Algarve not Portugal

petermeachem · Post by **petermeachem** » Sat Jul 31, 2004 8:51 pm

There are 6 or so houses (loosest definition) in our little valley near Reliquias. Most have been bought now I think, quite a few by English. More than one of the English have moved from the Algarve to Alentejo because 'the Algarve is not Portugal'.

I thought this was interesting. Everywhere changes with time, you can't help that. At what point in time do you think they would find the Algarve acceptable. Do they think the same about England, or anywhere else.

Is it a snobbish reaction? Would they rather the Portuguese were all riding around on donkeys looking attractively peasantly (and probably doing the garden for 3 euros a fortnight).

Or do they just think the Algarve is like a hot version of Bournemouth and is just too built-up.

Personally I find the Algarve a bit busy. I don't like the big hotel complex things or golf courses so I don't go to them. I do, however, like Algarve Shopping particularly when it's 44 outside.

If anyone would like to reply, keep it positive.

digger · Post by **digger** » Sat Jul 31, 2004 9:50 pm

… (the) Algarve is not real Portugal….that’s what the (real) Portuguese say…..and they’ve been saying it for generations…. Snobbery? probably..…displayed by those from the older, wealthier, more cultured and better established parts…..Algarve has always been their poor relation……

…and still is…

judge · Post by **judge** » Sun Aug 01, 2004 11:00 am

Dear Peter and digger, I think you`re right. I think the "Portuguese" see the Algarve as what you call in UK living north of watford? Am I right.?

Indeed over the last 24 years I have seen many people move house from the coastline to more inland where it is still relatively quite, specially the permanent residents.

In the beginning of the eighties there was almost no control over building whatsoever. in 1981 I was working for a company here in CVO who would build first and after completion ask for the building licence !

When PROTAL arrived, which should take care of uncontroled building, not very much changed, It only takes longer ( fro example the very big yellow building going up on the road from Fatacil towards Caramujeira on the top of the hill )

However Luckily there are still lost of tipical spots in the Algarve such as Alte, Estoi, Moncarapacho, Querença, not spoilt by "progress"

Tabitha · Post by **Tabitha** » Sun Aug 01, 2004 6:20 pm

Judge,although Ive visited Algarve a few times I dont know the places youve listed !
Are they within easy reach of CVO ?
They sound most interesting if they are still typically Portuguese and I would love to visit them.
Can I get there by bus?
Would taxis be to expensive for me? Muito Obrigada

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Aug 01, 2004 10:02 pm

You are right when you say nothing changes,,it just takes longer....I'm quite new here but I;m exhausted with the system and Ive paid out a lot of corruption money (Over £15K) ..but now I have pemission to build ....and I will get my dream home....but it really is very sad that I still have to go that way...

Gambrinus · Post by **Gambrinus** » Mon Aug 02, 2004 7:46 am

judge wrote: However Luckily there are still lost of tipical spots in the Algarve such as Alte, Estoi, Moncarapacho, Querença, not spoilt by "progress"

except for the fact that "progress" has led to almost complete destruction of the Serra do Caldeirão north of Salir

If progress means defacing a region to turn it into something that is more profitable and easy to sell, I would say the Algarve has been going down that path since the mid-80s.
It has also led to the corruption of the Algarvean, turning humble, honest, forthcoming people into backstabbing, cheating, lying bastards....and I don´t blame them - there have been plenty of northerners that brought that kind of know-how down here...

td · Post by td » Mon Aug 02, 2004 9:18 am

Is there a point to this

digger · Post by **digger** » Mon Aug 02, 2004 9:25 am

….“northerners” ???
…..from the north of Portugal…or from northern Europe ???…

td · Post by td » Mon Aug 02, 2004 9:31 am

What is this all about - Is there an issue here that we should be aware of

Gerry Cullen · Post by **Gerry Cullen** » Mon Aug 02, 2004 9:43 am

This crap happens in every" emerging" little nation, little people with little ideas and little money suddenly find themselves up to their ears in money and lashings of power with no training and god help us we think that they know what to do with it all...just look at ireland .

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Aug 02, 2004 2:58 pm

td said

What is this all about - Is there an issue here that we should be aware of

Is there a point to this

Does he not know that Julio is worried because no one is going there any more

Lixo · Post by **Lixo** » Mon Aug 02, 2004 3:01 pm

That was me above. Not used to this sight yet

Lixo

judge · Post by **judge** » Mon Aug 02, 2004 3:54 pm

Gerry you`re right there.
Just because there great grandfather bought a piece of land for a goat the grandson sells it now for development , gets a loadof money..drives around in a big fat merc. and pretends he is most clever businessman.

Sad story the Serra do Caldeirâo . Last year all the way from Monchique to Aljezur this year from Almodovar to Sáo Braz.
Where will it be next year ? A nice drive through the Serra maybe not but luckily still some unspoilt places to see..

petermeachem · Post by **petermeachem** » Mon Aug 02, 2004 4:08 pm

The point td, is that I put forward a topic for discussion. A few people think it is worth commenting on. Apparently you don't, difficult to tell from your rather cryptic comment. Anyway, there doesn't have to be a point does there?

Ellie · Post by **Ellie** » Mon Aug 02, 2004 4:15 pm

Its making me rather sad all this...and Id like to ask Judge and others who live in Algarve..
Is this so-called march of progress inevitable then?
Al I know is..when I come out to CVO I constantly look for the'real thing' there -Lagoa-Silves etc and I do find it....
amongst the Portugal people themselves...and its not merely my old friends and the older generation there...but I find it in the young people too
Many of whom are so charming and naturally friendly..
Although I love music and traditional stuff for me the great thing about coming to Algarve is to be able to stop off anywhere along a country road..sit on a wall and talk to locals ..
But suppose you have to travel inland increasingly to find the real thing?
Im finding it hard to write this..to explain myself...so I hope you can understand what Im trying to say?