Travelling with us

Our Landscapes

2008-11-28T08:04:00.000-08:00

Here we have the museum of dinosaurs located in Lourinhã and a statue also in the same village.

We also can see a monument in Porto Dinheiro known as Lady of Liberty and a monument dedicated to our soldiers who fought in the Ultrasea War.

A new challenge

2008-05-08T08:10:00.000-07:00

Hello, dear Polish friends:

We are students attending 7th, 8th and 9th levels. We are studying European History: The Second World War.
We got to know Poland was invaded by the German troops on 1st September 1939.
The main aim is to go deeper in our knowledge about that terrible event.
Portugal didn’t participate directly in that war. Nevertheless we couldn’t help feeling its negative consequences, especially in the social and economical areas.
We would like you to share with us some Polish points of view about the real effects of that war in Poland.
Here are some questions we thought would be the most interesting for us. If you want to add new ones they’d welcome.

Best wishes
Portuguese students from Ribamar

Questions:

1 – Have you still a relative who had lived the Second World War?
2 – Do you happen to know any victims (family or friends) of the war?
3 – We remarked that most of the concentration camps are located in Poland. Can you explain the reason of that situation?
4 – Have you ever visited one of those concentration camps or battle fields? In the affirmative case, what was your feeling there?
5 – What are the actual feelings of the Polish people towards the German? And generally after the war?
6 – What war event touched you (Polish) most deeply?
7 – What do you thing about the countries that helped Poland?
8 – How did your country economy recover from this war?

We are grateful for your attention and answers to our questions.

2008-03-13T09:15:00.000-07:00

In 1789, some political events of the French Revolution took place in France. They were based on the three principles: "Liberty, Equality and Fraternity." The main countries of Europe allied up against France, because they did not want these ideas “come” to them. Prince D. João has agreements with Spain and England separately. At this time the Spanish government asked for help. It wanted Portugal to participate in the Campaign of Roussillon (Eastern Pyrenees). While the Portuguese fought in the Pyrenees, Spanish delegates negotiate the peace with France, in secret. Portugal was in a difficult situation in France and Spain tried to break our alliance with England and our country seeks to maintain neutrality. The French have dominated almost all of Europe, except England. Then, the French blocked the ports of Europe to the British ships. Portugal tries to save time, but Napoleon gives us a deadline (September 30, 1807) to join the blockade, declaring war against England and confiscate the property of British citizens residing in our country. Portugal has not replied. On 27th October 1807, France and Spain reaffirmed their alliance, through the Treaty of Fontainebleau, which provided, in a secret agreement, the division of Portugal. But the invasion of our country had already been taken by Napoleon. Acros s Spain, the French army, commanded by Junot, reached Alcântara, in November 17th, 1807. With the help of three divisions Spanish are about to enter Portugal by the Beira Baixa.

The Escape of the Real Family for Brazil

2008-03-13T08:57:00.000-07:00

On 27th November, the Portuguese Royal Family embarked to Brazil, running away from Portugal. They were accompanied by the English ships, that left of Belem. In the following day the Frenchmen arrived to Lisbon. Junot, was in “Forte de S. Julião da Barra” to fire the last ship that was seen in the horizon, but without success. The army of Junot was close to Abrantes. This situation helped the decision of the Royal Family. D. João, the regent prince, pretended to have closed the English harbours and declared war to England. This was done in a last gesture of the advance of Junot. The transference of Portuguese Royal Family to Rio de Janeiro, was seen by the prince, as the only way to guarantee the independence of the country, preventing to be captured by the invaders.
The members of the Royal Family had been installed in different boats so that, in case that some disaster happened in high sea, it had always a ready descendant to assure the continuation of the ancestry. About 15.000 people had followed D. João. During and after the embankment the confusion in the “Terreiro do Paço" , in the “Ribeira das Naus” and in Belém reigned. The guard of the navy embarked not being replaced. Many goods had been stolen. The population had known the escape of the Royal Family through a decree of the prince. In the absence of the monarch, the country would be governed by an Advice of Regency.

