Following his family’s successful Fishing Holiday in Portugal at the Quinta, Christophe sent me this lovely film he made while here fishing with Paulo Jorge Ramos, the World Wide-mouthed Bass Champion. I think they enjoyed themselves! So, notwithstanding the Quinta’s reputation as a birding and nature hotspot, it’s not all about those past-times, not by a long cast!!
Shock and Horror as Portugal’s Financial Crisis cuts length of 25th April Fireworks display
As Portugal’s financial crisis begins to bite, so there are signs that the authorities are beginning to tighten their belts, and one manifestation of this was the length of Odemira’s fireworks display to mark the Carnation Revolution of 1974 – when the country kicked out the Fascist regime of Salazar and Caetano and swung wildly to the left, (the least bloodthirsty revolution in recorded history), – being reduced from its usual half hour duration to an extravaganza of just 15 minutes.
Sad to see it so small of course, as this date was the defining moment in recent Portuguese history, and more so in this area than in many others in Portugal, and thus deserves to be remembered and celebrated here more than anywhere else, but the times they are a’changing and we simply hope that the Câmara, (our local County Council), will still be able to save some money to repair the roads around here which are falling to bits at an ever-increasing rate.
Anyway, enough of my whingeing! It’s great to see that, even if it has to be shortened to suit the times, the display continues its normal high quality and I post the above for the many fans of this spectacle who couldn’t make it down to celebrate with us this weekend.
Core-Party-9715
Core-Party-9715, originally uploaded by Paradise in Portugal.
Well, we had to have a party to celebrate Daniela’s and my marriage so we had a few friends over … the party was actually a run of parties, four days in fact, but these were the core members. This was taken before we sat down for the first night’s dinner; i might post some “during the party” shots but I think I’ll spare you the “after the party” ones ….
It’s that time of year again …
Though we haven’t had any rain to speak of yet – we’ve had one thunderstorm and two days drizzle since May – it’s just damp enough to produce a lovely early crop of mushrooms and we’ve been busy little bunnies making the most of them. A fantastic bonanza of Caesar’s mushrooms, (like the basket-full Daniela has in the picture above), as well as Parasols a-plenty … Wonderful to be able to get out and about in such clean air, warm sunshine and beautiful countryside with the kids and the dogs and grab dinner from amongst the cork oaks!
The Quinta Story
Many people have urged me to tell the Quinta’s story on this blog, and seeing as I haven’t written anything for, (heavens above!), two months, it seems only fair that I should do something a little special, so here’s a small video Daniela and I put together over the last week; we hope you enjoy it!
At the Birdfair
At the Birdfair …
OK, for everyone who reads this blog or who may stumble upon it by accident please note that I’m going to be in the UK next week, principally at the British Birdwatching Fair. I’m going to have the same stand as always, Marquee 4 Stand 97, and sincerely hope to see you there!
I’m also going to be giving a lecture on the Threat to the Montados and what we can all do to save it, (Sunday 23rd August 15.30, Lecture Marquee 2), so I also hope that some of you will be able to make it to that also! I haven’t posted a picture of this as there’re plenty on this blog already, but please come along and have a chat at the Birdfair; see you there!
Smithy, Araby, Beetle and Kate
Four of my favourite ladies.
Carolina & Honey 20090601
Carolina & Honey 20090601, originally uploaded by Paradise in Portugal.
Honey 20090601
Honey 20090601, originally uploaded by Paradise in Portugal.
Let me introduce Honey, the Quinta’s newest dog …. yes, another one! We’re a bit of a soft touch when it comes to animals and people around here know it, so we weren’t surprised when Zé Manuel popped over a week or so ago with this bundle of fun, but we set our hearts to stone and refused his “gift” ….. until the children saw her! Zé Manuel is actually one of our local bee-keepers and the one who runs the Quinta’s bee hives now that I no longer do it myself, so what with that and the puppy’s colouration, you can see how she got her name!