LusoInfo nº 9 by Sara Tamulonis

LUSOINFO March - April 2013 nยบ9

The Inside Guide to Life in Portugal

Clube Albufeira 1 Bedroom and 2 Bedroom Apartment for Rent

Spring Rates 2013

Located on the outskirts of aLbufeira, cLube aLbufeira is an exceLLent Location to spend a Long weekend or extended hoLiday.

The apartments have either a balcony or garden terrace, a lounge with a sofa bed and television. The kitchens are well equipped with a fridgefreezer, a microwave, electric stove and oven, and a dishwasher. Clube Albufeira has 4 outdoor swimming pools, one of which is a heated pool with a playground for children. Further leisure facilities include mini golf, billiards and table football, 2 restaurants, and 2 pool-side cafe-bars. Amenities and services available to guests include a mini-market, a car park, WiFi, an internet corner in the lobby, 24 hour reception and excursion bookings, Satellite/TV, Playground, safety deposit box rental, bus service to Albufeira town center, and daily cleaning service.

1 bedroom apartment with one bathroom, a double bedroom, a set of bunkbeds for children and a sofa bed that can accommodate 2 adults. 3 Nights: €100 4 Nights: €120 7 Nights: €230 (Jan - Mar 2013) 7 Nights: €325 (Apr - May 2013) 2 bedroom apartment with two bathrooms, one ensuite, two double bedrooms and a two person sofa bed. 3 Nights: €160 4 Nights: €180 7 Nights: €285 (Jan - Mar 2013) 7 Nights: €385 (Apr - May 2013)

For information or bookings e-mail rylan0114@gmail.com or call 967 208 776

2012 MarchFebruary - April 2013 nº9nº3

In This Issue March - April 2013

nº9

EDITOR’S DIARY

EVENTS GUIDE

INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY

PORTUGAL AT A GLANCE

BUY PORTUGUESE

EASTER TRADITIONS:

PAST AND PRESENT

THE OUTER WORLD WITHIN

ARE YOU A THIRD CULTURE KID?

The Outer World Within

24 MADEIRA:

“PEARL OF THE ATLANTIC”

MADEIRAN WINE & CUISINE

USEFUL CONTACTS

Contributors: Delfina Teixeira, Patricia Westheimer, Photos By: Carlos Marques, Hedwig Storch, Travis6406,

Guenter Wieschendahl, Hannes Grobe, Jotbe, Karl Gruber, Kogo, Markus Bernet, Paul Mannix, Raunaq Gupta.

Welcome to LusoInfo!

www.lusoinfo.org mail@lusoinfo.org

Sara Tamulonis Editor, LusoInfo

Advertise with us! For more information about placing an ad or advertising rates see page 38 or e-mail mail@lusoinfo.org.

LusoInfo

March - April 2013 nº9

Welcome to LusoInfo. Dear Readers, Since the launch in January 2012 I’m excited to present the ninth issue of LusoInfo - The Inside Guide to Life in Portugal. The past year has been full of personal challenges and professional obstacles doubled by the dark looming cloud of the “crisis”. However, as they say, with every cloud there is a “silver lining” and although 2013 has gotten off to a rainy start the sun will be sure to shine in the forthcoming Spring months. Already, the wild flowers are beginning to bloom in the damp fields and baby birds can be heard chirping from their protective nests. These sights and sounds inspire new beginnings, rebirth and renewal. Despite the devastating, social and economic forecast that has triggered many sleepless nights, stomach churning and nail biting, the desire to move forward is powerful. At times, overwhelmed by worry and feelings of hopelessness and as family and friends depart in search of a brighter future, I and others question, what am I doing here? A routine visit to the doctor sparks the inquiry, what am I doing here? In conversation with colleagues at work, the same question arises, what are you doing here? The mechanic, the supermarket check out girl, the pharmacist, the school teacher and the bank teller all pose the same baffling question, what am I doing here? Confused by everyone’s confusion, it dawned on me that, yes, I have the advantage of two passports, speak two languages, have an international education and a reasonably decent CV but are there really better opportunities outside of Portugal, where the fish are bigger and the currents stronger? Fear, panic and disappointment had taken control of my frail spirit and everything that was once beautiful to me appeared grey and ugly. My optimistic, visionary eyes became clouded with doubt and despair. Imprisoned by my own expectations, something needed to happen. I needed to get out, runaway, leave behind all the un - comfortableness and start afresh with a clear head. But where, how and most importantly why? I jumped in the car with my two boys and headed for the ocean, the habitual refuge for emotional meltdowns. Parked on the rugged rocks I fixated my eyes on the blazing sunset burning my blinded eyes. My eldest son, leaped from his seat and yelped “Mommy, look the sun is going away!” Just then, there it was, the simplest answer, tears spilled from my eyes, I sighed and stroked his face and said “Yes it is. But don’t worry it will be back again tomorrow”.

Sara Tamulonis Editor, LusoInfo

Colours When your face came rising above my crumpled life, the only thing I understood at first was how meager were all my possessions. But your face cast a peculiar glow on forests, seas, and rivers, initiating into the colors of the world uninitiated me. I’m so afraid, I’m so afraid, the unexpected dawn might end, ending the discoveries, tears, and raptures, but I refuse to fight this fear. This fear-I understandis love itself. I cherish this fear, not knowing how to cherish, I, careless guardian of my love. This fear has ringed me tightly. These moments are so brief, I know, and, for me, the colors will disappear when once your face has set... Yevgeny Yevtushenko

Translated by George Reavey

LusoInfo - The Inside Guide to Life in Portugal

March - April 2013 nยบ9

LusoInfo - The Inside Guide to Life in Portugal

international AFPOP Associação de Proprietários Estrangeiros em Portugal Established in 1987, afpop is the largest Association for residents and property owners in Portugal. We provide support, advice and information to our members across a wide range of matters to ensure they are up to date on legal, financial and other important issues so that they can be compliant with their obligations in this country. Our bi-monthly Update Magazine and our extensive library of bulletins and fact sheets, together with our dedicated office staff, are there to help you. We have also negotiated preferential terms for members with around 350 businesses in the country ranging from health, insurance, property and financial services to motoring, leisure, hotels and shopping. All nationalities are welcome and our office staff in Portimão speak English, Portuguese, German, Dutch, Danish, other Scandinavian languages and limited French and Spanish. info@afpop.com www.afpop.com 282 458 509 American Club of Lisbon Primarily a business-oriented club, whose main objective is to enhance fellowship and understanding between the United States and Portugal. office@americancluboflisbon.com www.americancluboflisbon.com 213 529 308 Americans in Portugal Americans in Portugal (AmP), founded in 1998, aims to enhance the quality of life of expatriate Americans, their spouses, significant others living in the Lisbon area and to promote connections and serve the American, Portuguese and international communities. www.americansinportugal.org americansinportugal@gmail.com 214 862 266 / 919 863 927 American International Club The American International Club (AIC) (formerly the Friends of America Club) was founded in 1996 in the city of Porto as a social bridge between cultures. https://sites.google.com/site/americaninternationalclub/contacts Charity Bridge Association www.bcclisbon.org/members/show

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community

British Council The British Community Council, Lisbon, brings together English speaking people from many backgrounds to enjoy a wide variety of social, sporting and cultural events and helps support many charitable organizations. It offers opportunities to make new friends, discover new activities, explore Portugal and keep in touch with the English speaking community. www.britishcouncil.org/portugal.html 213 214 500 The British Historical Society The British Historical Society of Portugal has about 250 members and has as its object to recover, preserve and collate much of the history of the British in Portugal, and to promote interest in the History of AngloPortuguese relations. www.bhsportugal.org 214 583 903 British Retirement Home Association Established in 1980 to create and maintain residential accommodation for elderly people of British and other nationalities. The Quinta da Fonte home has English speaking staff and nurses. brhportugal@gmail.com 214 688 694 English Freemasons A society of men concerned with moral and spiritual values, seeking to reinforce thoughtfulness for others, kindness in the community, honesty in business, courtesy in society and fairness in all things. www.freemasonryinportugal.com 282 471 450 The English Speaking Union of Portugal (ESU) Bringing together and empowering people of different languages and cultures by building skills and confidence in communication. www.esu.org/portugal 213 905 421 International Ladies of Caldas da Rainha International Ladies of Caldas Da Rainha, a social, non-profit club for women of all nationalities. Established in 1994, the club’s focus is on enriching women’s lives, whilst living in Portugal. Come along and join us at our Monday Coffee Club on the first and third Monday, every month 3.00 - 4:30 pm. Meet new friends and catch up with your old ones! nt.ladiescaldas@hotmail.co.uk www.international-caldas.eu

International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Association Portugal An organization working to improve living conditions, integration and interaction of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender population within society. Helpline and counselling available. www.ilga-portugal.pt centro@ilga-portugal.pt 218 873 918 / 969 367 005 International Women in Portugal IWP organizes a variety of events for women of all nationalities to meet and share interests. Regular coffee mornings and luncheons as well as excursions, fundraising and social events. www.iwponline.org office@iwponline.org 915 552 847 The Irish Association The Association’s objective ‘to bring Irish cultural events to Portugal’ has been well and truly met. Events have featured all aspects of Irish culture from music and dance to literature and film, from thoughtprovoking lectures to fun and frivolity at our regular St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. irishassociation@gmail.com Lisbonne Accueil Objectifs de l’association Lisbonne Accueil: Accueil des nouveaux arrivants. Ouvrir l’association au monde francophone (toutes nationalités). Renforcer les liens entre la communauté française et portugaise. Créer des liens avec le monde de l’entreprise. www.lisbonneaccueil.org 213 111 459 The Lisbon Casuals The Lisbon Casuals is a friendly, relaxed sports & social club ideal for all the family. Members include a multicultural membership and offer a wide range of international sports such as Football, American Football, Hockey, Touch-Rugby & Cricket, Badminton. www.lisboncasuals.com 214 576 684 Lisbon Hash House Harriers (LH3) Meet at 2:30pm on alternate Saturdays, behind the Estoril Casino. A family Hash - both adults and accompanied children are welcome. If you enjoy walking, jogging or running then join the Hash. 919 666 202 / 214 671 396

