After the revolutionary spring, a Portuguese summer of love?
What do you suppose will happen in Portugal in May of 2024? By then, the celebrations and declarations prompted by the anniversary celebrations of the Carnation Revolution will fast be
Off Grid and Ignorant in Portugal – Big ambitions
In the day-to-day battle of managing a big building project in the Alentejo, it’s often easy to miss the obvious evidence of just what’s been achieved so far. Returning visitors
Zero gets 10 out of 10 as we look forward to a Happy New Beer
If a regular reader, you may recall a certain friend and mentor in Portuguese matters, ‘Tia Filomena’, who – as I pen this piece on the way home from a
Albufeira GIRO buses
Dear Editor, It’s been a little over a year since the Albufeira GIRO bus service was changed. Some changes were for the better, for example the expanded network, electric buses
London Calling – December 2023
Once again, we have called on our very popular contributor, COLIN BAINBRIDGE, this month to give his special twist on a London Christmas. Medieval Festive MerryMaking! Christmas was one of
Portuguese music for the day of Christmas
If you are intolerant of reindeer with red noses and bells that jingle instead of pealing, try listening in the morning to the soaring majesty of Marcos Portugal’s Matinas do
Christmas and New Year Carols of Portugal – Part 2
The traditions of Christmastide are largely confined to the period from the Eve of December 24 to the Epiphany on January 6. Between these dates – known as the 12
The history of Christmas lights
Nowadays, there are Christmas lights decorating everything, with people in some countries competing for the best displays, but the lights used to be just on the Christmas trees which have
Annual report
I do not know how it works these days, but during my time, no student liked being handed the annual report card at school. That official-looking document, you know, which
The American Invasion: Lock your doors? Or open your arms?
My first winter in the Algarve five years ago, everyone thought I must be Canadian. My head turned at the rare American accent. I was thrilled. I came to Portugal










