November News and Views

Hello, Friends of Quinta ShangriLa

As October draws to a close, we in Europe prepare to say goodbye to standard Summer Time, and many will welcome the extra hour of sleep that comes with the shift. For the Quinta, however, this change marks more than just an adjustment of the clocks—it signifies the beginning of winter time. The days grow shorter, and the sun dips lower in the sky, reminding us that the season of warmth and light is coming to an end.

For those of us living off-grid, the daily gift of the sun is especially cherished. It powers our homes, fuels our days, and gives life to the land. But as winter approaches, we’re reminded that solar power will wane, and daylight hours will shorten, making the time for outdoor tasks more limited.

Yet with the cooler season comes the blessing of the long-awaited rains of November. After the dry, sun-drenched months of summer, when the land bakes under the heat, the first rains bring life back to the earth. Here in southern Portugal, we watch with gratitude as the parched ground begins to green, and vegetation springs back into life. It’s a time to settle in for winter, to focus on repairs, and to plan for the next cycle of the seasons.

But it’s not all about preparation for coming activity — there’s still joy to be found in these warm autumn days. The beaches of Alentejo remain a delight, especially now that the summer visitors have departed, leaving the coast and countryside to the residents and digital nomads who call this place home. There’s something truly special about this time of year, when the crowds have thinned, and you can experience the tranquility of the natural world at its most peaceful.

Recent storms across the Atlantic and the October supermoons have stirred the energy of the ocean, enhancing the power of the waves as they crash along the shoreline. Bathing at the water’s edge, feeling and tasting the salty spray and the tug of the waves as they pull and push you toward the beach, you can’t help but feel invigorated by the force of nature. It’s a reminder of the power that surrounds us, even as we prepare for the quieter, colder months ahead.

But November won’t be all about taking time to admire the splendor of the Alentejo region . For those living off-grid, it’s a time to plan and prepare. We look ahead to the coming year, thinking about how best to use the resources we have, whether it’s solar power, rainwater harvesting, or the fruits of the land. Winter offers the perfect opportunity to reflect and strategize, to ensure that when spring arrives, we’re ready to make the most of the blessings provided by the strengthening energy of the sunshine.

So, as we say farewell to summer and greet the cooler days, we can embrace this time of reflection and renewal. Here at Quinta ShangriLa, we’re preparing for the months ahead with a mix of gratitude for what the land has given and anticipation for the new growth that is to come.