Lisbon Airport - New Tryp Airport Hotel open.

Lowcostportugal.net today reports that the new Melia Tryp Hotel Lisboa Aeroporto hotel has finally opened today, 31st December 2013.  Report here: (in Portuguese): http://

bit.ly/1cTdd6h

At present, this will make this hotel the only one within practical walking distance of Lisbon Airport Terminal 1 and Lisbon Airport Metro Station.

Hotel website: http://www.tryplisboaaeroporto.com/

Portugal - Coimbra - Plumbers Uncover 600-Year-Old Mikvah Complex

Interesting article here in http://forward.com:

Portugal Plumbers Uncover 600-Year-Old Mikvah Complex

It appears that while doing some repair work on city drains, technicians in Coimbra, Portugal have stumbled upon some 700 year-old historic traditional Jewish baths.

It is reported that experts suggest that this may be a unique discovery in Portugal.

If verified by archaeologists and Jewish Historians, it certainly is going to enhance Coimbra's reputation as a destination for historic tourism in the wake of its being awarded world heritage status by UNESCO in August, 2013.

Article from Portuguese National Daily, "Publico" here:
 http://
bit.ly/19TWLAs

Ryanair - Reduction in frequencies from Porto Airport - 2014

lowcostportugal.net today reports that it appears that Ryanair.com are reducing the frequency on a number of routes from Porto Airport in its summer 2014 schedule:

This may be owing to a reduction of aircraft availability pending new fleet deliveries in 2015, and increase in landing fees or may reflect the opening of Ryanair's Lisbon base.

In any event, it is a warning to airport not to become to dependent on any one airline and to continue chasing new traffic:

Article (in Portuguese) here:  

Ryanair corta frequências no aeroporto do Porto em 2014

Mais Loucura Algarvio - Ainda mais um novo centro comercial em Portimão!

É relatado nesta manhã no "Correio da Manhã" que a Câmara Muncipal da Portimão já  autorizou a construção de mais um complexo comercial em Portimão.

Não satisfeito com o facto que o antigo "Portimão Retail Park" ainda continua em ruínas e ainda a ser demolido, relata-se que dois dos ocupantes anteriores da ultíma, Decathlon e AKI, ficam pronto a ocupar um novo complexo, espalhado boatos para estar construído, na área do antigo complexo da Co-operativa Vinícola.

Na opinião do escritor esta decisão é ridícula dando todos os espaços comerciais vazios e disponíveis existentes em Portimão.

Artigo aqui:
http://


bit.ly/1c4PVtP

More Algarve Lunacy - Yet another shopping centre in Portimão

It is reported in this morning's Portuguese Daily "Correio da Manha" that the Câmara Muncipal da Portimão has authorised the construction of yet another shopping complex in Portimão.

Not satisfied with the old retail park still lying in ruins and yet to be demolished, it is reported that two of the previous occupants from the former, Decathlon and AKI are to occupy a new complex rumoured to be in the area of the old wine Co-operative.

In the opinion of the writer this is ludicrous giving all the existing empty available commercial spaces in Portimão.

Article in Portuguese here:

Nova area comercial em Portimao

Exhibition of paintings from El Prado (Madrid) in Lisbon, Portugal

The Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga, (National Ancient Art Museum), in Lisbon, Portugal is hosting an exhibition of 57 pieces of Art on loan from the world-famous "El Prado" museum in Madrid, Spain.

The exhibition which runs through 30th March, 2014, comprises 57 works under the title,

"RUBENS, BRUEGHEL, LORRAIN. THE NORDIC LANDSCAPE OF PRADO MUSEUM"

This is something really special for Lisbon.

I have been to El Prado, in Madrid, twice in recent years, including in February this year, when we had the honour of being guided round privately by one of El Prado's long time art restorers!

The "Boda Campestre" (below) by Bruegel the Elder , one of the works in display, is wonderful.

This is really something to see and is a wonderful addition to any visit to Lisbon during the next three months.

More information here on the museum site: 

http://www.pradoemlisboa.pt/en/tickets

Note: The Museum is closed on Mondays.

Aero Vip: Flights between Madeira and Porto Santo from Janeiro 2014

Portuguese Travel News website http://www.idaevolta.net reports today that Aero-Vip, a regional aircraft operator will substitute Sata S.A. on flights between Madeira and the island of Porto Santo as from January 2014. The service will operate, at present, until 31st May 2014.

It is understood that Aero-VIP will operate the service until a new three year Public Service tender is awarded.