March - April 2013 nº9

organizations associations charities The Lisbon Players Amateur English-language theater group open to people of all nationalities with an interest in drama and theater skills. Regular productions of plays and musicals. New members welcome for acting and production roles. www.lisbonplayers.com.pt 213 961 946 Portugal Friends Portugal Friends has developed from a need for people, mostly foreigners or Portuguese people who speak English or have lived in other countries, to share their common ideas and interests and enjoy good company. Most people who are not natively Portuguese have come here to benefit from a better quality of life, and weather and enjoy the unique Portuguese hospitality, culture and beautiful country. www.portugalfriends.info Portugal Iberlant NATO Golf Society (PINGS) PINGS is based at Portugal Iberlant NATO Golf Society . PINGS is based at Quinta da Beloura with a membership of approximately 90 people both from within NATO and the civilian community in the Lisbon area. Matches are played twice monthly, a Medal at Beloura and one Away Day at another course. Please contact info@pings.com.pt should you have any questions. Riding for the Disabled The Associação Hípica Terapeutica de Cascais is a non-profit association providing therapeutic riding and sport adapted riding for people with a variety of dysfunctions and disabilities. 962 337 668 The Royal British Club The Club is a private members’ club with an international membership serving the social needs of its members within Portugal and abroad. Events/lunches are held at restaurants for members and their guests and everyone is welcome. For further details please visit the Club’s website www.royalbritishclub.pt or contact the Club Secretary at rbclx@mail.telepac.pt 913831083 The Royal British Legion The Royal British Legion is the UK’s leading Armed Forces charity and one of its largest membership organisations. Members get together through the network of branches and clubs all over the country and overseas

to participate in social, fundraising and welfare activities. www.britishlegion.org. uk/ branches/portugal The Royal Society of St. George The Royal Society of St. George, Lisbon Branch, was founded in 1962 to further English interests by spreading knowledge of English history, traditions and ideals. The Society celebrates English traditional holidays such as St. George’s Day and Trafalgar Day. www.royalsocietyofstgeorge.com 214 871 303 Scottish Country Dancing Scottish country dancing club for all levels of ability performing a variety of dances at each session. Meetings take place on Thursdays at 8:00 pm. 214 840 628 / 214 180 148 www.lisboncasuals.com Silver Coast Friends Silvercoast Friends was set up over two years ago by a number of young (or youngat-heart) dynamic and multi-talented women who decided that they were definitely NOT in Portugal to retire! The ages of the women who get together for a two-hour coffee break twice a month are between 23 and 70. We are very happy to welcome young and old—just bring along your generosity of spirit, enthusiasm and energy. silvercoastfriends@yahoo.co.uk www.searchonsilvercoast.co.uk/friends South Africans in Portugal Helping South African ex-pats reach out and connect. Creating contacts, meeting fellow South African ex-pats, obtaining advice from others who have walked in the same shoes or simply sharing experiences to help beat homesickness effectively. www.southafricansinportugal.com info@southafricansinportugal.com 910 838 115

Church Services

Ocean Christian Community International church serving the Linha de Cascais area. Regular bible studies and Sunday worship at the Hotel Saboia, Rua Belmonte 1, Estoril 219 282 019 Riverside International Church Interdenominational church meetings in English every Sunday at 11:00. Creche, and children and youth ministries provided. Meetings take place Rua Nunes

Santos, 21 S.Pedro do Estoril, 2765-546 Estoril (inside Centro Comercial Grande Galiza) www.riversideintchurch.com 214 836 590 St. Andrew’s Church of Lisbon The oldest Presbyterian church in mainland Portugal. Worship in English every Sunday at 11:00. Sunday school and crèche facilities available. Rua da Arriaga 13, 1200-608 www.standrewslisbon.com or find the church on Facebook 218 043 410 cofslx@netcabo.pt St. George’s Church Service in English every Sunday at 11:30, Rua Sao Jorge, opposite the Jardim da Estrela. Enter through the British cemetery gate. 214 692 303 Catholic Parish Mass every Sunday and Holyday at 10:15. Confessions before or after Mass. Rua do Murtal 368, 2765 Sao Pedro do Estoril 214 673 771 St. Paul’s Church Worship in English every Sunday at 9:30 am Av. Bombeiros Voluntários 58, Estoril 214 692 303 The Door Christian International Church Meetings every Sunday at 10:30 and 19:00. Pastor Frank Escobar. Meetings take place at Cidade Desportiva, Praceta Carlos Capitulo, Massama-Queluz. 214 673 386 / 919 086 683 GRACE International Community Church, Cascais An interdenominational, English speaking church that is welcoming and relevant; bible focused, fun and supportive. Meeting on Sundays at 10.30 at CAISL (American School) in Linhó, Cascais. www.lisbongrace.com or call Emma Ruas 938 511 140 / 214 836 590 ! International Children’s Play Corner !

6 0 , R u a S a n t o I s i d r o! 2750- 067 Cascais 91 214 50 18

International Kindergarden

www.icpc.weebly.com icpcorner@hotmail.com

IRISH ASSOCIATION LusoInfo - The Inside Guide to Life in Portugal

St. Patrick’s Day Gala Dinner

Saturday, 17th March 2012 at 19:30

Hotel Miragem, Cascais

Dance the night away to the music of Irish traditional band Three Men and a Little Radie Delight in the brilliant Irish dance of Celtic Dance Fusion Tickets: €65 Bookings: irishassociation@gmail.com | Sue Lyons: 91 702 3174 | Siobhán Keating: 96 734 5998

Celebrate Sr. Patrick’s Day

Style

The Irish Association’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Gala Dinner will take place on Saturday 16th March 2013 from 7.30 pm to 1.30 am in the luxurious 5 star Hotel Grand Real Villa Itália in Cascais. The evening will commence with a champagne reception followed by a delicious three-course dinner accompanied by fine wines and whiskies. Irish dancers DAMHSA will entertain with a fantastic display of Irish dancing and Irish traditional musicians Melting Pot will ensure that the dance floor is full throughout the evening. Tickets are priced at €65 per person and as this event is always extremely popular, we would recommend that you book your places early to avoid disappointment. Bookings can be made at irishassociation@gmail.com or by contacting Siobhán on 967 345 998 or Sue on 917 02 3174. www.irishassociation.org

Venue: Hotel Miragem, Av. Marginal n.º 8554, Cascais | Tel. + 351 210 060 600 Free Parking subject to availability Overnight Stay: Special St. Patrick’s Day Rate - €140 Double / €120 Single including Breakfast

‘The Hostage’

Brenada Behan

The Portuguese première of this anarchic tragic-comedy opens on Thursday March 7th and will play on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays until March 23rd at 9pm. There will be a special St. Patrick’s Day Gala Matinée on Sunday March 17th at 4pm. For bookings and further information, please see www.lisbonplayers.com.pt or phone on 21 396 1946.

February - March 2013 nº9

Cascais | Portugal

Offering the best in primary education to the international and local communities. IPS is a school that prides itself on the warmth of its welcome to the children and parents from around the world. The multi-national community represented at IPS by pupils and their families as well as staff, helps to create a learning environment which fosters a global understanding and appreciation of each other and the variety of cultures we bring to the school daily. We are proud of the high academic standards attained by our children and encourage them to achieve their best in all aspects of the curriculum. Further than this, though, we also promote the value of caring, self discipline, respect, humour, a love of learning and a sense of discovery, which are all so important to the adults of the future who will soon be moulding our world. This then comes as a warm welcome to IPS from all of our staff and students who are always eager to make you a part of a very special school community.

Rua da Lagoa, 171 - Bicesse 2645-344 Alcabideche Tel: 214 570 149 - 914 997 440 - 962 568 024 • Email: info@ipsschool.org • www.ipsschool.org

11 Established in 1982 | English National Curriculum | Renowned for Academic Excellence | 250 children | 35 nationalities

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Portuguese Minister of Foreign Affairs Visits Angola

On February 6th, Jornal de Angola praises Portugal and points out that Portugal is more than a “friend”; it’s also a “strategic partner.” “Portugal has a lot to offer Angola during this phase of national reconstruction.” In fact, since the end of the 27–year civil war, in 2002, Angola, fourteen times larger than Portugal, is the fastest growing economy in Africa. The Angolan daily stresses that Angolans value “the collaboration of Portuguese specialized workers who are familiar with Angola” and that “Portugal can help with technology, knowledge, research, skilled personnel, promoting commerce and foster agricultural development,” the main sectors for job creation and poverty eradication”. In Jornal de Angola you can also read: “Angola has got the raw materials the Portuguese economy needs”. In fact, Angola is like Brazil as far as abundance of raw materials and energy goes: rich soil where everything and anything grows practically anywhere: coffee, cotton, vegetables, fruit, you name it, forests, minerals, mainly iron and diamonds. Oil and water, pastures for cattle and fish in the ocean and rivers. The Portuguese minister took the opportunity to announce that the first bilateral summit Portugal-Angola will take place next May. Angola’s hallucinating economic growth rate in the last 6-10 years is reflected in Angolan investments in Portugal. According to Económico,

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Eduardo dos Santos’s daughter, Isabel dos Santos, invested €137 million in Portugal between January and June of 2012, twice as much the total amount she invested in 2011. Isabel dos Santos alone invested more money in Portugal in two months than the other Angolan interests in 2011. Back in May of last year, she paid €46 million to increase her stake in BPI by 9%. In July, she disbursed another €88 million to control 28% of ZON.

Douro and Porto, “The Wine Village of the Year”

For the past twenty years, the Wine Swedish club Munskänkarna, with 24,000 members, is the largest of its kind in the world. And every year it names a town or region “The Wine Village of the Year.” The choice for 2013 fell on the Douro Region, northern Portugal. The Swedish association will encourage their members to travel to the Douro region aiming at getting to know and taste the local wines. ViniPortugal and the Instituto dos Vinhos do Douro e Porto will assist Munskänkarna by providing information about the Douro and Porto regions, including hotels, restaurants and wine cellars that will be available on the club’s site. In Sweden, Portuguese wine sales grew 7.5% in 2012. Reportedly, in 2013, ViniPortugal will invest €200,000 to promote Portuguese wines in the Swedish market.

Lisbon MBA

a good value for money

Lisbon MBA was created just five years ago, the result of a Universidade Nova-SBE/Católica-Lisbon partnership and with the cooperation of MIT Sloan School of Management. According to the Financial Times,  Lisbon MBA appears in 61st position on the Global MBA Ranking 2013 and 15th in Europe. In the category “value for money” it ranks 6th, ahead of Harvard, Stanford and London Business School. Best renumeration post: 7th in Europe. Latest indicators show that in 2012, 73% of the Lisbon MBA graduates got a job in 6 months with an average pay of €62,000 euros. In the international experience category, Lisbon MBA received 3rd position, given the period of time spent away at MIT, in Boston. Looking to the future, Nuno Coceiro, the program’s director, points out that the program expects to attract students from strategic markets, such as Canada, USA, Mexico, Colombia, Peru, Brazil, India and Spain.

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Harvard Business School is a the top of the list on the Global MBA ranking, followed by other American universities, Stanford and Wharton.   London Business School is number 1 in Europe.

