(Download the PDF December Guide)

Inside the December Guide from the Algarve Tourism centre, you’ll find a bit of everything happening in the Algarve - concerts, the Nutcracker play, and of course New Year parties. Happy Holidays!

But if you’re looking for an opportunity to learn one of the world’s most spoken languages during your visit to the Algarve or if you’re moving down to the Algarve, then here are two good options to get you started.

Cial Language Center
Located in Faro, Algarve, Cial is a respected Portuguese language school that provides intensive Portuguese classes at all levels, with a complete cultural experience.

They are very flexible when it comes to planning your class schedule and you can even organize group or individual classes.

Downside: a bit pricey, one week goes for around €250. Discounts are also available.

Tel: 351. 289 807 611

www.cial.pt

Universidade de Algarve
Another good option to learning Portuguese in the Algarve, is at the Universidade de Algarve, where classes run yearly from February to May and October to January.

You can enroll in different levels depending on your level of Portuguese. There are 50 hours each level, 2 weekly sessions of 2 hours. Tuition fees is €275 which includes learning materials and certificate.

Tel: 289 800 100/900

www.ualg.pt

If you’re looking to take Portuguese courses outside Faro, please check with different local municipalities as in some cities, Portuguese classes are thought to expads for free. We’ll be sure to update this page with more information as we learn more about classes in the region.

Update: For those looking to learn on their own time, I’ve found www.learningportuguese.co.uk a great source of information.

(credit: doublebug)

More information is available through Universidade do Algarve at: 289 870 700

If you’re stuck from something to do, now that swimming seaon is over, except for those brave brave surfers, check out this months calender of events to stay busy…and if in doubt about the weather, a scarf and sweater will get you through most days, and if you’re like me - warm socks!

As an appreciator of great photographers such as Annie Liebovitz, Sebastiao Salgado and many others, I had never really considered stepping behind a serious camera and actually be able to snap a good photo myself.  But sometimes passions sneak up on you, and after discovering I couldn’t continue to inflict anymore needless abuse on my tiny Canon PowerShot SD300, it was time to move up, meet a staid contender and learn the art more seriously.

The Camera I use on Algarve Buzz
A reader of this blog recently asked what photo equipment I use, and until this past January all the photography on this blog was done with my little compact Canon PowerShot. I’ve since retired this loyal friend, to casual use, and invested in a digital SLR - the Canon 40D.

All the photography on AlgarveBuzz is now shot:

• with the Canon 40D, and two lenses:
• Sigma 17-70mm, f/2.8-4.5, DC IF Macro and
• a Canon 50mm, f/1.4.

I prefer natural light over anything else, and the Algarve has plenty of that, so hardly need flash, but when necessary I use a Speedlite 580EX II and that’s about it. I will admit (and warn) however, after being bitten by the bug, I’m haunted by a long list of photography equipment, that I’m certain would bring much happiness to my life…

Photography Workshops in Algarve
Like any hobby, photography needs practice, and the ability to dominate the tools to get the best results.  If you like digital photography, and have invested in good equipment, aside from good lenses, and taking care of your equipment, I highly recommend getting some instruction from a pro.

I’ve been fortunate to sharpen my beginner skills with the very talented José Goulão, a well known Portuguese Photo Journalist (equally gifted with the patience of a saint), who’s recently begun teaching photography through workshops here in the Algarve, at Educa+Plus a newly formed school focusing on all things digital.

If you come across one of his workshops - run - don’t walk to sign up, because these classes fill up quick.  Until now the workshops have been mostly in Portuguese (there is always someone available to translate), but a good source tells me English instruction might be available very soon. Educa+Plus is open to suggestions for future workshops, so don’t be shy to give them a call. I found both the facilities and the instruction a worth while investment.

Educa+Plus - Photography Workshops
Tel: +351.91.808.0808 ask for Paulo
Email:photoworkshops@educaplus.pt
Location: Faro, Algarve

The exhibition is open Monday to Friday 9:30 until 12:30 and 2:00pm until 5:30pm while closed on weekends.

Brian was kind enough to invite us to the opening, but sadly we missed the event. However, the evening was very well attended with food provided by the Câmara Municipal de Lagoa and Vida Nova wine supplied by the Adega do Cantor.

The paintings themselves were greatly admired by professionals and public alike and a number of paintings were bought within an hour of the opening. Serious interest has been shown in several others.

*Photos provided by Brian Mehl

(photo credit: neatonjr)

Those of us who love summer can still squeeze out a few more relaxing trips to the beach, and those looking or things to see and do, can enjoy lots of sailing activities, music, theater, and of course take in the many art events that are happening all month long.

This summers calendar was so packed, I hardly had time to write, and now that I think of it, sleep, and managing all of the photos has proven chaotic, but not complaining, there’s still lots to see and do.  So, if your looking for something to do in Algarve in September,  you will have plenty to choose from. If your planning a holiday to the Algarve, consider getting a few good nights sleep ‘before’ your trip.

Download the Algarve September Calander

With that said, now you understand why I’ve written so little about food and wine during the last couple of months. So, what have we been eating? Simple but delicious foods like this well known Algarvian salad, takes no time to prepare and is a great meal to take with you to the beach or a picnic.

Salada de Grao e Atum
1 Can chick peas
1 Can tuna, drained
1 Egg, hard boiled
2 Tbsp. Onion finely chopped
1 Tbsp. Parsley finely chopped
Olive oil
White wine vinegar
Salt & Pepper

1. This salad can be served warm or cold. Drain chick peas and warm in microwave if you desire a warm salad.
2. Place chick peas on bottom of individual bowl creating a small mound, then add a think layer of onion, then a thin layer of parsley.
3. Drain tuna, add a layer on top of parsley, cut egg into round slices or waters and place on top. Add a sprinkle of onion and parsley, salt and pepper and then drizzle olive oil and a light splash of vinegar.

That’s it, all done. Pour a glass of vinho verde and enjoy, then head for the beach…summer won’t last forever. If you choose to pack this salad, simply boil the eggs before hand and pack the rest, can be made in to a large salad to be shared as well.

(photo credit: .bullish)

International Guitar Festival
Date(s): August 13 to 30
Location: across different cities
http://guitarralgarve.com/festival/index.php