You could be forgiven for thinking that I don’t really like living in Portugal at all! Here I am, hopping on a ferry and crossing the border to Spain, yet again. Actually, I was trying to salvage a day that was rapidly turning into a disaster.
Not for the youngsters, and Spanish families, though. Owing to my bad timing I managed to completely miss the traditional Three Kings procession at Vila Real de Santo Antonio in the Algarve last week. They had already ferried across to Ayamonte when I got there and not a trace of them was to be found in the sleepy streets. Portuguese families were quietly strolling, sipping coffee in the cafés and contemplating lunch. In a vain effort to catch up with the action, I persuaded the other half that we too should ferry across the Guadiana.
The atmosphere couldn’t have been more different in Spain! It felt like the whole world was on the streets, out for a thoroughly good time. A party was brewing and each and every plaza resounded with lively Spanish chatter. But still no sign of the Kings! Taking a breather from the hubbub, we climbed steps through the old side of town to look down on the river.
Back at ground level, everyone seemed to be walking in the same direction, the noise level constantly rising. Tempting to take refuge for a while in the tranquility of the marina, overlooked by a faded sunset drama.
From across the street another mural smiles at me, inviting despite her tattered appearance. As people settle into bars and reach for another beer, I begin to realise that I am not destined to see the parade. The sun is already sinking low in the sky and the last ferry will be leaving soon. It’s a short ride across the river but a long walk back by road!
Time to make the best of the situation and simply enjoy a beautiful sunset ride home, on a warm and lovely January evening.
Next year I promise to be better organised. Did you notice, we didn’t even stop for cake? (though I did pick some up to nibble on the ferry 🙂 ). If you’d like to know more about the celebration, this link gives a little background. Right now I have walks to share. Join me next time on Jo’s Monday walk? You’ll be more than welcome.
Say hello to Natalie! She’s doing her best to get us all fit this year :
Wellness Post #1 : A Fresh Start
Suzanne’s not trying quite so hard. Coffee and cake, anyone? And beautiful scenery too, of course :
A Walk around Mt. Maunganui Mauao
There’s no doubt that Carol’s right! The waterfront at Vancouver is the place to be :
Is it Winter somewhere in the world? Apparently so! Drake’s tracked it down for us :
No such problems at Alice’s place!
While Geoff launches a series of fond memories with his Dad :
Walking With The Wind At My Back : Part One
Jackie always seems to have a plan or two up her sleeve :
And Anabel has always just been somewhere interesting and beautiful :
More amazing architectural explorations with Cathy, this week :
Chaco Culture: Pueblo Arroyo & the Casa Rinconada community
You may not wander far but, if you look, you can always find something interesting. Pauline and Jack set a fine example :
Lens-Artists photo challenge : Curves in Buddhism
Next week I shall be sharing purely Portuguese almond blossom. For now my attention is seriously distracted by Australian Open tennis and the return to play of Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray. Have a great week, won’t you?
restlessjo 
I kept expecting you to bump into those missing kings around every corner. Your Mick must be a patient bloke to follow your whims! Still a lovely day after all. Keep sending us the blue skies! Sad about Murray, hope Rafa does better. No tennis on TV here unfortunately. I’d be quite happy to settle in to some. Did some spring cleaning today instead!
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So did I, to be fair! They must have gone straight to a restaurant for lunch. We wasted time looking for signs of them in Vila Real and missed a ferry. 😦 It was Mick who was quite keen to see them, but I was introducing a friend to t’ai chi in the park on the morning so we didn’t set off till late.
Murray worked so hard! He didn’t look in pain, other than occasionally at his performance, but I don’t suppose he’s feeling great now. I watched 3 full sets and some of the last, but it was lovely out. Shame to waste it! I watched Rafa’s last set at 3 this morning and then couldn’t get back to sleep! Portuguese TV is pretty bad but we do have Eurosport. 🙂 🙂
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Looks a lovely day despite missing what you hoped to see! Dead jealous of those blue skies in January!
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It really was! My husband wasn’t thrilled at being dragged around but the boat trip back was beautiful. 🙂 🙂
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Sometimes it the spontaneous things that are the most enjoyable. x
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I missed the Kings here too. I did see lots of the Kings’ cakes for sale at the grocery store. I had good intentions but hubby got stuck into watching football and I got lazy.
https://junkboattravels.blogspot.com/2019/01/soup-of-day.html
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I missed a trick, Jackie! I should have enclosed a photo of Bolo Rei 🙂 🙂 I have a nice one. It’ll have to keep for next year now, unlike the cake!