TAP and RTP to remain in Portuguese hands

Just before the year of 2012 came to an end, the government decided at the last minute not to sell TAP to the only bidder, Germán Efromovich, a Brazilian-Columbian-turned Polish multimillionaire to comply with EU regulations capping outside ownership of European Union airlines at 49%. The deal was shrouded in controversy anyway. Firstly, about selling Portugal’s flag carrier and biggest exporter, at all. Equally important, lack of transparency and suspicions mounting about Miguel Relvas’ (minister of Parliamentary Affairs), role and rush to finalize a big deal for his seemingly South-American personal business connections turned into a big deal for the Portuguese opinion in general and may have been the deal breaker. In a interview published in Diário de Notícias, back in October 2012, Fernando Pinto, TAP’s President and a Brazilian national, stated “TAP is one of the most efficient companies in Europe; our production costs are amongst the best, which will not go unnoticed by potential buyers”. “The company needs to be capitalized to have a normal life, but it is economically viable.” Fernando Pinto added that TAP has been managed as a private company, as it hasn’t received any public funds for over 15 years”. At this time, Travel Global Magazine announced the 2011 award winners of its 8th Annual Reader Survey naming TAP Air Portugal “Best Airline in Europe.” By the end of January, the government announced that the privatization of a RTP channel had been postponed sine diae, which means indefinitely. For a year and a half Relvas turned “this privatizion” into a mouse-and-cat-gameturned-horror film for RTP employees, which went as far as having the Information Director, Nuno Santos fired amidst another scandal, below the belt blow, Relvas style. There was a Parliamentary enquiring and Nuno Santos pointed the finger directly at Relvas accusing him of “political purging.” But the ordeal is not over for the 2000 employees of the public TV channels and radio stations. There will be a restructuring; meaning a lot of people, maybe 600 will lose their jobs. Not good for what supposed to be public, independent Television all Portuguese pay for every month in their electrical bill.

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L’Oreal Portugal Medal of Honor for Women in Science

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“It is time that the world started to learn a little Portuguese,” writes Foreign Editor Steve Bloomfield in the October 2012 issue of Monocle which foused on Generation Lusophonia. Lusophonia includes Portugal’s seven former colonies: Brazil, one of the BRICK countries, Angola and Mozambique, the fastest growing economies in Africa, Guine-

Portuguese, “the new language of power and trade”

Three Portuguese young scientists, Ana Abecassis, Ana Ribeiro and Leonor Morgado have been awarded the 2012 L’Oréal Portugal Honour Medals for Women in Science for individual research projects in AIDS virus resistance to antiretroviral drugs, spinal cord regeneration and clean energy production. Ana Abecassis, 33, and Leonor Morgado, 29, are researchers at Nova University of Lisbon. Ana is studying HIV resistance to antiretroviral medicines and the virus’s mutations. About 8% of the HIV, sufferers in Portugal have antiretroviral resistant strains of the disease. Leonor is studying how a strain of the bacteria Geobacter sulfurreducen, found in mud and sediment, produces environmentally friendly electricity. Ana Ribeiro, 32, works at the University of Lisbon and is currently doing research on the spinal cord’s regeneration process of the zebra fish and how it is differs from mammals. Her research findings may be useful for the development of new or more effectivetherapies for humans. Each one received €20,000. The L’Oréal Portugal /UNESCO Honour Medals for Women in Science and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) aims at hightining scientific excellence of under-thirty-five PHD researchers working in Portugal in health and evironment related areas.

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on his OPINIÃO page on Visão: “No business in Portugal would ever go under if they had the name “Banco” attached to it”. Businesses are failing every day, mostly because they can’t get credit from the banks. People have lost their homes, because they cannot make the monthly banks anymore. But banks are bankruptcy-proof. When banks need money, the government has one question only: how much? Banks do not seem to go out of business like other businesses. The problem is that “recapitalization” is everybody’s business, as we are talking about taxpayers’ money. After the BCP, BPI and CGD, the state-owned bank, now it’s BANIF’s turn to receive €1.100 billion. Over the last year, the Portuguese government has injected a total of €5.6 billion out of the €12 billion allocated to the banking system by the Troika under the bailout assistance program to Portugal which amounts to a total €78 billion. The banks are supposed to release these funds into the economy, i.e. make credit available to small and medium size companies. Yet, they are buying Portuguese public debt instead. Last October, BPI’s CEO, Fernando Ulrich stated publicly that Portugal “can bear more austerity measures, of course” (the infamous “ai aguenta, aguenta”) which unleashed a wave of outrage in the public opinion. Of course, he can “bear” the “austerity” the government bestowed on his bank: €1.5 billion announced by the Minister of Finance himself in June 2012. It should be enough to ensure is monthly salary of €60,000. Last January, Fernando Ulrich tried to explain what he had really meant but made things even worse. Another big banker, Ricardo Salgado, President of BES had to rectify his income tax declaration three times between June and December of last year and pay €4.3 million in taxes just before he was to testify in the money laundering /fiscal fraud on-going criminal investigation Monte Branco. He was also called to the Bank of Portugal for an assessment of his idoneity as a banker.

Passos’ “mini”- government reshuffling at the end of January included the appointment of Franquelim Alves, as a secretary of state for Entrepreneurship, Competitiveness and Innovation, reporting to the minister of the Economy. But F. Alves has a dark line on his resumé that although it was missing in the government portal, didn’t go unnoticed: for ten months he was a director at SLN (Sociedade Lusa de Negócios) the holding of the BPN, the bank that was nationalized in November of 2008 and just recently sold to the Angolan bank BIC for €40 million. The BPN’s huge financial black hole has cost the Portuguese taxpayers, so far, about €4 billion. The total bill may amount to over 7 billion. Keeping in mind Passos’ steadfast resolve to cut another €4 billion on the “state expenditures”, meaning on Public Health and Education and on retirement benefits, at the same time as he announces that another €1.033 billion has just been transferred to the two “vehicle” public companies, created to receive BPN’s toxic assets, plus the fact Franquelim Alves’s admitted in a Parliamentary enquiry that he had chosen to validate BPN’s fraudulent accounts, one can understand the outburst of indignation. Paulo Morais, University Professor and Vice President of the organization Transparência e Integridade, has publicly and blatantly stated that top officials at the Ministry of Finance know where the BPN money is and challenges Passos and Gaspar to have the political courage to stop at nothing until those assets are recovered. So far, only the founder of BPN, Oliveira Costa, was in jail for a while. Most political observers agree that to “rise the BPN ghost” is an insult to all Portuguese and therefore a huge political mistake. On February 5, SIC aired the first part (of four) of the investigative journalism report FRAUD, which is was an attempt to dig in deeper on what really happened at and with the BPN. Over a 1,5 million Portuguese watched, according to SIC, which shows that BPN is a crime the Portuguese are not about to let go unpunished.

Passos’s government shoots itself in the foot…. again

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Big bankers behaving badly

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“It is easier to rob a bank by setting up a bank then by holding up a bank clerk”, said Bertolt Brecht (1898-1956). A similar point of view was expressed by Ricardo Araújo Pereira, the very popular Portuguese young humorist last January,

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Bissau, Cape Verdean Islands, São Tomé e Príncipe in Africa, East Timor, Macao (part of Chine since 1999) in Asia and over four million Portuguese, born in Portugal and scattered all over the Globe and their decendents. This Portuguese speaking community “could team-up and make Portuguese the new language of power and trade.” In fact, Portugal has been very successful in building and maintaining very good relations with its former colonies and in these very adverse bailout economic times, our growing exports outside European Union have been a life savior for Portugal’s trade balance. According to data released by the Bank of Portugal las October, 2012, Portugal’s overall balance of trade of goods and services turned positive over the first eight months of 2012, with a surplus of €315 million in exports. “CPLP, the Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries, believes linguistic uniformity among the eight Portuguese speaking member states is vital to strengthen the role of the Portuguese language internationally”, Monocle writes. Many purists of the Portuguese language are not happy about the”orthography agreement” which has been implemented in Portugal, changes for they include mostly Brazilian style spelling. Portuguese and Brazilian TV as

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have contributed more to the promotion of the Portuguese language around the Globe than any other governmentsponsored program could have accomplished. One important tip offered by the Monocle is that the Portuguese should have a non-profit organization similar to the Alliance Française. The Luís de Camões Institute is the government agency responsible for teaching Portuguese language and culture around the world, but needs to be closer to the local people, just like the AF. The Portuguese are going back to Africa, mainly to Angola, but also Mozambique fleeing from a stalled economy in Portugal. In the last two years the number of Portuguese citizens in Angola increased from 60,000 to 120,000. They are also leaving in droves for Brazil. Most of the new immigrants are higly qualified, college graduates. It is a matter of great concern and sadness for an aging Portuguese society to sit and watch 60,000 of their best and brightest young citizens leave the country in 2012. However, there may be a a silver lining in this passing cloud: the promise of a stronger Lusophone global community.

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Director: Caroline Darling

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Rua da Palmeira 5, 1 Floor caroline.darling@elc-cascais.com 2750-459 Cascais

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Portuguese made-in-China flag flies in Brussels

The Portuguese flag was replaced at the VIP entrance of the European Council, just before the EU leaders walked in for a two-day summit February 6, to finalise the bloc’s budget. The “flaw” was detected by a few Portuguese Euro MPs who on looking closer at a foto of Eurogroup president Jean-Claude Juncker, taken at the latest Eurozone financial ministers’ meeting, noticed that behind him, there was a Portuguese flag that didn’t look quite right; it had seven Pagodas printed on the shield instead of seven castles. The incident prompted the Portuguese EU MPs to comment on the irony of the incident, referring to the fact that the Portuguese government sold substantial shares of public, strategic and profitable energy companies to Chinese state owned campanies. Three Gorges, a Chinese, 100% state owned company, bought 21,25% of the Portuguese stake in EDP and they have expressed their interest in buying the remaining 5%. Portugal also sold 25% of REN (Rede Nacional de Energia) to another Chinese public company, State Grid, and 15% to Omar Oil. So, the Portuguese state does not control our energy anymore. The Chinese government does.

