Café Baptista in Alcaide is a gathering spot for both locals and newcomers. Rui Pelejão and Filipa Gambino, who have lived in Alcaide for four years, live in a flat at the village's entrance in the street leading to the bell tower. The decision to relocate was made during a contemplative lunch in Lisbon, in which the couple pondered their future together. This pivotal moment, marked by a synchronous step in November 2017, involved opening a joint bank account amidst a generous lunch and deep conversation. "It was an epiphany. We opened an account together, which is always an important step. We drank two bottles of wine and decided to change where we lived," recalls Rui. Their professional backgrounds, offering some flexibility, paved the way for this transition. Rui, a journalist, and Filipa, a video editor, had long discussed the prospect of moving to this region, initially planning to enjoy their retirement years near Rui's hometown in Fundão: "We retired earlier", he concludes with a smile. However, an unexpected turn of events unfolded when Jornal do Fundão underwent a transformative shift led by journalists and university professors in a rare endeavour within the country's media landscape. This revitalisation breathed new life into the newspaper, giving Rui Pelejão another compelling reason to relocate to the interior.
Jornal do Fundão is an excellent example of regional journalism. Established after World War II, during a period of hope for political change in Portugal, it has a history of resistance against dictatorship and a commitment to cultural dissemination. More than just a local weekly newspaper, it has served as a voice for territorial cohesion and interior development.
Despite facing various challenges to its continuity, including censorship and forced interruptions, the newspaper has consistently returned stronger. It has featured several cultural supplements throughout its history, with contributions from notable people such as José Saramago, Carlos Drummond de Andrade, and José Cardoso Pires, among many others. However, it experienced a decline in influence. Under the ownership of the founding family, it underwent a revitalisation after being acquired by the Global Media Group, which also owns DN (Diário de Notícias). In 2018, new owners. with ties to the region. sought to modernise the newspaper and invest in its digitalisation. Rui, who became involved in the project, said this endeavour has been "an adventure".
The couple embarked on their search for house, exploring the villages around Fundão. "We didn't want to move from one city to another, even if it were smaller". During the World Cup, they watched a Portugal match at Café Baptista, the heart of the village. They were "immediately charmed by the village's atmosphere", and Rui boldly declared, "If Portugal wins, we'll stay here." Portugal didn't win, but when they left the café, they felt this was the right place for them, regardless of the game's outcome. Filipa fondly recalls, "It was the only village where we saw a 'for rent' sign instead of the usual 'for sale,' which made us smile".
Another aspect of Alcaide that fascinated them was the sight of people wearing reflective vests for a nighttime walk as they left Café Baptista. It was an illuminating moment for Filipa: "I wanted to live in a village where these things are done." Adjusting to the surrounding nature came naturally to her, although she missed the sea, which she was close to when she lived in Caldas da Rainha, her hometown. Employment opportunities posed a more significant challenge. "Finding work here isn't easy," she admits. This led her to retain many video editing jobs in Lisbon, and she has only recently started to secure some in the region. Rui notes, "It's not all sunshine and roses," emphasising the struggles of creative industries due to limited opportunities.
"You have to be pragmatic because, despite the lower cost of living, the economic landscape doesn't offer many job prospects," he explains, advising others to consider job opportunities when making similar decisions. Their vision for a new life included the desire for a child who could "play freely in the streets, with skinned knees." As we talked next to the small garden in their backyard, watched over by Bruce Lee, the resident cat, Filipa was pregnant. Meanwhile, the small village of Alcaide, nestled in nature and just fifteen minutes away from Fundão, welcomed its youngest inhabitant: Maria Rita.