The battle of Vimeiro

2008-03-13T08:34:00.000-07:00

This important battle in Vimeiro, a small village near Lourinhã, was decisive to our national defence.
In honour of our glorious soldiers and other people who participate in this historical event it was built a local monument.
The pedestrian distance between the main places is more or less 17.600 meters. This circuit begins and ends near the Monument of the Battle of Vimeiro, shown in the picture.
Along that way, several landmarks to remind the Portuguese combats between the troops commanded by Wellesley and by Junot are to be found.

The day the French Troops went from Torres Vedras to Vimeiro

2008-03-06T08:01:00.000-08:00

In the morning of August 21st the French troops were in Torres Vedras. Sir Arthur Wellesley intended to circle the position of the enemy, moving to Lisbon by road from S. Pedro and Mafra. While giving the orders to go ahead he was notified of the arrival of General Burrard, who ordered that any move, would be dangerous.
One way that would take two hours walking time, took six long hours.
About 14,000 men were involved, as well as more than two dozen pieces of artillery pulled horses.
Sir Arthur strengthened the position of the hill of Vimeiro. All forces should be prepared to fight one hour before sunrise. At 9 am Junot put their divisions in motion for the fight.

Battle of Vimeiro

2008-02-28T07:44:00.000-08:00

The battle of Vimeiro happened in the Peninsular War on 21st August, 1808. It took place near Lourinhã, between the French troops of Junot and the Luso-British troops of Arthur Wellesley (future duke of Wellington).

After that they defeated the French power under the command of the general Delaborde in the battle of Roliça, on 19th August. The luso-british troops of (enclosure if 14.000 men), under the command of the general Arthur Wellesley came in the direction of Lisbon.

To that group more than 4.000 british troops gathered and disembarked in Porto Novo, in Maceira (Torres Vedras).

The French troops were near Torres Vedras (12000 men, under the command of General Junot). A new fight, in Vimeiro on 21st of August took place.
The battle of Vimeiro opened the way to the negotiations written in Sintra Convention. That was the reason why the French left the Iberian Peninsula.

Portuguese reaction to the French invasion

2008-02-21T07:57:00.000-08:00

Junot and his weak army arrived in Lisbon on November 30th, 1807.
At that time several events in the Portuguese Government happened to cause a great protest and dissatisfaction among the people. This situation was also originated by the French decisions in what concerns the military reinforcement with food and Portuguese soldiers.
The requisition of silver and gold objects of our region’s churches and monasteries had an uncalculated harm. The stolen objects were never refunded.
Some revolts were repressed with so much violence, that the population’s hate for the French people grew up.
Although, in any regions of North of the country were registered revolts and were formed a Provisory Govern. The way was opened to the English coming (our allied).

The Arrival of the French troops in Vimeiro

2008-02-21T07:56:00.000-08:00

After the confrontations in Roliça, Wellesley continued his way to South, near the coast in the direction the Lourinhã. He was very happy because he had known that some English naval troops were to be found in Peniche. There were two brigades commanded by the Generals Acland and Anstruther with 1300 and 2700 men respectively. They would reinforce the English army. Then Wellesley placed his troops in Vimeiro, while the brigades prepared to disembark in Porto Novo.

French Invasions

2008-01-31T08:08:00.000-08:00

The French troops: From the border to Lisbon

On 19th November 1807, Junot entered Portugal through the region of Beira Baixa. The Napoleonic troops crossed the Segura bridge on 19 and 20. Then they were divided into three groups.
In the town of Abrantes (centre of Portugal) the Spanish troops, directed by General Carrafa, followed to Tomar.
The Napoleonic troops went to Tancos – Golegã and reached Santarém on 28th. From Santarem following Cartaxo, Carregado, Alhandra and Alverca, they reached Lisbon on November 30th.

Econimical Activities of "Oeste"

2008-01-24T07:33:00.000-08:00

The economical activities in the western region of our country are, mainly, agriculture and fishing.
The agriculture still plays an important role in our region, greater if we compare with the whole country.

In what concerns fishing we can say that the boats are getting more and more modern (technologically). Nevertheless, this activity faces some difficulties because there are fewer fishes than before.
We also have some Industry (food, drinks, textile, electric and non-metallic minerals) and commercial activities.
In our region some dinosaurs fossils have been discovered. It makes this area one of our main touristic attractions.

