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Ellie and Hub lived in Lagoa 10
years ago, while in their early 40's, they had a carpentry business near
Algoz.
You can reach Ellie at: Gantree1@aol.com |
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House on the hill
This topic came up on Carvoeiro.com a good few months ago now and I
think may be right in saying that it must rate as having one of the
highest 'postings' ever!
When Dalcassian, a Dublin member of the forum, posted this topic I
was immediately drawn to it, as when we were in residence, over a
decade ago I could remember that we sometimes took a walk up to that
point and sat on its 'birds eye view' patio and pondered on what
that old house must have looked like when in its prime?
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Dalcassian, or Joe as I came to know him, had a dream. The dream was
to one day own that house, to refurbish it and bring it back to its
former glory. On a New Year visit, I took a walk up to the house and
had a good look around. Whilst taking the photos that I had promised
Joe, I could really get a real 'feel' for the place; its sturdy
walls, although damaged and scrawled with graffiti still seemed
mighty strong to me, the proof for all to see, as it has withstood
the test of time and all that the Atlantic weather could launch
against it for maybe three quarters of a century or more!
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A few weeks after my return from that holiday, I was very pleasantly
surprised to receive from Joe a 'photographic re-construction' of
the house's interior. It was spot on and looking at it I could well
imagine someone sitting in that armchair, looking out through that
window with the perfect view over Carvoeiro's lovely little bay.
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But it
was now May and I had been in Carvoeiro just a few days. Saturday
arrived and by lunchtime I was ready to go meet Joe and his wife
Nell at O'Patio's in the
square. When I arrived the restaurant wasn't too busy; just a few
customers and as I sat on the centre bench I looked over, my eyes
searching for Nell and Joe (he said he'd be wearing a certain hat..)
but I couldn't see a 'hat', instead I saw a couple perusing the
menu. Suddenly the man, with distinctive silver beard looked over to
me, gave a slight nod and smiled. I 'mouthed' the word 'Joe'? and he
came over to greet me.
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We all agreed on the fresh dressed crab for lunch and with first
shy moments over with, we soon fell into conversation, Nell and
Joe being so easy to talk with we chatted on about so many things
but of course the main theme centred on that house up the hill!
Joe had spotted it on their very first visit to Algarve over 20
years previous and I suspect even then that his 'dream' of that
old house was set into motion and he could see the potential for a
wonderful holiday home. Nell showed me old photos of that first
visit, of these two lovely friendly Dubliners along with their two
young daughters enjoying the wonders, that an introduction to the
beautiful Algarve can bring. It was great to see pictures of CVOs
square as it was in the early 80s and where cottages once stood
there are now shops and restaurants, O'Patio being the oldest!
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The crab lunch was delicious, although
Nell and I had a struggle using the crackers, which we gave up and
resorted to use of fingers! Nell told me of how, when they had fresh
crab in earlier days, she would use what she described as a 'wash
stone' to crack the legs and get at the delicious meat inside. I had
to agree that it sounded an infinitely much better idea than the
method we had just tried!
We talked for literally hours, mostly about each others family and
connections to Algarve and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute. We had
met at about 12.45pm and parted company around 4.15, as Joe and Nell
had to walk back up to their hotel and get packed, ready for their
homeward journey the following morning. It had been such a fun and
enjoyable lunch that I was a little sad to see them go but we
promised to stay in touch and we have.
Here I would like to say a big thank-you, not only for a delightful
lunch and good company but a special thank-you to Joe for giving me
the inspiration for my book cover. This came after a long struggle
of trying to find a 'suitable' picture. An e-mail from Joe said
"Have you thought of using an 'artist's impression'?"..
I did and the result will shortly be in print. Thanks Dalcassian!
Just had another thought.. wouldn't that 'House on the hill' make a
good pic for another literary adventure....? |
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