Algarve Blog

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 and around those wonderful beaches.

So, here's my regular take on occurrences in what used to be my favourite vacation spot... but is now my favourite place to live.

Beach Life Woes

There's talk (and scribblings) concerning the likelihood that a pot of money will be spent soon on 'upgrading' the signage (if such a word exists) at Algarve beaches.

I can't say that I've ever noticed any deficiencies in what's already available. Seems entirely adequate to me. Pictorial advice abounds as to what you should and shouldn't do on a beach.

And, since the recent heavy weather has resulted in sand being scoured away from some of the beaches, I'd have thought that making them pristine and welcoming again might feature higher up the agenda than the signage.

I visited Barril beach yesterday and was concerned at what's happened to the sand (surely the essence of any beach experience). From a safety point of view, the main problem is the exposure of rusting metal cables and chains (pictured here) near the dunes. These should be removed or recovered as a matter of urgency!

            Fancy puncture wounds/tetanus, anyone?     

Back to the matter of the signs: I'm reminded that the authorities' idea of a good sign is something that is uniformly uneasy on the eye. Witness the ghastly brown tourist sign they erected outside the Roman ruins at Milreu, near Estoi. That's bad enough, but they also demolished and removed the charming stone sign that had stood by the roadside for decades. Such vandalism!

Wednesday 30 April 2008

Good old Rog!

In what must prove to be a fillip for the Portuguese tennis scene, world no. 1, Roger Federer, won the Portugal Open tennis tournament at Estoril last week.

He even thought it necessary to criticise the national stadium as having inadequate facilities. It might have the effect of nudging the relevant authorities into action...

... but if he doesn't like the best that's on offer in the North, it probably also means that it'll be a long, long time before we see such luminaries as him partaking in any Algarve tennis.

Ah, well - there's still this year's Masters' tournament at Vale do Lobo to look forward to. I wonder if McEnroe will be playing again this year. Let's hope so.

Tuesday 29 April 2008

Parrot-fashion

Many animals are cleverer than we think they are, as I am often reminded when I read articles describing their exploits. And, of course, we all know that parrots are great mimickers of human speech - but now it seems that they might be much brainier than that.

One parrot in an American university could recognise over one hundred words, it's claimed, and was able to distinguish sizes, shapes and materials. 

It even, when introduced to two other 'trainee' parrots, undertook to criticise their lack of skill in speaking English!

I'd have to admit to finding birdsong much more agreeable than parrot speech, and am enjoying the behaviour of all the martins and swifts that are nesting and flying about in our vicinity at present. 

Even with all their feeding activity, there seem to be enough bugs left over to bite chunks out of me whenever I wear shorts or tee-shirts!

(And, just in case you were wondering, that parrot I mentioned was part of a research project at Brandeis University, not an alumnus!)

Advocates of Algarve birdwatching have never reported sighting parrots, and my picture above shows a dearth of them at Tavira's salt pans!

Sunday 27 April 2008

Phew - what a scorcher!

The recent heavy rains have transformed the water situation in Algarve, it seems. From a situation in March where a number of areas were described as entering conditions of moderated drought, there is now enough water in municipal reservoirs to guarantee supplies for this year and next...

... So I won't feel too bad about hoping for a sunny, dry rest-of-the-year. And I'm sure I'll be joined by millions of Algarve tourists.

Friday 25 April 2008

Algarve Birdwatching

Recently, an Algarve Beach Life reader sent in a suggestion requesting a page describing Algarve birdwatching . Since I'm always keen to incorporate others' good ideas, I looked at what I already had - a mention on the Algarve for Kids page and another on the Things To Do page... and decided that the time had indeed arrived for a proper, dedicated page about Algarve birdwatching.

Problem was, I didn't have that many worthwhile photographs that featured Algarve birds as the subject. (I'm sure there are more in a folder on one of our PCs of various vintages somewhere - but where?)

Undaunted, I selected a few that were suitable to begin with and soldiered on writing the page. Fortunately, I know several helpful souls who are keen on watching birds and they were able to help with ideas and suggestions (and the promise of sending some more photographs to use - once they find them!)

So now, instead of just a mere suggestion that you might enjoy some birdwatching in the Algarve , you can use my page as a primer for where to go and what to see. And I'll be adding to it as and when I can - especially if more kind twitchers will send in their Algarve birdwatching experiences (and some photographs, please).

Wednesday 23 April 2008

... And Yet More Beach Woes

The recent rains dampened more than just the Algarve's subsoil, it seems. Due to their resemblance to something that might have troubled Noah, they overloaded some coastal sewerage systems.

And the resulting overspill has meant that some beaches were declared unfit for human consumption (or however they word it).

Those affected were Fisherman's Beach, Inatel and Alemão (all around Albufeira). Fortunately, the bans were lifted after only a few days. It could have been worse, of course, had it happened during peak tourist season, when the drainage systems are working to their capacity anyway. Fortunately, heavy rain at that time of year is rarer than an admission of responsibility by a politician! 