Climate

2008-01-17T08:07:00.000-08:00

The region of Lourinhã suffers the influence of the Atlantic Ocean and it has mild temperatures between 10 ° C and 24 º C. The negative temperatures are rare, however, for the last two years, there was fall of snow.
Due to its high rainfall this area is occasionally affected by floods.
The coast is marked by the existence of beaches and unexplored cropped cliffs as well as by small bays.

Portuguese Economical Activities

2008-01-10T08:11:00.000-08:00

Portugal has in recent decades suffered from profound changes in the structure of the active population. There was a decline of the working population in the primary sector and a growth of the secondary and tertiary sectors. However, Portugal, in the context of the other countries of the European Union, continues to record high percentages of the working popu primary sector.
But it was in the tertiary sector which recorded the biggest growth. Most Participation women in the labor market and the improvement of living standards contributed to the increase in the purchasing power of residents in the growth services and the increase in urban population.

Social Aspects

2008-01-03T08:11:00.000-08:00

Social Aspects in our Region

Fishing and Agriculture are the most important economical activities in the area of Lourinhã.
The gastronomy of the region is very rich in sea products as, for instance, shellfish and other tasty fishes. In what concerns the desserts, we have here some traditional cakes – “Amendoados” (made with almonds), “Areias Brancas” (also made with almonds), “Delícias do Convento”, “Paimogo” (the name of one of our beaches) and “Pão de Ló de Miragaia”.
In Lourinhã there is a famous alcoholic drink, “Aguardente”.
Many people in our region start their working day with a breakfast in the local cafes. Then they go to work or they take their children to school.
When they are free they go to the shopping centres, to the local cinemas, to the park of “Fonte Lima” or to the Museum of the dinosaurs in Lourinhã.

Hello, Friends! We are again!

2007-12-13T07:28:00.000-08:00

This is the first part of our new work.

This year we are going to share with you some particularities of our country concerning the French Invasions.

Our Region was the stage of some battles from these Invasions.

Here we leave some aspects of the relief in Portugal.

The Relief in Portugal

The relief in Portugal shows great contrasts, between the north and the south of the country. It is higher in the northern regions. The coast has large surfaces where the land is flat. Near the Ocean we come across with some important cliffs.

The north of the country is more irregular in what concerns the mountains.
There are some deep valleys.

The south presents a softer relief and low average altitudes.

Portuguese Gastronomy

2007-06-14T08:20:00.000-07:00

Almond and Chocolate Cake

Ingredients:Serves 15

600 grs of sugar ;
100 grs of flour ;
50 grs of powdered chocolate ;
0,5 kg of almonds ;
18 egg yolks ;
18 egg whites

Preparation:
Beat the egg yolks and the sugar until the mixture thickens.Add the peeled, ground almonds and the chocolate, then fold in the egg whites beaten stiff and finally the flour.Pour the mixture in a buttered tin that has been sprinkled with flour.Bake in the oven.

Portuguese Gastronomy

2007-06-14T08:18:00.000-07:00

Potted leg of Lamb, Tavira Style

Ingredients:Serves 4

1,2 kg of leg of lamb ;
1 dl of olive oil ;
4 cloves of garlic ; 1 bunch of parsley ;
50 grs of butter ;
100 grs of lard ;
1 dl of vinegar ;
2,5 dl of dry white wine ;
6 peppercorns ;
4 cloves ;
800 grs of potatoes ;
2 bay leaves ;
paprika to taste ;
kitchen salt to taste ;
water

Preparation:
Clean the leg of lamb of all fat, skin and ink.Peel the garlic and crush it with kitchen salt and a little olive oil. Add the paprika and white wine and combine.Spread the product obtained that way over the leg of lamb.In an earthenware pot place the parsley, bay leaf, peppercorns, cloves, vinegar, the rest off the white wine, butter, lard and a little water. Stir these ingredients carefully.Then place the leg of lamb in the pot and let it sleep in the mixture for 3 to 4 hours. Cover the pot and put it in the oven to stew.Wash, peel and quarter the potatoes.When the lamb is almost ready, add the potatoes.Keep the pot covered until the potatoes are cooked.Correct the seasoning and sprinkle with chopped parsley.Hint: Use a small or medium-sized leg of lamb. The best months to buy it are: February, March, April and May.