Article: (in Portuguese here):

Aero Vip: voos entre a ilha da Madeira e o Porto Santo a partir de janeiro 2014

Timetable here:
 http://
bit.ly/1cFFxar

PGAs of Europe Annual Congress 2013 - Lagos, Algarve, Portugal

This week, the annual Congress of the PGAs(Professional Golf Associations) of Europe, is taking place just around the corner in the Vila Galé Meia Praia Hotel, here in Lagos, Algarve.

For more information see:

http://bit.ly/1dpuwIM

and in Portuguese

http://bit.ly/1goKJml

Barlaventoxpert meets lowcostportugal.net

Last Thursday, 9th December, 2013, I had the pleasure of meeting with Vera Silva from Mildestinos Travel, Seixal and my long-time contact and fellow blogger, Sergio Bastos of http://www.lowcostportugal.net and http://www.idaevolta.net for lunch at Adega da Marina in Lagos, Algarve, Portugal.

The discussion ranged over a wide range of issues affecting tourism, commercial aviation and the general economic situation in Portugal.

Vera, Sergio and me!

It was great to talk and exchange notes with Sergio, a fellow blogger who has steadily built his web real-estate into one of the main, if not the main, major source of reliable information on the Portuguese and European commercial aviation sectors in the Portuguese-speaking world!.

Looking forward to getting to getting together soon!

Thanks, guys!

Unusual Vessel calling at Lagos, Algarve, Portugal

Lagos, Algarve, Portugal has a small fishing dock and a reasonable size marina.

However, depth of draught and size of the canalised mouth of the Rio Bensafrim severely restricts the size of vessels able to call at the port.

Last Thursday, however, the SAR/Escort and patrol vessel. M/V LD OCEAN GUARD, was moored alongside the the refueling jetty. The vessel was bearing a flag from the Republic of Cameroon and current marine tracking websites show it currently heading down the West African Coast, one presumes in the direction of Doula, Cameroon.

A couple of photos of the vessel here:

Seville to Lisbon

Presently, there is a daily Alsa.es service calling at both bus stations in Sevilla.

The service departs Sevilla Est. Autobus Prado San Sebastian at 23:30, and Est, Autobus Plaza das Armas at 23:59 and arrives Lisboa Sete Rios Bus Station(Metro Jardim Zoologico) at 06:30. (Clocks go back an hour en route)

At present, there is also a service on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, leaving Prado at 14:30 and arriving Lisbon Sete Rios at 21:45.

It is also possible to take the daily EVA/DAMAS bus service to Faro and then take a train or bus to Lisbon.

There are departures as follows:

Sevilla Plaza das Armas: 07:30 Faro 10:10

Sevilla Plaza das Armas: 15:15 Faro 18:55

As regards connecting trains to Lisbon, only the morning service has a connection at present:

See: http://www.cp.pt

Faro Train Station is about 3 minutes walk from Faro Bus Station.

Train times: Faro: 13h41 Lisbon Entrecampos: 16h57

As regards buses from Faro to Lisbon - Sete Rios, the morning bus connects with the EVA bus departing at 11:00 arriving 14:15. The afternoon bus connects with the EVA Bus departing 19:00 and arriving 22:15.

(See http://www.eva-bus.com/ )

Christmas Concerts - Lisbon, Portugal - December 2013

The web-site http://www.lowcostportugal.net reports today that the Lisbon City Council is promoting a programme of Christmas season concerts in Lisbon over the next two weeks.

Article on Portuguese here:

http://bit.ly/1ghtm6Q

For those interested - a synopsis:

8th December 2013

Location: Igreja de S. Nicolau
Time: 16h00
Entry Free - 350 places

Benjamin Britten

Procession
Wolcum Yole!
There is no Rose
That yongë childe e Bulalow
This little Babe
Interlude

Ave Maris Stella – Gregorian Chant
Ding Dong, Merrily on High – Thoinot Arbeau, arr. Charles Wood
Regina Coeli – Gregor Alchinger
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing – Felix Mendelssohn, adapt. W.H. Cummings
Adeste Fideles – Trad. Natal, arr. Tiago Marques
Senhora, nós vos louvamos – Manuel Faria, arr. Tiago Marques
Huachito Torito – Trad. Argentina, arr. Dante Andreo
Joy to the World – Lowell Mason (baseado em G.F. Handel)
Huahuanacá – Trad. Bolívia, arr. Dante Andreo
Natal de Elvas – Trad. Natal, arr. Mário de Sampayo Ribeiro
Oito contos do Natal – Jorge Croner de Vasconcellos
Conto do Natal Jesus, Maria, José
Natal (Elvas)
Laudate Dominum, omnes gentes – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

