Olá bom dia alegria! If I had a newspaper reporting the news in Portugal, in English, I'd call it 'The Cockerel', for obvious reasons (I think). Hoping this finds you well this morning ... a few fun items ... starting with 'Dating in Portugal' – apps or real life? I had a fun and honest chat with Natasha Donn and Paul Rees recently, during our most recent weekly news review for The Resident, looking at how people actually meet and build relationships in Portugal. We are clearly 'old school' in our views that included the tactics of utilising the magic of daily life, our community, cafés, and “Bom Dia!” conversations to reel in that special fish. Unlike a growing and apparently unhappy bunch of Portuguese singles who have been complaining about apps like Tinder, Bumble, Cougarly and Plenty of Fish - https://www.portugalresident.com/dating-app-complaints-portugal-fake-profiles-scams/ 😍 What’s your experience of dating in Portugal? Apps or IRL? Drop your thoughts in the comments! More at 👉 www.youtube.com/@PortugalResident_newspaper where we're pushing hard to get over 1,000 subscribers. Next... Fancy a massive water fight? Thanks to @António Ferreira for the (wet) heads-up on this funtastic event happening in Lisbon this weekend where they're bracing for a summer soaking as Watergun Royale return with their "Luta Épica de Pistolas de Água" (Epic Water Gun Fight). The appropriately cooling and fluid-based fun will take place at Fonte Luminosa on Alameda Dom Afonso Henriques on Saturday, 4 July 2026. Running from 3pm to 5pm, the two-hour event invites participants of all ages to bring their own water guns and join what organisers are billing as the most epic splash-fight of the summer - a playful, family-friendly way to beat the July heat in one of the city's more scenic fountain settings.

The best train trips from Lisbon: 5 unmissable and unique destinations. With imposing medieval castles, must-see river beaches during the hot season, and views that stay with you forever, there are destinations just a train ride away to suit every taste. More details here (in english): https://lisboasecreta.co/en/best-train-trips-from-lisbon/

I think we need this, muito obrigado to @Bob Wenger for getting us started... "Daffodils are blooming here in Ponte de Lima. Spring must be coming!!"

Would you live in a 'community' in Portugal?

Great lunch with the Ressie crew! - Carrot tapas, Algarve style (with cumin & vinegar) - Battered polvo - Monkfish, seafood stew with pasta - Pork with roast potatoes & marmelo* - Wines feat. Algrave grape 'Negra Mole