Hello, and how are you all?
What a fortnight, but what to select to show you what I’ve been up to? In brief, of course. More by luck than planning, the Mediterranean Diet Fair took place whilst I was in Tavira, which accounts for those little white tents and the variety of goodies within. It marked the end of an extremely hot Summer, in which the evenings were soothed by riverside entertainment.
The days were spent mostly wandering beaches. I discovered a new obsession with buoys. And I continued my exploration along the west coast of Portugal, up into the beautiful Alentejo.
Then there was the excitement that was the Medieval Fair at Castro Marim, with both castelo and mighty fortress an arena for combat, and an array of stalls and distractions. Plus an evening of sand sculptures at FIESA.
I even managed to combine Morning Glory for Gilly with a hint of metal bench for Jude! Yes, it was a fine holiday, and there are many tales to tell. Gilly is going to the Algarve soon herself, and Jude always extends a warm welcome, so pop in and say ‘hi’ to them both.
I have to decide where to take you walking on Monday, and then I have a wedding in Poland, so I’ll miss Six word Saturday again next week. I hope you’ve all had a great Summer, and if you’d like to share it with Cate I’m sure she’d be pleased. See you soon!
What a visual treet Jo! I am especially drawn to the reflective image from Tavira, the floodlit castle, the Zambueira do Mar and that wonderful ‘hint’ of a bench, Magnificent.
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Just a few highlights from Portugal, Lisa 🙂 It seems so distant now but once I get chance to revisit my photos it’ll come flooding back.
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Amazing photos, Jo. Love Beethoven looking rather green around the gills. The castle walls really do look magical. I could imagine Rapunzel letting down her golden hair over the top. 🙂
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The warm Summer evenings are so atmospheric, Ad. It’s still sunny back here in the UK but I know old Jack Frost’s not far away. I need the memories to keep me warm. 🙂 Thanks, hon.
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Oh Jo, looking at these stunning images from rainy Amsterdam, makes me want to pack and go to the Alentejo right now.
Fantastic trip!
X
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I liked this so much. I have really enjoyed coming over to see your beautiful views of Portugal, Jo. The village curved streets with church, cafe tables with golden hues, gorgeous ancient castle and wondrous ocean waves were special of you to share with us. I like being a “savvy tourist” with you as my guide, Jo. 🙂
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Thanks Robin! I have such a lot to share right now. Many thanks for your company x
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Some lovely sights here – I could almost hear the calm sound of those waves breaking on the beach. Unlike you, Portugal is a place I don’t know at all so thank you for sharing your visits!
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Looking back, I have to say we did see some lovely sights! A whole fistful of memories 🙂 Many thanks for sharing them with me.
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It all looks wonderful! I am recently home from a visit to wintry Melbourne, enjoying the beginnings of Spring here in the sub-tropics.
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Trying so hard to keep Autumn at bay, Rosemary! We seem to alternate nice days with nasty ones since we got back. I think that after Poland I’ll have to concede that it’s here but I’ll still have these lovely memories. 🙂
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Oh no, I’ve missed the diet fair, never mind I’ll just have to keep on pigging out and stay pleasantly plumptious 😉 Gorgeous photos, the church is glorious, is the cathedral as good? The morning glory is very different from ours here isn’t it? I’m a vodka girl rather than gin but tangerine flavour sounds like a very good idea 🙂 🙂 🙂 I’m bouncing by the way and it isn’t likely to stop for a while!
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I would be too, Gilly! 🙂 (bouncing!) The diet fair had some of the most delicious fig, almond and carob cakes you ever saw. Your kind of diet? 🙂
The Igreja da Misericordia and the Carmo church are the two biggest in Tavira. Misericordia, shown here, is the stunner but they’re all lovely in their own way. The Se, or cathedral, is in Faro town. I’m excited for you! Will drop you one last line or two tonight. Up to my ears in washing, ironing and the less wonderful aspects of life. But only for a little while 🙂
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So envious! Looks like you have had an amazing two weeks, and yet again given us somewhere to explore when we return later this year.