13th December 2103

Location:Igreja de S. Roque
Time: 21h30
Entry Free - 500 seats

Salve Regina em Fá Maior – Leonardo Leo
Concerto grosso em Lá menor op. 6 Nº 4 – Georg Friedrich Händel
Larghetto affetuoso – Allegro – Largo e piano – Allegro – Georg Friedrich Händel
Sinfonia al Santo Sepolcro, RV 169 – Antonio Vivaldi
Motete: In furore iustissimae irae, RV626 – Antonio Vivaldi

14th December 2013

Location: Igreja da Madalena
Time: 16h00
Entry Free - 125 Seats

Coros de O Messias – Händel (The Messiah)

15th December 2013

Location: Igreja da Graça
Time: 16h00
Entry Free - 350 spaces

Concerto grosso nº 4 – Arcangelo Corelli
Adagio – Allegro
Adagio – Vivace
Allegro

Canções internacionais de Natal

Coventry Carol
Adestes Fideles
Oh Holy Night
Oh, Christmas Tree
Joy to the World
Deck the Halls
Hark ! The Herald Angels sing
Gloria in Excelsis Deo

Concerto Grosso nº 8 – Torelli
Grave-Vivace
Largo
Vivace

O Anjo Gabriel – Ennio Morricone

Canções de Natal em Português

Na fria Lapinha
Correi Pastorinhos
Noite Feliz
Feliz Natal

20th December 2013

Marathon of 5 concerts
Location: Cinema S. Jorge
Time: 16h30 – 21h30

Students of the Conservatório de Lisboa
Sala Montepio: Free entry - 150 places
Sala Manoel de Oliveira: Prices: 12,50€ and 10 € - 750 places

José Embala o Menino – Eurico Carrapatoso
Três Canções Alentejanas de Natal – Carlos Marecos
Entrai, Pastores Entrai
Pastores do Verde Prado
Natal de Elvas
Triste Pastora – Vasco Pearce de Azevedo
O Sono do Menino – Sérgio Azevedo
Bendito e Louvado Seja – Vasco Pearce de Azevedo
Fado de Natal – João Madureira
Amigo de Papelão – Mário Ribeiro

21st December 2013

Location: Igreja de Santo Agostinho
Time: 16h00
Entry Free - 150 places

Domenico Gabrielli
Canon para dois Violoncelos e basso continuo

Sonata em Lá Maior para violoncelo e basso continuo – Grave-Allegro-Largo-Presto

J.S. Bach
Suite para violoncelo solo em ré menor, BWV 1008 (excertos). 

Prelude 3:44 – Sarabande 5 – Gigue 3

Heinrich Ignaz Franz Biber
Passacaglia para violino solo 10′

Sonata do Rosário – A crucificação – para violino e basso continuo

22nd December 2013

Location: Igreja de São Domingos
Time: 16h00
Entry - Free - 580 places

Beethoven - Mass in D-major op 86

My thanks to Sergio Bastos - lowcostportugal.net for this information.

The islamic influence on place names in Portugal

Vestiges of Moorish culture are dotted through Portugal, especially south of Coimbra.

However, like the "New Jews" in Portugal and Spain, 600 years later, many "Christians" living in the southern part of what is now Portugal in the AD 700's, assimilated into Islam, as in the (adapted) words of the Borg, "resistance was futile".

When the Portuguese nobles and kings started moving south in the 1100's, many locals switched back again to Christianity as again the "Borg Dictum" applied.

Consequently, in many places, one will find churches that have been built on the ruins or shells of the old mosques which in turn were often built on the ruins of old Visigoth Churches.

It is important to remember that in Portugal Moorish culture is still very much in evidence through the names of places:

In the Greater Lisbon Region and Centro one has:

Alcobaça

Alverca

Alcochete

Alcabideche

Alverca

Aljubarrota

Almada

among many others.

These all reflect Arabic language origins.

For example, It is thought that the name "Almada" for example refers to the

Arabic word or phrasing for mineral or mine - "المعدن"

The name "Algarve", the South region of Portugal, comes from the Arabic words for

"the West!.

If one listens to the translation in Arabic on Google Translate one can here that, in guttural accent, the speaker says "Al Gharb"! See:http://bit.ly/1bPUqIt (Click on the loudspeaker on the right to hear the translation.)

Ditto for the name "Albufeira" (where Cubsur hails from.) It is thought to originate from the Arabic word for the "lake" or "lagoon".

Just from this awareness of place names one can gain an excellent insight into the spread of Moorish settlement and culture in Portugal.

Portimão Cinemas Reopen

It is reported in the Algarve regional journal "Sur", that the cinemas in the Portimão Continente (ex Modelo) Shopping Centre, reopened under the management of Brazilian company "Group Oriente"  on 5th December 2013.