March - April 2013 nº9

Buy Portuguese B P

y atricia Westheimer

Before Christmas I received an email encouraging us to buy Portuguese products and to use Portuguese service providers. The idea seemed wise, so as I set about to buy some holiday gifts I decided to “ Buy Portuguese.” In town I stopped at the local handicrafts affair and spoke to vendors selling their artistic wares. I saw stunning handcrafted jewelry, purchased several silver and gem studded book marks, a charming children’s charm bracelet and artistically designed chocolates from Coimbra. All of the sales people were Portuguese and all exuded pride in their work. The fair was full, and I noticed many euros changing hands, all to the good. Then I headed for one of my favorite clothes shops where I had decided to purchase a gift for my able banker, Maria Tomé. Last year I bought her a sweater from Zara, probably made in India, but this year I was determined to buy Portuguese and in a Portuguese shop. Teresa Paiva has been running her store in the center of Cascais for as long as I can remember. Her items are unusual and moderately priced. Why buy from Zara or Mango, I thought, when I can give my cash to Portugal? Once inside the shop, which is managed by affable saleswomen ( unlike the Zara personnel who spend their hours stocking shelves and ignoring customers), I found a stunning brown leather purse to give as my gift. I couldn’t find a “ Made in Portugal” label but hoped the bag came from here. When I went to pay and asked the origin I was told, “ Sorry, but it’s made in Spain.” The woman then explained that her Portuguese suppliers had closed their factories in the north (unfortunately) and therefore the shop had to buy elsewhere. “What a pity”, I said, and she agreed. Next, I had a gathering on New Year’s Eve and encountered a few Portuguese issues. First, two guests called to say they couldn’t come as no taxis were working that evening. “No problem,” I said. “I’ll call my trusted Vasco.” But “ Desculpe”, he explained, he wasn’t working either. I guess the economy for taxi drivers can’t be all that bad if no one or few wanted to work that night. I had also contacted several restaurants in the center of Cascais to find a bartender for my gathering. All promised to find someone, but no one ever got back to me. I’m still determined to buy Portuguese products and find Portuguese helpers when I can. But in the end, on December 31, my friend’s son who is more American than Portuguese (father American and mother Portuguese) did a great job at the bar and his brother, also from a mixed-parent lineage, arranged the music. My intentions were pure, even if the results were only mixed. patwestheimer@gmail.com

LusoInfo - The Inside Guide to Life in Portugal

EASTER TRADITIONS PAST AND PRESENT

By Delfina Teixeira

Spring Rituals The egg symbolizes fertility and life renewal. In fact, Eastern celebrations are a combination of pagan rituals of fertility and life and nature renewal that go back to immemorial times and the more modern Christian dogma of death and resurrection. In some regions, we still find symbolic fertility and mating games, where young men and women meet in the hills and woods and play erotic, usually innocent games. In Minho, north of Portugal, the cult of certain rocks as having certain attributes that increase fertility and procreation still goes on. Some of these rocks are shaped like an egg or a shell. In some instances peasants dig inside of them to build little chapels, a symbolic gesture of life regeneration: human life going back inside the egg, the womb, to be born again. The Holy Week The Holy Week starts on Palm Sunday (Domingo de Ramos) when people go to mass with a little bunch made of an olive tree branch and aromatic wild herbs like rosemary. Traditionally after the service the children give the bunch to their godparents and receive a little gift in return, called a folar which always includes candied almonds. On Thursday evening a service is held in most churches, usually at 6:30, which is supposed to be an enactment of the Last Supper (Última Ceia) with the washing of the feet

(lava-pés). That night the churches are open and lit for anyone who may want to drop in for a minute or two. In small towns it is customary to visit them all. I remember doing that in my hometown of Viseu. Since there are quite few churches in this city, it actually looked very pretty and peaceful. The white lights brightened up the dark, austere looking interior of the churches and poured through the wide open door into the cool night. On Holy Friday a procession is held, representing of the suffering of Christ (Jesus carrying the cross), St. Magdalene, the Virgin Mary and the casket. Many people gather along the streets holding lit candles silently while others watch from the windows, from which silk, reddish, bedspreads hang down. In Lisbon, the main procession leaves at 8:00 pm from the Convento dos Paulistas, near Largo de Camões and it is called the Burial Procession (Procissão do Enterro). In most villages all over Portugal it is customary for the priest to visit every single home on Sunday or Monday. The streets are swept, houses are given a good spring-cleaning and the outdoor steps are embellished with flower petals to receive Christ on the Cross. My family always celebrated Easter at Grandma’s house in a village near Viseu, I remember vividly picking the last camelias, a winter flower from the garden and spread them on the many granite steps. A white linen tablecloth is spread on a small table in the front room and an envelope with a donation to the Parish is laid on top. Not long ago most people would

March - April 2013 nº9

just leave a bowl of dry beans or half a dozen eggs, that were swiftly grabbed by the priest’s helpers and dropped in the bags they carried from home to home. Leaving money was a sign of affluence very few people could afford to display. Family members kneel down to kiss the cross. Actually, you are not supposed to touch it with your lips for obvious reasons. Braga-The Ultimate Catholic Experience If you wish to get acquainted and experience traditional religious practices, you will have to travel to the deep Portugal, to a village or small town, away from the big urban centers, where the Church bells still ring when someone is christened, gets married or dies and a procession never goes by unnoticed. In the big cities like Lisbon, each parish has its own celebrations, but they are not s visible as in the provinces. For the ultimate Catholic experience, Braga is the place to visit at this time of the year. In fact, Braga is considered the most Catholic city in Portugal and a truly religious tourist attraction only second to Fátima. As a child I heard quite often that in Braga in every family at least one of the members had to a priest or a nun! Food Unlike Christmas there is not a particular dish that we enjoy on Easter Sunday. Nevertheless, people seem to feast on some kind of meat, usually baby goat or roast suckling pig, as in the old days Christians were supposed to refrain from eating meat during Lent. People used to eat fried vegetables in a batter during this fasting period, a habit that was introduced in Japan by the Portuguese Jesuit priests in the 16th century. Most people refrain from eating meat from Friday to Sunday. Almonds are also an essential ingredient in the preparation of many of our traditional desserts and cakes: almond cake, a whole variety of almond cookies and the famous Algarve sweets, made of marzipan (almond paste and sugar) and shaped into different kinds of fruit (bananas, apples, pears, etc, ) and colored. Any Portuguese kid associates almonds with Easter, mainly candied almonds, although the younger generation seems to be keener on chocolate eggs and bunnies. At this time of the year, you see a round sweet bread with one or more eggs on top in supermarkets and pastry shops everywhere called folar and is traditional all over the country.

Healthy Living: Almonds

Brain:

The almond is a source of many nutrients which help in development of the brain. Almond induces high intellectual level and has been considered as an essential food item for growing children.

Cholesterol:

Regular consumption of almonds helps to increase the level of high density lipoproteins (HDL) and reduce the level of low density lipoproteins (LDL), thereby effectively controlling cholesterol levels.

Heart:

Mono-saturated fat, protein and potassium contained in almonds are good for the heart. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant and reduces the risk of heart diseases. The presence of magnesium in almonds helps to avoid heart attacks. Almonds help reduce C-reactive protein which causes artery-damaging inflammation. Almonds are also a source of folic acid. They therefore help to reduce the level of homocystein, which causes fatty plaque buildup in arteries.

Skin Care:

The benefits of almond for skin care are well known, and hence a massage with almond oil is often r e c ommended for new born babies. Almond milk is also added in some soaps as almonds help in improving the complexion of the skin.

Blood

pressure: Potassium present in almond helps to regulates blood pressure. Almonds are very low in sodium which also helps in containing blood pressure.

Cancer Prevention:

Almond improves the movement of food through the colon, thereby preventing colon cancer.

Diabetes:

Almonds also help in reducing the rise in sugar and insulin levels after meals. This offers protection from diabetes.

Pregnancy:

Almond contains folic acid. Folic acid helps to reduce the incidence of birth defects in newborn babies.

Weight loss: Unsweetened almond milk helps one to reduce weight. The mono-saturated fat contained in almonds satisfies appetite and prevents over-eating. Studies have revealed that almond rich low calorie diet is good for obese people to assist in shedding weight.

Constipation:

Almonds are rich in fibre. Like most other fibre rich food, almonds also help in preventing constipation. Make sure you drink good amount of water after eating almonds.

Boosts

energy: The presence of manganese, copper and Riboflavin helps in energy production.

*One

avoids the risk of Alzheimer’s disease by consuming almonds. But just like any other food, even almonds have their cons. They contain oxalates and excessive oxalates can cause crystallization. So people having kidney or gallbladder problems should avoid eating almonds.

LusoInfo - The Inside Guide to Life in Portugal

The Outer World Within One regular day in my fourth grade geography class, Ms.

Lipton challenged us to a game. Each student had to pluck a tiny piece of paper from a box with a name of a country scribbled across it. The objective was to locate the country on the vibrant world map that stretched clear across the blackboard. Following an endless list of countries like Lebanon, Peru, and Greenland came Portugal. This one I knew! At least I thought so. My eyes searched the colorful outlines of countries I hoped to visit one day but Portugal seemed to have escaped my sight. I had seen it so many times poised on my mother’s office wall that the shape was embedded in my brain. Finally, after five forever-frustrating minutes, my classmates joined me in the search for Portugal. My expectant eyes fell upon it, hanging off the edge of South Western Europe. Disillusioned, I discovered that Portugal, in fact, according to Ms. Lipton’s map, was only half the size of my index finger! What?! Astonished, I looked across the Atlantic Ocean towards the United States which was roughly the size of my blue colored hand. For the entire nine years of my short existence, I had been led to believe that Portugal was just as extra large as America and the distance between the two was really not that far. Realizing the expansiveness of the world was too much for my mind to process. I was accustomed to my own internal world map that exclusively involved my family of six, the neighborhood I grew up in, crabap-

By Sara Tamulonis

ple trees, street hockey, swim team and sleepovers. What was beyond these borders was different, unsafe and triggered uncomfortable feelings of displacement. That afternoon, arriving home from school, I confronted my mother in disappointment. Facing the gargantuan map of Portugal on my mother’s wall, I said, “Portugal is not that big! My mother looked up at the map of Portugal and replied matter of factually “mas para mim é” but it is for me. Years later at my high school graduation I shared that same sentiment. Although I didn’t know it then, in time, Portugal would eventually become just as “big” as the United States. We arrived in Portugal on my fourteenth birthday. It was a few weeks before school would begin and my expectations were high. I was not enthusiastic about the beginning of my high school career because I couldn’t help but grieve over the things I would miss out on, high school dances, sports tournaments, prom and meeting a new circle of friends. My only consolation was that I was not alone. My older brother was going into the eleventh grade and luckily for me for that one moment in time; I had been upgraded from the obnoxious little sister to the semi-tolerable sibling. Waiting at the bus stop on the first day of school evoked intense feelings of anxiety and instability. My brother seemed cool and composed which was extremely annoying. Not only was it the first day of school in Portugal but also my first day of high school in an international school environ-

March - April 2013 nº9

ment. Having come from the American public school system, this concept was completely foreign, or so I thought. Before I had time to faint from worry, a sizeable sophisticated bus approached, very different from the primitive yellow buses I was accustomed to. Under my breath, I attempted to reassure myself, “just another day in paradise”. I stepped onto the bus and attempted a flickering smile. For a millisecond the back to school buzz was comforting but it was clear we were the new kids. At first glance, the faces appeared familiar. There were students of all races and ages. As I was heading coolly towards the back of the bus, my ears tuned into a multitude of languages that harmoniously intertwined naturally with English. It was like plucking people out of Ms. Lipton’s box and placing Sweden, Finland, Japan, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Brazil, and Germany all on the same bus. Although I didn’t understand most of the conversation bouncing around from seat to seat, I was fascinated by the diversity, the difference and miraculously I didn’t feel like a stranger. Everyone was different, not just me. I managed to make it through the first day, week and year and by the time ninth grade ended, it was as if I had never known anything else. The ever-changing atmosphere of an international setting helped me to cope, adapt, and not fear change. The beginning of a new school year was always bittersweet and knowing how to deal with the departure of friends and the arrival of new ones was an important part of accepting that nothing in life ever stays the same. This unique ability has been constant throughout my life, moving houses, schools and countries, which at times was unsettling but learning how to move forward in an unfamiliar situation aided the transition immensely. Every year in an

international school, new trials were presented, especially during the turbulent years of teenage frenzy. To this day, the friends I made in those short four high school years continue to make a daily impact on my life even though we live separate lives and in different countries. As individuals, we all had our quirks having lived in many countries like Turkey, Mexico, Israel, Puerto Rico, Spain and England. Knowing that eventually life in “paradise” would end, we took advantage of everything that Portugal had to offer a young group of “foreign” teenagers: an incomparable social scene, beautiful weather and seaside hideaways where laughter and tears mixed in an intense outpouring of longing to belong. Life as an international student was never ordinary. Sports tournaments in Spain, Model United Nations conferences in The Hague, theater performances and community service projects were an integral part of the international student experience. These aspects provided real life challenges, taught the importance of responsibility, independence and cultural awareness. Living daily with an assembly of nationalities allowed for a greater understanding, acceptance and tolerance outside the inner map. Learning about people and the world around them, helped me through my own selfdiscovery and journey of belonging. Each one of my fellow classmates had given me a piece of themselves over the expansive four years which contributed to my education in the “big” school of life. On graduation day, I was proud to have shared those memorable moments with my classmates and friends, excited to embark on a new adventure and saddened to say goodbye to the most enriching and formative years of my life.

