Jo’s Monday walk : A street art shuffle

Isn’t that just the most infectious smile? Reminds me of Mitzi Gaynor in “South Pacific”. Oops, showing my age! Truthfully, I didn’t intend walking with you this month. I know you’re all busy squaring like mad, and I’m busy…well…just living! It’s really too hot for a conventional walk, but your walks kept rolling in and I thought it was time to share a few.

Mondays are traditionally street art days, aren’t they? And it just so happens that I was in the Algarve capital of street art last weekend. Lagos played host again this summer to ARTURb, a project ‘with the concept of art on tour’, encouraging the free circulation of ideas and aesthetics in the art world. I had downloaded the map, and off I went, in extremely hot pursuit.

It was a very grey day by Algarve standards, and sticky with heat and humidity. Luckily I had a few distractions. Exiting through the archway to the castle, I found myself beside Forte da Ponta da Bandeira, always a good place to observe life. The sea was remarkably empty, several youngsters having thought to launch their boats at the yacht club, but then thought better of it. The waves were just a little too frisky!

Even on the cliff top there was little breeze, but I was on a mission. Braving the spray from the fountains in Praca Infante Dom Henrique, I headed back into town, where the streets are an intriguing mix of modernity and neglect. And almost guarantee a surprise around every corner.

Looking back you can see the scale of the original fortress walls, but little remains of this grandeur. Like many, the town was a victim of the 1755 earthquake. Some of these artworks have been in place for a number of years and bear the scars of age and disrespect.

Did you spot the pair of trainers dangling in the second from last? Potentialy useful? Political references abound and the eyes of the hurt and mistrustful hold your gaze. I did like the crinkly character below. A hint of mischief? Seen it all and still amused?

But it’s a town full of life and youthful exuberance, and I love that about it. A nautical town, it was a favoured residence of Henry the Navigator, and these days boasts a marina full of proud, expensive vessels. Another good spot to linger.

There are many aspects to Lagos. Next time I’ll take you to the cliff tops on a bright and beautiful day. Meanwhile I’m sharing with Sami’s Monday Mural and Marsha, lovely co-host of PPAC#5-Brilliant Art.

walking logo

And so, to the walks!

Demonstrating her ease with architecture and a camera, it’s always a delight to walk with Debbie :

A virtual high speed walk

A little more slowly, Sarah takes us to some very different dwellings :

In the footsteps of the Mogollon at Gila Cliff Dwellings

Aiva dazzles with rhododendrons and her daughter’s smile :

A Fantastic Walk for a Weekend: Benbulben Forest Walk in beautiful Sligo

Drake always seems to have such a positive, can-do outlook on life, and he goes to some beautiful places :

Colors in the streets

Countryside walk

Another side of countryside

Bigger than small

Traditionally, in its own way

Susan Joy has a super busy schedule!

Weekend Coffee Share – Cute Pets, Acai Bowl, Picnic in the Park

Janet is an early bird, who simply loves to share :

A Monday walk in the park

Surrounded by beauty, I. J. lures us to Arthur’s Seat :

An old favourite among walks

Liz would like to introduce herself, with promise of walks to come :

A Morning Walk at Manito Park in Spokane, Washington

And I find that I’m sharing thoughts, and the breath-taking beauty of her world, with my lovely friend, Ann-Christine :

Thursday Thoughts – A walk in my garden

Nice when an old friend pops up with a walk. Thanks, Albert!

Urambi Hills Summit Walk

Just when I think that all is quiet, Yvette drops by and takes me on a trip into the past :

Canal Walk in Richmond, VA (spring 2021)

Next thing you know, Mel has me plummeting down into a canyon!

Exploring the Great Outdoors – Knox Gorge, Karijini National Park, Western Australia

And then there are the things Helen loves!

Country Walks-Wooton Rivers, Pewsey Vale

Many thanks to everybody for sharing! I still anticipate the arrival of my son next Sunday and am keeping everything crossed for that. Hopefully I’ll be able to share another walk on Monday, 2nd August. Take good care till then!

150 comments

  1. Loved it, Jo!
    Those paintings, imitating portuguese tiles, and the painting on the wall reminding me a brain, are very similars to ones made here in the island too! Probably, from the same artist.
    Have a great week!

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  2. Oh, I missed a walk with you! Great to see you out and about and sharing your stunning photography and views of life in the Algarve, Jo! And YES, she reminds me of Mitzi Gaynor in South Pacific too, when her hair was pulled up in the scarf and she was about to wash that man right out of her hair! SP is in my top three favorite Rogers and Hammerstein shows…I know all the songs. Mom played these soundtrack records on the stereo all day when we were kids. That in itself is a cool memory. Enjoy your son’s visit, there is nothing more special than being with family these days. I’m going to relish every minute with Dad and my step-mom while I have them here! Glad you joined Marsha’s new street art challenge. Have a great week.

