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.

Drivers Beware!

I mentioned on my webpage driving in Portugal about the stern view taken by the national traffic police regarding drink-driving...

... but now it seems they intend to take things further, and have been issued with kits that can detect the presence of illegal drugs, too. drug test kit for motorists

The kits require the user to swab inside both cheeks of the mouth, and the fines, should anything untoward be revealed, are pretty hefty.

Recently, too, they introduced CCTV traffic cameras in Lisbon, and these detected so many speeding offences that the government coffers swelled (in the first three months) to the tune of millions of euros! Since Treasuries are never averse to a windfall like that, expect such cameras to be rolled out throughout Portugal soon.

And, while we're on the subject of governments and law-breaking...

... it seems that, last March, the Portuguese government passed a law which allowed IVA (the equivalent of Value Added Tax) to be applied to the new form of vehicle licence. Thus effectively imposing a tax upon a tax. This was done in full knowledge that it broke European Community law, and will doubtless be a nice little earner until and if they have to revoke it under Brussels' pressure.

Funny thing about politicians the world over - they all think rules are for others to follow.

Thursday 30 August 2007

Mediaeval Fair

We visited the 'Mediaeval Days' Fair at Castro Marim last Friday. Played tennis in the morning, got home, showered, ate and met up with friends Sue and Alan to drive east.

It was a hot day, and we arrived about 5pm, so the sun was still pretty strong. The locals had really got into the spirit of things, with banners and bunting hung everywhere and many folk dressed up in mediaeval costumes, from simple to ornate.

At 6pm, the live stuff started, with the arrival in the main street of a band composed of drummers (lots!) and a chap garlanded with all sorts of bells and things, who played a small flute (whistle?). They were pretty loud, and stopped at a rudimentary bandstand to treat us to a few numbers. Couldn't say how authentic the tunes were, but it sounded fun.

algarve festivals - posing with the band at Castro Marim

Up at the castle, where the main events were going on, we saw swordfights, falconry, jugglers, stilt performers, more pipe and drum bands, some magic and a host of artisans and craftsmen creating stuff for the mediaeval market.

It was well attended, and everyone seemed to be enjoying the various sights. Buying a 5 euro ticket for entrance to the castle got you a cardboard coronet (modelled stunningly in the picture above) and a commemorative pottery goblet.

When it darkened, the coloured lighting display at the fortress was visible from the castle battlements (and from ground level for some distance). Very impressive, but I'm afraid my camera-womanship didn't help, and the shots I took are too dark to show. Fortunately, the shots I took during daylight hours were fine, and can be seen on my new Algarve Festivals page.

It went on until midnight, but we were safely back home by then. It'd been a long day, what with the tennis and all... We'll be back next year, or perhaps try the other mediaeval event at Silves, just for a change.

Monday 27 August 2007

O Futuro de Albufeira

I read where the popularly-elected mayor of Albufeira states that he thinks he's spotted a better class of tourist this year...

Presumably, more of them are wearing top hats and Eton collars? I think his comment refers to the type of tourist that spends more, stays at 5-star hotels and eats at more expensive restaurants.

albufeira old town square
Just the sort of scruffy, low-rent tourist that Albufeira
won't miss...?

Whether that's the life-blood of Albufeira in the future I don't know. I can see how less people using the local services while spending more per head would suit the local authority, but I can't imagine the owners of bed-and-breakfast establishments, pensões, and private apartments would necessarily agree!

Just to show that his heart's in the right place really, Sr. Silva (the aforementioned mayor) points out that in the ongoing struggle between local authorities and national government, he doesn't always see eye-to-eye with Prime Minister Socrates.

In particular, he thinks that central government will eventually impose road tolls on major highways like the A22 (Via do Infante east-west motorway). This in spite of the governing party's opposition to such tolls before it came to power. (Ah, that refrain repeated throughout the entire democratic world...)

Asked whether loss of votes within the region might worry the Government, Sr. Silva is quoted as opining that there aren't enough votes in the region to bother the men in power. This is because larger cities like Sintra contain more votes than does the whole of Algarve.

