The typical café’s menu is expected to have a fish and meat section, unless it happens to be a vegetarian café. Both sections might have a number of items in them, you know, a number of fish varieties and ‘meats’ on offer. But what would you make of a café whose menu includes an insects section? And if that drops your jaw, what still, would you make of a café whose menu included an amphibians section? Well, these are not imaginary places: there are real life cafes in the world today with exactly such sections.

Go to Singapore, for instance, and chances are that the typical café in certain parts of the country has scorpions on its menu. And no, they are not offered as a specialty: but as part of the day to day fare, standard stuff that one can expect anywhere. Turns out that although scorpions are amongst the most dangerous insects in the world, not all are harmful to humans. And it is precisely those ‘harmless’ varieties that the Singaporeans capture, fry and enjoy as a delicacy!

Then there are grasshoppers, widely eaten in the part of Mexico called Oaxaca. So ‘rampant’ is the consumption of grasshoppers in this region, in fact, that there is specialized name for them when prepared into a dish: as befits a delicacy of their stature. Go to a baseball game in this region of Mexico, especially during the stretch between May and September when the grasshoppers abound, and chances are that you are likely to bump upon a fellow hawking them (fried or barbecued, of course) to eager buyers.

It gets funnier, when locusts are introduced into the fare. The place is Thailand. As you may recall, the country was sometimes ago faced with a bad case of locust attack (locusts being the spectacularly destructive insects they are). Naturally, every method was tried to get rid of them, to no avail. Then someone, probably a genius, came up with the idea that the ‘human solution’ might work best. The rest is history: the insects were declared ‘good meat,’ recipes for preparing them given out, and the masses set upon them. Needless to say, today, locusts are no longer a problem in Thailand, but a source of food – a delicacy in fact.

You may have thought that it can’t possibly get worse, but that is only if you haven’t heard about crickets being eaten in some parts of Taiwan. It is true, the Taiwanese have a huge affinity for insects: including caterpillars. But the most commonly served are crickets, which are said to go ‘down very well’ when seasoned with garlic and chili and eaten alongside specially prepared potatoes.

Then there are maguey worms, at the very creepy end of the whole venture. The place, again, is Mexico. To be sure, maguey worms are only eaten in some parts of the country. There, they are endorsed for their nutritional value, and like all delicious meats, typically prepared through deep frying. The Mexicans love them when served in a spicy sauce.

Have you ever been to Algarve, the beautiful part of Portugal? Well if you haven’t, you must view the natural beauty, history, and elegance fused together in one holiday location which would be your best visit ever, I can assure you of that.

Algarve is situated at the extreme south of mainland Portugal, and has a contrasting combination of attractive beaches and beautiful valleys. Its climate is mostly mild, and sun smiles upon it all year long. Many have declared it the favorite holiday destination, and its tourism rate has been growing over the years.

A total of 16 municipalities jointly form Algarve, and each of them are distinct in their own ways. There are some pretty good tourist destinations, from which I would like to describe the famous five.

Albufeira – This is considered as capital of tourists. A complete mixture of modern attractions and history are found in this place, and tourists can explore a rich culture of bygone eras.

Water lovers would be delighted here too, as 23 wonderful beaches are found here in albuferia, with each being distinct from the other. The capital also has marina, countless restaurants, bars, and of course a vibrant night life. There is much in store for every kind of person.

Vilamoura – Vilamoura is the centre of Golf. You can sight a big marina as well as some golf courses in vilamoura. There are also a lot of water sport opportunities to choose from, and there is just much you can do. Resorts ranging from 3 to 5 stars are abundantly found in each of the tourism spots. There are places to enjoy night activities such as discos, pubs and etc which make night dwellers excited.

Faro – It is the governmental capital. Transport facilities are very good in this part plus it also have a public university and of course a marina too. There is also 170 kilometers long Ria Formosa Lagoon which is a great viewing place for bird watchers as it is a heaven of different birds associated with different parts of the world.

Then of course, if you love history then you would find much for yourself in these lands as they are rich in historical and cultural heritage. There is a part of this area surrounded by Roman walls, signifying the 9th Century AD. You can also find a convent in the city museum. The convent belongs from the 16th Century. There is this attractive church of Nossa, known as Senhora do Carmois which has a chapel doubted to be made from the bones of 1200 monks!

Lagos – Then of course is the Lagos, which is a modern site of well known past and a highly attractive place for traders. Lagos was once a maritime port now listed among the major seaports found in Portugal.

Cape St. Vincent –This site is present in the southwestern part of Portugal, and in fact all of the Europe. It is the richest place as far as folklore and history is concerned. Second most powerful lighthouse of the Europe is found here.

The Algarve is truly a heaven to visit. Next time you are planning your vacation; do think about all the things this place has to offer you, especially if you are interested in history.

Praia Da Rocha, yesterday. Algarve, Portugal.

This is the main stack on Marinha Beach, between Benagil and Porches in the Algarve, South Portugal, caught at dusk.

Cardoama beach in the Western Algarve