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Living in Portugal, and especially the Algarve, affects everyone differently depending on their culture, race, creed. Living here is very different to lovely holidays - and suits some people but not others. Living in the Silves area is living in a Portuguese community with a need to respect what is important to the local culture. There are lots of expatriates - spend a few minutes looking through the Silves page of the 'phone book - however it is not the same as living in one of the large resorts by the coast. |
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The positive side - the Climate is better than the North of Europe, but not as good as The Canaries, The Azores, Madeira in terms of regular heat and sun. See the weather details on the Silves links and look at the weather statistics. 1990 and 1991 had significant periods (months!) with rain during the winter and there have been significant droughts (with resulting forest fires) in the summers. The pace of life is gentle (tomorrow will do) and there is genuine warmth in most relations with Portuguese neighbours. The infrastructure is improving with better roads, more reliable electricity and telecoms and better mains water supply. Refuse disposal has a long way to go. There is a lot to do (when the climate allows) - but apart from boats or golf you need to go to Lisbon for theatre, music, culture generally. This is starting to change but concerts, art exhibitions etc. are still far between. Sports from "boules" to soccer are everywhere at local and national level. The negative side - you need to be able grasp the language to join in with your neighbours . Although the local schools are much better at language teaching, anyone over 40 and not a professional may have French or German as they have been a guestworker but English remains problematic. You need to see the lack of urgency as a potential irritant - appointments not kept, documents not issued when they should be, and some bureaucratic processes taking "for ever". Generally the Algarve suits the self sufficient who make their own fun and amuse themselves. It suits people who are self disciplined (with wine cheaper than bottled water) and who are interested in local culture, history and wildlife. |
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Social, clubs, charity work etc ... |
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There are numerous clubs for bridge players, Scottish dancing, walking, riding, running, wine tasting and collection, dining, fishing etc. etc. and often with those who speak your own language. The umbrella organistion which acts as a central clearing house for life as it affects the expatriate is called AFPOP who have an excellent network of contacts and have negotiated significant discounts for members across a whole range of services. There are active English speaking, German and Netherlands sections. If you want to "put something back" into local society there are plenty of opportunities to support your local Fire and Ambulance Service (funded a bit like the Lifeboats in the UK). Tio Basilio particularly supports a local charity which recycles virtually anything to those in need in the Silves area (preseved food, clothes, furniture, electrical goods etc.). |
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