This is convenient for those accustomed with the traditional methods of construction used in Portugal. But, for those of us who came from a different strategy, efforts made on one’s own can make a sizeable difference. In fact, I would implore anyone moving from outside of the country to be very diligent in supervising work, and making demands that standards be followed.

Specifically, if you are renovating an old property, pay close attention to the way insulation is done, and the way appliances are installed. By taking a good look at the remnants of the items that previously inhabited the space you will get an idea of what I am warning you of. This is not to say you can’t get things done right, you can. But, if you are not clear in your wishes, and adamant about your expectations, things can go wrong, just as they can in any country. Take heed of this message, for if you do not pay attention, you may find you greatly regret it in the long run, as so many who came before you have done.

Well, you and I are both in luck as those nine islands have become easier to reach and cheaper. Due to the economic situation that Portugal has found itself in, there have been significant decreases in the cost of hotels and the price for holidaying over there has become closer to reasonable, in fact some are calling it a bargain.

In case you are unfamiliar with this destination, you will find black beaches and crater lakes. Plus, the architecture is renowned for its baroque style, and beauty. In addition, not only is it less expensive to get over to one of the islands, it is now actually convenient to travel amongst them, whereas just a few short years ago it was considered quite the ordeal. Azores here I come!

From what I have been able to find out, through both word of mouth, and the website the intent is to have at least three fields of interest covered by academies. These include football, tennis, and golf. But, while the resort is open, these are still works in progress and the expected opening dates for these are in 2012.

Many locals herald this as a major achievement, and anticipate it will bring in crowds with an interest in excelling in these areas. To bolster this excitement, there are a couple of big names in these sports affiliated with these academies. As I have been following the progress of this establishment for years now, I will be quite eager to see it finally completed, and to witness its full blown success.

One thing that I have seen many a visitor reflect upon, aside from the presentation and assembly of a good old hearty cataplana is how ingenious some restaurateurs have become in the set up of their places. In and around the region that we live in we can pop into a local spot and watch the chef prepare fresh fish, chicken, or pork on an open grill. Though I know this has been laid out this way because their was simply no other way, it is quite nice. The fragrance fills the air of the very meal you are preparing to indulge in, and the freshness of the ingredients is confirmed through the very sight of it as it is carried over to be laid down on the grill. A lot can be observed, and enjoyed at such old fashioned establishments.

Getting even some of the more basic comforts can be a serious challenge. Whereas someone living in England might be able to pop into the local grocery and get a weeks worth of delicacies and staples, not so here in my little part of the world. Yes, I must admit it is Portugal, so these things do exist, it’s just that I will have to drive at least forty minutes to get certain groceries, and then venture to maybe two more to collect most of the others. Then, there is the issue of having fruits and veg that are not treated in anyway to lengthen their edibility. This translates into several trips per week to the market, or getting by with rubbery carrots, molded fruits, and limp lettuce. Now, this is the part where you have to weigh the pros and the cons. Obviously, I have decided that giving up luxury in place of beautiful surroundings and fantastic weather for seven months out of the year is my preference.

Still, there is a point to be made here, and tonight when you tuck yourself into your silentnight mattress, or the equivalent, you can ponder it for yourself. Given the chance, would you genuinely prefer to go without such luxuries, and choose a more elementary way of life? Because though it sounds ideal in theory, it is definitively not for everyone. Even I have my limit, and I know where it lies. As, I have friends living in Belize who sleep in hammocks out amongst the elements regularly.

Eventually though, one way or another, you are more likely than not to come to wonder what this abundance of, and attention to chimneys and their appearance is all about. Why would one small home require upwards of four chimneys, and can they all be functioning? Well, turns out that quite often only one of the chimneys is in fact functional at all. The others are merely considered a status symbol if you will, and thus only decorative in nature. Just one more curiousity that I adore so much about Portugal. For in my opinion, it is a place in which you may have to look closer to see the cultural elements, and some historical features, but they are here nonetheless, you can rest assured when it comes to that. Sure, you can still see carts with donkeys driven in the fields working the day away, and many other traditional elements are more obvious, but it is those that require a second glance that interest me the most.

Therefore, it is difficult for us to agree on just one as being the best of the bunch. However, we do concur that the Dona Anna beach in Lagos is one of our very favourites. Even in the few years that we have been here that beach has had a personality change, and facelift. The personality change was brought on by erosion caused by many natural occurrences, but more strongly than any other a very hard winter of serious rain.

The continuous deluge of water travelling down the side of the overhanging cliff proved to be too much in 2009. The result was the removal of a much loved restaurant and café. First, a section of rock broke off that had been the place of some seating, and then more started to crumble and slip. Much to our chagrin, the restaurant had to be demolished. The only upside has been that a new staircase was put in to access the beach below.

So sad to see that hangout of ours go. Alas, it is strong reminder of the impact of nature’s course, and that those signs saying to beware of falling rock mean business.

I have of course made them at home, as it is not convenient for me to limit my intake of these delights to a visit to a café. Here is the recipe that I work with. Hope you give it a try, either when visiting Portugal or by making your very own from the recipe, it is really worth it.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1/2 vanilla bean
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 6 egg yolks
• 1 (17.5 ounce) package puff pastry

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C.) Lightly grease 12 muffin cups and line bottom and sides with puff pastry.
2. In a saucepan, combine milk, cornstarch, sugar and vanilla. Cook, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens. Place egg yolks in a medium bowl. Slowly whisk 1/2 cup of hot milk mixture into egg yolks. Gradually add egg yolk mixture back to remaining milk mixture, whisking constantly. Cook, stirring constantly, for 5 minutes, or until thickened. Remove vanilla bean.
3. Fill pastry-lined muffin cups with mixture and bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until crust is golden brown and filling is lightly browned on top

Having read about both being the norm, I wonder if it comes down to a cultural thing, or if it is down to the differing economic strata involved.  Those who were already counting their change to get by will hold on even tighter to those funds, and those accustomed to spending lavishly will still search for a way to get their shopping fix. Maybe it is both all rolled into one.  Until I have the answer I will continue to read, compare, and observe.