº 68 .

unique colour combinations where each

FaSHiOn and accESSORiES: Rua José Fernandes Guerreiro, nº39

bag is an individual.

OPEn: Monday - Friday 10.00-13.00; 15.00-18.00; Saturday: 10.00-14.00 T: +351 964 222 612 inSTa: martina.loule / martina-loule.com

EXPAT INFO PLUS

Moving to and living in Portugal A R E YO U EN J OY I N G A V I S IT TO T H E A LG A RV E A N D D R E A M I N G O F L I V I N G H E R E P E R M A N E N T LY ? I T ’ S T H E P E R F E C T P L A C E T O M A K E T H E M O S T O F Y O U R R E T I R E M E N T Y E A R S , A N D I T O F F E R S S I G N I F I C A N T TA X A D V A N TA G E S . D A N H E N D E R S O N , P A 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

Tax advantages for new residents – the NHR regime Portugal offers generous tax benefits to new residents for their first ten years here through its ‘non-habitual residence’ (NHR) scheme. Under NHR, those employed in Portugal in a ‘high value-added’ profession pay a flat 20% income tax rate (the usual rates are up to 48%). If you are retired, foreign pension income is taxed at just 10%. Additionally, non-habitual residents can also receive most foreign income tax-free in Portugal.

Tax planning Don’t assume what was tax efficient in the UK is tax efficient elsewhere. UK ISAs, for example, are taxable in Portugal, but Portugal can provide its own tax planning opportunities, even if you do not qualify for non-habitual residence.

Portugal offers the potential to enjoy extremely favourable tax treatment on investments. 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.

Only a proportion of the profit is taxable and the effective tax rate drops over time.

Inheritance tax and estate planning Portuguese inheritance tax, ‘stamp duty’, is only charged on assets located in Portugal and the tax rate is just 10%.

Furthermore, spouses and ascendants/descendants are exempt.

Remember, however, that if you remain UK domiciled your

Portugal’s wealth tax on property Portugal currently imposes a ‘wealth tax’ of sorts (Adicional Imposto Municipal Sobre Imóveis (AIMI) on high-value local property. You are only liable if your individual stake in Portuguese properties is over €600,000, and then only on the value above that. Rates are 0.7% for individuals, 0.4% for companies, and 1% for properties over €1 million. Some companies are not eligible for the allowance.

Retirement planning If you plan to retire in Portugal, take some time to weigh up your pension options and establish which is best for you.

There is no one-size-fits-all solution, you need to consider your circumstances, objectives and other accessible wealth, as well as the tax implications in Portugal.

You should also review your savings and investments. Your circumstances and goals change when you relocate, so take a fresh look at your financial planning to make sure everything is set up in the best way for your new life.

Ensure your investment portfolio is structured around your situation, time horizon, needs, aims and risk profile, and that it has adequate asset allocation and diversification to reduce risk. At the same time, it needs to be structured to provide enough growth to beat inflation. Cross-border tax and financial planning is complicated, so take personalised, professional guidance for the best results and to ensure you get the most out of living in Portugal.

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.

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

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Timing your move Establish when is the best time to sell your UK assets. Would you pay less capital gains tax if you sold them as a UK or a Portugal resident? Talking to a cross-border financial adviser will prove invaluable here as they will be up to date on both countries’ tax regimes and the interaction between them.

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Residence and taxes Besides applying for your legal residency, you also need to understand and plan for the tax implications. You are usually considered resident for tax purposes after 183 days in the country, but it can be earlier if you have a permanent Portuguese home.

Once resident in Portugal, your worldwide income and certain gains become liable for Portuguese tax, so it is important to understand how this will affect you and take steps to be prepared for it.

estate also remains subject to UK inheritance tax.

Good estate planning can help ensure your legacy goes to your chosen heirs without attracting more tax than necessary.

ALGARVE P L U S

Portugal really does offer a fantastic lifestyle and you won’t regret making the move. Be aware of what you need to know about taxation and managing your wealth:

Here to help If you need to move money to or from Portugal we’ll help you save time and money with: Excellent exchange rates No transfer fees Personal account management Flexible transfer options Expert insights

Let’s talk currency

Find out more at currenciesdirect.com/portugal

Algarve office

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ADVICE PLUS

YOUR money

My sister was here on holiday and bought a pair of shoes in a local shop. She paid in cash. The owner refused to give her a receipt. Is this correct and should she have stood her ground and insisted?

