What is this, very traditional Portuguese 'pastime', pictured below? I have been fascinated by this 'activity' for a long time, and was delighted to chance upon a gathering of men yesterday, enjoying it with beer and banter. But what is it? CLUE: "It was popular in the countryside, but now is begining to be forgotten," I was told when I asked a Portuguese friend. (Close-up pic Isabel Widmer, www.eventosagenda.com)

OK, let's keep the connection going here with each other and our dear teacher @Maria Malheiro Find the course in the classroom Additional WhatsApp group support --- OK, vamos embora! You legends @Amy Noble @Curt Buckley @Barak Zable @Lu S. Did I miss anyone who joined me on my milestone birthday?!

In association with my newly-opened, local wine shop in Sao Martinho Do Porto, I am delighted to share with you 'Portuguese Wine of The Week' - a spotlight on a national favourite, selected by Red Notes proprietor, Sergio. Each weekly selection can be found here, in the comments, with addtional information banked in the classroom 😉

Wishing you great health, happiness and countless friends! 🌸

It looks like ALL of Portugal, Spain, some of France (possibly Germany, Italy & Switzerland) are affected by an electricity outage, caused - some say - by a fire/grid fault in the Pyrenees; others of course, suspect foul play. I have heard from a contact with friends inside EDP (Portugal's principal electricity supplier) that a 'cyber attack' may be the cause, and that recovery time might be between 6-72 hours. I will do what I can to keep you updated, and do contact me here or by phone (00 351) 913 590 303 if you need any help. I, and others here, I am sure will 'muck in' at a distance to help. Emergencies are best dealt with by calling 112 in Portugal. Stay calm and safe...