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The kings may not have been in the cards for you but the lighting in some of these photos is absolutely stunning!
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It was the most golden evening I can remember in a long time, Lynn. Being out on the water was pure bliss. 🙂 🙂
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I think you managed quite well without the elusive kinds, Jo. Gorgeous photos of your visit to Spain. The last few images of the sunset and boats on your trip back are my favoutites. 🙂
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The light was just fabulous as we crossed back over the water, Ad. 🙂 🙂 Next time!
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We don’t need three kings here; we have a would-be emperor. 😱
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🙂 🙂
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Such a beautiful place, and the trees how creative and colorful
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I thought the trees were lovely too, Alice. I think they were made by children. 🙂 🙂
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Such a beautiful walk Jo. You have persuaded me to check pictures of my walks and write a post.
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That’s good to hear Rupali. 😃 We were down by the water again today and it was lovely xx
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Well, I enjoyed your outing, even without the parade. The weather hasn’t been particularly wonderful here the last few days so I have no qualms about sitting inside at the computer or watching TV. I am heading across to Australia soon ( bit more than a ferry ride) to be with my sister and brother for the anniversary of our Dad’s death.
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I’m sitting on a sunny bench watching spoonbills, Ann. Nice to have a family reunion no matter the reason. Sending hugs 💕xx
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What a beautiful day for an outing, Jo. The murals and the marina are fabulous. Thanks for the link! 🙂
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It really was, Cathy, but Mick wasn’t best pleased at being dragged to Spain. He much prefers Portugal 😎💕 xx
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Ahh, well, it’s certainly easy and less taxing to just stay home now! 🙂
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Shame you missed the parade as they are such fun. But the photos are gorgeous without that and I’m sure you enjoyed those nibbles on the boat!!
I’ve gone dry and crumbling as opposed to waterside beauty: https://travelwithintent.com/2019/01/14/oman-jebel-akhdar-green-mountain-clambering-through-an-old-clay-village/
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I was trying to be in 2 places at once, Debs. Never works! 😃💕 Thanks darlin xx
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Even without cake, the walk was beautiful, Jo. I love those gorgeous palms!
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I wasn’t sure if I should post this, Jill, as the whole point was the Kings, but it really was a lovely day 😎💕 xx
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I especially like the balconies Jo!
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I love that wraparound one, Andrew 🙂 🙂
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Oh all that lovely light. And as Pauline says, the ease of being to pop across borders. I don’t mind that you missed the parade 🙂
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You can pop across the Welsh border, Tish 🙂 🙂 But maybe it’s not quite the same. The sun is streaming in at the minute but I’m unable to tear myself away from the Murray drama. Himself is doing DIY, bless him!
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I am reading so many posts everyday my sweet Jo, but your posts have something wonderful!!!! They have soul in your shots and magic words so i really enjoy following you!!!!!!! Kisses and my love♥️♥️♥️♥️😘😘😘😘
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Bless you, that’s so kind of you, Efi. I’m struggling to find time for the blogs right now. It’s such an outdoor life here in the Algarve and it’s a shame to waste it. 🙂 🙂 Thanks, darlin!
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Do everything makes you happy!!!!!!!!
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Goodness, Parade or no Parade, Jo…..what a lovely day! Spain on a whim looks good
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We’ve had some golden ones, Sue 🙂 🙂 It’s set to take a downward turn later this week so I should be outside now, enjoying it, but I’m keeping an eye on the tennis. 😦
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I’m sure you can be forgiven, Jo!
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Great photos as usual Jo, the sunset ones are gorgeous 🙂 The weather has been horrible here since New Year so no new walk from me though I might just have to drag a couple out of last year’s archives 🙂
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You seem to have that east/west divide at the minute, Eunice. People at home in the north east have been saying it’s not been bad. It’s cold here early morning and usually evenings too, but Spring is definitely in the air. Thanks, hon! 🙂 🙂
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Despite missing the parade you certainly made the most of your day. Love it that you can just pop over to Spain on a whim. Those last sunset photos are stunning, what a gorgeous golden hour. Thank you for the link 😊
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I was introducing a friend to t’ai chi in the park on the morning, Pauline, and didn’t like to cancel. I was fairly hopeful that the Parade on our side of the river would start late, but it didn’t 😦 Better luck next time, hey? 🙂
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Always a next time
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