The retailer must issue an invoice whenever he carries out a commercial transaction or provide a service, even if the customer does not request it and regardless of the amount to be paid.

As the retailer did not comply with the rules, your sister could have called the authorities to report the situation and detailed it in the complaints book of the shop. If a retailer, for any reason, refuses to give you the complaints book, that, too, is a reason to notify the authorities.

E m a i l yo u r f i n a n c e q u e s t i o n s f o r R i c a r d o to m a r t i n @ a l g a r ve p l u s m a g a z i n e . c o m f o r i n c l u s i o n i n t h e f i r s t av a i l a b l e i s s u e o f A l g a r 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 ave 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

l

I am a website consultant and recently left the practice I was with to go solo. I am now working from home and have one room as my office. Which of my expenses can I charge to the business and get a tax allowance on? I will, occasionally, have clients visiting. Also, can I charge costs I incur, say for work done in my house, or for monthly gardening, to the business?

As a sole trader there are different taxation regimes that may be applicable to you. The most common is the simplified regime, which is available to any professional who has a gross annual income of up to €200,000.

This regime is aimed at workers of the so-called category B, liberal professionals such as lawyers, hairdressers, dentists, journalists, copywriters, translators, veterinarians, amongst many others. This category includes independent workers who carry out commercial or industrial activities and those who are engaged in agricultural, forestry or livestock activities.

Doctors, engineers, economists, architects and lawyers are also included.

In practice, under the simplified regime, there are coefficients of taxation, applied to the various types of activities.

On the simplified regime, you will be taxed on a percentage of your income, which is already predetermined, and you will not be able to deduct the costs you mentioned. Those claims would only be possible if you were on the normal regime, and taxed on the profit, rather than a percentage of gross income.

However, depending on the cost, you may be able to deduct a percentage (up to 25%) of the VAT, as long as the expense is deemed as essential to obtain the income you will generate, and also in case the invoice for that cost has your fiscal number.

This is done in the e-fatura portal, when you select if your expense is deemed as personal or professional.

In case you state that the cost is professional, but just partially, the system will automatically allocate 25% to your activity.

ALGARVE P L U S

What are the rules here about half-finished buildings that are left to ruin? At the roundabout going from Almancil to Vale do Lobo, there are the remnants of what was to be a huge development for the over 50s. The building work stopped, leaving a real eye sore. And round the corner there is what looks like a decaying Moorish palace. All these places do is attract the fifth-rate graffiti artists who add to the ugliness and also reduce the value of nearby homes.

The fact that the buildings are half-finished may be due to different reasons, for instance financial difficulties of the developer, which can lead to bankruptcy or the works could have been stopped by council or court order, due, for example, to failure to comply with the planning permissions, etc.

Despite these buildings being private property, the council can force the owner to demolish them. However, this is not always simple, as in many cases the owner may no longer be trading, or not have enough funds to complete the demolition. The demolition can be carried out by the municipal council, for reasons of urgency, of a building in imminent ruin, with danger to neighbouring buildings, especially if the respective owner has not done anything to avoid this situation.

In many cases, when a project has not been finished it belongs to a bank, and that bank will be looking for another party to take over and finish it.

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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 Y O 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 H E R E . T H I S M O N T H , W E ’ R E L O O K I N G AT PRO PERTI ES LEF T TO R U I N , D ED U C TI O N S FO R TH OS E WORKING FROM HOME AND USING COMPLAINTS BOOKS

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EXCHANGE PLUS

The effect of inflationary pressures I N FL ATI O N I S SOA R I N G WO R L DW I D E A S G EO P O LITI C A L T EN S I O N S A N D S U P P LY C H A I N CO N S T R A I N S P LU S T H E I M PAC T O F COV I D D R I V E P R I C ES H I G H ER . J OS É A LM E I DA R EP O RTS

How has GBP/EUR been affected so far?

The pound to euro (GBP/EUR) exchange rate has broadly fallen over the last couple of months, hitting a 13-month low as inflation in the UK soared to a 40-year high of 9.1% in May. The UK’s latest jobs report confirmed that real wages were falling at their fastest rate in over a decade as surging inflation outpaces pay rises. Unrest over rising living costs is also damaging Sterling sentiment, triggering strike action and threatening further disruption to the economy.

In Europe, inflation is putting pressure upon various governments, as the European Central Bank (ECB) prepares for its first interest rate hike in 11 years.

However, the euro is less affected than Sterling, as Europe’s economy is proving to be more resilient, with inflation currently sitting at 8.6%.

