ODE TO ‘THE GARBE’

ODE TO ‘THE GARBE’

(and ME!)

A few years ago, my holiday to plan –
Would it be Paris, Rome or Milan?
But looking around and just by chance
Portugal beckoned – not Italy or France.
I flew away from England’s shore
Wondering, as usual, what lay in store
The Hotel Garbe”? What a strange sounding name
I must find out from whence it came.
And so I arrived in room ‘one-o-three
Feeling strangely at home – could be the afternoon tea
Or perhaps ’tis the bar staff there to serve me
But I wonder no more it’s plain to see –
Managers, receptionists, waiters and maid
Are there with a smile to come to my aid
And over the years I am happy to say
It does not change there, from day to day
But my room has changed it is not ‘two-five-two’
Second floor up with a spectacular view
I have many friends now from U.K. and E.U.
Together we swim, have tea and ‘bridge’ too!
Then sooner or later March comes around
And back to England I am homeward bound
Where all the spring flowers carpet the ground
Re-unions a-plenty and family to see
Summertime travelling by air, land or sea,
But time stands not still and weather is colder
And the laves on the trees get crinkled and older
They fall to the ground saying “Winter is nearer”
And I plan my return to Armacao de Pera.
Then December arrives and I am off again
Away from dear England, the cold and the rain
To that beautiful place which I now hold dear
In time for Christmas and a Happy New Year!!
at “THE GARBE”

Molly Clarke
January, 2005

Armação de Pêra - Trapalão Carnival

This weekend is Carnival Weekend.

On Sunday, 26th and Tuesday 28th there will be a Carnival Parade in Armação de Pêra Leaving the football ground at 3.00pm the parade passes the main avenue of Armação de Pêra.

Not to be missed.....

Old World Success

Guests in the Raj Restaurant thorougly enjoyed the performances of Suzanne Jefferies and Victor Graham of The Jefferies English Theatre in Old World by Aleksei Arbuzov on Tuesday and Wednesday evening.

Cockfosters Bowling Club

Last week (14th - 21st February, 2006) we had the pleasure to accommodate a group from the Cockfosters Bowling Club. They had a full programme of bowling and tours out. We were delighted to receive this e-mail this morning.

Hi Vicki,
43 Members of the Cockfosters Bowling club wish to thank every one of the staff for making our holiday great. We will be back. Thanks once again Regards Henry (one with the camara )

Painting Course Reviews

Our painting week took place at the beginning of the month - lead by Manuela Vale. We were delighted with the comments we received from two of the participants.

Not having held a paintbrush for some years - and never one loaded with acrylic paint - I was somewhat tense and apprehensive when I turned up for Manuela's Art Course. But my fears were unfounded, I was soon put at my ease and my confidence grew day by day. I thoroughly enjoyed the course, learned a lot and I am determined to carry on the good work. Thank you Manuela. Mary B.

Dear Manuela,
I just want to thank you for a very enjoyable art course, that you held this week. Your explanations and help with techniques were invaluable and easy to understand. I feel as though I learnt more in 3 days than I did back in England in 3 years. Painting on location was great and I have enjoyed every minute of it. Thank you. June B.

We are planning more activity holidays for next winter - please contact us for information.

Setting the Scene

In the Raj tonight and tomorrow:-

Theatre Dinners The Jefferies English Theatre presents Suzanne Jefferies and Victor Graham in Old World by Aleksei Arbuzov - A light comedy in two acts - 7 -7.30pm. Only 28 Euros per person to include 3 course Indian Dinner with Wine and Coffee. Special rate for overnight accommodation - 23 Euros per person per night sharing twin landview room to include breakfast

The Garbe Winter Experience

Like migrating birds the regulars at the Hotel Garbe return every year.

One guest called it the Garbe Experience – saying that no other Hotel greets its guests with a big smile and a sincere welcome year after year.

The Hotel Garbe, 45 minutes from Faro Airport commands a prime cliff top position with stunning panoramic view of the bay of Armaçao de Pera. With its friendly staff and heated swimming pool it is the ideal place for a winter holiday.

Breakfast is buffet and consists of Orange, Apple, Tomato Juice, a Choice of Cereals, White Bread, Brown Bread, Rolls, Brioches, Croissants, Vianas, Toast, Butter, Jam and Marmelade, Ham, Salami, Cold Meats Cheese, Tomato, Lettuce, Bacon, Sausage, Baked Beans, Mushrooms, Eggs, Yoghurt, Fresh Fruit and Cake.

