We are always really pleased to get letters from our readers. If you would like to send us your views on anything that’s going on in the western Algarve or if you have any suggestions to make about the magazine please email: sophie@tomorrowalgarve.com
Dear editor,
Probably, like most visitors to the Algarve escaping the cool, wet climate of our native country, we usually head straight for the spectacular beaches and waters of the west coast when we holiday in the area. However, on a visit in February 2018, we spent a thoroughly enjoyable day exploring the historical streets and heart of the port and old town of Lagos.
We visited Forte de Bandeira, the Arabic fortifications, city walls and Moorish archway leading onto Avenida dos Descobrimentos, the monuments to the navigator Gil Eanes and Henry the Navigator, the slave market, and the Municipal Museum. Our exploration culminated at the wonderful and memorable Igreja de Santo António, with its glorious blue patterned tiles and gilded, painted and carved woodwork of birds, fish and plants.
The whole day was an extremely informative and enjoyable experience and we learnt so much about the history, architecture and social development of Lagos which enhanced our appreciation and understanding of the town.
With these memories in mind, we were delighted to read amongst the fantastic range of interesting articles in the December Tomorrow magazine, the article, ‘A Journey Through Time’ by Lena Strang. The extensive renovation of the Lagos Municipal and church Santo António was just beginning in 2018, so it was really pleasing to read that the project is now completed and the official opening has taken place.
We think Lagos has so much to offer and inform visitors regarding the importance it has played in the history, not just of Portugal, but of the whole of Europe.
In these times of the Black Lives Matter movement for example, we were fascinated to find during our visit, that although Portugal and Lagos were at the forefront of the slave trade in the fourteenth century, it was also one of the first countries to start emancipating slaves under pressure from the Catholic church and these freed slaves became local fishermen, carpenters, boat builders and artisans, thus contributing to the local economy and expansion of the town.
The newly expanded and enhanced museum will be a great asset to the cultural development and understanding of Lagos and we very much look forward to visiting it on our next trip to Portugal.
Perhaps an historical route map and pamphlet with interesting locations to see, would be a useful addition in order to develop to help diversify local tourism, or has it already been done?
Susan and Geoff Hollow, Devon, England
Dear Tom and all the Tomorrow magazine team,
The times we’ve been all living have affected us all in so many different ways. The pandemic context, along with its restrictions and imposed limitations, has not allowed us to keep on with so many activities that we all love.
The Mustard Seed Association, as you know, hasn’t stopped providing support and help to the most needy families in Lagos during the pandemic and lockdown times, always giving special attention to the ones with children.
The Christmas season is always a big challenge for us, but this year, in particular, it’s been even more challenging because many donations and all sorts of support just stopped suddenly. But, we do trust that together we will be able to provide for the neediest in this so-special season.
With this letter, we just want to thank you for your support as we do know and understand that, despite the circumstances, you always kept an ongoing help and support in all the best ways in your reach, and your hearts never ceased the good intention to help this work that you are also an active part of too.
For all this, we just want to tell you Tomorrow magazine team THANK YOU SO MUCH.
Please do receive our love and gratitude and most sincerely we do wish you Merry Christmas and happy 2022.
From The Mustard Seed Association Team,
Daniel and Elisabete Saunite
Hi Sophie,
I get Tomorrow every month and make it last the month. I have particularly enjoyed this issue. Thank you, everyone.
I have just read the letters from the schoolchildren. It was heartening and saddening at the same time. The understanding and grasp they have about the situation leaves me extremely hopeful for the future of this planet.
I do what I can, and try to explain to other wrinklies the importance of doing what we can, and most want to help for the sake of their grandchildren.
We are no longer in the age range to actively do too much, but we can do what we can. We can also be quite verbal!
Looking forward to next month’s issue.
Thanks again, Marion Verling