First sessions are reported to be at: 13:10 Daily

Article here (in Portuguese): http://bit.ly/1f8WlH2

Été 2014 - Vols directs - Porto, Portugal et Dordogne/Bretagne, France

Le quotidien financier portugais, Diário Económico, annonce aujourd'hui que la compagnie aérienne française, «Europe Air Post» exploitera des vols de passagers directs entre l'aéroport Francisco Sá Carneiro, Porto et les aéroports régionaux français de Brive-Vallée dans la Dordogne et l'Aeroport de Brest Bretagne.

Les vols fonctionneront hebdomadaire les vendredis entre le 4 Juillet 2014 et le 29 Août 2014 et coûtera € 99,00 par trajet.

Article, en portugais, ici:

http://bit.ly/1hAFtML

Low-Cost Summer Flights - Porto, Portugal - Dordogne/Brittany

The Portuguese financial daily, Díario Económico reports today that the French Airline, Europe Air Post will be operating direct passenger flights between Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport, Porto and the French regional airports of Brive-Valleé in the Dordogne and Brest Brittany Airport.

Flights will operate weekly on Friday's between 4 July 2014 and 29 August, 2014 and cost €99.00 each way.

Article, in Portuguese, here:
 http://
bit.ly/1hAFtML

Porto - First electric powered taxi enters service

Portuguese Transport journal, transportesemrevista.com reports today on the entry into service of the first electric power taxi, (a Nissan Leaf) in Porto.

See (in Portuguese): Primeiro táxi elétrico em circulação no Porto

Jerez de la Frontera Airport versus Seville Airport

Sevilla Airport serves a much greater range of destinations than Jerez de la Frontera Airport.

See: http://bit.ly/1biRMta

It only takes an hour and a bit by train to Seville Stª. Justa Station or by bus to Sevilla El Prado San Sebastian Bus Station. The regular airport bus pass by both of these en route to the Airport.

Train: 11 Services per day taking between 60 to 75 minutes.

Buses: +- / daily services by bus taking about 75 - 90 minutes to do the trip.

Finally, bear in mind that Vueling.com is different from other low cost airlines. It allows one to book multi-sector tickets via its hubs if there are connections.

Last year, for example, I flew Sevilla - Barcelona - Napoli in November for a very good price with a couple of hours lay-over in Barcelona.

Where to stay in Coimbra?

In Coimbra  I usually recommend the Hotel Victoria.

I have stayed there several times and Dona Rosa and Sr. Leopoldo are great!

There is a new wing which opened 18 months ago.. The in-house restaurant offers good food as well.

It does not have the quaint location of other hostelries but at the Victoria there is a parking garage(paid) 1 block away.

The good thing about the Victoria is that it is on the edge of the (pedestrianised) old Town and in easy walking distance of the Old Centre, the Old University area and the riverside, There are also several restaurants in the area as well.

In Coimbra, I would also recommend visiting "Fado do Centro" to get a taste of the famous student music style of this City.

Some more info here: http://bit.ly/18k4zuf

Lisbon to host 2014 UEFA Champions League Final - May 2014

Estadio da Luz, home to world famous Lisbon Soccer/Football Club, Estádio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica will be the venue for the 2014 UEFA Champions League final on Saturday 24 May, 2014.

More here: .: Lisbon will stage its first European Cup final sin...

Take the opportunity to visit Lisbon and Portugal!!! 

You'll enjoy it!

Porto to Lisbon via Coimbra, Fatima and Tomar

Porto to Coimbra, Fatima and Tomar are easy if one is travelling by car.

I love both, but to get to Tomar by train, means getting a train to Entroncamento and then changing to a local "up-train" to Tomar!

However the only easy way to get to Fatima by public transport from any point is by Long-Distance Coach.

Although it is only 38km from Tomar to Fatima, there are only 4 daily bus services between the two on weekdays and 2 daily services on week-ends.

I have published extracts from the timetable on scribd here:

http://bit.ly/187R4Qf

and

http://bit.ly/1c99UlV

So one could get the train/bus from Porto to Coimbra, then a Rede Expressos bus to Fatima, a Rodotejo bus from Fatima to Tomar and then a train from Tomar to Lisbon.

For train info see: http://www.cp.pt

In Coimbra, have a look at this page for some of my ramblings and tips on the town:

http://bit.ly/1aQsMcu

In Tomar, I can recommend the Hotel dos Templarios.

Stayed there in August this year and it is very nice.

See: http://bit.ly/1bdsVGa

easyJet launches dedicated Chinese homepage

Breaking Travel News reports today that Easyjet.com, even though not operating any routes to China, is launching a dedicated Chinese language homepage for customers.