Dinner is also buffet, guests can choose from a wide selection of salads, cold meats, hot soup, pasta, two meat dishes, two fish dishes, fresh vegetables and a mouth-watering selection of desserts. Between 1st November and 31st March complimentary wine is served with dinner.

During the winter, many activities take place which are included in the price of your holiday – craft demonstrations, painting classes, bridge and exercise classes just to name a few. Between 1st November, and 31st March the Hotel serves complimentary tea and biscuits to its guests every day in its Bar Boa Vista.

Other facilities include the beauty clinic, hairdresser and famous Raj Indian Restaurant.

Dr. John Piper visits the Hotel each week between November and March. Many of our guests benefit from peace of mind and advice resulting from his extensive knowledge of the medical and pharmaceutical facilities available locally.

Also an ideal location for Golfers – the team at the Hotel Garbe are on hand to book tee times.

We ask our a few of our winter guests to say a few words about the “Garbe Experience”

• Firstly its’ position adjacent to the sea (I think the best on the Algarve!) and this makes it very special to us because you get that beautiful light at dawn and dust. Then there are the staff – from the reception to the ladies that look after our rooms. They are the best

• Breakfast and the complimentary teas, are special occasions when we all greet each other. You, the staff, are t be congratulated on provided a wonderful service.

• The Garbe Hotel has a certain ambience which cannot be found in any other. One is conscious of it from the moment of arrival. All the staff go out of their way to assist you.

• The genuine welcome, which still greets me on my arrival, is like a homecoming.

• The Garbe is special because of its wonderful location and as a meeting place for many friends who come back year after year. The staff are marvellous and we always leave wishing we could stay longer – perhaps one day.

• The location, straight onto the beach. The staff, ALL of them so lovely and really special people. The fact that every time we return we are welcomed like old friends.

Whether it is for a few nights or a number of weeks you can be sure of a memorable stay at the Hotel Garbe.

Royal British Legion

"Members of the Algarve Branch of the Royal British Legion enjoying one of the regular monthly lunches held at Hotel Garbe. Any member of the Legion wishing to come along would be very welcome.

Come and join us in the Bar at 12.30 for a pre-lunch drink on the third Wednesday in the month. We have a flourishing Branch with more than 140 Members".


Contributed: Mr. Harry Warner

Valentines Dinner Dance

Just a few photos from our Valentines Dinner Dance which took place in our Restaurant Por do Sol.

What our guests say

MAIL ON SUNDAY - January 29, 2006

John Carter writes:

"By coincidence, our base was that same Hotel Garbe, remembered with affection from 1962 and subsequent trips.

It is a four-star hotel with ten star service and staff, displaying the natural courtesy and kindness I have always found in that southern region of Portugal.

There are shops, smart restaurants, bars and all the trimmings of a lively resort between the Hotel Garbe and the little church which remains as I remember it from all those years ago."

Creative Writing Course Reviews

Jenny Grainer, a professional journalist held a Creative Writing Course at the Hotel at the beginning of this month - the course was a great success and we would like to share with you some of the comments we received.

The course has been enlightening, surpassing expectations, I have learned so much and have two manuscripts that are ready to send to publisher or agents as a result of these four days. S.S.

This has been a real learning curve for me (a novice with regard to writing). Please await the publication of my book. Molly C.

Very refreshing, invigorating and challenging. Renewed interests in creative writing that had been long buried. I enjoyed touching on various aspects, articles, story writing, children's etc. During the four days we were encouraged to write prolifically and received excellent feedback on our efforts. M.B.

I surprised myself! I didn't think I could be so inventive. Being given a subject made all the difference. M.W.

The course gave me time to concentrate uninterrupted and work on my writing. I now have plots for three books - watch this space. Maria C.

Jenny is a very good tutor and I have written a story I would like to publish when eventually finished. C.M.

Next Course

Weekend Course - Saturday and Sunday, 25th and 26th March, 2006

10.00am - 4.00pm - each day

If you enjoy writing, and would like to learn creative writing for profit or pleasure, Jenny Grainer, a professional journalist, will provoke your writing skills. Start that book or your memoirs for future generations to remember you by? Price per person is 85 Euros.

Pancake Races - Shove Tuesday, 28th February, 2006

On the beach in front of the Hotel Garbe at ll.00am. Races for all ages. One Euro per race. Races for little toddlers, big toddlers, children of all ages, Mums and Dads and Grandparents too! Prizes for every winners. Afterwards pancakes, with all sorts of delicious sweet and savoury fillings, will be served in the Hotel. All proceeds of the event will go towards the APAA speying and neutering campaign. For more details please phone Jane on 282 320260 or Jenny Tucker on 91 9041903.

