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Walk down any street in the old part of Tavira and you’re bound to meet with a few azulejos. These beautiful tiles have a purpose in life, as well as looking highly decorative. Their function is to maintain temperature inside a building, very useful in keeping houses cool in summer heat and not too cold in the winter. I’ve never lived inside a building clad in azulejos, more’s the pity, so I can’t verify how well they work, but I’d be happy to give it a try. Trouble is, I’d want to be on the outside to admire them. You have to admit, they’re worth a second look.

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Translating from the Arabic as ‘small polished stone’, the majority of azulejos are blue and white, and the shapes are a geometric representation of flowers and leaves. When you come upon a burst of colour, often edging a door or a window, it’s a thing of joy.

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Wander with me through a street or two. Don’t for a moment imagine that the tiles will all be pristine and immaculate. These homes have seen life, though some are sadly neglected and still others are unoccupied.

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Glazed tiles were originally invented in Egypt, but Portugal has a long history of decorating houses in this way. If you’re ever in Lisbon, the Tile Museum is a wonderful place to spend a few hours. More locally you simply have to look around you.

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Modern houses often adopt a tile panel in deference to this lovely style. They are a beautiful way to enhance an outdoor space or terrace.

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Let’s face it- I simply love showing off my town, even when the images are less than perfect, like this church. Not only is it a particular favourite, but it’s my Last on the Card for the month of March, for Brian. In fact, I’m going overboard on the challenges today. You might have noticed that there are many BrightSquares for Becky, and I’m sure that Ann-Christine won’t mind if I add this to her Lens-Artists selection of delights, You Pick It!

It’s been a difficult Easter for me, in more ways than one, but I’m adopting a spirit of ‘the show must go on’, and I have some lovely walks to share. Join me any time here on Jo’s Monday walk. I’ll try and make you welcome.

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Sarah’s walk is pure nostalgia for me, and very beautiful :

The Lewis Burn inlet walk at Kielder Water

Janet loves her new desert home, and it’s very easy to see why!

That bloomin’ desert!

Can you believe that snow still lingers in some places? Rupali doesn’t seem to mind :

Weekend 117 : Back to Hiking

Standing stones make a great focus on this easy ramble with Emma :

Dunsfold to Cranleigh/ 9.75m Circular & Modern Day Druids

You couldn’t get anything more different than the street art that Eunice loves :

Manchester street art 2021 (2)

Meanwhile Drake watches another day come and go :

Another start and ending

Sheltered waters is a lovely place name. Join Suzanne there!

Weekend Walk – Kulim Park, Tauranga

Winding up a fabulous series with Carol :

All the Way to the End

The Last Walk

You can’t fault Denzil on his enthusiasm for Belgium :

Enjoy a day hiking on the Kalmthout Heath

Or Rosemay on her love for Western Australia. Tricky spellings aren’t they?

Autumn Walk around Lake Leschenaultia

That’s it from me! See you next time. Have a good week!