Portuguese Gastronomy - Some Recipes

2007-06-14T08:15:00.000-07:00

Cherry-colored Chicken, Loulé Style

Ingredients:Serves 4

1,6 kg of chicken ;
100 grs of pork belly - bacon is a good substitute ;
80 grs of sausage ;
150 grs of onions ;
1 dl of olive oil ;
50 grs of lard ;
30 grs of butter ;
2 cloves of garlic ;
1 bunch of parsley ;
2 dl of white wine ;
260 grs of rice ;
salt to taste
water

Preparation:
Wash the chicken carefully in cold water.Place a pot on the flame and in it put the chicken, sausage, a small onion and the bunch of parsley. Cover with water and season with salt. Cook.As soon as the meat is cooked, take it out and put in on a serving tray. Drain off the liquid in which the chicken was cooked.Peel and mince the onions and garlic.Separately, in another pot, put the garlic, onions, olive oil, butter, lard and the parsley chopped in slightly large pieces and let the mixture fry without browning.Add the chicken to this pot, browning it on both sides.Pour the white wine over the chicken and cover the pot, letting it cook for 15 minutes on a low flame.In the pot in which the chicken was cooked, place the liquid that was obtained. Place it on the stove again until it begins to boil.Then add the rice; The volume of the liquid should be twice the volume of rice. Put in the oven and cook it or 15 minutes.Slice up the sausage and cut the pork belly into thin strips.Finally, serve the chicken, garnished with the rice and decorated with the sausage and the pork belly or bacon.
Hint: Use home-raised chicken.

Peniche

2007-06-14T08:01:00.000-07:00

Peniche
Peniche is a seaside municipality in Portugal, with approximately 28,164 habitants.
The Berlengas islands are part of the coast of Peniche. They are one of the world's first protected areas, the “Berlengas nature reserve”. During summer, the islands can be visited taking a ferryboat from Peniche.
Peniche is known for its long windy beaches, perfect for recreational activities and sports as surf, windsurf or kite surf.
Peniche have very good waves. “Supertubos” is the most popular wave in the region, with very fast and powerful (tubular) waves, one of the best in Europe; some call it the "European Pipeline".

Berlengas

2007-06-14T07:54:00.000-07:00

Berlengas
The Berlengas archipelago is a group of very small islands on the Portuguese coast, near the city of Peniche.
Nowadays, the archipelago has no permanent population. The fort is now partially converted into a rest house. As the archipelago has been declared a reserve area due to the local fauna (sea birds, mostly), It is only visited by scientists and, at summer, by a small number of tourists.
In Berlenga Grande Island there are many beaches, with waters very clean with barrier reefs and vibrant marine life. Part of the island was ripped off in the past, forming a separated part of the island called Ilha Velha (Old Island).

Our Saint

2007-05-31T08:24:00.000-07:00

The Blessed Virgin of Monserrate

In Ribamar, every year we celebrate in honour of Our Blessed Virgin of Monserrate. The legend tells that, in the past, in a shipwreck, which occurred close to our coast, Spanish fisherman in an hour of affliction, had made a promised to their saint (Our Virgin of Monserrate). If She ever could save them, they would bring an image of hers and the respective cult to Ribamar.
Local habitants attribute to our saint some miracles, whose stories have been known for generations.
In 1952 the first “image” was replaced by another little statue of the same Saint and she was venerated up to 1971. In 1971 one third statue was inaugurated. At present it is in the church of Ribamar.
During the festival that we annually celebrate, always takes place a procession in honour of Our Saint.

History and People - Luis de Camões

2007-05-31T07:50:00.000-07:00

Luís de Camões (1524-1580)

One of the most important Portuguese poets is the author the famous book “Os Lusíadas”. The main theme of this poem is historical. It is mainly about the Portuguese Discovery of the Sea Way to India. It is a very special writing, all in verse plenty of harmony. The inner metric always follows the same structure for a long number of pages. In them Camões describes some of the most important facts of the Portuguese History as Aljubarrota Battle and the mysterious relationship between D. Pedro and D. Inês de Castro.
He is considered one of the best books of the Portuguese Literature.