The perfect day for painting

A few pictures of the Painting Course that started this morning - capturing the boats at Fishermens beach....

Course Review - Stained Glass Course

Contributed by Mr. Alan Wells

Bubbly Barbara quickly put us at our ease as we started our first session of the “Stained Glass Course”

A brief description of our first “work of art” and we were away on what proved to be an exciting adventure.

We were soon cutting clear glass and then preparing the patterns for our butterfly, cutting and grinding to shape the four sections which made up the wings. Then foiling the edges and soldering them together to make the basic shape. Having done this we attached the feelers and the ring for hanging the butterfly and then washed the work before applying the patina. All the time Barbara was at hand and offered advice on the best way to perform any particular task. We then made a butterfly using coloured glass and after foiling the edges soldered it together with the wings slightly raised to give it depth. Our final project was a box with a hinged lid, a mirror base and a motif applied to the lid Monique chose a small butterfly whilst I made a stylish letter M. To round off our work we made a series of penguins.

A fascinating and thoroughly enjoyable course which was well prepared and conducted with help and suggestions always at hand

The next Stained Glass Course at the Hotel Garbe will be taking place on 20th, 21st and 22nd February - please send e-mail to activities@hotelgarbe.com for more information.

"A Wonderful Evening" - Theatre Dinner Review

Contributed by Pauline Thurman
Wednesday, 1st February found us making our way to the Raj Restaurant at the Garbe Hotel for a "Theatre Dinner".

We were met and greeted in the normal friendly manner which we have come to expect at the Garbe and then escorted to our table for the evening. We were no sooner seated when the waiter was alongside us seeking our drink requirements.

This was to follow with an excellent three course meal served quietly and efficiently.

Our tummies full to bursting point we were then to sit back and enjoy the second half of the evening.

The "Portada Theatre Group" presented 2 award winning monologues by Alan Bennett - "Talking Heads" .

What a joy both "Chip in the Sugar" performed by Tom Hardy and " Bed amongst the Lentils" with Nicky Moran turned out to be. Many chuckles from the participating audience (which was a sell out) illustrated how much the show was enjoyed. Thanks go to Priscilla Morgan Director and Midge Ridley Stage Manager for an excellent choice of material. Our diary is awaiting the next event.

A wonderful evening. Highly recommended.

WHAT'S ON FEBRUARY 2006

Friday, 3rd February – Alan Storm – Singer – 9.00pm
Saturday, 4th February – Middle Eastern Intermediate Dancing Classes – 10.00am
Saturday, 4th February - Sandra and Jorge – Music for Dancing – 9.00pm
Sunday, 5th February – Carlos Pontes – 9.00pm
Monday, 6th February – Nuno – 9.00 pm
Monday 6th February – Sing a Long with RITA – 9.00pm
Tuesday 7th February – Nuno – Resident Organist– 9.00pm
Wednesday, 8th February – Musical Quiz with RITA – 4.00pm
Wednesday, 8th February – João Caracol – Music for dancing – 9.00pm
Thursday, 9th February - Ilze – Singer – 9.00pm
Friday 10th February – Nuno – Resident Organist– 9.00pm
Saturday, 11th February – Middle Eastern Beginners Dancing Classes - 10.00am
Saturday 11th February – St. Valentines Dinner Dance – – 7.00pm
Sunday, 12th February – Presumed Innocent – Dancers – 9.00pm
Monday 13th February –Sing a Long with RITA – 9.00pm
Monday 13th February – Folklore Dancers – 9.30 pm
Tuesday, 14th February – Arte Viva – Music for dancing – 9.00pm
Wednesday, 15th February – Musical Quiz with RITA – 4.00pm
Wednesday, 15th February – João Caracol – Music for dancing – 9.00pm
Thursday, 16th February – Nuno – Resident Organist– 9.00pm
Friday 17th February - Alan Storm – Singer – 9.00pm
Saturday, 18th February – Middle Eastern Intermediate Dancing Classes – 10.00am
Saturday, 18th February - Sandra and Jorge – Music for Dancing – 9.00pm
Sunday, 19th February – Carlos Pontes – 9.00pm
Monday 20th February –Sing a Long with Rita – 9.00pm
Monday 20th February – Folklore Dancers – 9.30 pm
Monday 20th February – Nuno – Resident Organist– 9.00pm
Tuesday 21st February – Theatre Dinner – “Old World” – 7.00 to 7.30pm
Tuesday 21st February – Nuno – Resident Organist– 9.00pm
Tuesday, 21st February – Manager Cocktail – 6.00pm
Wednesday, 22nd February – Musical Quiz with Rita – 4.00pm
Wednesday 22nd February – Theatre Dinner – “Old World” – 7.00 to 7.30pm
Wednesday, 22nd February – João Caracol – Music for dancing – 9.00pm
Thursday, 23rd February - Ilze – Singer – 9.00pm
Friday, 24th February - Alan Storm – Singer – 9.00pm
Saturday,25th February – Middle Eastern Beginners Dancing Classes – 10.00am
Saturday 25th February – Carnival Dinner Dance Fancy Dress Party – 7.30pm
Saturday 25th February – Nuno – Resident Organist– 9.00pm
Sunday, 26th February -“Carnival Parade” Starting at the football ground - 3.00pm
Sunday, 26th February – Presumed Innocent – Dancers – 9.00pm
Monday 27th February –Sing a Long with RITA – 9.00pm
Monday 27th February – Folklore Dancers – 9.30 pm
Tuesday 28th February – Pancake Races on the Beach – 11.00am
Tuesday, 26th February -“Carnival Parade” Starting at the football ground - 3.00pm
Tuesday, 28th February – Arte Viva – Music for dancing – 9.00pm


