Developments

Now that a little time has passed I have managed to shake off the euphoria of the struggle against the elements and creatures of the deep that lead to the capture of Brian and turn my mind to the changes and developments in Santa Luzia.

Casa de Polvo appears to have taken over the premises of O Marinhero the new restaurant that opened last summer. We had a meal there before it closed and while there was nothing to complain about there was also nothing to justify the premium price charged.
Little Casa de Polvo on the other hand has gone from strength to strength being popular with visitors and residents alike.
The acquisition of the O Marinhero site (which is incidentally right next door) more than quadruples Casa de Polvo's size and I am pretty confident that with their focused offering and reasonable prices they will make a huge success of it.

During our visit we noticed that almost every commercial premise in the village was displaying an order from the Camera (council) showing a large area of the Rio Formosa from which all moored vessels had to be removed by 10th of April and with typical Portuguese aplomb the owners of quite a few seemed to be contemplating complying.
The reason for the removal of the vessels is so that dredging work can begin on the new marina to be built there and I am looking forward on my next visit to seeing if (a) the boats have been moved and (b) the work has commenced.
Along with the construction of the marina the Eastern end of the promenade is to be widened and improved. A section of local opinion is also in favour of pedestrianising the promenade and lobbying is in progress to achieve this.

The tiny Cafe Santa Luzia has also been dragged into the 21st century.

This one room bar was run by a lady about ten years older than The Royal Navy, she spoke not a word of English and the only Portuguese I ever coaxed from her was "Nao tem" ("I have none"). She has apparently finally put up her feet and handed over to the younger generation who have introduced such innovations as refrigeration,lights and some outside furniture. These, the new coat of brightly coloured paint and the smiling helpful young Portuguese man behind the bar have transformed the place.It is just past the Farmacia, if you visit Santa Luzia, as one day surely you must, call in and enjoy, you will be made most welcome.