Five places to go back to
I was invited a while ago by Booked.net to take part in their promotion and maybe have the chance to win myself an iPhone6. All I had to do was write a post about 5 places I would be happy to go back to. It’s a tempting idea and it just happens to work well with my Six word Saturday.
Barcelona had to be on my list. Gaudi’s work left me speechless (and you should know, that’s not easy to do!) and I would be more than happy to revisit Parc Guell. The main reason for going back would have to be to observe the progress of the incredible Sagrada Familia. It’s not due for completion for a number of years yet so I shall postpone my revisit a while.
Somewhere far more serene than Barcelona, the Douro region of Portugal made a lasting impression on me. Using Porto as a base, I had only a couple of days to explore the natural beauty of this landscape. The highlight for me was cruising back from Peso da Regua along the Douro River, the vineyards rolling away on either shore. I am quite determined to return some day and stay in one of the hillside villages where I can savour the pure, clear air. (and maybe sample the grape) Springtime, with the blossom all around me, would be ideal. Or Autumn, when all those vines turn wine red!
The city of Durham is right on my doorstep, and I return to it again and again. The University and student population make it a lively place and there’s always an event of some kind going on. Currently the Cathedral is fund raising via their Buy a Lego Brick campaign. I did, of course, and it’s fun to return and see the project grow.
If you really want to see something special, you should time your visit for Lumiere. This event only takes place once every two years, the next being November 2015. It’s a long way off, but put it in your diary. I’ll be there!
How could I not include my new love, Paris, in my list? I wandered far and wide around the city and found nothing to disappoint. Even sitting on the top deck of an open top bus with the rain streaming down my neck didn’t seem so bad in Paris! The wonders of Versailles and Monet’s incredible garden at Giverny will stay with me forever but I would love to go back. I don’t really think it matters how or when.
My last choice won’t come as a surprise to anyone who knows me, and I’m returning there on Monday. The Algarve is where I am at peace with the world. I have spent endless hours wandering on its beaches, and hope to spend many more. Tavira feels like home to me, and that’s always a reason for going back. It’s time for another glass or two of port in this beautiful riverside setting. I’d love it if you could join me there some day.
I won’t be around for Six Word Saturday next week. I’ll be wandering on one of those beaches! But I hope you’ll still join Cate at Show My Face.
One of the entry conditions of the Booked.net promotions was to name 5 other bloggers to participate. I’m not sure if we’re out of time but my nominations would be Le chic en Rose, lolawi, Behind the Story, Stranger in USA and Hey Jude.
I’ve been to 3 out of 5 of your recommended places, and I would agree with you on all three, Jo! I hope you win that iPhone 6! You’re absolutely right that neither Paris nor Barcelona, or for that matter the Algarve, never disappoint. I’ll have to try the other two places someday too. 🙂
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I know just where you are for the next 10 months, Cathy! 🙂 🙂
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Yes, you do, Jo. You can find me here and next July, you’ll find me back home in the USA!
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Wonderful list, Jo! I really enjoyed this trip around the world with you 🙂
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Thanks so much, Kan 🙂 Just back from the Algarve so I’ll catch you up as soon as I can!
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It must had been so hard for you to manage to create this list. You’d been to so many places. Sagrada Familia in Barcelona is one of my regretted places I never visit when I had a chance. Oh well… you win some, you lose some. For people who have been, I always hear that they want to go back. Same thing for me as well. We will always have Paris.The speechless bit made me laugh by the way. 😆
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I’m always happy to make you laugh, Rommel! 🙂 And you know- there are all those amazing places you’ve been that I haven’t made it to (yet!)
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Amazing choices!! I have to visit Musée D’Orsay, I guess is one of the only ones I haven’t visit in Paris, shame on me 🙂
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I think 5 weeks rather than 5 nights for Paris, don’t you? 🙂 Sorry for late reply- I’m just back from the Algarve.
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Couldn’t agree more with you!!
Don’t worry! Algarve? Sounds amazing! I hope you enjoyed your time there!! 😀
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Impossible not to 🙂 🙂
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Fantastic post. Thanks for taking part.
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Thanks for the invite, Elena. I thoroughly enjoyed it 🙂
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Enjoy your trip….as I know you will…..can’t wait to see more of your beautiful photos of the place which stole your heart 🙂
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Many thanks, Seonaid 🙂 Hope life has been good to you this summer.
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It’s been wonderful Jo, we have had such glorious weather 🙂
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So many beautiful places and memories, Jo! Happy 1st day of Spring! 😀
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If only, Dianne 🙂 🙂 I shall welcome Autumn with open arms. (just not yet a while 🙂 )
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LOL! It didn’t occur to me that it’s only us who are hitting Spring this week (silly me!!!) 😉
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Ah the Douro! Porto is one of my favourite cities and sadly overlooked by many. Lovely pics! I have yet to visit Barcelona but it is definitely on my list. Enjoy!
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Everywhere I went was blue and white! I loved Porto, Yolanda 🙂 Another trip to the north of Portugal is in the offing. Thank you!
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Yes RABID soccer fans (my cousin lives there so I know all about it) 😀
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