“CAISL has developed clear and broadly understood guiding statements that help to create and sustain the engaged and energetic climate that characterizes the teaching and learning life of the community. At the same time, there is a pervading sense of calm, of students who are comfortable in their work and in their relationships with teachers. This quality of ease ought not to be confused with a lack of vigor and challenge. The school is a work place, but not one that wears students down. Expectations are high, but a commitment to kindness is evident. Students clearly feel that this is their school.” Extract from the CIS (Council of International Schools) and NEASC (New England Association of Schools and Colleges) Accreditation Report, June 2012.

Founded in 1956, the Carlucci American International School of Lisbon (CAISL) is a non-profit, nondenominational, coeducational day school accredited by the CIS and NEASC (which recently reaccredited the school through 2022 and praised the school highly in their report). We are also licensed by the Portuguese

Ministry of Education and the only school in Portugal with sponsorship to complete simultaneously the from the US Department of State. IB Diploma Program. Students opting for both can then apply At CAISL we offer an American program to colleges all over the world of study to approximately 560 students using the one with best results. from Early Childhood (age three) through Grade 12. A CAISL graduate To learn more, please contact finishes High School with an American us: info@caislisbon.org , 219 High School Diploma but can also choose 239 800 or www.caislisbon.org 19

IPS - International Prepatory School IPS continues to live up to its name by attracting students from all corners of the world. This year enrolment has been maintained in the region of 270 pupils, with children who represent more than 30 different nationalities. Although coming from many different backgrounds and cultures, the families who choose IPS are the same in that they are looking for a school that provides an English language education in a caring and friendly environment. The school´s fully qualified and professional staff creates and fosters an atmosphere where children are encouraged to be inquisitive, to think for themselves and about others around them. IPS enables the children in its care to achieve their best in all that they do. Specialising in Primary education, IPS accepts children from 3 to 11 years of age. It offers Foundation Stage and Key Stages One and Two of the National Curriculum of England, adapting the topic work to suit its international body of students. Core subjects of English, Mathematics and Science are taught alongside the usual mix of subjects in a complete and grounded curriculum culminating in the National Curriculum Tests for International Schools at the end of Year 6. The school’s academic results and confident, well rounded children who come from IPS speak for the school’s success. If you would like to find out more please feel free to arrange a visit to IPS to meet the staff and see the school ‘in action’.

Are you a Third Culture Kid? Sociologist Ruth Hill Useem coined the term “Third Culture Kids” after spending two years, on separate occasions, in India with her three children in the early fifties. Initially the term “third culture” referred to the process of learning how to relate to another culture. In time, the children who accompanied their parents living outside their own country became known as “Third Culture Kids”. A TCK integrates aspects of their first culture, his or her birth culture, with the experience of living in a new country, the second culture, ultimately creating a unique combination of the two known as the “third culture”. Many variations of TCKs have developed which include multicultural families where parents have separate nationalities and live in a country different to their individual birth countries. The majority of these TCKs speak English, even though it may not necessarily be the language of either parent but the language widely spoken in the international school system. Military kids, or “military brats” primarily from the United States, are the most travelled of TCKs spending a few years abroad at a time jumping from country to country. However, approximately 41% of military brats spend less than 5 years in foreign countries. They are the least likely TCKs to develop connections with the local community and culture because the military bases aim for self-sufficiency. Nonmilitary government TCKs are the most likely to have extended experiences in foreign countries. 44% have lived in at least four countries and 44% live at least 10 years outside of their birth or passport

country. Involvement with locals and others from their passport country depends on the role of the parent and the importance placed on exposure to familiar and unfamiliar settings. Some of these TCKs may grow up moving from country to country in the diplomatic corps while others may live closer to familiar surroundings like military bases. Missionary Kids (MKs) typically spend the most time overseas in one country. 85% of MKs live more than 10 years in foreign countries and 72% live in only one foreign country. MKs generally have the most interaction with the local community and the least interaction with people from their birth country. They are the most likely to completely integrate themselves into the local culture. Business families also spend a great deal of time in foreign countries. 63% of business TCK’s have lived in foreign countries at least 10 years but are more likely than Missionary kids to live in multiple countries. Business TCKs have more interaction with their host nationals as well as with others from their passport country. The “Other” category includes anybody who does not fit one the above descriptions. They include: intergovernmental agencies, educators, international non-governmental organizations, media, etc. This group typically has spent the least amount of time in foreign countries, 42% are abroad for 1-2 years and 70% for less than 5. Involvement with the local people and culture varies greatly.

Characteristics of TCKs: TCKs are 4 times as likely as non-TCKs to earn a bachelor’s degree (81% vs 21%) 40% earn an advanced degree (as compared to 5% of the non-TCK population.) 45% of TCKs attended 3 universities before earning a degree. 44% earned undergraduate degree after the age of 22. Educators, medicine, professional positions, and self-employment are the most common professions for TCKs. 80% believe they can get along with anybody. Divorce rates among TCKs are lower than the general population, but they marry older (25+). Military brats, however, tend to marry earlier. Linguistically adept Teenage TCKs are more mature than non-TCKs, but ironically take longer to “grow up” in their 20s. More welcoming of others into their community. Lack a sense of “where home is” but often nationalistic. Some studies show a desire to “settle down” others a “restlessness to move”.

March - April 2013 nº9

You know you are a THIRD CULTURE KID when… “Where are you from?” has multiple answers.

You consider a city 500 miles away “very close.”

You’ve said that you’re from foreign country X, and (if you live in America) you’re asked which US state X is in.

You think in the metric system and Celsius.

You flew before you could walk. You speak two languages, but have trouble spelling in either one. You feel odd being in the ethnic majority.

Fahrenheit. You will *never* learn to think in Fahrenheit. Your minor is a foreign language you already speak. When asked a question in a certain language, you’ve absentmindedly responded in a different one.

You have three passports.

You’ve gotten out of school because of monsoons, bomb threats, and/or popular demonstrations.

You go into culture shock upon returning to your “home” country.

You speak with authority on the subject of airline travel.

Your life story uses the phrase “Then we moved to…” three (or four, or five…) times. You wince when people mispronounce foreign words. You don’t know whether to write the date as day/month/ year, month/day/year, or some variation thereof. The best word for something is the word you learned first, regardless of the language. You own personal appliances with 3 types of plugs, know the difference between 110 and 220 volts, 50 and 60 cycle current, and realize that a transformer isn’t always enough to make your appliances work.

You have frequent flyer accounts on multiple airlines. You have the urge to move to a new country every couple of years. The thought of sending your (hypothetical) kids to public school scares you, while the thought of letting them fly alone doesn’t at all. You think that high school reunions are all but impossible. You have friends from 29 different countries. You sort your friends by continent. You consider yourself a citizen of the world.

You believe vehemently that football is played with a round, spotted ball.

St Julian’s has been offering a British International education, as well as a Portuguese curriculum, to young people of many nations for more than 80 years. Since 1986 it has prepared students for University through the International Baccalaureate Diploma programme, and more than 1,000 former pupils have gone on from St Julian’s to Higher Education in the UK, Portugal, the USA and more than twenty other countries. There is a wide range of subjects on offer at IB level, and because International Education does not start and finish in the classroom, there are also many sporting, cultural and other extra-curricular opportunities, whereby students enrich their school lives. We welcome visitors to our

LusoInfo - The Inside Guide to Life in Portugal

Learning in an international environment has proven academic benefits but also provides a world of opportunity in the larger school of life. International students often report that the experience of studying abroad changed the course of their lives. Lifelong international friendships are made and students gain a wider perspective of other cultures including their own. Faced with daily challenges, through language barriers and learning to adapt to different environments, foster independence in students and develop increased self-confidence and maturity.

International Children’s Play Corner A cosy place situated in Cascais with an international feel where children up to 6 years learn through play, listening and talking, art, singing, dancing, music, cooking, swimming, exercise, computer, and field trips. We believe that a child will learn best when he/she feels at home, safe and happy. The attraction is our flexible times, babysitting at incredibly low prices, small groups, lunch, after school and holiday care. We believe that the world is a rich and beautiful place and we want our children to be able to explore this world in a happy and supportive environment.

International schools provide valuable career networking opportunities. The global nature of today’s economy requires prospective employees to maneuver through different cultures and languages. A study by the Committee for Economic Development found that American companies lose an estimated $2 billion a year due to inadequate cross-cultural knowledge among employees. It also found that proficiency in a foreign language was a consideration in hiring decisions at 42 percent of firms. The international schools market has experienced a dramatic growth boom in recent years, in fact the sector ended the 2010/11 academic year with the highest number of schools ever in existence and the greatest number of students ever attending. Students nurtured in an international setting are aware that the world is increasingly complex and that the workplace is highly competitive, multi-lingual, multi-cultural and multi-national. These students have been been preexposed to this world simply by being in an international school. They feel comfortable and confident in their ability to understand and cope with the demands of a multicultural environment.

Call us on 912 145 018, browse through our facebook page or visit us at www.icpc.weebly.com.

Call us at 218 081 162 218 055 980

Ruth Van Reken, who spent her childhood in Nigeria and later co-authored the book Third Culture Kids: Growing Up Between Worlds comments “Life is learned in living out a full three-dimensional view rather than through history and geography books alone.” Reken also points out that: “They (TCKs) use what they have learned from life including for many language acquisition, larger world view, comfortableness in moving and living between cultural worlds etc. Perhaps above all is often they can think outside the box.”