Despite which, the mayor seemed fairly upbeat about the future of Albufeira, where new hospitals and shopping complexes can be expected in the next few years. He was also proud of the Albufeira area's 15 Blue Flag beaches, and its ability to cope with visitor influxes that peak at 800% of the city's normal populace.

Quite right too, Sr. Silva - vive Albufeira!

Thursday 23 August 2007

Smoke On The Water!

Apologies to Deep Purple, and anyway, it's noise, not smoke, that's the problem.

There's a spat going on between the residents and council of Ferragudo and their neighbour across the water, Praia da Rocha. It seems that the beach parties at the latter are making enough racket to keep the rather sleepier (they wish!) folk over in Ferragudo tossing and turning.

No less a personage than the Duke of Bragança, who has been holidaying locally, has written to the Portimao authorities, backed up more recently by official communications from Ferragudo's mayor.

The city hall types in Portimao have responded with the claim that the venues in question have some sort of temporary 'special licence' which, because it's short-term, does not entail any sort of upper limit on noise emitted.

That sounds like twaddle to me, as I believe that any venue must enforce noise limits merely in order to protect the health of its own customers.

The Portimao bunch have claimed that their sound tests certify less than 55 decibels, though they don't say where that was measured (certainly not within any club I've ever visited, and not within tens of metres of it outside, either!) Such a low level would hardly be heard across the street, never mind in Ferragudo!

Culprits are alleged to be Nikki Beach and Sasha Beach, since they host al fresco events where the sound is impossible to contain.

In a separate case entirely, residents of Vilamoura are raising a class action to take before the European Court of Human Rights complaining about noise every night from the open courtyard of Klube K. This time, it's Loule Camara that's under fire (though so far, apparently, they've chosen to ignore the complaints and threats of legal action).

I must admit to feeling sorry for those robbed of their sleep. It's hard enough nodding off when it's hot, without drum and bass thudding away through the early hours.

There's a fine line between ensuring your visitors enjoy themselves and annoying your neighbours beyond reason. Unfortunately, it seems that neither Praia da Rocha nor Vilamoura is caring much about treading that line.

Quite how many months or years any appeal to a European Court might take is another matter. Or perhaps it's just the threat that's meant to work its magic.

We'll see...

Sunday 19 August 2007

Algarve Oil - Latest

Apparently, officials in Algarve suspect that central government is secretly plotting to exploit any offshore oil reserves there may be, without consulting local government or those who live by the coast.

Im reminded of how the Scots always believed theyd been 'sold down the river' from the beginning of North Sea oil exploitation. And also of how even local government (never mind national) refuses to listen to the opinions of residents who object to planning decisions for their area.

However it falls out, the Portuguese politicians would be crazy to do anything that might threaten the cash that Algarve tourism brings them every year. Unfortunately, looking around the world, it seems that politicians do crazy things during most days that dawn!

Fingers crossed that they dont kill this particular golden goose

Thursday 16 August 2007

Chaos At Baggage Reclaim

On the upcoming weekend of 18/19 August, there are strikes threatened by ground crews at all of Portugal's international airports.

As is usual in labour disputes, each side regards the other's position as wrong, untenable or simply based on lies.

The workers want a salary review, while complaining that temporary and part-time workers (who might not be union members) are increasingly used by the airport employers. They've even complained that the luggage conveyors break down because of overloading (though why that's not the fault of the workers who throw bags on them isn't explained).

baggage reclaim area at faro airport

Furthermore, it's claimed that Lisbon airport in particular is regularly host to flights that operators have overbooked, meaning that staff have the hassle of dealing with the resultant disenchanted passengers. (Unfortunate, but part of the job description, surely?)

Needless to say, the employers dispute all of the claims, and counterclaim that measures have been put in place to improve the luggage handling capacity at Lisbon airport. None of which is likely to be of much consolation if you're travelling via a Portuguese airport during next weekend.