Where did inflation come from?

The Covid-19 pandemic had a big effect on the global economy as demand for goods and services drastically reduced, then rebounded at a faster rate than production capacity. In the UK specifically, Brexit contributed towards inflationary pressures as trade with the rest of the world became more complicated. A persistent fall in the pound in recent months has also exacerbated the UK’s inflation woes by making imports more expensive.

In the Eurozone, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has lead to a sharp spike in energy costs. Europe relies heavily on Russian energy, and gas prices increased as the continent struggled to divest from Russian supplies.

Since December, the Bank of England (BoE) has raised rates by 25bps (basis points) at each policy meeting. However, its gradual approach to tightening has seen the bank fall behind the curve, particularly in the wake of the Federal Reserve’s 75bps hikes. The majority of BoE’s members have been resistant to move any faster amid fears it could tip the UK into a recession. The failure to tame inflation could risk UK economic growth in other ways, too. Discontent over unmanageable price pressures has expressed itself in recent industrial action. Strikes are planned across the transport sector, the postal service, telecommunications and the legal sector, threatening to disrupt the UK’s already fragile economy and put more pressure on the pound to euro exchange rate.

The ECB’s new, bold reign Meanwhile, the European Central Bank (ECB) is attracting fresh support to the euro on account of its bolder stance.

At a recent discussion panel for central bank policymakers in Portugal, ECB President Christine Lagarde committed to “going as far as necessary” to ensure that inflation is stabilized in the Eurozone at the central bank’s 2% target. The ECB is expected to hike interest rates by a further 50bps in September, with additional rate hikes to follow.

Protecting your money from future volatility With inflation in the UK and Eurozone showing no sign of peaking, and the risks of a recession appearing to grow, it is likely the pound to euro exchange rate will continue to trade with a high degree of volatility for the foreseeable future.

If you’re making transfers or payments in euros, working with a currency broker, such as Currencies Direct, means you’ll have access to a range of tools and services to help you navigate these uncertain times.

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.

F o r m o r e d e t a i l e d i n f o r m a t i o n , p l e a s e c o n t a c t t h e l o c a l o f f i c e T: 2 8 9 3 9 5 7 3 9 o r r e g i s te r a t 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 g e t r e g u l a r u p d a te s o n t h e c u r r e n c y m a r ke t s , (u s e A l g a r ve P LU S m a g a z i n e a s t h e r e f e r e n c e) .

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BoE favours a slow and steady approach

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in some countries, the recovery is unequal. Policymakers across America, Europe and Great Britain have taken proportionate measures to address rising prices, but currency markets continue to worry that raising interest rates at a time when real wages are low could cause a recession.

ALGARVE P L U S

A

LTHOUGH inflation appears to be waning

LET’S GET TO THE POINT...

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Designworks offer efficient services and solid strategies. If you’d like to experience something better, call 917 203 850.

design@suzisteinhofel.com www.designworks.com.pt

DATELINE PLUS

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

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A R T

SYLVAIN BONGARD

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Galeria de St Antonio, Monchique Monday-Friday 10:00–13:00; 14:00–18:00 Until 15 August studiobongard.com 924 220 574

MARCO BATTAGLINI

A personal approach and analysis of the relationship between animal and human kind.

Thirty acrylic on canvas works are on display; this one, 150x75cm .

The Bongard Sculpture Garden is open daily.

 MIGUEL REDONDO Tavira d’Artes, Tavira 962 012 111 taviradartes@gmail.com taviradartes.com Seascape, acrylic on canvas, 80 x 100cm. Whole new collection available now.

The artist’s works on paper, screen and video, with an installation by digital and sound artist, Miguel Neto.

Here, Spirale Dedoublee I, 56x76cm.



 CATARINA ROSA GAMA RAMA Gallery, Faro 961 371 891 gamaramagallery@gmail.com gama-rama.com 5 August to 1 October

QUINTA ART COLLECTIVE Showing at the charming boutique hotel, Eleven, Boliqueime elevenboliqueime.com quintaartcollective.com Opening 30 August, 16:00–20:00 On until 21 September

The exhibition will be in the lobby and the Courtyard Café.

Opening celebration on the 30th, 16:00–20:00.

IF YOU HAVE ANYTHING YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE EMAIL susi@rogol-goodkind.com

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A wonderful collection of this artist’s work.

Shown here, Eterno Juego, mixed media, 165 x 115cm.

