Algarvedailynews receives many letters from readers across the world. The especially lovely one reproduced below arrived from a frequent winter visitor from Canada whose appreciation of the Algarve made me think that some expats are in danger of forgetting the many reasons why we live here.... Ed. 

  "I love, love, love to tell you how much I love Portugal and, in particular the Algarve.  I particularly enjoy going in the winter months to avoid the bulk of tourists, the higher temperatures and to get some significant bargains, which is a huge bonus.  

To me, once you have experienced a "vacation", which is really much more like a visit to a second home, it is hard to embrace the type of all-inclusive resort trips where one sits by the pool for days on end mellowed by watered-down rum or a  cruise, where you rarely get away from the banquet, let alone off the ship.

Thank you to everyone who supported the 2013 Meravista Algarve Expats Survey by promoting it or taking part. The results are in!

There are around 52,000 foreigners living in the Algarve and an increasing number choosing to retire, relocate or buy a second home in the region. So, what’s the attraction? After making the big move, are estrangeiros in the Algarve truly living the dream, or are they screaming, “I’m an expat, get me out of here.”?

Over 60 women took part in the Women & Success conference on Saturday 7th December, enjoying the chance to connect, learn and share experiences with other professional women from across the Algarve and benefit from personal and professional development workshops.

Organised by Ria van Doorn of Conscious Communication, Ivone Sousa and Ilse Noppen, the conference was hosted by the Hilton Vilamoura, and as well as the chance to network and meet new contacts, delegates took part in development workshops covering leadership, identifying your personal brand and maximising your potential.

Portugal is a popular destination for expats as well as tourists, with communities dotted throughout the country, but most notably in the Algarve. It’s easy to see why too, due to the favourable weather and excellent cuisine, but once expats relocate here they can be subjected to life-changing experiences and learn valuable lessons from their Portuguese compatriots.

Below you’ll find the insights of those who have lived or are living in Portugal and what they’ve learned whilst living there.

Galeria Arte Algarve, Lagoa - did it again! Very possibly even more people came to OPEN IX than have ever come to an OPEN before… we didn’t have time to count - but there was a steady stream of visitors from the minute the doors opened at 3pm until well over two hours later. As the sun travelled lazily into the west, people were still chatting contentedly on the terrace, drinking wine and delighting in yet another fantastically upbeat day for art and culture in the Algarve.

New statistics show peer pressure and cheap drinks can lead to more than a holiday hangover. In a new campaign under the banner “On holiday, don’t let drink do your talking”, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office is encouraging young holidaymakers to think before and while they drink to avoid putting themselves at risk of serious harm.

Expats are being asked to share this important message with visiting friends and family to help ensure they spend their time enjoying their holidays, not in hospital, jail or worse.

Wonderful silversmith Something Xtra Special  has this week launched a brand new range of affordable and exquisite costume jewellery using beautiful art by talented artists. Algarve resident, A3art's Alyson Sheldrake, is delighted to have her art work included in the range, which is available exclusively at Etsy SxtraS online shop.