I’m turning the tables on Becky this morning and putting my own slant on one of her walks. Exploring the delightful Legends Way will supply all the details you need, so I can quite simply enjoy myself.
The Algarve abounds in legends. In Olhão they have been brought to life in sculpture. The stories are a little naive, but no less lovable for that. Alina and Abdala, above, are star-crossed lovers in the traditional sense, and I love the way that her hair flows around him.
I started my wanderings (with Becky, I might add, but more of that later) at the beginning of Caminho das Lendas, or Legend’s Way. I paid due attention to the maps but, inevitably, then followed my nose. The little chap above was one of my favourites. So poised and graceful in the way that young boys have, with a ball at their feet.
Beware who you invite into your game though. He might just bewitch and spirit you away! It’s such a ‘lived in’ looking place, Olhão! The ravages of time have certainly got to some of it but you could be kind and describe it as full of character.
I really don’t much care for the Boy with Big Black Eyes, so I couldn’t resist having a little fun with him. I thought I looked my best all wobbly, but he doesn’t look very amused, does he? Distinctly bad-tempered, in fact!
The next character struck me as rather sorrowful, but who wouldn’t be, if swallowed by a whale? The wonder of it is that Arraul survived! But I’m glad that he did as he allegedly created the sand barriers that protect the Algarve to this day.
There’s one other character you ought to meet, but I was feeling rather wilful and the boats moored in the marina were demanding my attention.
Bom Sucesso, the caravel that sailed the Atlantic to Brazil, always draws my admiration. I usually meet Becky close by here, her husband Robert having cast a discerning eye over the day’s catch in the fish market. Both are lovers of fish and they had a treat in store for me. I’d been hearing about Vai e Volta and was keen to try out this ‘all you can eat’ fish restaurant.
For just 10 euros, the fish kept on arriving! I sampled salmon, sea bass, sardines, and tuna among others. It all depends what the boats bring in that day. In addition there was delicious cornbread, salad, potatoes and a tasty dip. What more can you want? Simply amazing for the price! And don’t forget to ask for the sweet menu, especially if you like carobs and figs. I would show you, but I was so full that I was sharing mine with the other half. I daren’t stop to take the photo, else it disappeared! I’ve given you the link to their Facebook page to help you find your way there. Not everybody is lucky enough to go with Becky!
I almost forgot to mention Floripes, a voluptuous lady in white who was stranded far from her Moorish home.
That’s it for legends, and back to boats! I never can resist them for very long.
The sun was starting to set and it was time to leave. In writing this I had cause to look back at O is for Olhão and remember what a very interesting maritime history this Eastern Algarve town has. It’s well worth a visit.
Legend of Marim
Lovers entwined in metal
Lost to the river
Feeling quite poetic. Must be time to put that kettle on and read a few posts!
Thank you so much for keeping me company on my rambles. It is very much appreciated. I’d love you to join me with a walk of your own and it’s very easy to do so. Details are on my Jo’s Monday walk page. Please find some time to visit these walks. You won’t regret it!
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I’m always thrilled when a great photographer joins my walks! Thank you, Tobias!
That bit of blue makes all the difference, and it’s beautiful where Eunice lives :
Lady Lee keeps on coming up with places on my list of dream destinations :
A friendly chat in Dollar and a money mushroom. That’s what I call value, Anabel :
What’s that about diamonds and best friends? Sadly, Woolly can’t afford these!
Jackie doesn’t think money matters in Vegas. It costs nothing to look, after all!
On the other hand, safaris don’t come cheap. But just look at what Geoff got for his money!
It’s always an artistic look at life with Jesh :
People will keep showing me fabulous places I’ve never been! Thanks, BiTi 🙂
Part of Hanna’s personal history, I loved this walk with her :
Vikings, The Sea Stallion from Glendalough and Roskilde Cathedral
My friend Drake knows a thing or two about Vikings, past and present :
I always like to share pretty places, and Rosemay seldom lets me down :
Strolling Round the streets of Potsdam
Splendid isolation with Paula, another very special photographer :
And just in case you didn’t follow the link earlier on, here’s lovely Becky!
On the other side of the river
I think I’ll be back to grey skies and an English walk next week. You’ve been warned! Have yourselves a great week.
Your meal sounds amazing and what good value it was. It seems Portugal has a huge amount to offer off the beaten track, thank you for showing it to us. Love the first boat. 😉
The Bom Sucesso is a legend 🙂 Yes, it’s a place that has so much to offer. I’m so happy you can enjoy it with me.
My goodness, what an interesting town with all the sculptures. Is it considered an artist colony?
Not at all, Karen! It’s a fishing community that’s expanded and has some very grungy areas. 🙂
Amazing Jo, to have so many wonderful sculptures in the community.
Great variety of statues, Jo – I do like Arrul and just as well he survived to save the coast! Lovely photos of the boats especially the last one as the sun is setting – so dreamy.
Thanks, Annika 🙂 Becky has the view of the marina from her apartment every day. Not bad, is it?
That is one heck of view!
Love those sculptures! Though the boy with the big eyes is a little freaky..
