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.

Ryanair.com - Nova Rota - Lisboa/Porto - Bruxelas Zaventem

A Ryanair.com hoje declarou guerra contra TAP na rota Aeroporto de Lisboa - Bruxelas Zaventem.

Em um anuncio  da imprensa, a empresa anunciou a criação de um novo base no aeroporto principal do capitale da Belgíca e a União Europeia a partir de Fevreiro 2104.

A parte mais incrível do anúncio é a intenção da Ryanair para lançar 28 voos por semana (ou seja, quatro vôos diários) entre Lisboa e Bruxelas. Com as suas excelentes ligações ferroviárias em Bruxelas, e para Antuérpia, Rotterdam e Colónia, este irá certamente afectar a rota em que a TAP e Brussels Airlines tivem sido dominante durante anos.

Link: http://
bit.ly/1ifbtHC

Atualisação: 29 de Novembro 2013 - Parece que havera atualmente 14 vols ida e volta entre Lisboa e Bruxelas Zaventem. O numero de 28 vols refere-se a 14 vols ida e 14 de volta.

Veja:
 http://
bit.ly/1cbr4mk

Ryanair Announces Brussels Zaventem Base From Feb 2014

Stop Press: Ryanair.com have just announced the basing of Aircraft at Zaventem, the main airport for Brussels and with easy rail access to Antwerp, Rotterdam, Cologne and Liege.

Ryanair Announces Brussels Zaventem Base From Feb 2014

Initial routes will be to:  Alicante, Barcelona, Ibiza, Lisbon, Malaga, Palma, Porto, Rome, Valencia & Venice

Whether this means routes to these destinations from Ryanair's long standing Brussels Charleroi base will be dropped await clarifications. Certainly, it will make travelling to Brussels by Ryanair much easier.

Ryanair's First Day of Operations into Lisbon Airport, Portugal

Portuguese web-site http://www.lowcostportugal.net has just published some photos following Ryanair's first day of operations into Lisbon Airport.

Article (in Portuguese)with photos here (courtesy of Sérgio Bastos):

 Primeiro dia da Ryanair no aeroporto de Lisboa em imagens

Happy Ryanair.com Day to Lisbon

Just a reminder that Ryanair.com starts flying today from Lisbon Airport to London Stansted, Paris Beavais, Frankfurt Hahn and Brussels Charleroi!

Jet2 announces new route from Glasgow to Madeira and East Midlands - April 2014

The daily Funchal newspaper, Diarío de Madeira reports that Jet2.com will start weekly Monday flights on Mondays from Glasgow to Madeira in May, 2014.

Flights are also being started from East Midlands,

See (in Portuguese):

Jet2 lança nova rota de Glasgow para a Madeira em 2014 | Jornal da Madeira

How to get from the Lisbon airport to Sintra?

The preferred alternative option for travelling from Lisbon Airport to Sintra is by Metro/Rail. There are +- 80 service per day taking about 50 minutes.

From the Airport take the Metro Red Line, (Linha Vermelha) to Gare Oriente (Metro/Rail/Bus Interchange). - 3 stops.

Proceed to the mezzanine floor where you will find the www.cp.pt(rail) ticket booths.

Buy a ticket and proceed up to the relevant platforms.

You will have to change trains en-route, probably at Agualva-Cacem Station, but you should check that at the Ticket office.

As regards prices of taxis, see this previous forum post:http://bit.ly/1em91td

As the above post notes, there are alternative routes to get to Sintra but the one I recommend above, imho, is the easiest.

Comrade O'Leary succeeds where Napoleon and Hitler failed!

Anna.aero reports today that everyone's newly favorite airline рыанаир.цом appears to have successfully breached the Kremlin walls.

See:
http://
bit.ly/1gcma9f

It appears that Ryanair.com are heading for authorisation to commence services to Mockba and Санкт-Петербург as from March 2014. 

Watch this space.

In the meantime, to get us in the mood,  a favorite clip of mine from Russian TV with Марина Девятова и Катя Рябова singing the old Red Army choir favorite "Катюша" (Right, where's me old bottle of  "водка"...?  ):

Casa Beachcomber, Lagos, Portugal - Alojamento Turistíco

Casa Beachcomber é um complexo de apartamentos turísticos encantador e um destino de férias ideal.

Localizado menos de 1 km da cidade histórica de Lagos situada no maravilhoso litoral Barlavento Algarvio. Há acesso fácil através do Aeroporto Internacional de Faro e Lisboa.


O complexo foi construído em um lote de +- 1ha com um jardim cercado e, também en uma zona tranquilo de Lagos e perto da bela e conhecida praia de " Meia Praia ".

O autor tem conhecimento do este complexo há 10 anos. As recentes melhorias torna-se um destino mais agradável que nunca.

