Algarve Blog
Here's my regular take on occurrences in my favourite vacation spot... Algarve Crime Wave?I was shocked to learn of the death by shooting of a police chief in Lagos! An armed gang, which is suspected of other crimes in the Algarve was making its escape from stealing a cash machine from a Budens supermarket. The gang's stolen vehicle appeared to slow down at a PSP road block, but then accelerated again, at which time shots were fired from the vehicle, one of them striking senior officer Sérgio Martins in the head, killing him instantly.
To add to the woes of the police, it seems that the getaway vehicle breached the road block by the simple expedient of using the hard shoulder, which was not obstructed! My condolences go out to the family of the unfortunate officer, and let's hope the police stamp down on this sort of organised crime, before the Algarve acquires a reputation like that of some parts of Spain (from where, it is reputed, most members of this gang emanate). Sunday 18 December 2005Fully Occupied!I'm not finding the time to blog very often, but this next item will explain why... I've been 'up to my elbows' in arrangements and details concerning the property we're buying in Algarve (as well as keeping up my day job)! You must admit, as excuses go, that's about as good as they get...
I went back to Algarve for a week in November (just after my last blog) and drove around meeting people and looking at finishes and talking to builders and decorators... ... It was exhausting, but it will be worth it in the long run. And if you'd like to stay up to date with our progress toward our first Algarve property purchase, then check the page I've dedicated to it. This time next year, I'll have been a full-time Algarve resident for quite a few months, and be looking forward to my first Algarve Christmas! I'm still pinching myself to help believe it! Don't forget to check out my Algarve Property purchase page. Now, back to the grindstone... Wednesday 14 December 2005Formula for Fiasco?The authorities just can't seem to make up their minds... The "on-off" deliberations - about a proposed Algarve circuit for Formula 1 race cars - rumble on, apparently. They are champing at the bit to build the 'International Autodrome of Algarve' at Pereira, close to Portimao. But they don't yet have necessary permission from the authorities.
Strangely, one complication seems to be that the area under consideration has been subject to arson over the last few years, which has resulted in the disappearance of most of the local pine trees... ... This means, for some arcane legal reason that building would contravene a ban on speculative development in the area. The scheme's opponents suspect that the law will be breached while the authorities look the other way, since the money generated will benefit the economy. So, where do I stand on the matter? Firmly straddling the fence, unfortunately... I suppose I'd have to admit that Formula 1 is hardly representative of Algarve culture! Then again, I enjoy watching F1 when it's televised. But, it can't be denied that the whole enterprise is a terrible waste of energy, with much unnecessary pollution. Ecological it ain't! I'm waiting to see what happens. If it goes ahead without proper authorisation, it will probably confirm the fears of many in the UK - that European ecological laws (among others) will be widely breached by other member states, while observed to the letter in the UK. Is that paranoid? Not for an island race, perhaps. Back to the subject matter: will the winner be ecology - or economy? Watch this space for more news of Algarve F1 developments. Monday 14 November 2005Watch out, Portimao...The Jen girl's on her way! Yes indeed. My research is over, my tickets are booked and I'm counting down the days! I got frustrated looking for affordable villas - optimistic, during September, I know - and even finding some cheap flights. I seem to have been tuning into the Net just after all the bargains had gone. Drat!
That week, I shall be mainly relaxing, to misquote Jesse from the Fast Show... We haven't stayed in Portimao before, only visited, so it'll be something new to experience. And our 'cultural planning' was augmented last week by clever Nev, who spotted an upcoming event in Faro. It's a dance 'platform' showcasing the work of around 16 of Portugal's top contemporary choreographers. So that's a definite. And tickets are only 5 Euros. Even better! Anyway, here we go again... Only the car hire left to arrange, and I'm still hoping for competitive quotes, even at this time of year. Never say die... Monday 5 September 2005Return from Algarve Blog to Home page Back to top Archives |
This Algarve blog is intended to keep you in touch with the latest in Algarve affairs. Even though I can't spend as much time there as I'd like to, that doesn't stop me from endeavouring to stay up-to-date with what's going on in the Algarve and around those gorgeous beaches.
There has been criticism of the equipment used by the police, since one of their guns jammed during this exchange. The government is promising more bullet-proof vests, which would not, sadly, have saved the officer's life in this instance. 
So, I've gone 'package', just like we did last year around this time. (We're going a week or so earlier, I think).