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 (on Portugal's southern coast) 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.


Aquatic Algarve!

It's been the wettest winter on record in Portugal - and the Algarve has had more than its fair share of the falling liquid! I haven't been there the whole time, but friends who have reckon there can't have been many 48-hour periods when no rain fell during the last three months and more.

It can't have done much for those who were in the south of Portugal hoping to escape the awful weather back home.

The reservoirs should certainly be full, so let's all hope it means we'll have a scorching Algarve summer and autumn, with clear blue cloudless skies.

In addition to the unfortunate weather, the world's economic crises have not passed Portugal by, and the government is about to announce its 'austerity measures' that are supposed to lead to recovery.

One victim of the receding prospects for prosperity seems to be the Fabrica Ingles (literally 'English Factory') in Silves. The local authority is casting around for ways to finance the continued existence of the whole site, I learn.

silves viewed from a banana boat

One way is to make the complex a national heritage site, thus absorbing its expenses into the national budget, one assumes. All the more unfortunate, then, that this should be necessary at the same time as the aforementioned austerity measures. It would be a shame if the cork museum, with all its connotations for local history and heritage were to disappear.

It's a tricky one, but here's hoping that a great tourist season will boost the Algarve's coffers and make such decisions a little easier...

Sunday 21 March 2010

Algarve Carnivals

It's almost that time of year again, and I'm stuck in Scotland, plotting how to get back to Algarve and enjoy some laid-back carnival atmosphere.

balcony views for algarve carnivalsIt'll all kick off next Sunday over three days (14th to 16th February), with the biggest bash, as usual, in Loule (the site of the original of all Algarve carnivals). You have to pay a few euros to see the festivities, but I always think it's worth the cost.

In the smaller towns and villages, however, the cost is nada, nothing. You just pay for your mint julep (or whatever's your favourite tipple) sit back and let the fun processions pass you by!

I always have an great time, especially if I'm enjoying it with friends...

So, now all I need to do is get online again and book that flight!

Algarve, here I come!

Thursday 11 February 2010

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Meanwhile, if you'd like to see what I was scribbling about Algarve in times gone past, here are my very own -





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