History and People - Vasco da Gama

2007-05-31T07:43:00.000-07:00

Vasco da Gama (1468-1524)

He was a Portuguese navigator named by D. Manuel I, who commanded the ships which “made” the way to India, for the first time.
He reached India on 17th May of 1498.
He returned twice to India, always fighting against those who threatened the Portuguese presence in that country.
There he was named “Vice-king” of India in 1524. He died in December in Cochim.
His grave is at present in Mosteiro dos Jerónimos in Lisbon, next to the tomb of Luís de Camões.

Natural History - Our Dinosaurs

2007-05-24T08:19:00.000-07:00

Our Dinosaurs

"Dinheirosaurus Lourinhanensis"

Portuguese Gastronomy - Some Recipes

2007-05-24T08:03:00.000-07:00

Stuffed Squid, Monchique Style

Ingredients:

Serves 4

1,200 kg of squid ;
160 grs of rice ;
100 grs of cured ham ;
300 grs of new potatoes ;
500 grs of ripe tomatoes ;
1 dl of dry white wine ;
1,5 dl of olive oil ;
1 bunch of parsley ;
1 bay leaf ;
250 grs of onions ;
salt to taste ;
pepper to taste ;
water

Preparation:
Wash the squid carefully. Prepare them, removing the tentacles and guts making sure they don't burst. Peel the onions and mince them. Dice the ham very finely, and do the same to the tentacles of the squid. Remove the stems from the tomatoes and scald the latter in boiling water. Remove the skin and seeds and then dice the tomatoes. Place a pan on the flame and pour in the olive oil. Add the onions and fry. Add the cured ham. Then add the tentacles of the squid, the chopped parsley and the tomatoes. Let the mixture thicken. Add the washed and drained rice, mix thoroughly and let it cook for about 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Stuff the squid with the stuffing obtained this way, not forgetting to drive a toothpick into the exterior part (mouth) so the stuffing won't be lost when cooking. In another pan, make more stuffing with chopped onions in olive oil, the bay leaf and chopped parsley.

Add the white wine and water. Add the stuffed squid and let everything cook. Correct the seasonings.

Take out the squid when ready. Serve them accompanied by the boiled new potatoes.

Hint: The squid should be medium-sized.The new potatoes should be small, boiled in water and salt, and only after this should they be peeled.

Portuguese Gastronomy - Some Recipes

2007-05-24T07:50:00.000-07:00

Fish Soup

Ingredients:

Serves 4

500 grs of grey bream or other fish ;
300 grs of eels ;
10 cls of olive oil ;
2 cloves of garlic ;
150 grs of fresh tomatoes ;
100 grs of onions ;
1 bunch of parsley ;
4 slices of bread (home-made type) ;
1 bay leaf ;
salt to taste ;
pepper to taste

Preparation:

Prepare and clean the fish. Cut it up into little pieces and soak it in cold water to let it bleed. Pour the olive oil in a pan and let it warm up. Chop up the garlic and the onions. Add the garlic and the onions, the bay leaf and the bunch of parsley. Meanwhile, take the stems of the tomatoes and scald the latter in boiling water. Remove the skin and seeds. Dice finely. Add the tomato to the pan. Let the mixture thicken a bit. Add water and then the fish. Cook the mixture. Remove the bay leaf and the bunch of parsley. Season with salt and pepper.Sprinkle with chopped parsley. Dice the bread and fry in olive oil. Serve it with the soup.
Hint: Use very fresh fish.

Portuguese Gastronomy

2007-05-24T07:45:00.000-07:00

The big relation between the Atlantic and the fishing tradition made the typical gastronomy of our region wealthier.
The fish dishes and seafood, especially the fish stew, the dry fish with boiled potatoes and certainly the famous “sweated lobster” stand out.
But the prosperity of the gastronomy in our region isn’t only due to the sea relation. The lamb stew, the kid or the “sarrabulho” already belongs to the tradition.
For everyone who likes dainties, some snails, the pork beef or mussels are only some of the suggestions that you can’t miss in the numerous popular parties that take place during all the year all over the region.
Allow you to be conquered by the taste and give yourself the pleasure of the aromas of the region.

Berlengas

2007-05-10T08:25:00.001-07:00

The Castle Church

2007-05-10T08:09:00.000-07:00

This church is situated in the Castle of Lourinhã. It is a very beautiful monument in a gotic style.

The beaches around us...

2007-05-10T07:43:00.000-07:00

Here in Ribamar we have beautiful beaches and around us too.

