Algarve Blog for 2011

This Algarve blog is intended to keep you in touch with the latest in Algarve affairs. Now that I'm living here, I'm trying to keep you updated with what's going on in the Algarve (on Portugal's southern coast) and around those wonderful beaches.

So, here's my (not-so) regular take on occurrences in what used to be my favourite vacation spot... then became my favourite place to live, and is now, for a little while longer yet, my favourite place to visit.

The Best Intentions

... often don't result in anything much. And, judging by the dearth of blog entries for this 2011 year, it's obvious that my good intentions just weren't enough.

And, when I did, I was so busy that I couldn't take all the pictures I'd have liked, or visit events - or anything much, really.

I used to achieve a lot more when we came to Algarve and lived in rented accommodation. Now, our villa needs attention, the car needs to be serviced, taxed and 'MOT'-ed (the Algarve equivalent, that is).

We're planning to make it more often in 2012, but life has a funny way of putting up obstacles.

Wish me luck, and try to make sure you enjoy some Algarve beach life of your own...

Fiesa 2011

It's here again, and once more I'm not in the Algarve in time to catch the opening!

Running this year from 15 April, the FiESA extravaganza is an absolute must if you are visiting the Algarve.

Reputedly the largest event of its kind in the whole world, it's probably the answer to the question: 'Why did the Creator make so much sand?'

Over 35 thousand tonnes of it are used to create some of the most impressive (scale) and detailed (intricate) sand sculptures you will ever be privileged to see.

I'll be posting a page about it as soon as I can get there and get some photographs but, if you beat me to it, I'd be happy to post your pics, too! Just let me know how to contact you, and I'll tell you how to send 'em in!

This will be the ninth such event and I've been to all of them except the first! Often, I go more than once each year, as I like to show it to guests that might be staying with us.

So, now that it's been on for more than a week, and you know about it - what's keeping you?

Algarve Carnivals

This year, it all kicks off on Friday 4 March, and I'm probably going to be stuck in Scotland for the second year in a row! Is that bad planning, or what?

So, if you're going to be anywhere in the Algarve from the 4th until Tuesday the 8th, then you'd be crazy not to get out and enjoy some laid-back Algarve atmospherics. As usual, the biggest carnival card will be the one at Loule (the birthplace of Algarve carnivals). While it may cost a few euros to get in and enjoy the Loulé festivities, it'll be worth it, in my estimation.

Elsewhere, in the humbler carnivals, it might be less glamorous, but the locals really get involved and let their collective hair down. I love them all, being a party person, but the minnows of the Algarve carnival season don't disappoint.

And, since you'll be enjoying something denied me this year, why not drop me a line and let me know how it went? (As they're taking place a little later this time, I'm hoping the weather will be kind - some of those girls on the floats aren't wearing their winter warmers!)