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I don’t like excessive heat, Becky, and it has been a very hot Summer, but we were lucky and it was just cool enough to get around. Lots of beach trips to keep the other half happy, but a fair bit of excitement for me too. 🙂
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I just love everything I see Jo! What a treat! The beach is my favourite and the shot of the Morning Glory is just perfect. I can see you are having lots of fun. Enjoy my friend and thanks for the awesome virtual tour. 😀 ♥
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Just starting to write my Monday walk, Sonel, in between the washing, ironing and Sunday lunch. 🙂 There will be beaches 🙂 Thanks, darlin’. Have a lovely Sunday!
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Sounds like you’re working Jo. Blogging and beach walking are way more fun. 😆
Thanks and the same to you darling. ♥
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Well it looks like someone had a great time. The sound of a diet festival rather than food festival is a bit off putting but the word Mediterranean in front explains that it would have been a delicious time there.
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It was an allround amazing trip, Draco. We always enjoy the Algarve but there was so much going on at this time, and all of it good! 🙂 I loved the Medieval Fair at Castro Marim especially but haven’t included photos because I couldn’t pick! 🙂 Thanks for your visit.
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I thought my beaches were incomparable, but no! I’ve never seen anything like those lines of waves rolling in. A great post and good to have you back briefly. I’m not 100% sure that vodka and dancing mix. Take care and enjoy your Polish family.
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Oh but they do, Meg, I assure you! 🙂 I’m practised 🙂 🙂 I almost had my fill of beaches this trip. Almost! 🙂 Will catch up with you when I’ve got my walk started, hon.
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Welcome back Jo. I do think Portugal Tourism should hire you on! Oh those beaches and the buoys cranked up my wander lust meter. As you know from your visits to my blog the wedding was a fabulous success. We are basking in the afterglow of such a lovely time. Have a fun wedding in Poland!
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Hi Sue 🙂 I definitely enjoyed your daughter’s wedding and am prepared to enjoy my Polish one even more. (I get to eat cake, drink vodka and dance- more or less simultaneously 🙂 ) Thanks, hon!
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Enjoy every minute! xo
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After viewing the Zambueira do Mar in the Alentejo photo, you’ve rendered me speechless, Jo. Stunning! Missed you!
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It was just one of many, Jill! The coast just rolls on and on, beautiful bays unlimited! I was near speechless myself, and you know that doesn’t often happen. 🙂
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What an extraordinary life you lead, Jo. I love all these pics (and there is something about looking inside churches that really inspires me!) 😀
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There are times when it’s mind-numbingly ordinary, Dianne, as I plod through heaps of ironing, but I do try to keep that side of my life to myself. If I ever start posting photos of ironing boards you’ll know I’m in a bad way! 🙂 🙂 I do enjoy your company though 🙂
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Well that was a visit I am glad I made.
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You’d love it, Jo! Laid back and gentle but vibrant too. 🙂 How you doin’?
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Okay…making the effort to get back in to blogging again. After you pick yourself up off the floor you should pay a visit. 😉
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What a wonderful location!! That beach looks amazing!! Have a fab time at the wedding. x
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I went to 5 beaches on that coast, Lizzie, and they were all beautiful! 🙂 I’m starting to get a bit excited for the wedding- thanks!
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There is something about the Med in Summer Jo … we’re not that far away really are we ,but with the fickle climate we have I always feel alfresco dining is never really quite the same . Oh and they are SO much more relaxed with it all ..
Super photos Jo … I love the coastline of course .. 1200 in 2 weeks !! so nice to hear you are still finding new places to explore .
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I expect I always will, Poppy, (to Michael’s everlasting sorrow 🙂 ) and how lovely to have you back. I’ve missed your smiling ways 🙂 My first day back I had breakfast in the garden here but no…not the same at all. Hope you’ve had a wonderful Summer!
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Aw … yes I have thank you Jo 🙂 It feels like a new term at School and I’m everso slightly nervous Lol …
September is starting well with the sunshine stakes long may it last !
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It poured here today almost constantly but I guess I needed freshening up a little. 🙂
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The murals in that church are divine. I love the photo of people seated outside. So full of that Portuguese ambiance. Have a great time in Polska! Polish weddings…oh they are fun.
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They are indeed (both to the murals and Polish weddings 🙂 ). Many thanks for your visit, Julie.
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You just get back and are off again. Lucky you!☺
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It’s only a few days this time, Mlissabeth. Hope you’re fareing a bit better? 🙂
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I have been on a course of steroids this past two weeks, and am improving.
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🙂 🙂
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