American Vanguard Announces Appointment of Certis Europe BV as Mocap Distribution Partner in Europe

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–American Vanguard Corporation (NYSE:AVD), today announced the appointment of Certis Europe BV as AMVAC’s primary European distribution partner for its soil nematicide/insecticide Mocap (Ethoprophos), acquired from Bayer Crop Science, LLC in December 2010. Certis Europe has been granted exclusive distribution rights to Mocap in its direct sales territory that includes the UK, Ireland, France, Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Portugal and Italy. Mocap is a leadi

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American Vanguard Announces Appointment of Certis Europe BV as Mocap Distribution Partner in Europe

CHAD Industries Can Add Automated Wafer Handling Capabilities to Your Existing Wafer Process Equipment

ANAHEIM, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–CHAD Industries (www.chadindustries.net) announced today the ability to easily add automated wafer handling capabilities to your existing wafer processing equipment using the WaferMate™ series of wafer handlers. As a recent example, Nanium S.A. in Portugal purchased CHAD’s WaferMate™ 300-1 workcells to automate two of their existing inline wafer process tools (a wafer cleaner, and a wafer reflow oven).

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CHAD Industries Can Add Automated Wafer Handling Capabilities to Your Existing Wafer Process Equipment

SKECHERS, the Nation’s Number 2 Footwear Brand, Opens First Irish Retail Store

MANHATTAN BEACH, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–SKECHERS USA, Inc. (NYSE:SKX), a global leader in the footwear industry and the Number 2 footwear brand in the United States*, today announced the opening of the first SKECHERS-branded retail store in Ireland.

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SKECHERS, the Nation’s Number 2 Footwear Brand, Opens First Irish Retail Store

Do You Know The Golden Triangle In Portugal?

Vilamoura is the name given to an area rather than to any actual town.

It is outstanding in that it is one of the largest single tourist complexes in Europe and covers some 2.000 hectares of land. The land is variable in its vegetation, some parts covered in pine forests whilst others open recovered marshland.

The company that owns this complex is extremely environmentally conscious and has made every effort is being made to protect nature within its continued planned development.

Due to the size of the resort area it offers the visitor nearly every form of sport and entertainment. On the southern border is a long sandy beach swept by the Atlantic Ocean.

Amongst the many attractions and facilities there are six different Golf Courses, a large Marina, a Lawn Bowling Club with two grass Rinks, a Tennis Centre, a Sports Club, a Shooting Club, 5 Star and 4 Star Hotels, Tourist Apartments, self-catering Villas, Night Clubs, an International Casino with glamorous shows, a Cinema, and an excellent Riding School.

Within the centre of Vilamoura there is a preserved Roman Site and Museum of Cerro da Vila providing an interesting glimpse into the past of the area. In Roman times this location was important in producing a fish paste known as Garum. The ruins also include the baths in which the mariners used to bathe.

As a location specifically designed for tourism it has proved to be a very successful holiday destination for all ages due to the variety of facilities that it provides holidaymakers.

Facilities include:

Restaurants

Cafes / Pubs

Post office

Banks

Petrol station

Supermarkets (with international products)

Railway station

Beautiful Marina

A large variety of Golf Courses

Vale do Lobo

In 1962, was born the famous Vale do Lobo, the first tourist enterprise of Algarve, in south of Portugal. The project became real after the partnership of two multinationals: Trusthouse Fort plc and Costain plc.

When it was built, the area of Algarve was devoted fundamentally to the fishing and to the agriculture. With the arrival of the Vale do Lobo, the area met its first five stars hotel “Le Meridien D. Filipa” and its first golf course.

During the seventies, Sander van Gelder, the Dutch entrepreneur linked to the industry of the jewellery store and diamonds with some stories in Holland, discovered the Vale do Lobo. The enormous tourist potential of the resort attracted the entrepreneur, who acquired the company in 1977, moving with his family to Portugal.

In that moment, Vale do Lobo won a new future, becoming a luxury tourist resort.

Nowadays, Vale do Lobo possesses about 400 hectares, attracting residents and visitors because of its self-sufficiency, quality of the homes and for the excellent infrastructures and services that please all. Vale do Lobo is known by being one of the most important luxury enterprises of Europe, being the largest one in Portugal.

In the end of 2006, the resort was sold to a group of Portuguese and international investors, as well as to the largest Portuguese bank, Caixa Geral de Depositos. For now, Vale do Lobo is commanded by Diogo Gaspar Ferreira, the new Executive President.

Because of this new investment, the structure receives enough financial support to be able to carry forward the actual plan of service and the future expansion. There are in development some of the most important projects, like the Oceano Clube (Vale do Lobo II) and Vale Real (Vale do Lobo III).

Vale do Lobo is located in the coastal area of the centre of Algarve, in a rich area in history where the sun appears during the whole year. One of the attractive thing that justify the choice of the Vale do Lobo to live and to visit is their approximation to the Faro International Airport in about 20 minutes.

The Vale do Lobo Golf and Beach Resort is only three hours of flight of most of the European capitals. The enterprise is still about two and a half hours of the Portuguese capital, Lisbon, and of Seville, in Spain.

Loule, the happiness of the Carnival

The council of Loule is known by their traditions and beaches, but also by its famous Carnival party that looks like the brazilian. Nowadays, the Carnival of Loule has several themes, as the society, the political system and the most important events of the year. All those ingredients are mixed with a good critic dose full of good mood and diversion, but in the summer the council gets hotter.

