Littlewoods Europe – Wordless Wednesday Competition!


Every Wednesday Littlewoods Europe hold a competition called "Wordless Wednesday". I was speechless when I won their 3rd competition! http://blog.littlewoodseurope.com/wordless-wednesday-littlewoods-europe-3rd-winner/ and when I received my prize this morning I was absolutely delighted. The quality of the bracelet far exceeded my expectations. If you would like to enter the competition further information can be found: blog.littlewoodseurope.com... Continue Reading →

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Flea Markets in the Algarve


I only discovered how 'fun' flea markets were once we had moved to Portugal. Desperate for more English books some good friends suggested we tried the local flea market. We arrived early and the whole place was a hive of activity with people looking for a bargain and bartering in various different languages. A real... Continue Reading →

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Killer Caterpillars!


Pine Processionary Caterpillars The title may sound a little dramatic even OTT, but in truth these cute and harmless-looking caterpillars pose a real danger to people and pets. Since moving to Portugal I have developed an unexplained desire to learn more about the insects I find in our garden. I like, no NEED, to know... Continue Reading →

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Praia da Amoreira – the Algarves best kept secret!


Praia da Amoreira is a natural and as yet unspoilt sandy beach about 7kms from the little town of Aljezur in the Western Algarve. It's popular with surfers, fishermen and those who just want to escape from the rat race of mass tourism and concrete highrise. There are no shops or concession areas so you... Continue Reading →

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How to make a Complaint (Livro de Reclamações)


Recently we went to a restaurant where the service was so abysmal and we were treated in such an off-hand way that I asked for the "Livro de Reclamações" (this is the complaints book). Despite being invisible for 90 minutes it was amazing that the manager of the establishment, like a Gene from the lamp,... Continue Reading →

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Dogs on beaches – please “scoop their poop”


How do you feel about owners bringing their dogs on to beaches unchecked and without a leash? Should they be banned in the high season especially on Blue Flag beaches? The reason I ask these questions is despite signs clearly displaying dogs are prohibited on certain beaches, some owners think this rule does not apply... Continue Reading →

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Container grown veg, fruit and herbs – success or failure?


As summer draws to a close and my experiment to see which fruit, vegetables and herbs would grow successfully in pots comes to an end - I look back on the highs and lows. I’m not keen on the word failures but secretly I have to admit to myself there were several. For example, one... Continue Reading →

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Loos, language problems and aliens!


Take me out of my familiar surroundings in Portugal, plant me in France and I feel like an alien newly arrived from Mars. My attempt at pigeon French, unlike my Portuguese, was apparently so incomprehensible I was viewed as some alien being. Hmmm mental note to google Martians to see what they look like! I... Continue Reading →

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Mr Piglet’s Pickled Onions!


Elusive pickling onions September is the month Hubby normally pickles his onions! For the uninitiated pickled onions are small onions preserved in vinegar and spices and usually accompany: cheese; turkey or beef sandwiches; fish and chips etc. A strange combination, but trust me absolutely delicious! In the UK it was so easy to just pop... Continue Reading →

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Praia do Monte Clérigo – Western Algarve, Portugal

Praia do Monte Clérigo

As summer fades and we move into autumn, lazy days on the beach are unfortunately numbered for this year. It will soon be time to swap our bikinis for fleeces and sunbathing for brisk but exhilarating walks along the shoreline! One of my favourite beaches is Monte Clérigo. It's almost like stepping back in time... Continue Reading →

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Bacalhau anyone?

Bacalau a "thousand recipes" the mind BOOGLES!

Try as I may, I just can’t understand the Portuguese passion for Bacalhau. Why is it so popular when there's such a wonderful selection of fresh fish readily available and far cheaper? It's as stiff as a board, smells disgusting and looks about as appetizing as the prospect of munching on chipboard. In fact, it's... Continue Reading →

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Praia do Zavial – Western Algarve


Praia do Zavial is one of my favourite beaches. It is located on the Western Algarve in an area of outstanding natural beauty unspoilt by the ravages of mass tourism and concrete highrise. You will not find neat rows of sun loungers complete with parasols (concession areas) or banana boat rides, nor tourist shops and... Continue Reading →

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Cost of Living – Grocery Prices


Shopping!! I absolutely hate supermarket shopping with a passion! Living quite a way from the big supermarkets, as we do, I organize meal plans and my store cupboard with military precision. However, we usually end up visiting at least 3 supermarkets to make sure we procure everything on the “list”. The shopping expedition usually involves... Continue Reading →

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More “Bugs” in my garden


The beautiful insects featured below all live in my garden. We exist in parallel worlds in harmony just hoping our paths rarely cross (well I do)!! My garden is a haven for various insects where my plants and vegetables provide sustenance equal to a three-star Michelin restaurant! I would love to identify them...please can anyone... Continue Reading →

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Grocery Shopping – 5 Useful Tips!


Shopping – The survival guide and more... ...or should I say a stress free guide? 1. Write your shopping list in Portuguese. This is really useful if you are unable to find a product and you do not speak Portuguese. You can at least point and grunt to the item on your list when asking... Continue Reading →

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Are you a Technomuppet?


Are you a “Technomuppet”, Technophobe or a "Techie"? I have just checked an online dictionary and there does not appear to be a definition for "Technomuppet" so perhaps one needs to be created...any ideas please? I am new to blogging and the challenges presented by the behind the scenes WordPress Dashboard are still, for me,... Continue Reading →

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FADO – is like Marmite!


"Fado cannot be explained, it must be felt and experienced” (quote from http://www.fado.com) The word fado I am told means fate but the music portrays a far wider range of emotions from love, betrayal, sorrow, death, hopelessness, passion and more - in truth all the emotions we feel and can relate to. I personally believe... Continue Reading →

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Silves Medieval Fair 2010


Silves Medieval Fair (7th- 15th August 2010) Video of opening Procession The annual Medieval Fair is held over nine days and well worth noting in your diary for future reference should you ever visit the Algarve during this time. This year the fair covers the period of the Moorish domination - five centuries of urban... Continue Reading →

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“Ugly Bug Ball” Insects in my garden


This is a pictorial guide to just some of the unusual insects, bugs and critters which inhabit my garden. I have not, as yet identified  "what" they are or whether they are friend or foe - so if you can help - that would be great! We live in harmony, each of us avoiding the other;... Continue Reading →

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A visit to the Centre de Saúde


Normally, you have to wait about a month to see a Doctor at our local Centre de Saúde (Health Centre). Even then, you can’t guarantee the Doctor will actually turn up! Probably the scarcities of appointments are due to people booking appointments on a ‘just in case I’m ill’, basis. You can imagine my surprise... Continue Reading →

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