Luxury Items for Second Homes

Talk about the perfect item for second home oweners anywhere. For a million reasons, this is the object you just must have - the Superheadz Deer Book Camera. Easy and affordable online.

Tourism in Portugal still a Growing Industry

According to a study published today by the Bank of Portugal, tourist numbers continued to rise in Portugal in 2008. Despite the sharp decline in tourists from the U.K. numbers show that the Spanish market continued to grow bringing in 9.2 M€ more than in 2007. Additionally, relatively new markets for Portugal are increasing; France (91.6M€), Brazil (55M) and Holland (28M€). In total revenue from the tourism industry reached 7.5 Billion Euros, up 1.7% from the year before.

Luxury Homes Portugal a Safe Investment

Some of the biggest names in local and international real estate in Portugal continue to focus on the Luxury Property Market. One of the main reasons is because unlike other neighbouring countries, Portugal’s properties have not suffered extreme fluctuations – construction was not as accelerated, prices were not as exaggerated and consequently though like the rest of the world sales have fallen, they have not dropped as significantly or as fast. Investors who still want to put their money somewhere but without the volatility stocks, are still looking for high-standard quality real estate which has always withstood the test of time.
Because of geographical proximity, year round good weather, highly developed infrastructures, quality standards in homes and services – Portugal continues to be a favourite among second home owners.

A Wild Weekend Get a Way!

Carnaval in Cape Verde

In many more ways than just pure weather, this has been a cold harsh winter for Europeans all over, so a getaway in many cases will be just what the doctor prescribed. If like many you are hesitant, would like to go but wonder if the timing is appropriate, I would like to leave an important consideration; on Tuesday February 24 Portugal, Spain, Italy and Cape Verde among others will be on a Carnival hiatus. There really is no other time anywhere when people of all ages, colours, body types and walks if life flock to the street for the sole purpose of celebrating excess by dancing on the streets till the wee hours of the morning.
So as the weather is heating up, just do it (plan to leave Friday, Feburary 20 in the evening and plan to return Wednesday evening), in this case there just really is nt any time like the present!

Cape Verde at the Origin of the Species

Around the world today, celebrations are being held in memory of the birth date of the father of Evolutionism, Charles Darwin. In Cape Verde,, more specifically in Cidade da Praia the celebration is just that more special. On January 16, 1832 HMS Beagle arrived at the bay of Praia de Santa Maria in Cidade da Praia, which was to become Darwin’s first experiment lab, and the birth place of one of history’ s most important scientific theories printed to date – The Origin of the Species, 1844. Documented are the author’s observations regarding the volcanic rocks and mountainous rocks in general, plants, sea and land animals as well as his expeditions to Cidade Velha and S. Domingos. From Cape Verde Charles Darwin went on to the Canary islands, and from there, around the world and concluded his world travels in Cape Verde, again.

Birds of Cape Verde, 4 - The Brown-necked Raven

The Brown-necked Raven (Corvus ruficollis) is a fairly large bird measuring about 52-56 cm. The head and throat are a distinct brownish-black colour which give the bird its English name. The rest of the plumage is black glossed with purple, blue or purplish-blue. The feathers of this species often fade quite quickly to a brownish black (even the truly black feathers) and the bird can look distinctly brown by the time it moults. The feet, legs and bill are black. This species has a wide range across virtually the whole of North Africa, down as far as Kenya, the Arabian peninsula and up into the Middle East and southern Iran.

Food consists of a wide range of items including carrion, snakes, locusts and other grasshoppers, stranded fish (in coastal areas), grain stolen from bags, dates and other fruits. It is quite fearless when not persecuted but is quick to become wary and shy if too much attention is paid to it.

If you are out enjoying all of the outdoor living Ponta Bicuda has to offer and hear croaks (slightly higher pitch) you will know the Brown-necked Raven is about, if you hear “Kuerk-kuerk” sounds, you will know it is in flight.

Luxury Home Items

Introducing another novelty luxury item for your holiday family home - the Moss Carpet by Nguyen La Chanh An amazing mat embedded with ball moss, island moss and forrest moss! Weather your home abroad is in the country, beach or city - this just another unique way to get in touch with nature, all year round.