History and People - Fernão Magalhães

2007-05-03T07:45:00.000-07:00

Fernão Magalhães was a portuguese navigator (1480? – 1521). He was surving the Castela kingdom during the XVI century.
I participated in army of D. Francisco de Almeida for India.
I lived in the Orient four several years.

Natural Park - Fonte Lima

2007-04-26T07:51:00.000-07:00

The Natural Park of Fonte Lima is a green place, near a small village with the same name. It is situated in a few kilometres from Ribamar.
In this park there is a place from children, a cafe, a place for short snacks and a fountain with fresh water. Some people go there and get water.
It's a beautiful place to relax and spend good moments with the friends.

Our Museum in Lourinhã

2007-04-12T08:41:00.000-07:00

The museum of the Lourinhã was created by a group of curious friends in 1981.
The museum is divided in three rooms of exposition: Palaeontology, Ethnography and Archaeology.
Archaeology is the science that studies the material vestiges of the evolution in the civilization of the human being.

The ethnography is the science that studies the peoples, their origins, languages, religions, customs, and so on.
Some of the old professions of Lourinhã are: carpenter, plumber, photographer, blacksmith, potter, oil tanker and shoemaker.

Palaeontology is the science that studies the fossils.
In the room of palaeontology we can see dinosaurs and other fossils found in our region.

OUR SCHOOL

2007-04-10T09:24:00.000-07:00

This is our school, some of our rooms and several activities with the students.

In our school there are 350 pupils with ages between the 10 and 16 years old. They attend from the 5^th level up to the 9^th . Usually we start the classes at 8:30 and we finish them at 16:30. That is really great as we still can go to the beach. In our school the pupils also participate in several activities such as sport, computer lessons and different workshops: the periodical school newspaper, science, a musical group and our european club, among the others.

Traditional Clothing - Typical Dresses

2007-03-01T08:15:00.000-08:00

In Portugal there are lots of beautiful typical clothes.

People dress different clothes according to their jobs and the place where they live in .

Here are some typical ways of dressing from several regions of Portugal.

History and People - Rosa Mota

2007-03-01T07:53:00.000-08:00

She is the most popular sportswoman in Portugal. She is a nice dilligent woman.

In the1st picture she won the Olympic Medal in Los Angeles in 1984.

In the 2nd picture she won the European Championship in 1986.

In the 3rd picture she won again the European Championship-Sprint in 1990.

History and People - Amália Rodrigues

2007-02-22T07:53:00.000-08:00

Amália da Piedade Rodrigues was born in a poor family.
She became internationally famous by singing the FADO.

Fado is a typical portuguese sad melody, composed in honour

of our fishermen, when leaving to sea.

Some of the most popular sounds are: "Gaivota", "Barco Negro",

"Povo que Lavas no Rio" and "Dar de Beber à Dor".

Born in 23rd July of 1920.
Died in 6th October of 1999.

History and People - José Saramago

2007-02-15T08:08:00.000-08:00

José Saramago was born on 16th November of 1922 in village Azinhaga (Ribatejo) and at the moment he lives in Lanzarote.

He was the Director of a jornal “ Diário de Noticias”.
At present he is a famous writer. His books are about events of our History and some social features of our people. He also writes novels where he explores the main philosofical themes of the human beings. He won the Nobel Prize of Literature in 1998.

Social Features - Introduction

2007-02-08T09:50:00.000-08:00

The Portuguese usually go to the cafe every morning and have breakfast. At the weekends they go to the bars or discos.
Some Portuguese know each other in chats and on some teletext pages. Those who live in cities prefer the shopping centres, while the others that live in the villages go to the street fairs and to the parties organized by friends. The weekends are used to rest, to go for a walk on the beach, to go to the cinema or theater, to practice sport, to walk in the parks…

Natural Environment

2007-02-01T08:20:00.000-08:00

You can take a look on our new post: a blog about the Natural Environment of our region. The link is www.naturalenvironment.blogspot.com (on the right).

Welcome!

2007-01-20T12:48:00.000-08:00

Fonte: www.cm-lourinha.pt

Ribamar – Between Land and Sea

We are an unique an rich landscape, with warm and bright sun which travels all over the cliffs, the quiet bays and the beaches.