Com uma vista muito agradável para a piscina com o seu terraço e a sua churrasqueira, Casa Beachcomber tem 3 apartamentos T1 e 3 apartamentos de T2 quartos. Estes podem ser alugados individualmente ou em conjunto. O complexo pode alojar até entre 18 à 20 adultos e crianças.

Casa Beachcomber Pool

Isto o torna-se um local ideal para grupos familiares quem reuniam-se para passar as "férias no Algarve.."! ;))


Cada apartamento tem seu próprio caráter. Digno de nota é "Balcony Apartament", com uma vista panorâmica para o mar e o "Orchard Apartament" com o seu pátio isolada.





Beachcomber é uma base ideal para umas férias independentes. Pode-se explorar a área, visitar facilmente a praia e o centro da cidade de Lagos, ou apenas passar um tempo relaxando a volta da piscina.

Mais informações podem ser encontradas no site da Casa Beachcomber aqui:

http://www.algarvebeachcomber.com/

Car Hire - Algarve - Summer 2014 - Info Note

I had the chance last week to sit down with some of the management of luzcar.com.

The one thing that strongly came out of this chat was that folk planning to visit the Algarve in summer 2014, (and particularly from mid-June though mid-September) and planning to hire a car (irrespective of company) should do AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

There is no indication about increased availability of financing for fleet leasing and, consequently, they feel the same vehicle shortages that assailed the Algarve car hire business in summer 2013 may well repeat themselves in 2014.

So plan to book early!!!

Alternatively, (and if you can), consider holidaying the Algarve earlier or later. 

We usually have great weather here in May and June as well as in September and early October.

Casa Beachcomber, Lagos, Portugal - Complexe Touristique

Casa Beachcomber est un charmant complex des appartments touristiques et une destination idéale pour les vacances. Situé 1 kilometre distance de la marina de la ville historique de Lagos dans la merveilleuse région litoral de l'Ouest de l'Algarve en Portugal, c'est facilement accessible depuis l'aéroport international de Faro et aussi de la capitale du Portugal, Lisbonne.



Le complexe est construit sur une parcelle de +-un hectare avec un jardin clos et se rencontre bien loin de l'agitation de Lagos et près de la magnifique plage "Meia Praia". Cet derniere est une longue plage de sable de 5 km qui borde la baie de Lagos.

L'auteur a connu cette complexe il y a 10 ans et les récentes améliorations en faire une destination encore plus agréable.

Surplombant la piscine trés agréable avec sa terrasse et barbecue, Casa Beachcomber comprend 3 appartements de deux chambres et 3 appartements d'une chambre. Ceux-ci peuvent être loués individuellement ou ensemble.

 Le complexe peut accueillir jusqu'à 18 à 20 adultes et enfants. Cela en fait un endroit idéal pour des vacances en groupe familial.

Chaque appartement possède son propre caractère. À noter est "Balcony Apartement" avec des vues panoramiques vers la mer et "Orchard Apartement" avec ses patios isolées.

Beachcomber est une base idéale pour des vacances indépendantes. On peut explorer la région, facilement visiter la plage et centre-ville de Lagos, ou tout simplement passer des temps de détente à la piscine .

Plus d'informations peuvent être trouvées sur le site Casa Beachcomber ici :

http://www.algarvebeachcomber.com/

Accordion outlets in Coimbra or Oporto, Portugal

There's a musical instrument shop in Rua do Brasil(town end) in Coimbra a few doors down from the Colégio do São Teotonio.(The long road that runs by the Dolce Vita Centre and Académica Stadium) I visited it when I was involved in organising Dance Coimbra 2012 last year.

http://www.lojamusica.com/contactos

Loja Musica
Rua do Brasil, nº71/73, 
3030-175 coimbra 

tlf. 239 798 420 
fax. 239 798 429
email: coimbra@lojamusica.com

Online Accordeon Dogalogue(not fond of cats and trying to avoid be speciesist! ) here: 

http://www.lojamusica.com/produtos/cate ... rdeao-363/

In Porto, there is are several. There is what appears to be a good one close by where we often stay when in Porto. (closest metro station: Metro Carolina Michaelis)

Ludimúsica Lda.
Avenida da Boavista , 25 - Boavista
4050-114 Porto
22 600 7830

Online Accordeon Dogalogue here: 

http://www.ludimusic.com//produtos1.asp ... i=EUR&p=PT

Most towns of any size in Portugal will have a music shop and if they don't have what you want they can probably get it for you.

P.S. Just found one in Lousã:

Planeta Musica
Praça Francisco Sá Carneiro 39 3200
Lousã
239 992 739

Ryanair.com - New Routes from Stansted

Ryanair announced in a press release a substantial number of new routes and increased frequencies from London Stansted to nearly 30 destinations.

