oh no!!!

[Ellie]

Hi Gerry----just taken look at the caravan business for sale you mentioned----have lived in one a couple times and enjoyed ---also a camper and travelled around country(I loved this--meeting different people--but after a while--longed for comfort of an armchair!)
But do like the freedom of movement--to pick up and take off!
Still waiting to hear of Guests "route"out of rat race
Wouldnt it be great to set up a "commune" -a place where we could really be ourselves----have to be somewhere "warm " though---wonder if theres a plot available --we could perhaps rescue of piece of land from the devastated Monchique area----maybe restore old building --plant it up--grow food ---use ponies and carts--not too far from CVO & beaches---beaches?---how about beach huts ? Hippy community----sorry --fantasy land again---its cos Ive just had to turn up the central heating
How about opening a beach bar Gerry--and I really mean--on the beach

[Graham]

Ellie - you've shot yourself in the foot a bit here - opening a beach bar would be just as much of an eyesore to those who love the natural beauty of the coastline as a golf course is to those who prefer other ways of spending their precious leisure time

Graham (desparately trying not too join in on the golf course conversation but finally couldn't take it any more ...)

[Ellie]

Youre right Graham--I did -didnt I? and there was me trying to be "au naturelle" about everything and then I blew it
How about something in the "caves" then--or would that only be accessible(spl ?) by boat
Im feeling rather restless---all these long dark evenings---heating on-----makes you want to go off----and abandon yourself somewhere HOT --dont you think Seems very appealing

[digger]

Is the last post you Uggie?
I thought it was you who were leading us on that route out of rat race? I hope it is
when you spoke of those "men in grey suits" --local authorities?
When I lived there--they looked more like the Mafia!
Leather jackets hanging from shoulders-eyes covered by dark shades--grim to look at---our workforce/friends were frozen to the spot when they put in an appearance-----Ive told of one of my confrontations with them on "Ellies Corner"--called "Left in Charge"------upsetting to see decent people intimidated in such a way.
But I never found out"why"? They would just say they were afraid;didnt like them --and then stay silent---------
I keep hoping someone will come on here and (hopefully) tell me things are different today
Have a nice day

Ellie,

I spotted something in Diario Economico (serious Portuguese paper) the other day suggesting the number of “grey suits” may be on the decrease: Local government employ near 700,000 people (in a country of slightly more than 10 million), and central government plan to reduce this number by 40,000 through 2006. (I make that just 660,000 jobs for the boys).

Also, in a report published by Lusa, the Council of Europe’s Group of States Against Corruption says Portugal has got 18 months to adopt anti-corruption measures; saying public servant must act as whistle blowers to crimes they witness.

A step in the right direction?

[Ellie]

Has to be Digger --but think they'll have hell of job on their hands--wouldnt you say?
According to Uggie --theyre all still thriving well in Southern Iberia
Ive never heard of LUSA--thanks for telling me about it
I see that you read it in Diario Economico--youre fluent in Portuguese then-wish I was---can only pick out bits when reading. But----im back on my tapes--to try and get a little more fluent with language and hope to practise it at Xmas in CVO
Keep us posted -with any other relating news wont you please
Did you read latest --Port.Min Agriculture stating that they dont know how to fight forest fires------men not equiped or trained properly -- all the money they received from EU over recent years --not used----and men have risked their lives --2 dying --yet they filter the blame down to the poor sods actually doing the job-politicians the same everywhere

[Uggie]

Also, in a report published by Lusa, the Council of Europe’s Group of States Against Corruption says Portugal has got 18 months to adopt anti-corruption measures; saying public servant must act as whistle blowers to crimes they witness.

A step in the right direction?

Maybe the "men in grey suits" in Brussels can do something useful for a change!

[Guest]

Ellie,i wasn,t suggesting you live in a tent ,rather buy the campsite and run it,you,d get to meet new people ,be in the country you love and have all the time in the world to ply your trade as a wordsmith.You said hubby was a chippie ,your a gardener ,the potential is vast and no 60 day credit waits,which have closed so many small biz,all cash,small shop bit of a cafe few fruit machines and a nice friendly bar,keep it cheap ,involve the locals and be there yourself,now dosen,t that sound like a lovely way to spend a life.
gerry

[tricky]

Gerry, what a fantastic idea for Ellie. But please may I come as well,
I can cook a bit, so we could have an authentic portugese restaurant/bar on site as well, which of course, locals from miles around would come, it would get national acclaim, two michelin stars, awards galore.......
sorry got carried away with the dream (forgot I've got a husband, three kids and a cat)

Tricky

[cowboy]

Hi gerry...I wouldn't want to have spent my youth that way, but as a closing chapter it sounds great.

[Ellie]

Evening Gerry!
Just had another look at the cara/camp bus. for sale--you do know where its situated dont you--"Elvas"--not far from Badajos and about 300km from my beloved Lagoa CVO and the wondrous Algarve coast ---Gerry--how would I do without my daily intake of that wonderful sea air and the great locals
Mind you it does sound good idea,especially as I already have two volunteers to chip in namely Tricky(darling Id hand over the cooking readily to your capable hands) and our Coop-- qualified groundsman/lawn expert and would keep all vehicles roadworthy--Coop I can feel you revving up and warming to the idea already.
Gerry--would you be willing to "man the bar"?
A few more willing hands and I could-- ---spend most of the day--er--writing--lazing--maybe--plant up a few flower beds
If only we could transfer it somewhere ---south of Silves
Wonder if ---Tricky--Gerry --what are you doing to me Ive just come in from garden job--its dark,cold, heating full on --but its so nice to dream --mm
Let me know if you see any up for sale--somewhere between Faro and Portimao

[livingstone/explorer]

Hi Ellie, you left me breathless leg rubbing on another posting. But as my user name implies I explored and found you here. I would be more than willing to lend my hands to help you in any way, perhaps on the security at night aspect, checking that all campers were safe and tucked up in bed, and that you especially were not bothered whilst planting your bedding. I have a steady hand and compass to point you in the right direction. I would want no pay just room and board, hows that sound.

[Ellie]

If you could find a quick easy route from Elvas down to CVO--- Living--er---can we call you Dave for short? Then I might well be very interested--need all the help we can

[Ellie]

Forgot to add--if youre not too out of breath that is

[Guest]

Ellie, ask him if he can fly a cheap second hand helicoptor?

[livingstone/explorer]

Hi Guest, why not ask me yourself? Yes I can fly a second hand helicopter, I also fly a pretty mean kite as well