The visitors seek Loule with the intention of taking advantage of their beaches, dispersed in a beautiful coast. The beaches of Vilamoura, Quarteira, Vale do Lobo, Garrao, Ancao, Quinta do Lago, and Falesia are authentic natural paradises and in the waters of Loule you can enjoy nautical sports.

The golf is also a sport very practiced in Loule, with countless fields. It might be for that reason that the council is known by being a demarcated area of the golf.

The golf courses extend from the Vila Sol to the Quinta do Logo, passing through Vilamoura, Quarteira, Vale Garrao, Ancao, Quinta do Lago, Vale do Lobo and Sao Lourenco, all in a natural gorgeous scenery.

Loule receives during the year great names of the world golf, and also intellectuals and politicians, artists and soccer professionals, musicians and people of businesses that come from everywhere to play golf.

The town promotes several sport and cultural events along the year, as Vale do Lobo Grand Champions and Algarve Summer Festival, one of the most important summer festivals of Portugal.

Loule also has a vast historical and cultural patrimony, like the Roman Bridge, Castles of Loule and of Salir, Mother church of Sao Clemente, Mother church of Sao Lourenco of Almancil, Small chapel of Nossa Senhora da Conceicao, Church of Sao Pedro do Mar, Mother church of Alte, Igreja Matiz of Nossa Senhora da Assuncao, Small chapel of Nossa Senhora das Portas do Ceu, Mother church of Sao Sebastiao, Church of Nossa Senhora da Gloria, besides the natural beauty of the gardens of Amuados and of Comunidades.

Other places of interest are the Archeological Station of Cerro da Vila and the historical area of Loule. In spite of having a vast history and a great dimension, the municipal district includes only two cities: Loule and Quarteira.

For the ones who tries to pass a very good night, Vilamoura is the centre of the nightlife of the council of Loule. Besides the famous dispersed bars along the sea area, as the Bar Seven, the soccer player’s Luis Figo property, El Salero, Irish Pub, among others.

Another attraction is the Casino of Vilamoura, a reference for the thousands of tourists that visit Algarve. Besides the room of the machines and of the roulette, the visitors can see beautiful shows. The Casino still concentrates one of the most popular discos of that area, Black Jack.

It is also in Vilamoura that is located another reference disco for all lovers of the nightlife, the Kadoc.

The city of Loule still has several bars, as well as the Campus, Joker and Breath, used by the academicals students. The Bar Satori is part of the itinerary of alternative bars of the country, there you can enjoy several rock shows and art exhibitions.

Quinta do Lago and the Square of Vale do Lobo are also other alternatives for the national and foreign tourists that prefer hotter nights of summer.

For who seeks an outdoor atmosphere, it is possible to visit the Municipal Park of Loule, where you can exercise yourself.

Loule is composed by the freguesias of Almancil, Alte, Ameixial, Benafim, Boliqueime, Quarteira, Querenca, Salir, Sao Clemente and Sao Sebastiao.

I hope to meet you soon in the Golden Triangle of Portugal!

North Portugal Golf and Regional Holiday Tour ….. We Will Return ….. a 12 Day Holiday Journal, Following our First Hand Experiences

Introduction:-

Last year was our first trip to Porto via a week’s cruise down the Douro River, brilliantly organised by PortGolf. At the end of that week, Peter Evens, who runs PortGolf, suggested we should return for the festival of S. Joao and perhaps play some golf. This seemed a good idea so on our return to the UK we organised a dinner for two other couples, one of whom (Gerry and Catriona) had played golf around Porto and Jim and Margery. We discussed the idea and it was agreed that eight would be a good number. Shortly after we had supper with another couple, John and Marion who volunteered to join us. None of us had ever holidayed together before so it would be a test of friendship. Due to other commitments Gerry and Catriona and John and Marion would stay for a week whilst we and Jim and Margery would stay for twelve days.

There follows a Journal of that Trip:-

Thursday 21st June 2007

We decided to catch the first Porto flight out of Gatwick at 6.30am whilst the others were catching the 1.30pm flight. We were met at Porto Airport at 9am by Peter Evens who whisked us off to the four star Hotel Fenix, conveniently placed close to the Boa Vista area. The weather was bright with a light shower around midday. Having unpacked in our spacious room on the 9th Floor with splendid views of a truly magnificent cemetery and the city we set off on our first adventure to walk to the city centre and explore the area. We had a pasta and wine lunch at the Simbiose Restaurant (€30) overlooking the river and watched the Port wine boats ferrying people to and fro. Walked back uphill to the hotel calling in at the local supermarket for gin and whisky for nightcaps. The rest of the gang arrived at 6.15pm somewhat late due to delays. Having checked in we all got into the lift to travel to the 9th floor. Now this lift has a notice that says it is for 10 persons – unfortunately, they mean 10 Portuguese persons who happen to be somewhat smaller in stature than 8 Brits for the lift decided to descend to -5 floors before coming to a halt with a resounding bang. Not exactly the start we were looking for, but we managed to extract ourselves and walk back to the ground floor we proceeded to travel in the 2nd lift and the service lift – time for a drink! Peter found us in the bar at 8pm when we were taken in two vehicles to the Maria Moita, a local Porto restaurant for dinner. Peter stayed on to interpret as not much English is spoken and take photographs of the evening. Fun food with an interesting menu and carafes of wine. Bed by 11.30 somewhat exhausted.

