I needed to check on my snagging list progress and sort out some furniture in my apartment last week. I arrived in Faro at about 7pm – mine seemed the be the only flight – and the airport was virtually empty.

When I got to Esuri the theme continued and I felt that I was the only person in the world as clearly the place is not inhabited by more than a handful of people at the moment.

I was delighted to find that the water was not working – having transferred from Fadesa to my name the mains had not been turned back on. That was quickly resolved the next day but only after a trip to the Parador Hotel to use their bathroom facilities!!

In the light of day it is clear there have been some great strides made – the commercial centre, hotel and golf clubhouse are all coming along and the villas along the edge of the car park are starting to look like buildings rather than just frames. I think I need to enjoy the solitude of Costa Esuri while I can – it won’t be like this next year!

I have to say I was very impressed that Fadesa had resolved most of the snags and now I have some furniture in the apartment is starting to feel like a home – the echoes are subsiding now as well.

A trip to IKEA in Seville loomed for me that day but at least the queues at the check outs have been short (each time I’ve been anyway) compared to those in London. My wife cannot get me to go to IKEA in the UK anymore – I hate it!

I also visited Leroy Merlin (better range of equipment than say B&Q at home) and came back with some DIY tools, curtain poles and bathrooms fittings.

Unfortunately Hiper Lampars was closed when I got there and as I had little time left to get to Faro my lighting will have to wait until the next visit. If anyone needs directions to these stores just let me know by posting a comment here.

I also got talking to guy called Carlos who runs a business called Flamingo Services – he can pretty much do any work required – electrical installations, general maintenance, handyman, broadband / TV installations etc. He speaks excellent English and has carried out loads of work at Esuri – you can contact him direct:

mobile: +34 663 687 371
email: flamingoservices@rfor.co.uk

I have also been very impressed with Sue & Yvonne at Spanish Algarve Services who have helped me with my furnishings and offer a maintenance and letting service. They can be contacted:

phone: +34 606 056 843
email: sue@spanishalgarveservices.com

If anyone else can recommend services please let me know. This isn’t a list of anyone and everyone but people and services that can be relied upon.

Finally, the golf course is due to open in less than 2 weeks – the furniture has been delivered to the temporary clubhouse so it’s looking feasible. I didn’t have time to look too closely at the course but the recent rain seems to have had a positive effect – although very young looking the greens and fairways are looking very inviting.