Feliz Natal
As the year draws to a close, I find myself in an ancient church in a small sleepy town of Portugal. It is Christmas Day, and people of the adjoining
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
Coping and control
As children, we learn some of the most important skills in life including coping skills, just by interacting with parents, siblings and friends. We learn to share, be kind, play,
Portugal taxation in 2024
As we bid farewell to 2023, we also say adeus to Portugal’s popular non-habitual residence regime. You don’t need to worry if you already have NHR status as this only
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
Aloes for Algarve gardens and an Algarve authority on aloes
At this time of year, and going into January and February, aloes really are impressive. These thorny-leafed succulents whose wonderful flaming spears catch the sun and set the garden alight
Father Christmas alternatives around the world
As the festive season approaches, Christmas lights illuminate the streets, and shops proudly showcase advent calendars and chocolate Father Christmases. Yet, amidst this familiar scene, Father Christmas isn’t the sole
Ford Ranger Raptor – Fighting extinction
Like the velociraptor, cars such as the Ford Ranger Raptor will eventually become extinct. Until then, all we can do is enjoy them as best we can. The name is
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