Friday 22nd June 2007

Up at 8.15am, dry, but grey with a smattering of blue. Breakfast, then a quick look round the local shops. Peter and Paolo collected us at 12.30 for our first game of golf at Estela.

The course lies about an hour from the centre of Porto on the Atlantic coast. The drive was pleasant and informative and the entrance guarded by two automatic gates. A drink and a toasted sandwich started the event which was a four ball better ball with husbands partnering wives. Typically for a links course, the wind blew like hell and was a contributing factor to the round taking 4½ hours. Gerry and Catriona were the winners and copious amounts of gin & tonic and beer was consumed. Showered and change before whisked off to Casa do Frango in a nearby town – problem was our driver dropped us at the wrong place which held up proceedings, but didn’t stop the wine flowing before the chicken and chips arrived – turned out to be a fun night and tested some people’s ability of alcohol consumption. On our return to the hotel John and Marion joined us in our room for a nightcap and left at 1.30am.

Saturday 23rd June 2007

Up at 8.30 am and a glorious summer day. Everyone into city centre to sightsee, but for us it was to shop for prizes meeting up with the gang at Majestic café – the In Place to be seen – coffee and brandy was the order of the day. Off to lunch to Foz at Praia da Luz, a super restaurant on the beach which we had sampled last year – great food and wine with a variety of local dishes, ridiculously cheap at €30 per couple. Back to the hotel at 4pm to rest before the night’s activities. At Midnight Porto celebrates the Festival of S. Joao!

Peter and cab collect us at 9.10pm and we are taken to Taylor’s Port Wine Lodge where the atmosphere is electric – a couple of hundred people are seated at round tables for a set menu of Kale & Potato Soup; breads; sardines; Roast Kid & Vegetables followed by Almond tart and ice cream. The best wines are served and we try a couple of bottles of 20 year old vintage Port. The lodge is situated at Gaia on the southside of the Douro River and at 12.05am we adjourn to the terrace to watch a firework display over Porto which was out of this world – we are all stunned by the magnificence of the scene. John & Marion have to leave by cab due to John’s bruised Achilles heel while the rest of us have to walk as no vehicles are allowed in the area other than for medical reasons. The crush is worse than a cup final at Wembley, but everyone is in such great humour and it seems the whole of Porto’s inhabitants are bashing you over the head with a plastic hammer or a long garlic plant (both old traditions) – we eventually stagger across the bridge, which had been closed at one point due to too many people on it causing it to sway. Street parties, dancing and singing all the way back to the hotel and so to bed at 3am having survived a most enjoyable adventure.

Sunday 24th June 2007

Up for breakfast, lots of orange and black coffee seemed to the order of the day. Later collected to go to Amarante Golf Course another hour drive away. Seems we had the course to ourselves. Said to be hilly, true, difficult to find your way round at times; some spectacular holes accompanied by bangs all afternoon as S. Joao continued to be celebrated. Men versus Ladies this time, the men had no chance. Showered and changed off to a restaurant in Amarante – problem was our driver seemed to have forgotten until he was informed by Peter via mobile phone then he proceeded to drive at 120 kph to get back on track. No English spoken at all at the restaurant which made life a tad difficult. Food quite nice, but we appeared to be in a quieter mood – at our age very late nights can play havoc with some people’s constitution.

Monday 25th June 2007

Today we are moving to the Oporto Cricket & Lawn Tennis Club, so its bag packing time as six of us are off on an adventure – a day trip on a boat up the Douro. Gerry & Catriona have done this trip before so they go back to Estela for golf. Superb weather and the trip is just fine with breakfast and lunch provided and the river is so peaceful. We make friends with Lourdes who is the tour guide. Later she is surprised to find us drinking champagne – she asks what we are celebrating, we tell her a birthday, she asks whose birthday it is and we tell her we don’t know, but we are pretty sure it’s someone’s birthday somewhere. We arrive at Reguá at 4.15pm and are taken by coach for about 200 yards to the railway station where we are to continue our adventure by train back to Porto a journey of about 2 hours. Peter meets us at the station and takes us to our new quarters at the O.C. & L.T.C. a little oasis in the middle of Porto. Very colonial style and every one is so friendly. Shower and change and meet for drinks in the lounge before walking a couple of hundred yards up the road to Capa Négra 2 a local restaurant where we are served by Olivetti who speaks good English and advises on the local dishes. Plenty of wine and a fun evening all for the princely sum of €30 per couple. John and Marion insist on having a nightcap in our room – another late night.

Tuesday 26th June 2007

Breakfast at 9am then walked around the grounds of the club and inspected the tennis courts, cricket pitch (thought we would bat first) and the swimming pool. We got ready for golf and soon we were on our way to Ponte de Lima on a lovely sunny day. Again about an hour drive to the golf course, but very scenic and somewhat mountainous – buggies a necessity. Drinks and a sandwich first, but you never need to be in a hurry in these places which was a good job as the round took over five hours, something we are just not used to, but we’re on holiday so what the heck. A quick shower and drink before setting off to Restaurant Acude. A limited menu and quite expensive for the region, but we enjoyed it. Drove back to the club and home by 12.30am – a long day.

Wednesday 27th June 2007

Up at 8.15am nice shower and a leisurely breakfast. Today is a relaxing day where we all do our own thing. A day by the pool for some, shopping for some of the ladies and bridge for others. We all meet in the bar at 8pm for tonight we are eating in the club’s superb dining room and prize giving. It worked out that everybody got a prize of sorts and Margery and Jim won Peter Evens “PortGolf” prize for the best score on the Stroke Index 1 holes on all the courses we played. Food, wines, service and atmosphere could not be bettered a fantastic end for those departing the next day. Somewhat late to bed!

