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.
And so, to the walks!
Demonstrating her ease with architecture and a camera, it’s always a delight to walk with Debbie :
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 :
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 :
Surrounded by beauty, I. J. lures us to Arthur’s Seat :
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!
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!
restlessjo 
Stunning artistic work, Jo. Thereâs so much to look at, seek and find in every mural. đ Iâd love to walk to the streets in Lagos on a slightly cooler day.
Warm greetings to you from the rainy coast đđ
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Thanks sweetheart! I’m sending my youngsters very reluctantly back to Leeds this afternoon. Where does the time go when you’re having fun? đ¤đđđ
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I won’t even try a in-city walk for some time yet. The deserted countryside is the best I can do. I’m probably very late with this response, but seeing that the walk was already five years old when I wrote about it, maybe another few days does not matter.
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It doesn’t matter at all I. J. I have family here this week and am doing nothing on the blog other than a swift hello. Thank you! đ¤đ
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Hi Jo!
Enjoyed the very diverse art and your commentary đ
I did miss the trainers – or sneakers – and glad you pointed them out
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Also – the two smoking guys near the end were great – and after I read your little notes I saw a lot more and felt the kindness in the second one – very cool how my perception changed like that.
âď¸âď¸âď¸
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Hiya darlin! I never used to be a fan of street art, or of decrepit old buildings, come to that – I have a strong tendency to prefer the pretty stuff – but I find more and more work that holds my attention these days. The premise behind ARTURb of bringing art to the streets and accessible to all is a good one, and it gives the town so much character. Thanks, hon!
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Wow, Jo, Lagos looks like a fantastic place to stroll. The skill and variety of the art, the old buildings, and the history have to make it a terrific day.I actually appreciate seeing and reading about the less-than-perfect weather for a change, it makes it more real. đ
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We had a great couple of days, Lynn, but not as good as this week when I have my son and partner staying with us. đ¤đđ
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How lovely to see youâve popped back for a walk Jo! I have been wondering how you were going – hopefully enjoying your blogging hiatus. Such an interesting collection of photos with the street art – it does look a bit warm and humid I must say. Hope you get some refreshing sea breezes soon! Xx
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Hiya hon! Sorry, I did see your message earlier on but life is a bit hectic at the minute. We have James here and the builders in working on a garden room, which should have been completed last week. Absolutely amazing to have them and it was Lauren’s birthday today. We went to look at their potential wedding venue as well as to the beach today, and they’re out for a romantic meal this evening, so I have a little time to catch up.
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Hi Jo no problem at all – how lovely you have been able to spend time with family again đ đ It must be so special after all the hassles of the past year or so. Lovely to have a wedding to plan too đ Renovations never seem to run on schedule either – we had quite major works done a couple of years ago (new kitchen and laundry) and it went on for far longer than planned! Very happy with the end result though so it was well worth it. Have a wonderful rest of the week xx
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Such wonderful street art!
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Glad you like it đ¤Łđ
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Very interesting walk around Jo! Some beautiful art. Thanks for sharing. Enjoy your family time. Iâll look forward to the view from the top in a future post.
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Unbelievably good to have them here. Thanks a lot đ¤Łđ
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Another great walk Jo, Lagos is an interesting town isn’t it? All of the street art is so good. Weather didn’t look great but makes a change from being too ridiculously hot I guess.
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Consistently hot at this time of year, Jonno, even when the skies are grey. Sweltering on the roof and hoping our son will arrive this evening. đ¤đ I hear you’ve been in the wars?
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Thanks for the walk, Jo. I totally enjoyed it. Yes, that first smile is utterly infectious. âşď¸
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Always good to get a breath of fresh air, Gunta. Glad you could join me.
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Congratulations! I featured your post in PPAC.
I hope you have a fantastic weekend.
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Thanks so much, Cee! I’ve just collapsed in a heap after making up beds and sorting the back bedroom. Amazing how much gets stowed in cupboards! James and family arrive on Sunday đ¤đ¨âđŠâđŚđđ
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Looks like a great town to wander through and the coast looks lovely, too.
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You need those cliff top breezes right now, Graham. It’s stifling! How are you? đ¤đ
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I just came across your blog and you exuberate such positive vibes! Happy to be here. đ
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Happy to have your company! Always nice to share a smile đ¤đđ
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very interesting street art for us today, Jo! and yes, her smile is infectious! đ
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How are you, darlin? I’m not spending much time at the blog but I’ll catch up with you soon đ¤đ
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This walk was delightful – I especially loved the blue tiles and portraits. Algarve is a favorite place, although I only spent a few days there. Would love to go back.
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Thanks Ruth! đ¤đ It’s a good place to call home.
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That smile, love it!! Beautiful tile works. Thank you for this fabulous walk, Jo!
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So happy you could join me, hon đ¤đđ
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How lovely to see a walk from you this week, and with such fantastic street art to show off! I’m glad you braved the sticky heat to be able to share them with us đ I love the final two images in particular. And there are happy memories of my own visit to Lagos in some of them – I remember the blue diamond shapes and the giant snails – indeed I have photos of my own of both of these. We had lunch in a cafe behind the snails’ wall – also very hot I recall, but sunny with it.
You inspired me to share another walk this week, in a small Italian hill-town: https://www.toonsarah-travels.blog/on-a-walk-through-serra-san-quirico/
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That sounds wonderful, Sarah! On my way out to lunch with friends but I’ll come and join you this evening đđ
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