CASCAIS INTERNATIONAL CHILDCARE Nursery | Kingergarden | Prim ary School

Our school provides a caring environment that fosters creativity and learning. We see early childhood learning as a whole educational experience. Our mission is to provide a nourishing, safe, enriching learning environment for children as they explore, create, make friends and conquer the many academic tasks before them. ü Bilingual curriculum English / Portuguese ü Wide variety of exciting age appropriate activities and opportunities enhance growth and development. ü Dedicated warm caring staff ü Competitive fees ü High academic standards ü Multicultural multi-linguistic environment ü Part-time or full-time schedules available ü Starting from age 4 months to 10 years olds (Nursery to year 5) Come see what makes our school special… ü Easy Rua Romano Esteves nº112 | 2750-576 Cascais gradual adaptation with parent participation ü Small teaching groups www.cic-cascais.pt | info@cic-cascais.pt www.facebook.com/CICCascais ü 4 buildings at 2 different locations ü Up to date resources and materials

February - March 2013 nº9

OIS- Oeiras International School, offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes for Years 6 to 13 (ages 10-18), where students with a range of abilities find success. This non-for-profit school was founded by a group of parents and teachers deeply committed to academic excellence and intellectual rigour. OIS has an innovative and creative character, provides an environment of openness and mutual respect, and develops the individual talents of each and every student. Extracurricular and co-curricular activities focus on creativity and community service. A huge variety of sports activities are also provided.

Amazing kids is a small and friendly English Learning Centre for very young kids ( 2-5 years old) in Estoril. Amazing Kids offers your child a cheerful, familiar English speaking atmosphere. We prepare your child to enroll in English schools by giving your child a chance to socialize, develop language skills and have lots of fun. The “Little ones” will also play and learn through a variety of captivating activities. Activities: Music and Movement: songs, musical activities, nursery rhymes, motor skills/ coordination games. Language Discovery: story-telling and role-play, tongue twisters, flashcard games. Crafts: painting, clay shaping, playdough, cooking, collage, sensory activities Science Activities: Water, Food, Colours, Sounds, Nature Resources

We assure your child will have an “Amazing Time”! www.amazingkids.com.pt amazingkidsestoril@gmail.com Facebook | Amazing Kids Estoril

LusoInfo - The Inside Guide to Life in Portugal

Madeira: Pearl of the

March - April 2013 nº9

The Mystery of Madeira Island

Atlantic

The favorite local legend of the English adventurer Robert Machim and his star-crossed lover Anne d’Arset dates back to the fourteenth century. The story of the shipwrecked couple as the first discoverers of Madeira is a beautiful tragic tale that has enchanted visitors for years. Although this popular story is not supported by historical fact it is easy to imagine the ill-fated couple stumbling across the majestic mystical coastline, known today as the “Pearl of the Atlantic”. Legend says Robert Machim fell in love with a beautiful woman called Anne D’Arset who had been promised to another English nobleman. In attempt to escape her doomed fate, the couple eloped, sailing from Bristol destined for Brittany. A terrible storm diverted their course and after 14 days of drifting in the Atlantic, they came across the island of Madeira. Shortly thereafter, another devastating storm hit and paralyzed their already damaged vessel forcing them to anchor the boat and head to shore. On land, Anne fell ill and died in her lover’s arms. Heartbroken, Robert buried her beneath a large tree and perched a cedar wood cross nearby with an inscription requesting future Christian settlers to construct a church alongside Anne’s grave. It is believed that Robert also died and was buried alongside his beloved. However, another version suggests that Zargo, protector of the waters of the Algarve, imprisoned Robert. He was then turned over to Prince Henry who demanded the coordinates for this newly discovered land. Coincidence or not, Machico, bears a striking resemblance to the name Machim, Roberts last name. Although romantic, history books tell a different tale. At the beginning of the 15th century, Prince Henry the Navigator summoned the finest cartographers and navigators of Portugal, in an effort to expand the knowledge of the coast of West Africa. The early sea captains were severely disabled in their efforts and were only equipped with square-rigged ships, a compass, hourglass and astrolabe. Their endeavors were just the beginning of the Golden Age of Portuguese history, the discoveries. In 1419, two young sea captains João Gonçalves Zarco and Tristão Vaz Teixeira were propelled off course on their journey around the African coast. After many tiresome days at sea, they landed on a small island they named Porto Santo. Having reported their discovery to Prince Henry, they were quickly ordered to return and colonize the island. The golden sands of Porto Santo were enticing and one year later they landed on the larger island of Madeira. The captains were encouraged to explore what lay beyond the dark mass of clouds visible on the southern horizon. As they approached, turbulent Atlantic waves crashed along the northern coast and the cross currents at the Ponta de São Lourenço were unsettling. Reaching the headland, they discovered the bay of Machico, edging the heavily forested island they called Madeira, meaning “wood”. Prince Henry instantly took charge of the colonization of the island. The first families came from the Algarve region of Portugal. When colonists arrived, the island was completely uninhabited, virgin territory. The rich soil found on the island was ideal for growing crops but the dense forest needed to be cleared which resulted in fires that lasted as long as seven years. Sugar cane was the first crop to be imported from Italy, and then vines from Crete making it possible to produce the now very famous Madeira Wine. Over the next 150 years, the island developed significantly due to its convenient geographical location and it became a natural stopping off point on the way to the New World, Asia and the Far East as world trade became the new order.

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Rising from

the rough Atlantic waters just off the Moroccan coast and approximately a thousand kilometers south west of Lisbon, Madeira is blessed with an impressive volcanic landscape and subtropical climate. These special conditions make Madeira a popular holiday destination and boasts more repeat visitors than any other part of Portugal. The capital of this small island is Funchal, an eye catching bay front town that welcomes luxury cruise liners on a daily basis making these bright white structures an indispensable part of the landscape. From the bay, the rugged mountains escalate to frightening peaks, which are not for the faint hearted but are worth experiencing for the pure beauty of the natural waterfalls that gush down lush mountainsides. All over Madeira, narrow winding roads provide the most stunning and heart grasping views. Although Madeira has developed modern roadways and expressways, there are still plenty of opportunities to experience that “edge of the cliff” feeling that is reminiscent of a James Bond movie. Driving on these streets require extra attention especially when confronted by tourism buses that occupy entire lanes! Getting around Madeira is an adventure in itself! Whether hopping on a wicker street toboggan in Monte, pushed by your own personal pair of white-suited, peddlers with only the soles of their shoes as brakes, they will take you on Madeira’s equivalent to a rollercoaster ride. The forty-five minute electric car cable ride that glides down the mountain to the center of Funchal and up again, allows for an in depth look at just how strikingly beautiful the island is. Just east of the city in Camara de Lobos, rising to a height of almost 600 meters is Cabo Girão, the world’s secondhighest sea cliff. Standing on the terrace of Cabo Girão, the famous words of Luís Vaz de Camões, Portugal’s national poet and symbol, comes to mind “Madeira lies at the end of the world.”

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The Peak

of the mostly undersea mountain is Pico Ruivo, which rises to an altitude of 1,860 meters above sea level and is located in the center of the island. Arriving at the top, through bursts of erratic weather, sets the tone for the tranquil atmosphere where land borders heaven. From this mountain peak the island of Madeira stretches only 56 kilometers long and approximately 21 kilometers at it’s widest point.There are roughly 160 kilometers of coastline with very few beaches, if any. The hillsides are Madeira’s most attractive feature. Groves and vineyards are protected by fences of sugar cane that grow on stonewall ledges. Water from mountain springs, is transported by a complex network of man-made levadas (water channels) to irrigate terraced mountain slopes where volcanic soil nurtures exotic plants and flowers that brightly bloom in the innumerous botanical gardens and in the Laurissilva Forest, classified by UNESCO as a Human Heritage site, for being one of the largest and best-preserved forests of its kind in the world. The fertile ground also allows for custard apples, avocados, mangoes, and bananas to flourish and grow abundantly throughout the island. The rest of the island is easily accessible from Funchal, On the north coast, the characteristic triangle-shaped houses in Santana are symbolic of Madeira’s agricultural past. The secluded deep-valley of Curral das Freiras, tells the story of nuns seeking refuge from invading pirates in the mid 16th century. Porto Moniz is unique due to the system of seawater pools created by the reefs in the coastal lava rocks. In Porto Santo stands the house of Christopher Columbus, the home where he lived after marrying the governor’s daughter. Madeira is a lush tropical island, a tiny gem hidden behind stormy seas that is bound by mystery and legend and some even believe it is part of the lost continent of Atlantis. Known as the “floating garden”, Madeira has an inimitable natural beauty earning the title “Pearl of the Atlantic”,

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FUNCHAL

Winding cobbled streets wander between sophisticated colonial-style buildings, government buildings and stately 18th-century mansions. The simple whitewashed Sé Cathedral was built between 1486 and 1514 and inside are the magnificent mudejar ceiling of Madeira cedar wood and the voluptuous Baroque carving of the golden Sacramento chapel to the right of the main altar. Quinta das Cruzes on Calçada do Pico is the house where the island’s discoverer, João Gonçalves Zarco, once lived and is now a museum. Next door is a 16th century church of Santa Clara where he lies buried.

CALHETA

On Madeira’s southwestern shoreline, Calheta is the island’s main center of banana plantations, vineyards and sugar-cane production. Ten kilometers north of Calheta, there are twenty-five waterfalls at Rabaçal, which plunge down the mountain from over 100 meters above.

PONTA DO SOL

The district capital of Ponta do Sol is remarkably situated on each side of a deep ravine and was founded in the 15th century by Jean d’Esmenaut, a Flemish sugar grower. Houses are spread across on both sides of the River Ponte do Sol, which flows down from its source in the Pico da Arco mountain. The Madalena do Mar belvedere, ten kilometers from Ponta do Sol, offers outstanding views along Madeira’s south-western coastline.

PORTO MONIZ

Set high on a hill looking over the seafront, the town of Porto Moniz is well sheltered by a narrow peninsula that aims towards the picturesque islet called Ilhéu Mole. Other than the natural seawater pools in Porto Moniz the fifteen-kilometer journey east to São Vicente is one of the most astounding experiences in Southern Europe. The road is cut into the cliffs and dips and rises as it passes through tunnels and overhead waterfalls.

PORTO SANTO

The peaceful island of Porto Santo is located fortysix kilometers northeast of Madeira, and can be reached by ferry or airplane. The serene hidea-

way has a nine-kilometer stretch of golden sandy beach, a summer refuge for many Portuguese and foreign families. Apart from the beach, the house of Christopher Columbus, located behind the town’s church of Nossa Senhora da Piedade is also a common attraction. Columbus arrived in Madeira in 1478 and lived on the neighboring island after marrying the governor’s daughter. His house, built from rough stone, was carefully restored for the 500th anniversary of the explorer’s landing in America and contains an account of his life, along with rare maps, paintings and engravings.