Thursday 28th June 2007

Missed our farewells to Catriona and Gerry, but managed them for Marion and John who were catching a later flight. Today Peter is taking Margery and Jim and us for a road trip up the Douro Valley. We set off at 9.45pm again with glorious sunshine. Our first stop is at the winery of Quinta de Aveleda.

A guided tour including tastings with cheese. We wandered round the grounds which have beautiful gardens including resident peacocks. In the shop, a loud mouthed American, who was buying a six pack of wine, was boasting to the young lady at the counter that back home he had a thousand bottles of wine – to which she replied, And now you have a thousand and six, sir. – priceless!

Our next stop was at Amarante to see the famous bridge and a quick walk round the town, very pretty. On through rolling hills filled with vines to Regua and stopped for lunch at the Pousada. Sat outside in the glorious sun and admired the views across the valley. We moved on to Quinta do Panascal – Fonseca winery/ port lodge, had a guided tour through the grape terraces with the aid of an audio tape and earphones giving a history and the workings of the company. Back to the lodge for more tastings then a return journey via Vila Real through mile after mile of hills laden with vines from top to bottom. Back to the club for a shower and change before Peter dropped us off at the Oporto Restaurant. We were all intrigued to see Jim’s starter as he had ordered Fish Soup in Pastry. (the pastry was on the top!)

Friday 29th June 2007

Breakfast at 9am – today we are back to Estela golf course, but what a difference, loads of sunshine and no wind. Girls versus the Boys (yes, of course the Girls won, but only at the 18th) – back to the club for a rest and shower.

A special evening as we meet Peter’s wife, Anabela, for the first time and we go to Praia de Luz for dinner. A great meal with lively conversation and a beautiful sunset, of which we have several photos if anyone wants a copy. Home to bed another long day.

Saturday 30th June 2007

Despite last night’s sunset, we wake to a grey sky and much cooler temperatures. The girls, (I use the term loosely), go off shopping to Vila Nova de Gaia, Corte Ingles. Us chaps do our own thing reading and watching the members who are barbequing for lunch – Jim tries the sardines. Lorna and Margery arrive back at 2.15pm and after hearing of their adventures we have tea and scones – how civilized.

Peter collects us at 6.45pm as we are to have drinks at his house at Senhora da Hora. We meet up with Anabela again and also later with Jacquay one of his twin daughters who entertains us on the piano. Then we are off to a fish restaurant, O Manel in Matosinhos – no English spoken and we struggle with the menu, not the best place to eat in our opinion, also quite expensive. An early night for all.

Sunday 1st July 2007

A free day – weather a bit grey and not very hopeful. Margery and Jim decide to tour the city by open-top bus whilst we decide to walk to the Palacio de Cristal a spacious park which houses a circular building for concerts; there are also some nice views of the river and across the city. We continue our walk through to S. Bento Metro Station where we attempt to purchase from a machine two day tickets – we fail miserably despite the help of a couple of locals, but were rescued by a station security guard who helped us to purchase the correct tickets. The Metro is very modern and is a cross between a tram, a trolley bus and an underground train – very clean and quiet. Out first journey takes us across the very top of the Ponte do Luis and up to the terminus outside “Corte Ingles”. We return back down, but alight at Jardim do Morro where we have been advised there are some good photo opportunities across the river. We then decide to walk over the top of the bridge rather than ride. In hindsight this was not a good idea as we reckon that the bridge is similar in construction and height to the Sydney Harbour Bridge in Australia – we wouldn’t walk across that even if they do chain you to the railing so what on earth are we doing here? So being English, we put our heads down and just keep walking until, somewhat relieved, we get to the other side – phew! I have to add that the Metro trains are passing by you just inches away which tends to add to the excitement. We did get some nice pictures of the trains crossing the bridge and entering the tunnel below us. With shaking legs we descended hundreds of steps and through winding alleys to get to the riverside where we had a bottle of wine and lunch and watched the world go by. We returned to the station and went as far as the Estadio do Dragáo, a recently completed stadium before returning back down to our nearest station to home, the Casa da Musica. The weather had much improved by this time so we walked back to the club in sunshine.

We met with Margery and Jim by the pool and exchanged stories and adventures, then snoozed for a while before getting ready to embark for our last night to the Cafeina Restaurant. A very smart establishment and nice food, but again would not be in our top five. Peter collected us and returned us safely back to the club.

Monday 2nd July 2007

One wonderful attribute of the club is that clients are not required to vacate their rooms until midday. We took advantage of this by having time to pack in a leisurely manner and having stored our bags we were collected by Peter to take us for lunch at Ar de Rio, a modern riverside restaurant in Cais da Gaia. We sat inside by an open wall looking out across the Douro River in glorious sunshine. Peter collected us and took us to Crofts Port Wine Lodge for a tour and tasting – a lovely way to end a holiday in Porto.

We collected our baggage from the club, said our goodbyes to the staff and Peter dropped us off at the Airport in good time for the flight which was delayed for fifty minutes.

All in all a most enjoyable holiday, well organized by PortGolf in the shape of

Peter Evens whose care and attention of his clients is second to none.

Without a doubt we shall return once again to this most interesting of cities.