I noticed, when driving around during the first heavy falls, that the roadside channel drains (like mini-storm drains) were all full and the water was overlapping onto road surfaces. Which happens because no effort is made to keep the channels free of debris when it's dry.

I suppose that the Algarve just isn't rain-savvy. It's certainly the furthest thing from my mind when I think about the place. Aberdeen? Now that's a different story!

Tuesday 22 April 2008

Plaudits All Round!

It's great when people get to do things that they like doing anyway and help charities along the way. The veritable win-win situation, as the jargon would have it.

I was pleased to read recently that the golfers and guests at Parque da Floresta resort had been holding events over the last two years with just such an aim. But, I was even more thrilled to learn how successful they'd been!

This year they've raised some 64,000 euros  - and over the two years since inception, the figure is in excess of 130,000 euros! That's some serious effort they've put in on behalf of their chosen beneficiaries.

The fantastic awards will go to various charities such as Lagos Orphans, Vila do Bispo Bombeiros (Firefighters) the Centro Cultural e Social da Figueira, and the Associação Oncológica do Algarve.

Plaudits all round indeed.

And, the organisers are not resting on their laurels, either. This year's target is 100,000 euros!

Monday 21 April 2008

Basic Economics

Almost every time I read a newspaper, whether in English or Portuguese, there's another story about some huge shipment of drugs that's been apprehended.

Which makes me wonder: if they intercepted that many, how many do they miss? It seems as if the world is awash with illegal pharmaceuticals and we're all "going to hell in a handcart"!

Of course, the monies involved are huge and thus encourage the risks that people will take to supply them. Just this week, some Brazilians were arrested while carrying lots of cocaine in their luggage at Lisbon airport. No doubt the authorities will spout some statistics to suggest that they're getting on top of the problem, but I'll take some convincing.

That basic economics I mentioned in the title deals with supply and demand. So long as governments spend most of their time and budgets on the former while seemingly ignoring the latter, they're unlikely to be successful in wiping out the trade in 'hard' drugs.

Certainly, while cocaine remains the drug of choice across most of mainland Europe, it's whistling down the wind to imagine that imprisoning the 'mules' (most of whom are naive dupes rather than confirmed gangsters) will result in any major changes in consumption.

I suppose that, having admitted to a 'Marmite habit' in my previous blog, I'm in no position to pretend to have the answer, but neither do our esteemed leaders - and isn't that why they're getting whopping salaries and copper-bottomed pensions?

Saturday 19 April 2008

Supermercado²

After many years of success in Almancil, the one-off Apolónia supermarket will lose its uniqueness, it seems...

... since the plan is to open another outlet at Galé, Albufeira. Jolly good news for Algarve vacationers in the central area who've omitted to bring along a jar of Marmite!

For lo, Apolónia is one of those places where you can buy stuff to give a taste of home. Not always recommended when a vacation is a chance to 'get away from all that', but a godsend when you've forgotten something vital.

I visit the Almancil shop occasionally, for the few items that Nev and I like to have (it can make being veggie in Algarve a little easier). But, I'd be the last to suggest that it's anything approaching cracking value for money. I suppose they don't have access to the same economies of scale that the large supermarket chains do.

So, while I feel it's important to support such places, as they offer goods that are difficult if not impossible to source elsewhere in Algarve, I tend not to do a 'normal shop' there.

After all, it'd be bonkers to buy my favourite wines there, when they're up to 30% more expensive than in other outlets. 

Maybe things will change when they've doubled in size, but I'm not holding my breath.

Thursday 17 April 2008

Sand Sculptures Soon Seen...

It's almost time for this year's FIESA event at Pera. (Cue frenzied applause). I shall be there, of course, probably more than once, having attended every year except the first one, in 2003. Not my fault; I don't think the advertising back then was as widespread.

What do you do with over 35,000 tonnes of sand? Well, in the Algarve, they make it into the world's biggest display of sand sculptures and invite the public along!

This year's bash will run from May 22 to October 22 which, if memory serves, is one month longer than heretofore.

If you'd like a taster of what to expect while you're waiting, check out these pages about previous FIESA events. They really are amazing!

Tuesday 15 April 2008

Why the long face?

It's an old horsey joke, but I heard it on TV recently, so it was still in my mind when I read that Portugal will be hosting this year's International Congress on Equestrian Tourism. That's ICE-T if they use an acronym - but I'm guessing the event won't be that hip!

It's actually going to take place in Alter, which is in the Alentejo region, north of the Algarve. I'm betting it'll be a bit of a bore, with experts coming from all over the world to bang on about their pet subject. (I bet they don't arrive on horseback, though).

Better far, if you're keen on horses, to enjoy some horseriding in the Algarve. Wonderful scenery, fantastic weather, lovely horses - and not a boring speech within earshot!

Monday 14 April 2008

Medals for everyone!

I read recently where UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan, was the recipient of the Council of Europe's North-South Award. The only reason it came to my notice was that the presentation was made by Portuguese President, Cavaco Silva, who is himself an Algarvean.

The award is presented for contributions to the defence and promotion of human rights throughout the world...