And he wasn’t even good-natured! 🙂 🙂
Jo I loved this walk. I could imagine me crawling about taking photos from so many angles of these fascinating art pieces. The flowing skirt really intrigues me. Hope the two of you are doing well . Always a pleasure to see where you are walking.
On a different planet here I was tromping through knee deep snow at the river today in -25C temperatures following a three day snowstorm. 🙂
Oh, Sue, you have my heartfelt sympathy! Here I sit, rolling my eyes at just a little hint of rain this morning. 😦 February often surprises us with a flurry of snow but that is going a little too far! Planet Canada really isn’t calling to me right now 🙂 Sending the warmest hugs I can find!
Thanks Jo. -30C with the windchill this morning but starting tomorrow will warm up to 0. A heat wave. 🙂
Gorgeous as always Jo!
Thanks, Nicole! I’m smiling 🙂
I’ve just wandered in and would like to share one of my walks in Wales: https://daffodilwild.wordpress.com/2017/01/24/gate/
Thank you very much 🙂 It’s almost daffodil time of year 🙂
It looks like a place to put on my list next time Jo , apart from that super dooper sea food extravaganza it looks very interesting and picturesque 🙂
It’s definitely a quirky, interesting sort of place, Poppy. Verging on the grungy in some places 😦 You might remember I did a graffiti post there quite a while ago? They’re fun too 🙂
I do indeed Jo 🙂
🙂
What a fruitful, interesting walk, Jo. Love the sculptures in contrast with the buildings. Great shots.
This is great of course, I love the blue door. The silhouette boys look 3D, I assume they aren’t? My favourite is Floripes by far, she’s stunning. So you have to spend time in the belly of a whale to get hair like Arraul’s, I think I’ll put up with what I’ve got! Hugs darling 🙂
I’d definitely rather have your hair, hon! And Floripes curves, but they’d be wasted on me. And no, not 3D. 🙂 Thanks, hon!
Your walks always delight, Jo. This one is so different, and I do love the sculptures. I know I’d really enjoy strolling around Olhão. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Next week’s will be different again Ad. Though maybe not in a good way! I do try to vary it because I’ve been ‘ walking’ for a while now. Thanks darlin xx
Grossartige Bilder, gefallen mir sehr ! Ernst
Danke, Ernst 🙂 Guten tag!
this walk was refreshing. The legends – the selfie – the art – the patina on those walls – and Olhão looks super interesting – now I am going to check out becky’s link…. and the first set of art figures really do have that ” poised and graceful in the way that young boys have, with a ball at their feet” vibe….
I like something a bit different now and then, so thank you very much 🙂 Do you know Becky? She’s lovely.
I have visited her blog before – but do not quite “know” her that well.
and side note, I took a photo of an old ceramic tile (it used to go to a trivet) and it was from the algarve – it is an artsy take on a bridge there. I will share the photo in an upcoming art post – and I also want to feature one of your Algarve posts – because that place always makes me think of you….
Thank you! It makes me think of me too! 🙂 🙂 Life is a little painful here at the moment (offspring problems) but I’ve got Florence on the horizon and then… well, you can guess 🙂
Oh I am sorry to hear about the offspring problems – and Florence might end up helping to recharge your batteries….
and a little painful here this week too – have another funeral to go to back in Buffalo…. my nephew passed away – only barely 30 – I will share more later (sniff) but it really reminds me to hug everyone a little closer…. life is so precious…
Yvette, that’s awful!!! Sending hugs.
thanks – and most of us (including me) are in shock – which has that way of helping one not collapse – it really is a gift – and I am actually doing ok – I am more worried about the parents – it has to be the hardest thing to deal with. But even though I am doing ok – still not ready to blog about it – but did want to mention it here because you noted your touch of stress…
and also because maybe I knew you would beam a smile my way – so those hugs are received, dear restless one – and sending one back. 🙂 ❤
Sudden is even worse! So sad life can be, Yvette! Take care xx
well it is even worse – drug OD – and actually – sharing with you led me to create a post about it – so thanks for that – ugh
Love the displays of public art, and in this kind of environment… perfect (or should I say legendary?). 🙂
Definitely you should, Draco, and thank you! Hope you’re feeling good and the heat has adjusted to suit you? 🙂 🙂
More like I have adjusted to the heat. 🙂
I like this part of a town, artsy with old crumbling architecture and interesting grafitti. The layers are all so pretty…love the blues. Fun post, Jo!
A lot of the Algarve is like this, Elisa. The villas and golf courses you see in glossy mags are just a small part of the whole, and most of the wealth is not reflected in the locals lifestyle. That’s why I like to support small businesses like Vai e Volta. They’re doing such a great job. 🙂 🙂
Matchless beautiful walk, the first few I thought you had drawn art on them.
Very inspiring all together, the sculptures are so beautiful and fascinating. 🙂
It’s a little different, Drake, but I wanted to show the best of Becky’s Olhao. I’ve made such lovely friends on here. It’s a way of saying thank you. 🙂
I love those little boys playing together. What a beautiful way to recount all the legends of the area. And, as we know all too well, how fantastic to meet friends and share some time together. Lovely post, Jo.
Thanks Carol. We had such a nice afternoon together xx
What an amazing statue walk!
They are a bit different, aren’t they? 🙂