Hi Jennifer,

We found FiESA by accident in 2006 when we were heading for Albufeira shopping centre (no revisit to that place this year!) and it was a "must see" for this year too.

We told some fellow guests at our apartments about it and they drove there with their children. We were on pins all day awaiting their return, hoping that they would be as bowled over by the sights that met their eyes as we'd been. They came back full of excitement and thanks for tipping them off about the place.

I have attached just a very few photos of FiESA. It's such a fantastic event and should be a must-see for anyone on summer holiday in the Algarve.

Mr Nosey: (picture above) I'm sure this character will forgive me for taking a photo looking right up his nose. The head was so huge and I couldn't step back any further away from it.

FiESA 2009 - Newton or Rock Star?

Percy Plant?: Yes, I know this is supposed to be Isaac Newton but my brother thought it was Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin when he saw my photos.

Next? -

FiESA 2009 - Graf Zeppelin

Maybe it was seeing this Zeppelin sculpture that caused the confusion about Mr Plant and Mr Newton?

And then there was...

FiESA 2009 - Fortifications

Now, that's what I call a sandcastle!

And, last but not least, I call this one 'Amazing'

FiESA 2009 Amazing Aztec

Amazing indeed! I would love to know how the sculptor managed to construct this. Surely it defies the laws of gravity. Hmm, are we back to Mr Newton yet again?

Best wishes,

Kay

Jennifer's Response:

Great pics, Kay - and thanks again for sending them.

As you note, the majority of people are knocked out when they see these enormous and intricate sculptures. They're so much 'more' than anything of the sort that can be seen elsewhere, I'd guess.

I did chuckle at the Robert Plant reference. My husband Nev had immediately remarked that it must be Newton because of the apple - but then he mistook Superman figure at FiESA 2008 for UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown in his Dancercize leotard!

And that (Aztec?) headdress is certainly amazing - how do you create something like that with sand and water? Fantastic artistry!

As for the Pharaoh's nose; Nev felt obliged to remind me that's where they'd have removed his brains when he died and was mummified. (Don't you think it's possible to have too much information sometimes?)

Here's hoping your next FiESA is earlier than 2012.

If you've visited FiESA 2009 and would like to share your experience of the day, please contact me via the form below.

Some photos of your own from your day out would also be great. Come on; don't be shy!

The FiESA exhibition is open from 10.00 to midnight, and runs from May 22 to October 22.

There're lots of stuff for kids to do when they're not gawking in wonder at the huge exhibits. And don't forget you can save 10% off the entrance ticket by getting a copy of English language newspaper 'the Portugal News' and cutting out the coupon (it'll be valid for up to 5 adults).

Your Fiesa 2009

If you'd like to send me your own favourites (pictures and a bit about why you liked them) just contact me using the form below and you can feature on your own page!

I'll reply with details of how you can send me your stuff.

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