... which, last time I looked, was pretty much Kofi Annan's job - or have I missed something?

It's something that the chattering classes seem to have perfected; rewarding each other for doing that for which they're already paid a handsome salary.

Don't disturb me until they give an award to someone who really deserves it - that way, I should get a good lie-in!

Sunday 13 April 2008

Greener in more ways than one?

They may have to revisit the Portuguese flag and add more green.

It seems that little ol' Portugal may soon be ahead of most of the rest of Europe when it comes to using sustainable energy. There are plans for ten new dams to be built to beef up the hydroelectric contribution to the national grid supply. And that's part of an overall plan to have something like 40% of all power supplied from green sources.

What's Portuguese for 'way to go', I wonder?

Thursday 10 April 2008

BA(CK)

Just when you thought you'd said something to upset them, they're set to return...

Yes, British Airways (BA) have decided that Faro really is worth visiting after all! Just last October, they sold their interest in the route to EasyJet and rolled up their franchise with GB airways.

It was historic, since they'd been flying the route (including in their previous incarnations) for 40 years. 

Now, BA is opening a Gatwick to Faro service - exactly like the one they walked away from - and promising cheap flights to rival their competitors... or are they?

Although the nominal lowest fare will be 51 euros, you'll be lucky to find a seat at that price, so rumour has it. 

So what's it all about? Did BA decide that EasyJet was having things too Easy? Is this just a 'dog-in-the-manger' move to upset the opposition? Or are BA really determined to offer a good, efficient service from London to Faro?

Only time will tell, so watch out for updates on my Algarve flights page.

Tuesday 8 April 2008

Feeling Blue...

... About losing their flags! 

Portimao and Lagos are mourning the loss of two Blue Flag beaches, as water tests last year showed inadequate results. The beaches in question are Vau and Porto de Mós. It's not that there's any particular danger, apparently, since the water quality was 'acceptable' - but it does probably mean that they needn't bother entering for Blue Flag status, and so they've decided not to do so.

I understand that the nature of the problems is thought to be temporary, and that normal service will be resumed as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, if you would rather head for a beach that does still sport the Blue Flag, then there are 48 of them in Algarve, and Tavira and Vila Real Sto. António have each applied to be awarded a flag for one more beach. If successful, they'll bring the number of Algarve beaches that meet all the necessary criteria back up to fifty!

Monday 7 April 2008

Dirty Dancing

We went to Faro yesterday evening to see a show called Tango Folklore y Argentino (or was it Tango Argentino y Folklore?)

Whichever, it was spectacular and rewarding, with the three couples on stage showing how this complicated, graceful yet intense form of dancing should be done.

The venue was the Auditório Pedro Ruivo, which seems to be a spin-off from the Maria Campina Conservatorio. We'd never been there before and so were interested to explore the building and to evaluate the facilities. Outcome? We thought the auditorium was well-designed and compact enough to allow some sense of intimacy with the performers on stage.

The three couples danced beautifully and passionately, and the traditional routines they did in the second half were so good that I didn't mind they weren't Tango.

One minor complaint was the quality of the built-in speakers either side of the stage, which made a poor job of ensuring that the public announcements that preceded some numbers were adequately intelligible. Imagine that every sibilant uttered sounded like a comb being dragged over sandpaper and then the sound amplified, and you won't go far wrong.

Having written which we're still likely to put our names down for the email events newsletter, and I'm sure we'll be back there for some more Algarve culture very soon. I'm determined to soak up more cultural events to escape - if only for a few hours - from the diurnal humdrum.

Saturday 5 April 2008

Scraping the Bottom

A much-misused phrase, but this time they're doing it for real. The river Arade is being dredged in order to allow cruise liners of over 210 metres in length to navigate their way up to Portimão.

That'll be impressive, and I'll try to get some digital photos when it happens. Having been taken to nearby Southampton (on the UK's south coast) during my formative years to see some of the (then) biggest liners in the world anchored up in dock, I'm partial to looking at those awe-inspiring beasts...

... even if my system probably wouldn't survive a journey in one!

And the good news for Portimao is that, as well as disembarking a large number of high-spending visitors into the port area to aid the local economy, the liners will also attract hordes of rubber-neckers (like me) just to gawk at the sheer size and scale of them.

It's just a shame they don't seem to be planning to dredge further upriver, so that the fun cruises to Silves in a banana boat wouldn't be so dependent on the tides!

I'll put it on my Algarve wish list: you never know!

Thursday 3 April 2008

Lying Low

I've never been much of one for practical jokes. Most of them seem rather cruel and akin to a form of bullying.

So the whole 'April Fool' thing has never much appealed to me. The very notion of being brought a cup of tea to enjoy in bed, only to find out that it's not really that lovely cup of tea, just gives me the shudders.

That being the case, I am definitely keeping my head below the parapet today, and woe betide the practical joker who thinks that it'd be fun to get a rise out of Jennifer...

"Chestnuts roasting on an open fire" wouldn't be the half of it!

Today's a beautiful, sunny Algarve day and let's hope it stays that way.

Tuesday 1 April 2008

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