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  6. Wow, so many wonderful murals and beautiful pictures of Lagos. It’s been a few years since I visited Lagos, as we usually stay around the Vilamoura area (when we lived in Portugal and when we visit).
    I recognized the “Add Fuel” style, with the blue tiles, don’t know the others, but love all the faces, specially that first one, such a great smile.
    Thanks for participating in Monday Murals Joanne. Enjoy your Summer 🙂

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    1. Thanks so much, Sami! Glad you enjoyed them. We had a great couple of days. We arrived just as vaccine certificates became mandatory and fortunately we had them 🤣💕

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  7. Glad to see you back, Jo, it’s been a while 🙂 Your amazing photos bring back lots of wonderful memories from our holiday in Lagos and Algarve region a few years ago. Although we arrived allured by its beautiful coast, it was the historic centre of Lagos that captured my attention. I was delighted to find out that the city hasn’t succumbed to mass tourism and still retains its distinctive character and charm. Thanks so much for including Benbulben Forest Walk in your post 🙂 Have a nice day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. It’s a fascinating town, Aiva. I didn’t dwell too much on the history because I’ve been a few times but this was the first time we’d stayed there. Parts are very touristy but if you wander you can always find real Portugal. Thanks for your lovely company 🤗💕💕

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  8. Thank You! I loved the photographs & descriptions. I’m from Orlando & it reminds me of another town here in Florida with a Spanish Fort still standing today, St. Augustine & the Castillo de San Marcos. Just not quite as beautiful but in Florida it’s one of the rare historical sites we haven’t destroyed or put Mickey Ears on top of yet. Seriously if you haven’t been to St. Augustine. Skip the mouse kingdom & $1000 resort & go to St. Augustine & stay in a nice, affordable B & B. Plus you have the beach right there & don’t have to waste a day driving to our polluted beaches in high crime areas we have closest to Orlando.

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    1. St Augustine was already on my list but it’s highly improbable these days. We made 2 trips to the States when our boy was young, and I quite enjoyed having my hand kissed by Buzz Lightyear but there wasn’t nearly enough time. I guess there never will be. My horizons aren’t so wide now, but many thanks for the thought. 🤗💕💕

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  9. First, welcome back! Finally great to see you around.
    I am happy you are back…and yes continued to go on living…(just as we did as well..!:-))

    I love these murals and public artworks.. brings so much color to the neighbourhood.I loved that smile, so positive.

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  10. So good to see your Monday walks back, Jo. Your posts were missed. Enjoyed the jaunt through the city in search of street art and you found some very fine ones. Great going!

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  11. Dear Jo,
    thank you very much for sharing. We like this street art you documented very well.
    Wishing you an easy week
    The Fab Four of Cley
    🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂

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  13. A real ‘world tour’ of Lagos and very interesting. I wouldn’t remember it from my last time there which must have been way back in the early eighties. Hope you are keeping well and enjoying life. I too, have been having a break from posting (still reading though) as I felt the computer was taking over my life. I’m deeply into reading again which I’m finding much more satisfactory. I don’t think we’ll be travelling for years yet but when it does start it won’t be for the new horizons thing, it will be first to visit family, second to visit friends and third to visit familiar places and re-connect. Take care.

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    1. Life is a bit up and down at the moment, Mari. Hard to feel ‘settled’ and yes, I made a conscious effort to pull back from the blog but I still pop in and read. So looking forward to my son arriving on Sunday. Everything crossed! 🤣💕💕

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  16. This is fabulous Jo, and it’s so good to have you back again. I’ve only been to Lagos many years ago (12 maybe?) , and I certainly don’t remember any street art then. A new and interesting development for the town?

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    1. I’ve been a couple of times, Margaret, but this was the first time we’d stayed. Covid vaccine certificates at the ready and the infamous football drama on the evening, but Mick had a lovely birthday in spite of all. ARTURb has been running a few years. There’s a link but it doesn’t tell you much.

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      1. Well, if birthday boy was happy and you all had a good time, that’s all that matters. Are you resuming normal service now? (She said, hopefully)

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      2. Not really! A lot happening, not all of it good. Waiting for some guys to fit a garden room and chasing ants today. The bain of my life! NOT the guys. And James on Sunday? You have no idea how hard I am crossing my fingers for all to go well. Glad you enjoyed your little jaunt!

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  17. Some great murals here, I really like the first one and you’re right about the Mitzi Gaynor aspect of it. I love the cute little building by the fortress wall, it looks like a cake decoration made from icing 🙂

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      1. I’m fine thanks Jo, hope you are too 🙂 Recently had a holiday up in the Lakes, my first camp for two years, weather mainly brilliant, I really enjoyed it and came back with lots of interesting stuff for my blog posts 🙂

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  18. A very cool walk. Thanks for sharing. I particularly like the atmosphere evoked by the grey(ish) skies – that’s what I associate with being by the sea, maybe because we used to do so many trips to the shore during winter.

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