Mike & Lorna Gizzy

June 2007

A Golfers ++ Holiday Diary: – North Portugal Tour

Introduction:-

Last year was our first trip to Oporto in North Portugal, via a week’s cruise down the Douro River, brilliantly organised by PortGolf. At the end of that week, Peter Evens, who runs PortGolf, suggested we should return for the festival of S. Joao and perhaps play some golf. This seemed a good idea so on our return to the UK we organised a dinner for two other couples, one of whom (Gerry and Catriona) had played golf around Oporto and Jim and Margery. We discussed the idea and it was agreed that eight would be a good number. Shortly after we had supper with another couple, John and Marion who volunteered to join us. None of us had ever holidayed together before so it would be a test of friendship. Due to other commitments Gerry and Catriona and John and Marion would stay for a week whilst we and Jim and Margery would stay for twelve days.

There follows a Journal of that Trip:-

 

Thursday 21st June:-

We decided to catch the first Porto flight out of Gatwick at 6.30am whilst the others were catching the 1.30pm flight. We were met at Oporto Airport at 9am by Peter Evens who whisked us off to the four star Hotel Fenix, conveniently placed close to the Boa Vista area. The weather was bright with a light shower around midday. Having unpacked in our spacious room on the 9th Floor with splendid views of a truly magnificent cemetery and the city we set off on our first adventure to walk to the city centre and explore the area. We had a pasta and wine lunch at the Simbiose Restaurant (€30) overlooking the river and watched the Port wine boats ferrying people to and fro. Walked back uphill to the hotel calling in at the local supermarket for gin and whisky for nightcaps. The rest of the gang arrived at 6.15pm somewhat late due to delays. Having checked in we all got into the lift to travel to the 9th floor. Now this lift has a notice that says it is for 10 persons – unfortunately, they mean 10 Portuguese persons who happen to be somewhat smaller in stature than 8 Brits for the lift decided to descend to -5 floors before coming to a halt with a resounding bang. Not exactly the start we were looking for, but we managed to extract ourselves and walk back to the ground floor we proceeded to travel in the 2nd lift and the service lift – time for a drink! Peter found us in the bar at 8pm when we were taken in two vehicles to the Maria Moita, a local Porto restaurant for dinner. Peter stayed on to interpret as not much English is spoken and take photographs of the evening. Fun food with an interesting menu and carafes of wine. Bed by 11.30 somewhat exhausted.

 

Friday 22nd June:-

 

Up at 8.15am, dry, but grey with a smattering of blue. Breakfast, then a quick look round the local shops. Peter and Paolo collected us at 12.30 for our first game of golf at Estela.

The course lies about an hour from the centre of Oporto on the Atlantic coast. The drive was pleasant and informative and the entrance guarded by two automatic gates. A drink and a toasted sandwich started the event which was a four ball better ball with husbands partnering wives. Typically for a links course, the wind blew like hell and was a contributing factor to the round taking 4½ hours. Gerry and Catriona were the winners and copious amounts of gin & tonic and beer was consumed. Showered and change before whisked off to Casa do Frango in a nearby town – problem was our driver dropped us at the wrong place which held up proceedings, but didn’t stop the wine flowing before the chicken and chips arrived – turned out to be a fun night and tested some people’s ability of alcohol consumption. On our return to the hotel John and Marion joined us in our room for a nightcap and left at 1.30am.

Saturday 23rd June:-

 

Up at 8.30 am and a glorious summer day. Everyone into city centre to sightsee, but for us it was to shop for prizes meeting up with the gang at Majestic café – the ‘in place’ to be seen – coffee and brandy was the order of the day. Off to lunch to Foz at Praia da Luz, a super restaurant on the beach which we had sampled last year – great food and wine with a variety of local dishes, ridiculously cheap at €30 per couple. Back to the hotel at 4pm to rest before the night’s activities. At Midnight Oporto celebrates the S. Joao festival.

 

Peter and cab collected us at 9.10pm and we are taken to Taylor’s Port Wine Lodge where the atmosphere is electric – a couple of hundred people are seated at round tables for a set menu of Kale & Potato Soup; breads; sardines; Roast Kid & Vegetables followed by Almond tart and ice cream. The best wines are served and we tried a couple of bottles of 20 year old vintage Port. The lodge is situated at Gaia on the southside of the Douro River and at 12.05am we adjourn to the terrace to watch a firework display over Porto which was out of this world – we are all stunned by the magnificence of the scene. John & Marion have to leave by cab due to John’s bruised Achilles heel while the rest of us have to walk as no vehicles are allowed in the area other than for medical reasons. The crush is worse than a cup final at Wembley, but everyone is in such great humour and it seems the whole of Oporto’s inhabitants are bashing you over the head with a plastic hammer or a long garlic plant (both old traditions) – we eventually stagger across the bridge, which had been closed at one point due to too many people on it causing it to sway. Street parties, dancing and singing all the way back to the hotel and so to bed at 3am having survived a most enjoyable adventure.

 

Sunday 24th June:-

 

Up for breakfast, lots of orange and black coffee seemed to the order of the day. Later collected to go to Amarante Golf Course another hour drive away. Seems we had the course to ourselves. Said to be hilly, true, difficult to find your way round at times; some spectacular holes accompanied by bangs all afternoon as S. Joao continued to be celebrated. Men versus Ladies this time, the men had no chance. Showered and changed off to a restaurant in Amarante – problem was our driver seemed to have forgotten until he was informed by Peter via mobile phone then he proceeded to drive at 120 kph to get back on track. No English spoken at all at the restaurant which made life a tad difficult. Food quite nice, but we appeared to be in a quieter mood – at our age very late nights can play havoc with some people’s constitution.