I pity the poor, fare-paying passenger, that great cash cow for the tourism industry, whose diet consists generally of promises and lip service. Whatever the outcome of the latest altercation, no-one's interests will be served by making travel to and from Portugal unpleasant for innocent customers.

I can just see the headline now: 'English Disease Strikes Portugal' (and it won't be referring to Foot and Mouth).

Wednesday 15 August 2007

You're Never Too Old...

... to take care while on vacation.

There was awful news recently about the death of a 19-year old man who was buried alive in a hole he had dug on a sandy beach. It just goes to show that the perils do not apply only to the very young. The victim was probably a strong and fit person, but that's no help when half a ton of sand falls on you. The tragic event took place on Cavalo Preto beach, between Quarteira and Vale do Lobo.

It's easy to assume that there's little or no danger when you're on vacation and your guard's down. Unfortunately, you're not on home territory, and the unfamiliar can be unexpectedly dangerous.

There was more sad news, since a male body was found near a riverside beach. The calm aspect of the water in such places can be deceiving, as was probably the case in this instance. The authorities claim that there are many freshwater swimming locations (unofficial and without recourse to a lifeguard) where currents can be treacherous and even fatal.

Neither of the sad events I've described are likely to be the sole example of such untimely deaths. Sand tunnelling and swimming in remote spots claim multiple lives each year, even in friendly Algarve.

So, remember when you take your next sunny vacation, whether in Algarve or elsewhere, take the trouble to find out what risks are involved in any activity with which you are not completely familiar.

There can be few things worse for a family than to have a member die while abroad, adding logistics and even language problems to the inevitable grief of bereavement.

Monday 13 August 2007

Handbags at Ten Paces...

Yes, they're having a 'hissy fit'.

Or, rather, an existing row is being extended, refined and amplified. The ongoing spat between the island region of Madeira and the Lisbon government in Portugal is back - and this time, it's personal!

Trouble is, Lisbon doesn't like the Madeiran President, Sr Jardim, while he insists that Lisbon politicians are a bunch of degenerates, with terms like 'fascist' being bandied about. In President Jardim's favour, his constituents in Madeira seem to like him well enough, since he was returned with an increased majority after a recent election that he called to spite Lisbon over alleged cuts in funds to Madeira.

Sr Jardim is a large, greying man much given to colourful language and opposed - like many of his fellow islanders, it seems - to abortion, gay marriage and other harbingers of doom for the island's morals.

The last round went on points to the Madeirans, since the Lisbon government was forced in court to hand over withheld funds. Emboldened by this success, President Jardim used a speech at a recent festival on the island to reiterate his contempt for the Lisbonites, and in particular Prime Minister Socrates.

What's that to you, I hear you ask? Well, should you decide to spend some time visiting Madeira, you might want to choose your words carefully, in case an injudiciously pro-Portugal remark of yours was overheard in a bar or restaurant.

You have been warned!

Tuesday 7 August 2007

Don't Hold Your Breath!

So, I'm off back to UK to visit friends and attend a family wedding. Husband Nev's not keen to travel... ("I didn't mind travelling to Algarve, but now I'm here, I do mind travelling from it")... or words to that effect.

So he's 'minding the shop' while I'm off on safari (well, there may be some wild animals involved somewhere).

I'm leaving him in sole charge of my plants and my fruit trees, into which I have put a lot of effort recently. And I'm expecting them all to be flourishing still when I get back...

... or there'll be blood on the dancefloor!

As well as some judicious plant watering, he has a list of outstanding jobs that's as long as his arm. But I'm not expecting to see a lot of items crossed off at the end of my two weeks away.

Unfortunately, he seems to have taken the laid-back Algarve lifestyle to his bosom and has virtually gone native!

Yes, I can extract a promise from him to name a date when he'll start a particular task but, just like the local tradesmen, when the day comes around, he has a ready excuse as to why what was agreed can't, in fact, happen.

I'll forgive him all of that however if, before my return, he's solved the problem of bits of loose garden blowing into the swimming pool. Nothing worse than having to avoid flotsam and jetsam when I'm taking my late afternoon plunge!

Saturday 4 August 2007

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