Category: Life in Portugal

Do you care about the environment?


National Geographic will be streaming Leonardo DiCaprio's environmental documentary 'Before the Flood ' entirely free from October 30th till November 6th. Before the Flood will also be available on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Amazon, iTunes and Google Play, in over 170 countries and 45 languages. https://youtu.be/8dxAgt9XXPU National Geographic says it’s distributing the movie for free as part of... Continue Reading →

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FitBit and Senior Moments


I accept I'm not the sharpest tool in the drawer when it comes to mastering technology and digital gizmos, but even I had to groan at this particular 'senior blond' moment. Wanting to lose weight I invested in a FitBit Charge HR. So far so good. Much to everyone's surprised snickers I managed to 'set... Continue Reading →

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Narrow: Locks, Dams And The Douro River, Portugal


The theme for this week's photo challenge is narrow. When I was reviewing my photographs for this challenge I was reminded of a weeks cruise with Croisi Europe along the Douro river in Portugal. The river cruise was a seven-day leisurely return trip from Porto, in northern Portugal, to Vega de Terron on the Spanish... Continue Reading →

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Opposites: Remain or Leave?


The theme for this week's WordPress challenge is 'Opposites'. Contemplating the differences in opinion for Brexit: 'Remain' or 'Leave', how could I express the extremes behind the vote and the wisdom of the 'Leave' result in terms of a photograph? In the end it will boil down to money. Some think the UK will be... Continue Reading →

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7 Restaurants With Good Food And Great Views In The Western Algarve


Are you stuck for somewhere to eat and looking for inspiration such as a nice restaurant with good food as well as great views? Here are my suggestions (listed in no particular order) for the wild West of Portugal. . LAGOS Lazy Jacks Lagos Marina Tel: (+351) 911568143 Wheelchair access: Yes Parking: Yes Accessible by... Continue Reading →

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Is this a sign?


This week's theme for the Weekly Photo Challengeis Wall. Armed with my camera - or should I say new iPad - I've been on a mission all week to find a sign that I could relate to. Now, as a self-confessed foodie this sign grabbed my attention. Not because it was bright and garish and... Continue Reading →

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Gardening IS a Labour of Love!


Growing fruit and vegetables was my labour of love and a hobby which gave me a great sense of fulfillment. Although my efforts in the vegetable garden were never destined to make us self-sufficient, the pleasure of eating something I'd grown from seed or plug was rewarding. Like a sentry I stood guard against the... Continue Reading →

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Six Unusual Holiday Activities In The Algarve


The Algarve, is not only blessed with over sixty blue flag beaches, numerous golf courses, vibrant nightlife, glorious weather but also a host of other activities visitors to the area may not always be aware of. When booking hotels and flights for your trip to the Algarve, there are several helpful websites, such as First... Continue Reading →

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Eat Less and Move More…


As I'm in "D" crisis after piling on the pounds, a good friend recommended: I Eat Less and Move More... However, in my case it has proved to be: Move More and Eat More. I understand the principle: the more you move the more calories you burn, but you try explaining that to my growling... Continue Reading →

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Tipping in Portugal – How Much is Too Much?


Today we were invited to a popular seafood restaurant in the Alentejo to celebrate a friend's birthday. It was not a set price lunch so we went with a 'kay sa ra' attitude. What will be will be... I was not organising the lunch so splitting the bill was not my problem for once. When... Continue Reading →

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Statue Infante D. Henrique and the Mercado de Escravos – (Slave Market) in Lagos


The statue of Infante D. Henrique (Henry the Navigator), sits pride of place in the Praça do Infante Dom Henrique within a few metres of the "Slave Market". Born March 4th, 1394 Henry was an important figure in the Portuguese Age of Discovery and sponsored exploration voyages in search of new trade routes down the coast of Africa.... Continue Reading →

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Midlife Crisis?


So what's with the studded boots and 'hot lip' leggings, you may well ask? My friends inform me I'm having a midlife crisis - that or I'm going barking mad. I even threatened to have pink and purple rebellious highlights in my hair but the jury is still out on that idea! So why have... Continue Reading →

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Mum – 19th November 1926 – 18th December 2013


My Mum passed away in December at the grand old age of 87 years young. Although her mind had long-ceased to focus on the here and now and she lived in the past, she was a tough old bird and I expected her to live to a hundred. When I received the call to get... Continue Reading →

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When is a potato not a potato?


When it's a choo choo... noooo that's not a Portuguese sneeze! Feeling rather adventurous during a recent shopping foray to the local farmers' market, I stepped outside my cautious 'foodie' comfort zone and decided to experiment with some, shall we say...  some of the more weird and wonderful vegetable offerings they had on sale.  As... Continue Reading →

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Is Pilates a Load of Pooh?


Please check out my latest column at Expat Focus.There are many different exercise classes here in the Algarve including yoga, zumba, and aerobics, so whatever possessed me to join a pilate’s class? ...I asked myself as I lay on the beach, covered in sand and frizzling in the midday sun.My friend, who introduced me to... Continue Reading →

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Photo Challenge: Unusual


The theme for this week's WordPress Photo Challenge is "Unusual". This is an unusual photograph of a piglet's ear. Yes, you read correctly, and what's more, I was about to eat it! Lunching with some friends I reluctantly ordered Leitão assado à Bairrada (suckling pig). "Okay, no pig deal," I thought as squirmed in my... Continue Reading →

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Creative Writing Course “Write Now! in Portugal!”


If you enjoy writing and are looking for a 'creative' weekend away in a beautiful location, why not check out Anne Ayler's creative writing course? Read more about my personal experience of last year's course here. In October 2013 the third “Write Now! in Portugal!” creative writing course will be held at the Holiday Inn... Continue Reading →

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Fire – should we run or stay?


Last Saturday in our quiet corner of "La La land" (aka Portugal), was just like any other day until we noticed plumes of dark grey smoke rising above the rooftops of the villas opposite. Sandwich poised, and hovering en route to my mouth, I remained motionless as I stared at the thick billowing smoke in... Continue Reading →

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