More here:
 http://
bit.ly/1aVlPlX

One interesting route announcement is London Stansted to Bucharest. Coming shortly after the launching of Ryanair's first route to that city from Dublin, is the company now seriously looking at Romania as a possible new target country for expansion, with Bucharest being targeted for a possible future hub?

‘Golden’ travel visas lure non-EU house buyers | Irish Examiner

Interesting article on the "Golden Visa" schemes being offered by Mediterranean Countries and Portugal.

‘Golden’ travel visas lure non-EU house buyers | Irish Examiner

The Best Positive News this month!!! (or FAQ: How to Monty Python!)

Wonderful news!

The remaining Python crew members are to reunite for a one of piece of Silliness in London's O2 arena next June (2014) !!!!

See:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-25031520

and

http://cnn.it/1e387S2

and around the world....

Portugal -

http://

bit.ly/1aTAIFr

Spain -

http://mun.do/I56VDo

Italy -

http://mun.do/I56VDo

Germany -

http://bit.ly/1aTB8f5

France -

http://bit.ly/1aIMi9T

The States -

http://bit.ly/1ejWIOG

Thailand -

http://bit.ly/1aTCeHC

and with apologies to the lads.....

Casa Beachcomber, Lagos, Portugal

Casa Beachcomber is a most attractive property located in Albadeira approximately 1km from the Marina of the historic town of Lagos in the wonderful Western Algarve region of Portugal. It is easily accessible from Faro International Airport and Lisbon.

The property is located on a +-1 hectare plot with an established hedged and fenced garden, well away for the hustle and bustle of Lagos and yet close to wonderful Meia Praia, a 5km long sand beach that skirts Lagos Bay.

The writer has known this property for 10 years and recent improvements make it an even more desirable holiday destination.

Swiiming Pool - Casa Beachcomber

Overlooking a delightful pool deck, Casa Beachcomber comprises 3 two-bedroom and 3 one-bedroom apartments. These can be rented individually or together.


The property can accomodate up to 18 to 20 adults and children. This makes it an ideal location for family group holidays.

Each apartment has its own distinct character. Of note is Balcony Apartment with spectacular views toward the sea and Orchard Apartment with its secluded patio areas.

To view details in each apartment, click on the following links:

• Balcony Apartment  
• Cottage Apartment 
• Garden Apartment
• Orchard Apartment
• Poolside Apartment
• Jacuzzi Apartment

Beachcomber is an ideal base for self-catering vacations. One can explore the region, easily visit the beach and down-town Lagos, or simply spend your time relaxing by the pool.

Click to see some client reviews here:

More information can be found on the Casa Beachcomber Vacation Rental (Click here) website.

Vueling.com - New Florence base

Vueling.com have just announced the creation of its second Italian base at Florence's Amerigo Vespucci Airport:

See Article in Italian  in "Nove de Fireze":
http://
bit.ly/1c1emod

World Telecom - Algarve - End of Fixed Line service

I have German neighbours who have used World Telecom for the past few years. 10 days ago they suddenly found they could not dial out.

World Telecom appear to be associated with the Portugal News Group and their office are in Lagoa right next to the Portugal News Offices.

Addresses:

Portugal News
Rua Municipio de S Domingos
Urb. Lagoa Sol, Lote 3 r/c
8400-415 Lagoa
Portugal

and

World Telecom
Rua Municipio de São Domingos
Urbanização Lagoa Sol
Lote 3 r/c
Lagoa Faro 8400-416 Portugal

Tel +351 282 341 100

Although their 707 number was not working I managed to get hold of them on 282 380 300.

The story I got from the person who answered the phone was that, "allegedly", and without notice, the company that World Telecom bought their bulk digital voice capacity from suddenly terminated their contract and that therefore they could not continue to offer the voice service.

When I challenged this person over the fact that it appeared that no effort had been made to contact our friends, she simply said that they should have emailed the company. 

This really got my "cabra" and I tore into her pointing out that our friends are in their 70's and 80's and do not use the Internet. There was a pause and she started to give their standard spiel again.

They have no similar product on offer, except a mobile service offering 100 minutes free per month to certain EU countries. They also do not really appear to worry about losing clients. This is not the first time over the years that I have had friends and clients who have had hassles with this lot.

If PT have not yet contact anyone with a World Telecom account and one's dial out facility is blocked, put 1020 in front of the number one dials and one will be connected and billed via PT.

Nando’s set to open in London Gatwick | News | Breaking Travel News

Nando’s set to open in London Gatwick | News | Breaking Travel News

Now we're talking!!!!

http://www.nandos.com/our-story