SANTANA

Characterized by its small thatched triangular houses, Santana is a quaint village on the northern coast. The small houses built of natural stone and thatched with straw have served the locals for centuries as stables and houses. This area thrives on agriculture, craftwork and tradition. Madeira’s Theme Park inaugurated in October 2004 is another attraction to this rural region where history, traditions and culture of the people of Madeira are showcased.

MACHICO

Historically, Machico was the landing point of the first discoverers of Madeira. The second most populated on the island, Machico was the first capital of Madeira from 1440 – 1496 under Tristão Vaz Teixeira. In 1508 Funchal became the capital city and the island was divided into two parts; the South and West given to Captain João Gonçalves Zarco and the North and the East to Captain Tristão Vaz Teixeira, who ordered the construction of the first buildings and cultivation of the island. The Franciscans priests were responsible for building chapels and constructed the oldest church in Madeira, Capela dos Milagres together with the forts of São João Baptista and Nossa Senhora do Amparo.

EIRA DO SERRADO has a nail biting and

hair-raising rock ledge that overlooks the Valley of the Nuns, “Curral das Freiras”. This steep valley has three sheer sides that slice into the serrated peaks of Madeira. For many years, Madeira’s highest mountain was mistakenly believed to have been a volcanic crater. It is now known that the river itself created its dramatic geographical shape.

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CARNIVAL

With inexpensive flights and cheapish accommodation, thousands flock to be a part of the fun filled, flavorful festival in Madeira, which is considered the best European Carnival. It is the first major celebration of the year and in keeping with tradition; there are two main Carnival parades. The fictional/commercial parade occurs on the Saturday of Carnival weekend. The detailed costumes and embellished mobile floats contribute to the festive energy but it is the festive fever of the people that makes Carnival in Madeira a memorable experience. The months of dedication by the locals is revealed through captivating performances by local dance troupes, musical ensembles like big brass bands and the spectators who take to the streets of Funchal in support of it all. On Terça-Feira Gorda or Fat Tuesday the second parade called ‘trapalhão’, meaning clumsiness or making a mess of things, fills the streets of Funchal for the last celebration of the Carnival revelries. In this parade or street party, everyone joins in the fun, dressed appropriately of course, in wild and wacky costumes that leave little to the imagination!

EASTER

One of the most important religious events in the Archipelago of Madeira is Easter. The Way of the Cross, is a reenactment depicting the final hours of Jesus Christ and is the oldest tradition practiced by Madeirans every year. In preparation for Easter Sunday, it is customary to clean or purify the home a few days before Easter for the Visit of the Holy Spirit, who blesses the house and its residents by way of the local priest, proclaiming the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Easter traditions also include traditional games such as “Balamento”. To play this game two people schedule a certain time of the day to meet and say the word “Balamento”. The first person to find the other one and who says the word first, wins a point. This typical game is played a few weeks before Easter and ends on Good Friday. The winner then receives a special prize of either almonds or chocolate eggs. Another game that is well known among Madeiran people is the “Jogo do Pião” (Spinning top game). The purpose of this game is to launch the spinning top to the floor, so that it knocks other spinning tops outside the circle of the game. Both games are part of the Easter festivities in Madeira.

FLOWER FESTIVAL

The Flower Festival in Funchal has been one of the biggest attractions to this paradise island. This festival rejoices the arrival of spring and what better way to celebrate than to fill the senses with an explosion of color, scents and sounds. During the event, amazing flower displays parade through the equally decorative streets. The festival begins on Saturday morning with the children’s parade, known as the “Wall of Hope”. Each child brings a flower to the wall as a symbol of hope for a promising future and a more peaceful world. On Sunday, streets fill with a procession of flower filled floats decorated with a multiplicity of floral species found in Madeira like Magnolia´s, Pride of Madeira, Camellias, Lilies, Poinsettias, Golden Shower and Orchids. This festival began in the 1950’s as a way to showcase the natural beauty that Maderia possesses and every year locals rise to the occasion with beautiful floral exhibitions and magnificent flower carpets.

Alberto João Jardim , President of the Regional Government of Madeira Power and Public Works Policies at Work on Portugal’s Pearl of the Atlantic Alberto João Jardim, president of the regional government of Madeira since 1978, may well earn a place in the Guinness Book as the longest serving elected politician in the world. A native of Madeira, born in 1943, Alberto J. Jardim took his time to get a degree in Law from the University of Coimbra: ten years for a four-year degree. He worked as a teacher, was the director of Madeira’ Job Training Center and a journalist before choosing politics as a lifetime career. He is deemed the most controversial politician in Portugal, notorious for having a sharp tongue against anyone, left, right and center, who dares exercise their freedom of expression to disagree with his policies. No one is spared, including journalists, the President of the Republic and the Mayor of Funchal who recently got 40% of the votes on the election for leader of PSD Madeira. Jardim won by the skin of his teeth and he didn’t like it. Miguel Sousa Tavares, political commentator and best-selling author, sums up the very peculiar Jardim’s 34-year “regime” as “the most socialist of all capitalist countries.” Madeira’s economy has been thriving on public works projects, tourism and on the Tax Free Zone/ fiscal paradise status. Everyone seems to concur that it is only fair to acknowledge Jardim’s merit in having invested EU’s available funds to build much needed infrastructure and that he has helped Madeira, known as “floating paradise “ or “pearl of the Atlantic,” turn

into one of the most sought after holiday destinations in Europe. Hotel accommodation generates about €252,5 million in taxes revenue per year and the Centro Internacional de Negócios da Madeira (international business center, €150 million, 21% of the region’s GDP. Over the last 30 years over €3,5 billion were invested in highways and roads, €600 million in schools’ sports facilities; €500 million were spent on Airport improvements; €350 million on ports and €200 million on sewage and waste disposal. Plus, in his own words, ”€9 billion on health and education”. It got to be too much though, but no different from what his counterparts did in the “continent”. His critics point out that this public works frenzy created a political-economic web that has sustained his grip on power. Jornal da Madeira, which is financed entirely with taxpayers’ money, costs €10.000 per day/free distribution, is used as Jardim’s personal propaganda tool and as a weapon against any opposition. Last July 1, 2012, as Madeira celebrated 36 years of autonomy, it was time to assess the benefits and drawbacks, if any, for the 276,302 inhabitants (2011 census) of the two islands. According to Lusa, Portugal’s news agency, Madeira’s public debt had reached €6,3 million euros which makes up 123% of the archipelago’s GDP. Unemployment was 16,1% at the end of the first semester of 2012, the third highest in Portugal. Thirty

years ago, the GDP per capita was €3.800, 69% of the national average. According to INE (National Statistics Institute), per capita GDP stands currently at €21,134, which is 130% of the national average. In 1976, child mortality rate was 35,9 per thousand children, today it’s 3,3. Illiteracy rate came down from 33,2 % to 7,9. High education figures are very far from being impressive, though: only 29,6% of the 13,757 students who enrolled at the University of Madeira, since 1993, have actually graduated. In October of 2011, Alberto J. Jardim won the legislative elections for PSD Madeira again but with just 48, 5 % of the votes, the worst results ever and amidst the Madeira’s “hidden debt” scandal. Apparently, Jardim’s executive was hiding a debt that may amount to €3,6 billion. The seventy-year old president of the regional government of Madeira has publicly announced that he will not finish his mandate. He will resign in 2014. This “Carnaval” he was back dancing down the Marginal after a three-year break, following a serious heart attack. He was wearing a shiny black costume and a big hat with long feathers. As he twirled around for the TV cameras, a journalist asked him: ”What are you supposed to be in that costume?” Jorge João Jardim shrugged his shoulders and replied: “I don’t know.”

- Delfina Teixeira

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Madeira Wine Region Enjoyed all over the world, this native “nectar” is one of the most distinctive features of the island of Madeira. It’s unique characteristics have been appreciated by many important historical figures, including Shakespeare, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Winston Churchill. Madeira wine became known worldwide as the drink of choice for celebrations including the commemoration toast of American Independence in 1776, made with a glass of Madeira wine. It all began in the 15th Century when Prince Henry the Navigator ordered the Malvasia vine to be planted on the recently discovered island of Madeira. His urgent demand was to compete with the wine trade monopoly that Venice and Genoa had dominated since the 13th Century. Shortly after colonization, the new wines showed promise and the English found it advantageous to shift their trade to Madeira where they had access to the same high quality wine but did not have to deal with the Italian stronghold. During the 16th Century, the old sailing vessels used to sail the oceans to India, China and Japan travelled relentlessly to and from. Ships departing Madeira to India would sail by way of the Cape of Good Hope exposing the barrels of wine to scorching temperatures and unsettling waves that would rock the ships over the unsettling waves. Some barrels of wine that were not sold made the voyage back to Funchal under the same conditions and when tasted, it was discovered that the unsold wine had a superior taste to those wines that had not made a round trip journey. The slow sauna-like heat trapped in the hull had actually improved the taste of the wine. According to legend, an ordinary sailor who was instructed to dispose of the “spoiled” wine made this breakthrough. The sailor took it upon himself to try the supposed “spoiled” wine and when he took the liquid to his lips a smooth sweet liquid surprised him. After this improvement, the wines were labeled “Returned Wine” or “India Circuit Wine” which generated great interest and curiosity in every port. The technique of round trip shipping lasted until 1794 when an innovative technique was divulged for artificially heating the wine in large ovens or wine hot houses called “estufas”. The total area of the wine-growing region in Madeira is approximately 400 hectares, which forms a unique landscape that is characterized by sharply elevated slopes, made into terraces known as “poios”. The volcanic soil, the proximity to the sea, merged with the climatic conditions of hot, humid summers and mild winters contribute to the distinctiveness of the wine produced here. The four main grape varieties that are used to produce the best Madeira wines are Sercial, Verdelho, Bual, and Malmsey. The base white wine is fortified with neutral grape spirits at differing stages of fermentation, depending on the level of sweetness the winemaker is aiming for. Madeira wine is unique in that it is not only fortified, but also oxidized and “cooked,” technically referred to as “estufagem”. In fact, the term “maderization” refers to the process of oxidizing and heating wine. The fortified white wine is available in several different styles of dry/sweet variations. Sercial white wine grape variety is used to produce a dry style of Madeira. It is ideally served as an aperitif with salty foods, almonds, walnuts, assorted olives, and hearty soups. Verdelho produces a semi-dry variation of Madeira wine that is best served with richer appetizers like prosciutto, fancy mushroom dishes or caviar. Bual makes a semi-sweet wine, which is best served as a dessert wine with fruit-based or caramel desserts. Malmsey Madeira wine is the richest, most full-bodied style and is a perfect dessert wine with a variety of sweets like cheesecake, tiramisu, crème brulee or dark chocolate-based desserts. The Madeira variety is a ”generic” brand that is not produced from any of the other four noble grape varietals. These wines are typically labeled as either sweet (doce), dry (seco) or somewhere in between (meio doce - “medium sweet”).

