Author Archives: connal

Writing this blog on the Silver Coast has opened the door to a language hell that I had heard about but never experienced first hand. It is a place populated by people who are so linguistically challenged I imagine they … Continue reading →

Portugal’s Santa appears to be somewhat more athletic than the chubby bloke I have known since childhood. My Santa is the kind of guy who struggles to lever himself out of the sleigh after a heavy night of mince pies … Continue reading →

There are twenty food outlets in the Leiria Shopping Centre on Portugal’s Silver Coast. Nineteen of them sell food. One sells soup. When I was there the other day the soup place was the only one getting any action. I … Continue reading →

Like most parents we have been lying for years in order to protect Father Christmas. Last night we were busted when our daughter hit us with the big question at tucking-in time. Her question was straight and to-the-point, like she … Continue reading →

For a moment I felt like a character in a road movie who suddenly gets involved in a situation that will turn him from law-abiding citizen into hunted wolf. This generally happens at some petrol station in the middle of … Continue reading →