ALGARVE P L U S

On now

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ArtCatto, Loulé 289 419 447 info@artcatto.com artcatto.com

DATELINE PLUS

EXPERIEN CES

THE agenda M U SIC

República 14, Olhão Reservas@re-criativarepublica14.pt Email for ticket prices, and to book.

ALAALGARVE P L U S

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12 August, 18:00 A musical show that recalls the work of Brazilian, Elis Regina, with Sara Badalo, vocal; Léo Vrillaud, piano; Leonardo Tomich, drums; and Marcos Badalo, bass and guitar. This is the best of bossa nova and MPB. An unmissable spectacle.

19 August, 18:00 Songster Cristina Clara, with Pedro Loch on guitar and Edu Miranda on mandolin, introduces an album of stories made into fados and chorinhos, with roots in jazz, Portuguese popular

A special celebration

music and Brazilian sounds.

Your feet will be tapping!

Café 8100, Loulé Municipal Park 13 August, 10:00 until the music stops CRISTINA CLARA

5 August, 18:00 Mixing influences of jazz, bossa nova, Portuguese popular music and chorinho, Luanda Cozetti with her warm tropical voice and Norton Daiello on the Brazilian bass, serve up an eclectic and extraordinary repertoire.

27 August, 18:00 Algarve accordionist Gonçalo Pescada joins the Quinteto Sull'a Corda for a unique programme, evoking great composers from the past such as Bach, Piazzolla and Galliano, among others. The sound of the strings (violins, viola d'Arco, cello and double bass) combined with the accordion, takes the listener on a journey between the classic and the contemporary.

CONCERT PROGRAMMES:

A Day out for the family. An Imaginary Beings Associação production, this is an informal celebration of the completion of the Fisherman’s memorial in Faro (the official inauguration has yet to be announced).

Join the participants, led by sculptor Toin Adams, who headed the initiative, and 92-year-old Michael Pease, and Humberto Lopes who spent 12 years making this project happen. There will be artisan food and bread, craft beer, live music from the Elephant Woman, Tapete Clandestino and other local musicians, a pop up shop, a kids’ toy exchange, and a live public mural, led by Toin, for all to join.

FOOTBALL ESCAPES CAMP The Campus Quinta do Lago 289 381 220. the-campus@quintadolago.com 8–12 August, 10:00–13:00: Michael Owen 15–19 August, 10:00 - 13:00: Joe Cole 22-26 August 10:00–13:00: Joe Cole These camps aim to provide the ultimate football training experience for children aged 5 to 15. Each child will receive a week's worth of expert coaching; a full kit, signed certificate and medal upon completion of the course will also be provided.

Booking ahead is vital.

Faro: teatrolethes.com; teatrodasfiguras.pt Loule: cineteatro.cm-loule.pt Tavira: fadocomhistoria.com

PORTIMÃO SARDINE FESTIVAL

FARMERS' MARKET Quinta Shopping 7 August, 10:00–13:00 As always at this monthly special, fresh fruit and veg, bread from Pão com Manteiga, spicy sauces from Chillboy, and the wonderful collection from the Algarve Candle Company.

And so much more.

Zona Ribeirinha vivaportimao.pt 3–7 August, 18:00–24:00 Everyone's favourite summer fish, freshly caught and served off the barbeques.

Great live entertainment too: 3/8 João Leote 4/8 David Fonseca 5/8 Bárbara Tinoco 6/8 Wet Bed Gang 7/8 David Carreira

IF YOU HAVE ANYTHING YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE EMAIL susi@rogol-goodkind.com

AT HOME

E V E N TS

FATACIL Parque Municipal de Feiras e Exposições, Lagoa fatacil.pt 19–28 August 18:00–01:00 After a two-year break due to the pandemic, 2022 marks the return of FATACIL, the event that showcases trade, industry, agriculture, live handicrafts, regional gastronomy, equestrian shows and concerts. So much to see and enjoy and a real choice of eats.

DINE IN MOVIES Magnolia Hotel Quinta do Lago themagnoliahotelqdl.com Every Tuesday and Thursday until 30 August, you can sit back and relax at the Algarve’s only poolside open-air cinema.

MEDIEVAL FESTIVAL Silves 10-20 August, 18:00 till late For ten days, the history of the medieval period of the ancient capital of the Algarve (Al-Gharb) is recreated. Live adventures, memorable experiences and a huge amount of family fun with fancy dress and feasting. Lots of buy, too.

