Furniture Upcycling Workshop
Kit & Caboodle
Warehouse 1-3, Cerro de Galo, Almancil Road 8135-028 | Tel: 289 394 257
Whilst wandering around this really unique furniture shop the other day, I watched in fascination as a lady began to transform, before my very eyes, a battered old chest of drawers. There were photos pinned to the wall behind her of the most wonderful upcycled transformations; before and after photos which were just incredible! Had a little chat with the lovely Phillipa who is such a clever girl. Julie explained that workshops are held on a regular basis in skills such as painting techniques, furniture repair, upholstery restoration, decoupage and anything else you would like to learn. I really do fancy having a go at this as we have a few bits of old brown furniture that I’m sure would look fab with a makeover. Contact the ladies for more info regarding dates and costs. See you there!
Indian Cookery
Asiana The Indian Caterers
Tel: 916 917 941
Riz is such an incredible cook! This is Indian food like you have never tasted and yes, you can actually learn how to cook it yourself! Riz runs half-day workshops teaching complete beginners or confident cooks and is patient, friendly, knowledgeable and full of lovely stories and happiness. Her courses are the best because you get to eat what you cook! I was so impressed with myself when the other people on the course actually ate the food I had made and said how good it was. Such a great day and I am booked on another day with a few girlfriends as a birthday present!
Sailing
Algarve Cruising Centre
Doca de Faro, 8001-901 Faro | Tel: +351 968 644 923
I came across this company whilst searching for a Christmas present for him indoors. Something a bit different, something he could do with the chaps and a bit exciting! Well! What an amazing day he had – so much so that he wants to buy a boat! It was a fab day which started in Olhao which is a working fishing port as well as home to many beautiful sailing and power boats. Have a look at the website to see what would suit you – maybe even become accomplished enough to join an expedition to Morocco!
Diving
SUBNAUTA – Praia da Rocha
Edificio Scorpius - Store B, 8500-806 Portimão | Tel: +351 93 557 7001
From your own pool to the Red Sea! This company arranges every kind of diving tuition including courses for children. All equipment is provided and obviously, everything is tested to the highest safety standards. I would love to try this, to explore the sea and really feel confident about having a look beneath the surface of the water. There is even a course for kids to learn water confidence and play games!
Bridge
Algarve Bridge
Tel: +351 937 802 110
Algarve Bridge was founded by a Dutch bridge master who has lived in the Algarve for some years. In co-operation with bridge friends, local restaurants and a hotel in Albufeira, Algarve Bridge holds regular meetings for games and offers bridge lessons. Complete beginners are welcome and the idea of having a few half-day courses before trying to join in a real game really appeals to me. It’s always good to exercise your brain and learn a new skill and, along with the social aspect of the courses and the club, this is a great way to make friends and not just vegetate!
Gardening
The Algarve Gardener
algarve.gardener@yahoo.com
Gardening is not really something I had considered until moving to the Algarve but now I love it! Nothing quite like growing your own produce – even if it is just a mint plant on the balcony! This club is great because not only does it have a Facebook page to answer all my daft questions with patience and kindness, but you can go along to talks, visits, trips to see gardens and practical demonstrations with really useful tips. The guys that run the club are happy to arrange experts in any field to show you how. A lovely way to spend a day outside in the fresh air creating something positive!
First Aid
First Aid Algarve
Marina Sol Lt 1A 5L 8600-707 Lagos
Focused on training people with no prior first aid knowledge, the Emergency First Response approach to training builds confidence and increases willingness to respond when faced with a medical emergency by teaching the skills needed in a non-stressful learning environment. Personally, I think this is a fabulous idea for everyone to learn the basic first aid techniques and be capable of managing a situation (within reason) until the professional arrives. These courses are invaluable – I’m going to book us both onto a course asap.