Besides the world-renowned Madeira Wine, other alcoholic beverages have made a lasting impression. A common cocktail served in bars especially in the in the Câmara de Lobos area is the ‘nikita’, a refreshing sweet drink made of beer, ice cream and small pieces of pineapple. Perhaps the most popular drink that is appreciated all over the island is the traditional ‘poncha’, which can be consumed hot or cold. This eye opening cocktail is made from one good measure of ‘aguardente’ mixed with ‘mel de cana’ (sugar cane honey) and fresh lemon juice (orange juice is optional), stirred well and drunk in one gulp. Many say this homemade brew is the best prevention and cure for a cold!

March - April 2013 nº9

Madeiran cuisine represents simplicity, which is found in the landscape and in the humbleness of its people. One of the best meal

starters yields from Madeira and although not a high point on the locals’ menu, a hot ‘bolo do caco’, a typical wheat flour bread with garlic butter and parsley, made freshly in public fairs and feasts, will also always appear on the top of every menu. To accompany the seemingly oversized, lavished in butter English muffin, is the delicious ‘sopa de tomate e cebola’ (tomato and onion soup) topped with a poached egg. As a main course, Madeira is famous for the ‘espetada’ made of large chunks of beef massaged in garlic and salt and bayoneted onto a bay leaf stick and left to grill over fuming wood chips. Other typical meat dishes include ‘carne vinho e alhos’, meat, usually pork, marinated in wine, garlic and bay leaf for at least for a day and then prepared in the same sauce. The popular ‘picado’ traditionally consists of small pieces of beef fried with garlic in a pan, and is served in one large serving dish accompanied by fried potatoes. This is usually prepared for lots of people who will eat form the same dish using a toothpick (picar = pick) as the eating utensil. A long established fishing tradition plays an important role in the local diet. Tuna, ‘espada’ (black scabbard fish), ‘bacalhau’ (codfish), ‘gaiado’ (a regional fish treated like codfish) and ‘potas’ (similar to a huge squid) are featured in many main courses. Fresh tuna is marinated in olive oil, garlic, salt and oregano then fried, and is usually served with cooked cornmeal. This kind of cornmeal preparation is very often also preferred as side dish to ‘espada’ fried with onion. ‘Espada’ with banana, is an unusual combination but the soft white fish blends well with the strong tropical flavor of the banana. For dessert, the list is long, but most favored are the ‘queijadas’, a small cake made of cottage cheese (‘requeijão’), eggs and sugar. Also very popular is the ‘bolo de mel’ (honey cake) and honey cookies. ‘Bolo de mel’, Madeira’s oldest sweet, dates back to when Madeira was an important sugar producer and is traditionally related to Christmas but is a year round treat.

SOPA DE TOMATE E CEBOLA (TOMATO AND ONION SOUP) INGREDIENTS 1kilo tomatoes 3 onions 2 cloves of garlic, minced

60 ml olive oil 1 egg per serving slice of “bolo de caco” with garlic butter and parsley salt and pepper to taste

PREPARATION: Slice the onion thinly and place in a heavy saucepan; blanch the tomatoes in boiling water for a few seconds; remove the skins; add to the onion; season with salt and pepper; add the garlic and olive oil; cover and simmer over very low heat until the onions are translucent and the tomatoes have broken down completely. Watch the saucepan carefully so that you can remove it from the heat before the tomatoes dry out. Just before serving, poach one egg per person – the yolks should still be runny; ladle the soup into bowls; top with a slice of bread and a poached egg; serve immediately.

CARNE DE VINHO E ALHOS (PORK SPICED WITH WINE AND GARLIC)

INGREDIENTS: 1.5 kg boned pork shoulder/pork neck with a bit of fat 1 bottle dry white wine 2 cups wine vinegar 2 cups cider vinegar 4 bay leaves 1 tsp salt 1 tsp black pepper 15-20 garlic cloves, crushed 5 red chillies, sliced Thickly sliced day old bread, cut in 4 Orange slices

PREPARATION: Layer the pork in a large ceramic bowl or Tupperware container. Add the wine, vinegar, bay leaves, chillies, salt and pepper.Then cover and marinate for at least 3 days, stirring daily. When ready to cook the pork, transfer to a large heavy pot and add the marinade. Cover and simmer over the low heat for 1/2 hour. Drain pork. Quickly moisten the bread slices by touching each side to the surface of the hot marinade. Then spread on paper towelling and let it dry (or dry in oven/grill). Raise the heat under the marinade so that it bubbles gently, and boil uncovered to reduce while you proceed with the recipe. Add a little sugar if you want to cut the sourness of the vinegar a little. In a heavy frying pan, brown the pork lightly on both sides in olive oil and butter over medium high heat. Remove and keep warm. Quickly brown bread on both sides in the pan drippings, adding more olive oil and butter as needed. To serve, arrange bread on a platter, top with overlapping sliced pork, then spoon some of the reduced marinade on top. Serve the rest of the marinade as gravy. This delicious dish can be accompanied with mashed potatoes, or sweet potato, other vegetables of your choice and a young fruity red wine.

Pharmacies

Cascais - Linha

Tel.: 214527014 Farmácia Vilar Avenida Maria da Conceição, 49-A Carcavelos Tel.: 214570777

Cascais

Alcabideche

Farmácia Alcoitão 24hours Estrada Nacional N.º 9 Cascais Shopping, Loja 0.089 Alcabideche Tel.: 214608543 Farmácia Abrantes Rua Carlos Anjos, 694-D Alcabideche Tel.: 214682313 Farmácia Alto da Castelhana R. Costa Pinto, N.º 180-A Alcabideche Tel.: 214812850 Farmácia Alvide Largo de Alvide, 28 Alcabideche Farmácia Bicesse R. Frei Inácio Roquete, Nº 363 Alcabideche Tel.: 214602475 Farmácia Carvalho Rua João Pires Correia, 314-B Alcabideche Tel.: 214690363 Farmácia Luz Rua de Cascais Alcabideche Tel.: 214870635 Farmácia Manique Largo do Rossio, Nº 4 Alcabideche Tel.: 214489560 Farmácia Ostende Rua de Espinho, 1-B Alcabideche Tel.: 214680391

Carcavelos

Farmácia de São Gonçalo 24hours Rua da Grecia - Urbanização da Quinta de São Gonçalo, 16 Carcavelos Tel.: 214579817 Farmácia Central Rua 5 de Outubro, 25 Carcavelos Tel.: 214570037 Farmácia Santos Ferreira Rua Barão de Moçamedes, 9-B Carcavelos

Farmácia das Fontaínhas 24hours Rua de Alvide, 188 Cascais Tel.: 214828040 Farmácia A. Costa Avenida 25 de Abril, Lote C-45 Cascais Tel.: 214830214 Farmácia Cascais Rua Conde de Monte Real Cascais Tel.: 214832407 Farmácia Cordeiro Largo Cidade de Vitória, 7 Cascais Tel.: 214826200 Farmácia D’Aldeia Rua Chesol, Lt. 6 Cascais Tel.: 214851011 Rua Regimento 19 de Infantaria, 67 Cascais Tel.: 214830141 Farmácia de Birre Rua de Birre, 503-A Cascais Tel.: 214872121 Farmácia do Rosário Av. Nossa Senhora do Rosário, 1212 Cascais Tel.: 214839328 Farmácia Marginal Praça Dr. Francisco Sá Carneiro, 1 Cascais Tel.: 214849440

Estoril

Farmácia da Misericórdia Farmácia das Areias Urbanização Areias, Lote 12 C/V Estoril Tel.: 214665834 Farmácia Marques dos Santos Rua J. A. Ferreira, 159 Estoril Tel.: 214680116 Farmácia Parque do Estoril Lda. Arcadas do Parque, 15-16 Estoril Tel.: 214667031 Farmácia São João Quinta da Carreira, Lote 29 Estoril Tel.: 214681186 Farmácia Suissa Av. D. Nuno A.Pereira, Edificio do Cruzeiro Estoril Tel.: 214678870

Parede

Farmácia Grincho 24hours Avenida da República, 1425-A Parede Tel.: 214571204 Farmácia Aisir Avenida Gago Coutinho, Loja1-A Parede Tel.: 214572948 Tel.: 214849041 Farmácia Artur Brandão Avenida da República, 1317-C Parede Tel.: 214571054 Farmácia do Junqueiro Rua de Luanda, 852-B Parede Tel.: 214588060 Farmácia Macau Rua José Elias Garcia, 402-B Parede Tel.: 210100146 Farmácia Primavera Av. Maria Lamas Lote 4 Parede Tel.: 214532278 Farmácia São Pedro Urbanização Jardins Parede, Lj C/Lt46 Parede Tel.: 214683052

São Domingos de Rana

Farmácia Aragão Rua Dia Mundial da Criança, 116 São Domingos de Rana Tel.: 214524522 Farmácia Caparide Travessa da Fonte São Domingos de Rana Tel.: 214689133 Farmácia Cristiana Estrada Nacional 249-4, Nº 10 São Domingos de Rana Tel.: 214446723 Farmácia da Madorna Av. Francisca Lindoso, Lt.Hm, Bl.A, Lj.A São Domingos de Rana Tel.: 214523326 Farmácia Fontes Rocha Estrada Nacional 249-4, Bloco Comercial, Ljas 3/4/5 São Domingos de Rana Tel.: 214447430 Farmácia Outeiro Av. das Esmeraldas, 257A São Domingos de Rana Tel.: 214445348 Farmácia Rana Rua do Comércio, Lote 5-A São Domingos de Rana Tel.: 214535522 Farmácia São Domingos de Rana Rua Afonso de Albuquerque, 195 São Domingos de Rana Tel.: 214548400

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‘The measure of any school is its students; the students of St. Julian’s are superb and leave a positive impression on anyone who meets them. The students embody the vision and mission of the School, showing very clearly that the School has created an environment where children can flourish’. (from the accreditation report on St Julian’s by the Council of International Schools)

Noted for outstanding IB Diploma, IGCSE, and Portuguese National Exam results

www.stjulians.com Quinta Nova, 2775-588 Carcavelos Tel. 214585300 Email: admissions@stjulians.com

A World School for a World of Possibilities Give your children an edge for the future

CAISL is a student-centered educational community in which we challenge ourselves and each other to do our best and to make positive contributions to our diverse and ever-changing world.

Academic excellence in a caring and friendly environment “The Accreditation Visiting Team commends CAISL’s faculty and staff for their student-centered approach to learning.” Extract from the CIS and NEASC Accreditation Report, June 2012

Early Childhood through Grade 12 (Ages 3-18); IB World School for Grades 11 and 12; Accredited by The New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), the Council of International Schools (CIS), licensed by the Portuguese Ministry of Education, and the only school in Portugal with sponsorship from the US Department of State. Rua António dos Reis, 95, Linhó, 2710-301 Sintra, Portugal  www.caislisbon.org (351) 219 239 800 info@caislisbon