The centuries-old Anglo-Portuguese alliance is sure to continue even though the United Kingdom looks like it will soon be saying farewell to Portugal and the other 26 member states of the European Union.

Generally regarded as the world’s oldest alliance still in force, it was signed in 1386 between the Kingdom of Portugal and the Kingdom of England. The name “United Kingdom” only came into being centuries later.

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I thought you would be interested to hear about an important letter that was posted in Agoz that took almost 3 weeks to arrive at its final destination in the UK via a journey to Frankfurt, then onto Helsinki followed by a visit to Langley distribution centre in Vancouver Canada, writes algarvedailynews.com reader Graham Wright.

Due to the Brexit situation, my wife has decided to apply for an Irish passport. To be able to do this the original parent birth certificate had to provided and sent to Lisbon. The passport was processed and the important documents duly returned the Algarve.

So, I have lived the future, (for a few miles, a few days). All you need is an American son in law who has bought a Tesla Model S. Nought to 60 in under 3 seconds. WOW! That, with a plastic card or the mobile phone to open door handles, a computer to control wing mirrors and engine ignition. I'm redundant. What more is there? Well a lot. 

Back in 1979 when I was visiting England on a trip, I went to see a new play that was the talk of London, Whose Life Is It Anyway? starring the (then) young actor Tom Conti. It was the rave of the year and his performance earned him a Tony Award. When I heard that this Algarveans’ production starred a woman as the lead, I wondered whether the dynamics would work. I didn't realise that Brian Clark, the playwright, had updated the script to give it a new look for modern audiences.

“Halleluyah, Halleluyah,” rang out again and again across the esplanade and the beach front for a good 10 minutes. It was an inspiring sound if somewhat mournful. It was sung by members of the local Church of the Navigantes, who had gathered there to hold a service in honour of their religion and to give thanks and also to seek the help of the Almighty in keeping the men of the fishing fleet safe out at sea.

One might ask, what was Leonard Cohen doing in the Western Algarve around 5 o’clock on an August Saturday afternoon. Well, you, and he, would have to have been there to accomplish that. Also the issue of reincarnation would have been overcome. But nevertheless “Halle-lu-yah, Halle-lu-yah” continued with even greater gusto and feeling. The members of the congregation were really enjoying what they were doing.

When visitors holiday with us, Saturday night is normally, a restaurant followed by a slow drive home under the stars. This week's arrivals were more adventurous. "Let's go to the Freestyle" became the call to action throughout the day. So, after a very tasty "Chinese," off we went to the Lagos arena.

I parked amongst the 3 euros per night brigade, leaving space enough for those still to arrive. This part of Lagos offers all and sundry a once a month "market of fun." The noise and chaos never fail to amuse. Among the hustle and bustle "Cinceuros" rings out from every stall. Anything and everything, socks, underpants, tools. cork handbags etc, etc are all on offer. It really is a very human event.

I must be getting old. The “Norwegian Easy Jet” has just landed in Oakland and the customs guys have gone on a work to rule. Just what I needed. Two hours later, after 2 US airline flights have landed and picked up their bags we ESTA carrying foreigners finally enter an empty arrivals hall. Thank heavens the grand kids are still awake and rushing to greet us. I’m suddenly re-engergized.