Weekly
Mondays –9.30am – Pilates - Beginners Class (pre-book at Reception)
Mondays – 11.00am – Pilates
Mondays – 12.30am – Aqua Aerobics
Mondays 6.30 – 7.30pm – Stage School (7-11 years)
Wednesdays – 2.30pm - Bridge
Fridays –9.30am – Pilates - Beginners Class (pre-book at Reception)
Fridays –11.00am – Pilates Classes
Friday afternoons – 2.30pm – 4.30pm – Bridge
Thursdays – 10.30pm – 12.30pm Weekly Writing Circle
Thursday Evenings – 6.00pm – Pearl Exhibition – Reception Area
Friday Evenings – 7.30pm – Duplicate Bridge
Saturdays –3.30 – 4.30pm – Book Fair (New and Used Books)
Sunday Afternoons – 1.45pm – Millennium Bridge Club
Sunday Evenings – 6.00pm – Silver Exhibition – Reception Area

Fortnightly
Saturdays – 10.00am –Middle Eastern Intermediate Dancing Classes (4th & 18th February )
Saturdays – 10.00am –Middle Eastern Beginners Dancing Classes (11th & 25th February)

The facilities and entertainment featured may change without notice.

February Theatre Dinners

RAJ AT GARBE

THE JEFFERIES ENGLISH THEATRE
Presents

“OLD WORLD”
A light comedy in 2 Acts by Aleksei Arbuzou
with
Suzanne Jefferies and Victor Graham

Tuesday 21st & Wednesday 22nd February 2006

7.00 for 7.30 pm

Only 28,00 Euros per person
3 Course Indian Dinner
with Wine and Coffee

Don’t miss it book now.

Phone Hotel Garbe, Armação de Pêra
Tel.282 320260 Fax: 282 315087
E-Mail hotelgarbe@mail.telepac.pt
Web:-www.hotel garbe.com

Golf Holidays

Playing golf in the Algarve could not be easier. Simply visit our golf website at www.golfatgarbe.com

Middle Eastern Dancing - New Class

The successful dance classes at the Hotel Garbe are set to expand with the introduction of a new beginner’s level in Middle Eastern Dance.

Open to all ages with no previous experience necessary, sessions take students on a journey through dance and music, from the peasant and folk styles of the Nile Delta and the Atlas Mountains of Morocco, through classical Egyptian Beledi (from which the phrase Belly Dance is coined) to sensuous Persian. Gypsy elements and Andalucian cross borders and culture and lead through African influences from the slave trade across the seas to the birth of Latin American dances which in time returned to influence the modern cabaret of Cairo and Lebanon. The roots of all dance in India is still present today with Bollywood and the Gothic American Tribal fusion styles.

Many students are surprised by the imagination this class inspires within them. Most come with the expectation they are going to exercise their body, but during this journey so many experiences open to them that some have a completely new outtake on life. Come and experience for yourself!

For husbands, children, and friends, if you are stuck for a present with a difference why not book someone special a trial lesson – Gift vouchers available.

The ongoing Intermediate class is fortnightly on Saturdays with the new beginners class slotting into the alternate week. Both classes start at ten and last two hours. Other classes and workshops could be arranged, please contact Jeanette on 286512679 for information.


Contributed: Jeanette Elliott