WO RKSH O P S

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Classes are on Thursday; reservations must be made five days in advance.

✓ Water Free ✓ Allergy Free ✓ Mess Free ✓ Antimicrobial ✓ Sustainable ✓ Monthly Refresh ✓ No Contracts Floral Image Algarve Tel: 917 770 508 floralimage.pt algarve@floralimage.pt

LAST WORD PLUS

AND

finally

W H AT W O U L D Y O U D O T O S TAV E O F F T H E B O R E D O M I F Y O U W E R E F O R C E D T O S TAY AT H O M E F O R A N E X TEN DED PERIOD? MOST PEOPLE WOU LD USE TH E TIM E TO B R OA D E N T H E I R K N OW L E D G E O R D E V E LO P A N E W I N T E R E S T. B U T N O T S O A N T H O N Y M A R T I N

ALGARVE P L U S

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HAVE BEEN somewhat lazy of late. To be truthful I have not been the slightest bit active for the past three months. Well, it’s not easy to be up and about after the double whammy of a knee replacement op and a two-week dose of covid, especially when you are spending a lot of time lying on a sofa, dosing yourself up with painkillers and cough medicine. And, as reading and television send me to sleep, it was necessary to find something to occupy my time whilst staying horizontal and feeling as if my head was encased in cotton wool.

I was totally incapable of doing anything that required rational thinking. What, I asked myself, could I do that didn’t require using energy or even movement? It was then, when I was lying there ruminating about why, as we men get older, the pattern of hair growth reverses, stopping growing on our heads and instead targets the areas of our body where hair is not welcome – eg ears and noses – that I had my eureka moment.

Like many other men I know who went into isolation, I had all the time in the world. I wasn’t seeing anyone, I wasn’t going anywhere and instead of just moping and feeling sorry for myself, I decided I would grow a beard.

I think you would agree that as pastimes go, it is not the most fascinating of hobbies. It’s not up there with running marathons or climbing the 15 Welsh mountains over 3,000 feet, or even making a model of Lisbon’s Belem tower out of lolly sticks, as for the first month there is not a lot to do except carefully examine your chin each morning to check that the hairs are all the same colour, and whether they were growing outwards instead of inwards, and googling ‘best beard for face shapes’ while trying to work out which of the seven main face shapes is yours – oval, round, square, diamond, heart, pear or oblong.

What do you do? Well what I did was to take a tape measure, paper and pen into the bathroom and calculate.

A word of advice here: learned the hard way. Don’t forget to lock the door, because should your wife walk in and find you with a tape measure she will never believe your reason and will be dining out on the story for months.

Like many new thoughts, there is downside, and the downside to beard growing is the upkeep. It’s fiddly, requires more gadgets that will fill your bathroom cabinet, and can take an extra ten minutes out of your daily life.

I am reliably informed, by friendly beardies, that I need a beard brush, various balms to keep my face hydrated and a beard trimmer with attachments including spacing combs, charging lead, special blade oil and a travel kit.

But it will all be worth it, for I can then, depending on how I trim my beard, take on the persona of anyone I wish.

For today a beard says more about a man than it ever has in the past and allows me to present myself in many different guises.

I can be Grizzled Old Man of the Sea – wild and bushy; Fastidious Intellectual – goatee, trimmed to a point; Arrogant ex-Army Officer – pencil thin moustache; or even Left-over Druggie from 60’s San Francisco – long, thin and wispy with a coloured bead threaded on the end.

Yes, when it comes to beards, style definitely trumps substance.

But, at the same time, the style has to reflect the personality of its wearer and, as I do not match any of the above examples, I decided I should consult she who knows me best – my wife.

Her answer was instantaneous: “You must be bloody joking!”.

But rather than letting that put an end to my thoughts of hirsuteness, it spurred me on to tackle the matter more seriously, as beards are definitely ‘in’. They are cool, they are hip, they are, as the guy with the beaded beard would say, ‘rad.’

So rad I shall be, I shall be the raddest guy in the Algarve. I may not be a surfer, I may not be a kite skier, I may not be a free-fall parachutist, but when I finally decide on my ‘look’, I shall be the radddest pensioner in southern Portugal with two new chromium knees.

What I did was to take a tape measure, paper and pen into the bathroom and calculate.

A reference of good taste for dining and shopping Alquatro Casavostra Interior Design & Lifestyle Pizzeria alquatro.pt pizzeriacasavostra.com Av. 5 Outubro 302, Almancil (Opposite Apolónia Supermarket)