The Real Cost of Utilities and Bills in Belas (Don’t Say I Didn’t Warn You)

okay, so, like, I just got back from Belas. seriously, it’s… something. I was chasing a rumor about this abandoned textile mill - supposedly haunted, naturally - and ended up spending a week there. a week. my bank account is currently weeping. and let’s talk about the bills. because, honestly, it’s a whole thing.

Seriously, Belas. It’s clinging to the coast like a barnacle. The weather? Think perpetual drizzle mixed with this weird, salty fog that smells like seaweed and regret. It’s not bad, per se, just… persistent. Like a really insistent ex. It’s been consistently around 15-18 degrees Celsius, with a humidity that’ll make your hair frizz out in five minutes flat. You’re about a two-hour drive to Faro, which is, like, the Algarve’s main hub - beaches, overpriced restaurants, the whole shebang. And then, if you’re feeling adventurous (and have a decent car), you can hop on a short flight to Lisbon - but that’s a whole other level of expense, obviously.

I’m talking about the real cost, not the Instagram-filtered version. I’ve been tracking everything, and it’s… brutal. I’m a touring session drummer, so my expenses are already a chaotic mess, but Belas just added another layer of anxiety. Let’s break it down, shall we? I’ve cobbled together some info from a few sources - mostly drunken conversations with locals and frantic Google searches.

*The Breakdown (Rough Estimates - As of October 26, 2023):

Drunk Advice (From a Bar Patron Named Ricardo): “Don’t bother with the fancy restaurants. Go to ‘O Pescador’ - it’s down by the docks. The seafood is decent, and they don’t judge you for ordering a beer with your lunch.” (Source: Yelp - https://www.yelp.com/search?keyword=restaurants+belas)

Overheard Gossip (From a Taxi Driver): “The job market’s… slow. Mostly fishing and tourism. There’s a new tech startup moving in, but they’re only hiring a few people. Don’t expect to get rich quick.” (Reddit - https://www.reddit.com/r/Belas/)

Something a Local Warned Me About:* “Be careful walking alone at night. There’s a bit of petty crime around the old harbor. Just keep your valuables close.” (TripAdvisor - https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g297339-Belas_Algarve_Faro_District_Algarve.html)

And the textile mill? Turns out it’s mostly just a crumbling shell. But the view from the top is… something. Definitely worth the climb, even if you’re slightly terrified of falling.

Honestly, Belas is a weird, beautiful, slightly unsettling place. It’s not for everyone. But if you’re looking for something a little off the beaten path, and you’re prepared to deal with the bills, it might just surprise you. Just… bring a good raincoat. And maybe a flashlight. And definitely a backup plan for your bank account. Seriously.

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