Sunday, May 27th : this week I’m joining Jakesprinter’s Sunday Post challenge, and the theme is “Door”.
My chosen door is in the Portuguese village of Sao Bras de Alportel, in the Algarve. It features the traditional Moorish door handles seen frequently in the Algarve and known as “Maos de Fatima” – hands of Fatima. It is believed they ward off the evil eye. Fatima was the daughter of the prophet Mohammed.
Pretty enough in its own right, the day this photo was taken the door was decorated with pink and white flower heads, for the occasion of the Festa das Torches at Easter. The narrow streets of the old town were carpeted with floral patterns, including lavender. When the procession walked over them they released a wonderful aroma.
My apologies that the photo is slightly “squint”. I had very little time to capture it before the procession was upon me.
I’m hoping this meets with the requirements of Jakesprinter’s challenge? You’ll have to excuse me if I haven’t got it quite right. I hope to be more accomplished next week. Jake’s logo will give you full details of how to participate.
restlessjo 
This is a very unusual door. I love that you include the view looking away from the door too! Who says coming and going don’t mix!
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The town itself is quite ordinary but there are half a dozen streets in the old part, near to the church, which are really delightful.
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Lovely entry! Love the little ‘Hands of Fatima’ details! How nice to have been able to time it for the procession!
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I dragged the other half out of bed early one Easter morning (2006- he’s never let me forget!) to be there. It was worth it.
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The prettiest door so far in all of the entries. I love the idea of decorating the door with flowers. It is so delicate looking. I think the flowers in the street aare fabulous. It must have been a joy for your senses.
Very Nice,
Isadora
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Thanks Isadora. That’s such a compliment!
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It is sooo very true. The most beuatiful things are those created in nature … and … they are free. When my husband goes to get our mail he brings me wild flowers that grow in the crab grass on our lawn. We both think they are a treasures. My neighbors spray them with insecticides. It all about how we look at things.
Namaste ….
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What a lovely door and such pretty floral decorations everywhere. Absolutely beautiful entry to the challenge. 😉
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Thanks for the encouragement. I’m starting to wonder already what will come next.
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What a beautiful and romantic door… 🙂 I loved it so much. Thank you, love, nia
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I’d love one like it.
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beautiful white door, and nicely decorated. Love those handles!!!!
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Thanks Marina. Beautiful aren’t they, and everywhere in the Algarve!
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what a beautiful door and I love the flowers laid out for the procession…what a great idea
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Thanks Jo. The procession is wonderful to watch.
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Beautiful my friend. It must had been amazing to see this rich and vibrant Portuguese village of Sao Bras de Alportel. Thanks.
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It was a very special festival. Soon after these photos the streets were full of men and boys carrying flower “torches”. I’ll post some up another time. Thank you.
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You certainly entered this challenge on a high. Hope you enjoy the challenges, like I do. That door is absolutely exquisite.
In my town in the north they also decorate the roads with flowers for the procession in August but they don’t use sweet-smelling plants, which would be a really great idea.Thank you for visiting and commenting on my blog. Looking forward to visiting your blog more often.
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Thank you. I was confused by the name of your blog, but didn’t have time to investigate further. I’m sure we’ll catch up with each other over the weeks.
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I love this door and the flowers too 🙂 Judy
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Thanks Judy. The photo dates back to 2006 but I’ve never forgotten it.
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What a gorgeous door.
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Thanks Tilly- much appreciated. I know you’re struggling with tech stuff.
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What a beautiful door…gives me the summer feeling!! Thanks for sharing!
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Summer was definitely here the last day or two. Gone tomorrow, so I understand! Thanks for visiting.
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I love this door and the white and pink flower heads look very beautiful on it. Thanks for sharing the meaning of the ‘Maos de Fatima’.
What a wonderful custom to carpet the streets with beautiful smelling flowers.for the festivities at Easter. Thanks for sharing all this.
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So happy to make new friends on this challenge. I’ve been watching and wondering if I should join for a while. Comments like yours make it all worthwhile. Many thanks.
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Hi Jo! Your door and the story are lovely. There is certainly no right or wrong to these photo challenges. Your interpretation is YOUR eyes seeing the world and that’s how it should be!! Like Francine says above: BE ENCOURAGED! BE BLESSED! 🙂
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You lured me in and I’m glad I joined. It gives a focus to your photos and makes you think more about what you’re shooting, doesn’t it? Thank you.
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Yes, Jo, I think it’s helped me think about everything that could be interesting in a photo that I might not have thought of before. It’s broadened my horizons to be involved in these challenges!!
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i like the details on the door and the street of flowers are wonderful.
BE ENCOURAGED! BE BLESSED!
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Hi Francine! We meet again- in many places now! Thank you.
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your door is just exquisite jo, and what a wonderful day to see it adorned with flowers 🙂
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There are so many lovely customs and it’s a joy to be able to share them. Thank you.
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Stunning photos you have here my friend,Thanks for sharing 🙂
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Thanks so much Jake. Glad I finally took the plunge. I’ve been meaning to for a while but wasn’t quite confident enough.
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I love that door, it makes you look twice, it’s so different!
How lovely to decorate the roads with flowers for the Festa das Torches at Easter; I would have loved to have been there to enjoy the smell of the lavender when it was walked on – it must have filled the air with the scent.
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They do things like this so well in the Algarve. It was a day to remember, and yes, I’d love a door like that! Thanks Barb.
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I like your doors too! I love this photo challenge… I just joined two weeks ago myself and am enjoying it!
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Thanks for returning my visit. I can’t wait for next week already!
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Love the artwork on this door – so delicate and feminine.
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Me too. I’d love a door like this.
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