 

Monday 25th June:-

 

Today we are moving to the Oporto Cricket & Lawn Tennis Club, so its bag packing time as six of us are off on an adventure – a day trip on a boat up the Douro. Gerry & Catriona have done this trip before so they go back to Estela for golf. Superb weather and the trip is just fine with breakfast and lunch provided and the river is so peaceful. We make friends with Lourdes who is the tour guide. Later she is surprised to find us drinking champagne – she asks what we are celebrating, we tell her a birthday, she asks whose birthday it is and we tell her we don’t know, but we are pretty sure it’s someone’s birthday somewhere. We arrive at Reguá at 4.15pm and are taken by coach for about 200 yards to the railway station where we are to continue our adventure by train back to Oporto a journey of about 2 hours. Peter meets us at the station and takes us to our new quarters at the O.C. & L.T.C. a little oasis in the middle of Oporto. Very colonial style and every one is so friendly. Shower and change and meet for drinks in the lounge before walking a couple of hundred yards up the road to Capa Négra 2 a local restaurant where we are served by Olivetti who speaks good English and advises on the local dishes. Plenty of wine and a fun evening all for the princely sum of €30 per couple. John and Marion insist on having a nightcap in our room – another late night.

 

Tuesday 26th June:-

 

Breakfast at 9am then walked around the grounds of the club and inspected the tennis courts, cricket pitch (thought we would bat first) and the swimming pool. We got ready for golf and soon we were on our way to Ponte de Lima on a lovely sunny day. Again about an hour drive to the golf course, but very scenic and somewhat mountainous – buggies a necessity. Drinks and a sandwich first, but you never need to be in a hurry in these places which was a good job as the round took over five hours, something we are just not used to, but we’re on holiday so what the heck. A quick shower and drink before setting off to Restaurant Acude. A limited menu and quite expensive for the region, but we enjoyed it. Drove back to the club and home by 12.30am – a long day.

 

Wednesday 27th June:-

 

Up at 8.15am nice shower and a leisurely breakfast. Today is a relaxing day where we all do our own thing. A day by the pool for some, shopping for some of the ladies and bridge for others. We all meet in the bar at 8pm for tonight we are eating in the club’s superb dining room and prize giving. It worked out that everybody got a prize of sorts and Margery and Jim won Peter Evens “PortGolf” prize for the best score on the Stroke Index 1 holes on all the courses we played. Food, wines, service and atmosphere could not be bettered a fantastic end for those departing the next day. Somewhat late to bed!

 

Thursday 28th June:-

 

Missed our farewells to Catriona and Gerry, but managed them for Marion and John who were catching a later flight. Today Peter is taking Margery and Jim and us for a road trip up the Douro Valley Tour. We set off at 9.45pm again with glorious sunshine. Our first stop is at the winery of Quinta de Aveleda.

A guided tour including tastings with cheese. We wandered round the grounds which have beautiful gardens including resident peacocks. In the shop, a loud mouthed American, who was buying a six pack of wine, was boasting to the young lady at the counter that back home he had a thousand bottles of wine – to which she replied, “And now you have a thousand and six, sir.” – priceless!

 

Our next stop was at Amarante to see the famous bridge and a quick walk round the town, very pretty. On through rolling hills filled with vines to Regua and stopped for lunch at the Pousada. Sat outside in the glorious sun and admired the views across the valley. We moved on to Quinta do Panascal – Fonseca winery/ port lodge, had a guided tour through the grape terraces with the aid of an audio tape and earphones giving a history and the workings of the company. Back to the lodge for more tastings then a return journey via Vila Real through mile after mile of hills laden with vines from top to bottom. Back to the club for a shower and change before Peter dropped us off at the Oporto Restaurant. We were all intrigued to see Jim’s starter as he had ordered ‘fish soup in pastry’. (the pastry was on the top!)

 

Friday 29th June:-

 

Breakfast at 9am – today we are back to Estela golf course, but what a difference, loads of sunshine and no wind. Girls versus the Boys (yes, of course the Girls won, but only at the 18th) – back to the club for a rest and shower.

 

A special evening as we meet Peter’s wife, Anabela, for the first time and we go to Praia de Luz for dinner. A great meal with lively conversation and a beautiful sunset, of which we have several photos if anyone wants a copy. Home to bed another long day.

 

Saturday 30th June:-

 

Despite last night’s sunset, we wake to a grey sky and much cooler temperatures. The girls, (I use the term loosely), go off shopping to Vila Nova de Gaia, “Corte Ingles”. Us chaps do our own thing reading and watching the members who are barbequing for lunch – Jim tries the sardines. Lorna and Margery arrive back at 2.15pm and after hearing of their adventures we have tea and scones – how civilized.

 

Peter collects us at 6.45pm as we are to have drinks at his house at Senhora da Hora. We meet up with Anabela again and also later with Jacquay one of his twin daughters who entertains us on the piano. Then we are off to a fish restaurant, O Manel in Matosinhos – no English spoken and we struggle with the menu, not the best place to eat in our opinion, also quite expensive. An early night for all.

