OK, so maybe the world is going mad, or maybe it isn’t.
Corona Virus is running rampant. Quarantine (or self-isolation as it’s become known) is the order of the day.
Maybe we should all just have one big love-in and spread the virus, get it over and done with and carry on!
But that wouldn’t be great for everyone, obviously.
Just maybe I need to think about this further…
Anyway, tonight was a first for me.
I’m in Fuseta. I have a beautiful new kitchen. But it’s not quite finished. There are a couple of issues that I won’t go into now, but basically, I can’t wash up.
So I’m eating out on a regular basis.
Now I know that sounds fantastic, and there are some fantastic restaurants here, but I really don’t want to spend all my money on eating out.
So I head up to Ponte Grande – the best kebab house this side of… this side of… well actually, ever! In my opinion and that of the people I know around here.
€5 for a kebab that is quite unlike anything you’ve tried before.
The kebab consists of fresh carrot, fresh lettuce, fresh tomato, stunning chicken and even more stunning chilli mayo (or garlic mayo if you prefer). On the side are some lovely chips, and you even get a beer with it. A beer on the side!
And all for €5!
So anyway, since I can’t wash up, I’ve wandered up here tonight, enjoying a kebab and a beer, and writing stuff on my laptop, when in walks the wife of the owner of a local bar which I quite enjoy – ‘The Jockey’, or maybe just ‘Jockey’ I think. I’m never sure.
She gives me a massive smile and shouts “Ola!” across the room.
I don’t go into ‘The Jockey’ often since I’m not really sure when it’s open (often the problem in Portugal), but I love it.
I love the fact that it’s full of locals, the fact that it’s full of local people who don’t mind if I wander in there for a beer, on my own or with a friend.
I love the fact that it’s full of people who don’t mind that I don’t yet speak the language – although I try.
I love the fact that they accept me even though I probably stand out like a sore thumb!
I love the fact that it’s local and that the landlord treats me no differently to anyone else in the village and always greets me with a smile and a handshake…
…until tonight that is.
So I’m up at the Ponte Grande, having my kebab and beer. The wife of the landlord of the Jockey has entered and said hello. Shortly after, her husband comes in.
He greets me with a smile as usual and I put out my hand.
He looks at me like I’m mad, and then starts laughing. He sticks out his elbow and points it at me. Bloody Corona Virus! It’s now (eventually!) entered the subconscious of the locals here!
I stick my elbow out too, and he bangs it with his.
He bursts out laughing.
I have no idea if he’s serious or just taking the piss! I really hope it’s the latter, but these days, you never know…
When the outside world starts impacting on this innocent paradise, then you know you’re in trouble…
“Blinking Flamingos! The musings of a middle-aged bloke living in the Eastern Algarve: one who has no idea what he’s doing…”