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.

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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

  2. How lovely to see you again, really was not expecting to! Great street art and the grey day probably worked in your favour for the photographs. So J arriving on Sunday eh? He’s brave to run the gauntlet of testing and all the other hoops you have to jump through. A arrives on Sunday here, but no hoops for him to worry about, though he may think twice about visiting a beach whilst he’s here! Insane number of people already and school hols only really begin this coming weekend. Way too hot for me at the moment, but by the weekend it should be back to around 23C which I can cope with. Enjoy the time with the family and I hope all goes well for their visit, and yours over here.
    xx

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  6. Hi Jo, thanks for joining in with these marvelous examples of Public Art. I loved the portraits. The two smokers were so full of character, and I have to agree about the first photo of the engaging smile. It’s so good to have you back blogging, my dear friend. Your posts are super engaging. I’d like to be taking that picture of the bike and the fence. I can smell the ocean breeze from here. 🙂

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    1. It’s the cliffs that mostly draw me to this end of the Algarve, Marsha, but you could say that Lagos has it all, because it is a lovely town too, and with great beaches. Many thanks for hosting and for your kind words.

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      1. Thank you for joining in. What an artistic place. I struggle to find so much public art here. We rely more on the beauty of nature. Either that or I’m going to have to open my eyes a little wider. 🙂

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  8. It’s good to have you sharing again this week, Jo. The art you’ve shared this week is really special. I think the faces are seriously impressive!

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  13. Thanks again for the share, Jo and so nice to see you have time to squeeze in a quick and colourful walk. What a town!? A stunning sight at every turn. Enjoy your family time. You have waited patiently (??) for some quality time to reconnect. And good things come to those who…. xx

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  18. It’s sweet of you to pop back, Jo, bringing us smiles and an art-filled walk. I hope the rest of your holiday goes to plan. It’s sweltering here too – thank heavens for breezes, even the little ones.

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  20. Lovely surprise to see you pop in today, Jo! I can relate to the “hot pursuit” bit as you can well imagine even though it’s been a bit cooler than usual and we’ve even gotten a fair amount of rain (for Arizona.) We’ve even had some humidity. What great finds for street art and I enjoyed the frisky waves as well. I really like the shot with the hanging basket of flowers in the foreground. Hope your week’s off to a grand start! What’s happening with Covid and the chances of visiting England?

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    1. Life is a lot of hassle relating to visits, Janet. The information changes so frequently and at short notice. I have booked an antigen test for their return to the UK without being certain if they are coming. And I have a vaccine certificate but it is not currently valid in the UK! It can only get better. Everything crossed that we can make it happen. 🤗💕💕

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      1. I hope things smooth out soon. So are all my trips have been driving and in the US, so it hasn’t mattered. Not sure I’ll make it back to France this year or not because again things are in a state of flux and it’s difficult to know what the requirements are.

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