 

Sunday 1st July:-

 

A free day – weather a bit grey and not very hopeful. Margery and Jim decide to tour the city by open-top bus whilst we decide to walk to the Palacio de Cristal a spacious park which houses a circular building for concerts; there are also some nice views of the river and across the city. We continue our walk through to S. Bento Metro Station where we attempt to purchase from a machine two day tickets – we fail miserably despite the help of a couple of locals, but were rescued by a station security guard who helped us to purchase the correct tickets. The Metro is very modern and is a cross between a tram, a trolley bus and an underground train – very clean and quiet. Out first journey takes us across the very top of the Ponte do Luis and up to the terminus outside “Corte Ingles”. We return back down, but alight at Jardim do Morro where we have been advised there are some good photo opportunities across the river. We then decide to walk over the top of the bridge rather than ride. In hindsight this was not a good idea as we reckon that the bridge is similar in construction and height to the Sydney Harbour Bridge in Australia – we wouldn’t walk across that even if they do chain you to the railing so what on earth are we doing here? So being English, we put our heads down and just keep walking until, somewhat relieved, we get to the other side – phew! I have to add that the Metro trains are passing by you just inches away which tends to add to the excitement. We did get some nice pictures of the trains crossing the bridge and entering the tunnel below us. With shaking legs we descended hundreds of steps and through winding alleys to get to the riverside where we had a bottle of wine and lunch and watched the world go by. We returned to the station and went as far as the Estadio do Dragáo, a recently completed stadium before returning back down to our nearest station to home, the “Casa da Musica”. The weather had much improved by this time so we walked back to the club in sunshine.

We met with Margery and Jim by the pool and exchanged stories and adventures, then snoozed for a while before getting ready to embark for our last night to the “Cafeina” Restaurant. A very smart establishment and nice food, but again would not be in our top five. Peter collected us and returned us safely back to the club.

 

Monday 2nd July:-

 

One wonderful attribute of the club is that clients are not required to vacate their rooms until midday. We took advantage of this by having time to pack in a leisurely manner and having stored our bags we were collected by Peter to take us for lunch at “Ar de Rio”, a modern riverside restaurant in Cais da Gaia. We sat inside by an open wall looking out across the Douro River in glorious sunshine. Peter collected us and took us to Crofts Port Wine Lodge for a tour and tasting – a lovely way to end a holiday in Oporto.

We collected our baggage from the club, said our goodbyes to the staff and Peter dropped us off at the Airport in good time for the flight which was delayed for fifty minutes.

 

All in all a most enjoyable holiday, well organized by PortGolf in the shape of Peter Evens whose care and attention of his clients is second to none.

Without a doubt we shall return once again to this most interesting of cities.

 

Mike & Lorna Gizzy

June

Discover Alcacer do Sal, Alentejo Portugal

Man has continuously occupied the land that now forms the municipality of Alcacer do Sal for more than 5,000 years.

During the Iron Age, its people were in contact with those who sailed the Mediterranean, and it was know at the time as Eviom: Roman occupation confirmed its economic and political importance, and it was granted permission to mint its own coin, rights equal to those of the cities of Ancient Latium, known as Salatia Urbs Imperatoria.

Following the decline of the Roman Empire, it became a Visigothic Episcopal city and then one of the most powerful Moorish strongholds of the Iberian Peninsula. King Afonso Henriques (Afonso I) was successful in taking the city in 1158, but the Moors occupied it once again in 1191.

It was taken for the last tin1e by the Christians only in 1217, and was granted a charter by King Afonso II in 1218. It was in this town that, in 1495, D. Manuel learned of the death of his cousin, King Joao II and of his acclamation as king of Portugal.

Here, too, he celebrated his marriage to the princess Maria of Castile at the church of the Espirito Santo. In 1516, King Manuel confirmed the ancient charter. Alcacer had its share of illustrious children, including Pedro Nunes, mathematician and astronomer (16th century) and Bemardim Ribeiro, the writer born in the town of Torrao (15th century).

In 1833, Alcacer witnessed one of the many battles between the Liberals and the Absolutist faction of King Miguel. Following the decrease of the importance of the salterns, Alcacer do Sal is now engaged in agriculture and animal husbandry, with particular emphasis on the production of rice, cork and pine kernels.

THE CASTLE

The still imposing walls of its castle constitute a lasting symbol of the traditional economic and political importance of Alcacer do Sal. The bellic fame of this fortification dates from long ago. It is thought to have withstood an assault in 966 by the much-feared Viking fleet.

A Moorish bastion since the 7th century, it was conquered with no little difficulty, by king Afonso Henriques in 1158, and it was the stage for successive fighting between Christians and Moors until 1217, when its was put under tbe authority of the Portuguese crown once and for all.

Within its walls, one can admire interesting traces of the various eras and occupants. The D. Afonso II Pousada is located here.

THE MUNICIPALITY

The municipality of Alcacer do Sal is a place of wide horizons. Both on the river and on the plain, a more careful gaze will reveal another dimension. White villages are scattered through- out the landscape, providing a view of a different way of living.

The Pego do Altar and Vale de Gaio dams offer the pleasure of water and of the blue vastness. A visit to Comporta reveals the link between the Alentejo and the sea, along an Atlantic front that stretches out along tens of kilometres, awaiting discovery.

Alcacer do Sal is also one of the “ports of call” of the Lands of the Enchanted Moor itinerary-exhibition that addresses Islamic art from those places where there are still traces of this fundamental period of our past.

This initiative brings Alcacer do Sa1 into the international partnership that is organising the Museum without Frontiers – Islamic Art in the Mediterranean project.

