By Serena Grace Horn features@algarveresident.com
Serena Grace Horn works at Pure – Vilamoura’s latest social hotspot – where she juggles a busy social life in the Algarve with her Drama studies and family. Each month, she looks at the joys of life in the sun, both in the bar and out. . .
Socialising with strangers seems to be a lost art, but with spring now blooming in all its glory and the summer only around the corner, there really are no excuses to hide in your cave. And believe me, you will feel all the better for it!
At Pure we’ve been adding the finishing touches to the bar’s décor following our recent opening although we‘ve been lapping up the sunshine on the front terrace at every given opportunity. Still, no need to tell anyone, and busy we’ve been for the most part. We’ve created the ideal space for you to come along with your family and friends and enjoy a chat over a drink or two.
Bin the television and computer games, I say, and get back to basics. Rediscover what makes you and the people you care about tick by reconnecting, and at Pure we’ll help you do just that.
We’re also pretty well versed in introducing people so you’re guaranteed never to be left propping up the bar alone, unless you want to enjoy your paper of course – but then your best bet would be under the shady embrace of an umbrella on the terrace anyhow.
The Algarve is such a friendly region and having been a resident here for longer than I can remember, I’ve made plenty of friends along the way – from colleagues at school here, holidaymakers and golfers to other expats who’ve realised life is so much better here at the slow pace and the Portuguese who have welcomed us all with open arms.
There really isn’t anything to socialising…
1) Join a group, or two, or three: by meeting like-minded people on a common ground, you will relax and enjoy chatting.
2) Talk to strangers: the proverb “Everyone is a stranger until you get to know them” is better advice than the “Don’t talk to strangers” mantra our parents taught us.
3) Say “yes” to invitations: try to accept invitations from others, even if you’re on the fence about the event. The home might be safe, but remember, every night you spend on the sofa is a night you’re guaranteed not to meet anyone.
4) Kill your TV: House, Outnumbered, Lost, Grey’s Anatomy. The list is endless … What do they have in common? Close relationships that many of us are lacking in our lives. Your TV is teasing you – showing you the life you wish you had, at the very same time that it keeps you stuck on your sofa!
5) Pay the price: every choice we make costs a price. To build a social network is no different. I know someone who recently left a lucrative position to be with friends in another place. Society might scoff at this, but she is certainly happier now than ever.
6) Make time for yourself: a relaxed and happy you will show on the outside and, I know it’s a cliché, but the bigger the smile, the more people will approach you.
There you have it, and now I’d say you’d earned yourself a drink. If cocktails are your thing, you should see the concoctions we’ve come up with at the bar. Wow! I’m going all tingly just at the thought. And if you’re a fan of the old caffeine fix, then the frothiness of our super charged and delightfully flavoured number will send you into seventh heaven. I’m thinking marshmallow, toffee, raspberry.
Call by Pure and reconnect. After all, life is for sharing!
In my next feature, I’ll be looking at how to host the perfect party, so be sure to join me then.
Pure Vilamoura, under the Olympus Hotel, is open from 9am to 2am daily. Telephone 00351 914 520 159 or 00351 918 534 143 or email pure.vilamoura1@gmail.com
