I was all set to take you castanet rattling in Jerez today, but we had a strenuous week last week, didn’t we? I thought a gentle amble round the latest addition to Olhão’s street art might be a better option. Truth be told, I could easily have missed these, if it hadn’t been for Becky. What would I do without her? A mine of information, she saves me hours of research. Murals with memories of the city gives details of the artists and how they came to work on this very engaging project.
Images of the sea always appeal to me, but the detail and realism of these bring them alive. They were taken from a set of photos of life as it was in the canning and fishing industry in Olhão, giving them authenticity and vibrance. While he was working, a lady asked to have a photo taken with the artist Pedro ‘Mistik’. Her mother was featured in his painting and she had the original photograph at home. I wonder if she was one of these?
The serious lady, or the one with the lively face? Might she stand out in a crowd, or perhaps, be a supervisor?
What a source of pride the murals must be for the older inhabitants of Olhão! The women, and their menfolk. And their dogs, of course!
And then there’s the iconic fish market, where the catch is sold. Close by, the lads still mend their nets.
But the days of the cannery are forever changed, wonderfully portrayed in all these capsules of time.
Four artists combined to create the work, bringing a new lease of life to these derelict buildings in Largo and Rua de Fábrica Velha. The faces are so full of character, telling their individual stories. They enthrall me.
It’s highly appropriate that the murals are close to Becky’s favourite fish restaurant in Olhão, Vai e Volta. We haven’t really done enough walking to merit a meal, but they are only open for lunch, so we’d better pop in now and stroll a little later. And no, that’s not my cake. Blame Robert today!
I defy you not to be full when you come out. And then a wander through Olhão’s atmospheric back streets just might reveal a March Square or two?
Five, I counted. Thanks so much, Becky, for providing fun and hospitality, as well as all those facts.
As the lights go down on Olhão, I have heaps of walks to share this week. Please find time to visit, especially if it’s someone you don’t know. You’ll find some great reads. I hope you’ve got that kettle on for a cuppa?
Pride of place, as promised, and a delight for you all! Thanks, Jude!
Garden Portrait : Powis Castle
Closely followed in the happiness stakes by Drake :
And this one from Emma, just because I like it. We share fond memories of Tenby :
Robin has a nice touch too. Not too far from my doorstep :
Back to basics, with Jackie :
Never heard of this place, but Lady Lee is very well-traveled :
Less exotic, but very nicely presented by Anabel :
And here’s Shazza, on the hunt for Spring. I do hope she finds it soon!
But fairies would do very nicely. Lots of rich detail in this, from Theresa :
Following a river to a Fairy Glen
Can you believe I’ve never been to Rome? Never mind- Jaspa can show us the ropes :
Wandering Rome, The Eternal City, at Night
Not so far away, Cathy has one last romp on ‘In search of a thousand cafes’ :
Our last day in Prague : old town & the Jewish Quarter
And Denzil finds much to give pleasure in the city of Antwerp. Check out the escalators!
How to spend a day in Antwerps’s historic centre
Meanwhile, Pauline does a fabulous job of capturing the wild waves :
Cyclone Linda whips up the waves
And Becky does a fair job on remembering the names of flowers. Much better than me!
I’ve joined Candy on her explorations before. You should enjoy this one :
Recently featured in Inntravel’s ‘Slow Lane’, meet Luke and Nell, in this part of the world that I love :
Rota Vicentina/2/Finding the Fisherman’s Way
And finally, Carol takes us caving. There are some beautiful shots here!
That’s it from the wintry north east of England. Hope you enjoyed it and many thanks to those of you who took part. Join me any time on Jo’s Monday walks. You’ll be very welcome. Have a great week!
These are fantastic murals! Thanks for sharing Jo!!!
LikeLike
I liked them a lot, too 🙂 🙂 Glad you could ‘come see’.
LikeLike
Wow! What incredible & beautiful art! And those tiles! Lovely.
LikeLike
Larger than life, it’s a great thing to see when you round the corner. Glad you like it. 🙂 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Here’s my latest Jo, with a bit more local history thrown in 🙂
https://mousehouselife.wordpress.com/2018/03/26/a-dog-walk-to-turton-tower/
LikeLike
Here’s my new walk Jo, around two glorious gardens in the Blue Mountains. https://theeternaltraveller.wordpress.com/2018/03/25/two-gardens/
LikeLike
Thanks, Carol 🙂 🙂
LikeLike
These are beautiful images, Jo. Thank you for taking the trouble to collect them. You and Becky together, make a fine duo!
LikeLike
My good buddy is a step ahead of me, in Lisbon, at present, Mari. I just spotted Mae d’Agua on Instagram. No stopping that lady! Many thanks, darlin!
LikeLike
I love a good mural Jo! So many stories 🙂
LikeLike
Especially when you come upon one unexpectedly, as I did yesterday on Tyneside. 🙂 🙂
LikeLike
Lovely post Jo – we are on way to Hong Kong airport soon en route back to Perth so just time to catch up on a bit of reading. The images are a wonderful way to tell the story of village life as it was. Thanks for sharing! Will be back into routine in the next few days! Xx
LikeLike
A blog, a book and a camera- not necessarily in that order 🙂 – are all I need to keep me happy at an airport. You’ll be well on your way now. Home sweet home! Thanks, Rosemay!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Jo! Sorry for only just acknowledging your bon voyage wishes! Yes we are safely home – got back just over a week ago and into the usual post holiday sorting out phase not helped by heavy colds. Having a quiet day as the family are coming over tomorrow so catching up now. Wishing you a very happy Easter! xx
LikeLike
Bless you, hon! I just assumed you were busy catching up. Glad you’re ok now and a belated Happy Easter to you. 🙂 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Jo – yes had a few things going on last week and rather weighed down with this cold (probably post travel tiredness). Also back into babysitting and school pick up duties! There’s just a hint of autumn crispness in the air though we’ve had a late summer here (March was the hottest month of the “summer” though we missed most of it!). Lovely day for relaxing in the garden! Hope all’s well with you and your family 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Olhão reminds me of this small town in Sardinia with its walls painted with murals. The head, it swivels continuously 🙂
LikeLike
The place has more back streets than front streets, but it’s not short on character. 🙂 🙂 I like it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
My kinda place too then 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
These street murals were beautifully done. A wonderful walk, Jo.
LikeLike
I had such good company that day, and the sun was shining. All was right with my world, Amy. 🙂 🙂 Thanks, hon!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have been enjoying your photos on Instagram Jo. A beautiful exploration and walk this Monday. We have escaped the snow and cold and are lounging in Mexico. You have inspired me to go for a walk on the beach!
LikeLike
That sounds like a jolly good idea, Sue. Don’t overdo it though, will you? Just ‘chill’ 🙂 🙂 You’ve earned it. Thanks a lot, hon!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Definitely chilling here Jo. Good to have a week of just relaxing. No cliff jumping, zip lining or cycling in jungles. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person