PINHEIRO

From a hill in the Sado Estuary Natural Reserve there is an excellent view over the river, Troia, Setubal, the Arrabida Hills and Cavalo Island. Archaeological traces from the Roman era can also be observed.

CARRASQUEIRA This village is also located within the Sado Estuary Natural Reserve and is inhabited by fisher folk. A rather curious palafilte fishing harbour, providing a good view over the mudflats of the estuary.

COMPORTA BEACH One of the outstanding bathing spots in the region, this magnificent beach offers a long stretch of white sand giving on to the clear waters of the Atlantic.

PROTECTED NATURE THE SADO ESTUARY NATURAL RESERVE

With its calm lagoons, the blue of the river and the green of the pines, this charming natural reserve covers an area of 23,160 hectares. It is truly worthy of long, enriching walks.

Consisting mainly of wetlands, with their channels, inlets and marshes, the Reserve also has banks interesting for their biological wealth and for the diversity of their animal life.

Porpoise, otter, badger and fox fall under the gaze of the visitors in competition with about 100 species of birds, of which the white storks, the marsh harriers, the herons and the flamingos are outstanding for their elegance.

The fertility and richness of the region covered by the Reserve have warranted its occupation by mankind since the Neolithic.

People essentially living off fishing and gathering shellfish settled here some 5,000 years ago, setting up villages on spits of sand then still bathed by the Atlantic.

There are traces of Roman presence that can still be admired at the Pinheiro Estate, for example, where kilns can be found that were used by a large pottery industry that prospered here between the 1st and 4th centuries of our era.

Trips along the calm waters of the Sado by balloon or by boat are an admirable way to view this natural sanctuary.

THE HORSES AND THE BULLS

Horses and bulls have long been linked to the region of Alcacer do Sal, and bull- breeding has a long tradition in the municipality.

One of the great names of Portuguese bullfighting, Joao Branco Nuncio, had his estate here. During the October Feira Nova (New Fair), an annual event of popular tradition dating back to the 14th century, and during PIMEL bullfights are organised, involving major names in bullfighting and bull-breeding, attended by a large number of fans.

THE DAMS

Oases of freshness, the Pego do Altar and Vale de Gaio dams are well suited to various water sports -angling, sailing and windsurf – as well as to active or “adventure” tourism.

The Vale de Gaio dam also provides excellent facilities at its Pousada, a magnificent place to rest and to spend a few days discovering the beauty spots of the municipality.

ARCHITECTURE THE BLUE AND THE WHITE

Serene and of an elegance made of simplicity, Alentejan architecture sits well with the wide horizons of the plains to which it belongs.

Here the living white of the whitewash dominates ones gaze and reflects the bright light of the sun, interrupted only by the discrete blue of the door and window surrounds and by the sudden verticality of its chimneys.

Everything in these houses, with their pure lines, tells us of an ancient harmony between the plain, man and the clean light of the sun. Glittering white amid wheat fields, cork oaks and orange trees, the villages of Santa Susana and Torrao are worth a visit, beautiful evidence of the art of living.

At Santa Susana take a look at the church with its paintings on wood, dating from the 1st half of the 16th century. At Torrao, a typical Alentejan town, admire the white houses and the squares adorned with the enchantment of the orange trees.

See also the chapel of Nossa Senhora do Bom Sucessos and the Parish Church, a national monument of Manueline design, with its 17th century tiles in the sanctuary. The Monte da Tumba archaeological remains from the Bronze Age constitute an interesting historic landmark.

VALE DE GAIO DAM

A fine spot for sailing, windsurfing and angling. Near the water is the splendid Pousada, an invitation to rest and to visit the region.

PEGO DO ALTAR DAM

Another of the regions inviting dams. Between the woods and the blue sky, the mirrored surface of the water lends itself to the pleasures and challenges of water sports.

TORRAO

Typical Alentejan town, with its white houses and squares filled with blossoming orange trees. Not to be missed, the Parish Church, a national monument and a remarkable Manueline temple, and, outside the town, the Senhora do Bom Sucesso Chapel, a fine example of popular art.

SANTA SUSANA

A small village of white houses standing out from the wheat fields and cork oaks. The church and its two magnificent 16th century paintings on wood are well worth a visit.

THE CITY OF ALCACER DO SAL

The history of Alcacer do Sal begins with the castles of Moorish origin, while its beauty stems from the river Sado that surrounds it, in whose waters the town has been reflected for over five thousand years.

The old medieva1 quarters and its age-polished sets lend antiquity to a town with its centuries-old streets that occasionally widen out into small squares.

The houses, with their wrought-iron verandas, contribute to a general impression of lacework. The riverside avenue enchants those that stroll along it, and the view from the ancient fortress over the fenland is very restful.

The castle is now home to dozens of storks that gaze haughtily over the flamingos and dolphins that are the masters of the estuary. The green of the rice fields and the storks perched on the bell-towers are characteristic images.

The Municipal Archaeological Museum houses an important archaeological collection of articles from around the municipality. The items on display range from the Mesolithic period to Portuguese pottery of the 17th and 18th centuries.

It has two nuclei: Nucleus 1 is to be found at the Pousada, while Nucleus 2 is located at the Epirito Santo Church.

Where Is The Best Nightlife In Portugal?

I’m planning a 2 week holiday in May for my boyfriend and I. We would like a hotel near the beach but also in an area that has a decent bit of nightlife, clubs, bars restaurants etc nearby. We don’t mind which region we stay in as long as it delivers on the beach and entertainment front. Any recommendations?