See: EasyJet launches dedicated Chinese homepage | News | Breaking Travel News

I find this very interesting as I have fought long and hard with many folk in the travel/tourism business about the need to promote their products in other languages.

We no longer live in an English language dominated world and the sooner businesses get wise to this the better for the bottom line.

Well done Easyjet.com!

Casa Beachcomber, Lagos, Portugal - Alojamiento Turístico

Casa Beachcomber es un complejo encantador de apartamentos turísticos y un destino ideal para las vacaciones. Situado a menos de 1 km de la ciudad histórica de Lagos ubicado en la costa oeste de Algarve.

Hay fácil acceso en avión a través de a través de los aeropuertos internacionales de Faro y Lisboa. También hay acceso fácil a la autopista de Sevilla, Huelva y el resto de Andalucía a través de la autopista A49 (Espana) / A22 (Portugal).

El complejo cercado,con jardín, fue construido en una parcela de +-1ha en una tranquila zona de Lagos y cerca de la playa hermosa de la "Meia Praia".



El escritor ha conocido este complejo durante 10 años. Las recientes mejoras se convierte en un destino más agradable que nunca. Es para las familias que se reunieron para pasar sus vacaciones.

Con una buena vista de la piscina con su terraza y su barbacoa, Casa Beachcomber tiene tres apartamentos de un dormitorio y tres apartamentos con dos dormitorios.

Estos se pueden alquilar de forma individual o en conjunto. El complejo tiene capacidad para entre 18 a 20 adultos y niños.

Cada apartamento tiene su propio carácter. Digno de mención es el " Balcony Apartment", con una vista panorámica del mar y de la "Orchard Apartment", con su patio con su patio aislado.

Casa Beachcomber es una base ideal para unas vacaciones independientes.

Puede explorar la zona fácilmente, ir a la playa y el centro de la ciudad de Lagos, o simplemente pasar tiempo en la piscina.

Se puede encontrar más información en el sitio web de Casa Beachcomber aquí:

http://www.algarvebeachcomber.com/

International Support Effort to fight Elephant poaching in Africa.

I 've not written about animal conservation issues on this blog before.

However, there is a severe worsening crisis ongoing throughout Southern, Eastern and Central Africa where hundreds, (Yes, I mean hundred's) of elephants are being killed in mass attacks on herds.

An effort has been launched on Quora.com to raise support for the Tashinga Initiative which is working to support the efforts of people of people in the field like Rory Young in trying to counter this on-going massacre.

See this excellent article written by Jay Bell which gives an excellent synopsis of the situation:

http://
bit.ly/IxdChn

I am not a wide-eyed "cuddle-an-elephant" type! I lived many years in Southern Africa and I have seen what Jumbos can to crops etc.

However, with this ongoing tragedy which affects not just elephants but rhino as well, I ask you consider what you can do!

Help Tashinga, write a blog article, start getting vocal! Lets make such a noise World-Wide about this before we find the African Bio-sphere devoid of life!!!!!!

El Al to launch budget carrier flying to Europe

Interesting! Since the entry into the Israeli market of airlines like Wizzair, Easyjet etc. and the recent implementation of the "Open Skies" agreement with the EU, El Al obviously finds the need to compete compelling.

However, I'm not so sure about the Israeli unions being to happy about this, although visitors to the Holy Land will be pleased I am sure!


See:  El Al to launch budget carrier | News | Breaking Travel News

Another reason why you should visit Portugal

CNN's Anderson Cooper interviewing Brazilan surfer Carlos Burle about riding possibly one of the biggest waves ever seen - Nazare, October 2013.

http://www.cnn.com/video/data/2.0/video/sports/2013/10/30/ac-intv-carlos-burle-massive-wave-surfer.cnn.html

Monte Gordo - The Algarve's Centre for 2013 Festive Season

It has been reported today that, Monte Gordo, as with last year is to host a five day Festive season bash.

While other Councils in the Algarve cut Festive Season spending because of the crisis, Vila Real do Stº. Antonio Câmara appears to recognise the value of promoting events over the Festive Season, particularly because visitors from South Western Andalucia don't have to pay tolls to get there! (There is a catchment area of an estimated +- 1,5 to 2 million people within 2 hours drive of Monte Gordo.)

Monte Gordo was the centre of a very successful New Year's night last year, and it looks like it will be again.

See: http://bit.ly/1bWABKi

and

(in Portuguese) http://bit.ly/196j0it

If you are planning on spending the Festive Season in the Algarve, Monte Gordo appears to be the place to be.