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The Romans in the Algarve
The March talk for the Algarve Archeological Association featured Catarina Viegas and it was called “The Romans in the Algarve”. Catarina Viegas who is based at the University of Lisbon spoke in English and gave an informed and detailed talk, with excellent slides. Her studies, which formed her PhD, focused on just a small part of the pottery found in the Eastern Algarve. She told the group that from just those small fragments a vast story can be revealed, which uncovers a civilization’s way of life, echoes of which can be sensed in the present.She started her presentation by recalling an early pioneer of archeology of the region, Estacio da Veiga.…
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Luz sobre a Ria Photo exhibition (Light over the Rio Formosa)
Paulo Viegas is not only a member of the Algarve Photography group, but he is also the powerhouse behind the photography group f/18, based in the eastern Algarve. One of his many passions is a boat called the Golfinho, which has for a few years been lying on the beach in Cacelha Velha. It’s an usual fishing boat made of wood that can no longer make its way up the river estuary because of silt and sand erosion. Boats of this kind are rare. Paulo with others have now raised over 1500 Euros, to have the boat moved and restored. Most of the money has come through contributions and the sale of…
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Women who inspire – International women’s day
Since the early part of the 20th Century there has been a day when people have come together to celebrate and mark the changes that have occurred in women’s lives. International Women’s Day (IWD) emerged from the activities of labour movements in North America and across Europe. By 1975, during International Women’s Year, the United Nations began celebrating International Women’s Day on 8th March. It is day that many countries mark and it is a day celebrated by men and women. The tradition in some countries sees men honouring their mothers, wives, girlfriends, colleagues, etc with flowers and small gifts. Women’s organisations and governments across the world also observe IWD…
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Mediterranean Diet – Dieta Mediterrãnica – Intangible culture – Tavira exhibition
On Saturday 23rd February 2013, Jorge Botelho, Mayor of Tavira, launched the exhibition, Mediterranean Diet – Dieta Mediterrãnica, at the Palácio da Galeria. The exhibition runs until May 2014. The exhibition explores the intangible cultural heritage of human health and nutrition found in the Mediterranean diet. This is a timely exhibition aimed at a variety of audiences. Only this week, another report has credited the Mediterranean diet, with reducing heart attacks and strokes. According to the New York Times “About 30 percent of heart attacks, strokes and deaths from heart disease can be prevented in people at high risk if they switch to a Mediterranean diet rich in olive oil, nuts, beans,…
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Chris Keil and Jenny Grainer – Writers in Tavira – Follow up
Chris Keil and Jenny Grainer came to Tavira to read in the not to be missed bookshop A Lura dos Livros. Both writers have a passion for their work. Jenny writes regularly for the Algarve Resident and has written for the Portugal News. Her latest article about the recent tornado and the aftermath is here Jenny has a keen eye for what has gone on over the last 30 years as an expat and resident. What was obvious during the book reading and the workshop the following day is that Chris Keil, inhabits a world of his senses. He comes to the Algarve for the sensuality, passion, intensity of this…
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Two writers read at A Lura dos Livros
Two writers will be reading at A Lura dos Livros at 7:30pm, on Monday 3rd December 2012. I have already publicised Chris Keil, in a previous post. Chris will be reading from his third novel “Flirting at the Funeral.” The second writer is Jenny Grainer, who will be reading from her book “Portugal and the Algarve, Then and Now.” About the Author Jenny Grainer was born in Portsmouth, England. She spent much of her early life on the Island of Malta where her father, an officer in the Royal Navy was based. Jenny had a brief career in the theatre before marrying her first husband the Australian Ron Grainer who…
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Chris Keil – Author reading and workshop
Chris Keil is coming to Tavira in December! He has kindly agreed to do a reading at Lura dos Livros on Monday 3rd December. He is also going to run a writing workshop on Tuesday 4th December 10am -1pm The workshop will cover, how he writes, how to write narrative, dialogue and much much more, also lots of tips and ideas!! After the workshop people who sign up, will be able to have a 3 course lunch at 1pm at Casa Alexandra. The menu includes one of Marianne’s fabulous soups, wholefoods from the garden (also fish and meat)!!!!! Fabulous puddings! It is a great opportunity. (please see booking below for the workshop, the reading on Monday night is free) Chris Keil…
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The survival and preservation of wildlife – It is not a hoot!
Mrs Silva found the owl in August 2011. It was lying on a road in the Tavira area. It had been hit by a car and had a broken wing. At first it seemed the owl would never fly again. She carefully picked up the owl which was just a little bigger than her small hand and took it home to her family. That may have been the last anyone heard about this little owl, but Mrs Silva went a step further and contacted RIAS a project of Aldeia who are working in the Ria Formosa near Olhão. Aldeia is an association that aims to contribute to sustainable development, based on nature conservation and the preservation…
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The tide waits for no miller
The fascination with water mills, both tidal or river based abounds in literature. With the mill in the background, Victorian master painters record magical summer times. Mills tell us much about societies and their ability to harness natural forces. Although occasionally difficult to find now, as most are in ruins, many can still be identified all over Europe, sometimes hidden in rough ground or positioned in all their glory in an estuary. Some have pre Roman origins. In the eastern Algarve, there are examples of both types of mill. This article focuses on tidal mills, which are typically in this region, horizontal, long buildings. Many tide mills, along with watchtowers, fortifications, hermitages and…
