Portugal

All set to Shimmy!

Seriously?

It’s not every year that Valentine’s Day coincides with Carnaval, but there was definitely something in the air at Loule this year. As the band ratcheted up the volume, toes tapped, hips swayed and a full-blooded shimmy was just a heartbeat away.

It was my second visit to the Algarve’s biggest Carnaval event, so I had a good idea what to expect. The Portuguese have a healthy disrespect for politicians and celebrities, and this year’s theme of Sport poked gentle fun at heroes and villains alike. The floats are beautifully constructed labours of love, and there’s an infectious atmosphere of gaiety and excitement. The children have their own mini Carnaval in the schools, and often wear their costumes to the grand parade. Here are just a few of the scenes that made me smile.

Let the show begin!

Recognise anyone?

Most sports were represented

Though I didn’t always recognise the players

There were all shapes and sizes

And many activities!

It’s all downhill for some!

For others it’s one big smile

And a head full of feathers!

Costume malfunction?

There’s a delightful whimsicality to it all, but what really stands out for me is the pure artistry of the paper flowers. Just look at these!

Nobody is left out, from the largest to the smallest. The oversized sunshine men reach down to the crowd, then touch foreheads together in a slow smooch. A stern looking lady, with a splendid costume, ‘high fives’ youngsters at the roadside, between shimmies. The littlest ones can bounce along on the back of a caterpillar or a panda. Everyone is intended to have the time of their lives, and if they don’t, they’re really not trying!

“Dance with me”

“High five!”

The skirt!

“Bounce with me!”

“Where’s Mum gone?”

And the spectators are part of the show

Isn’t he adorable? The littlest Yoda! Me and Michael were at one point on opposite sides of the parade. A brief cloud burst had crowds and performers alike scattering for cover, and when they resumed we were grinning across at each other. He took this wonderful shot. Mine was ‘side on’ to the little fellow and not nearly so good.

I have so many photos and I feel quite guilty leaving anyone out. But I shall end with the ‘dancing girls’. If anyone can shimmy, it’s them!

It goes like this!

Let me see you shimmy!

Delighted to be here!

Bare and beautiful

What more can I say? If you’re ever in the Algarve at Carnaval time, you’re in for a treat. I’m off to practise my shimmy, in celebration of my 500th post.

Jo’s Monday walk : Praia da Rocha

Winter in the Algarve- the deserted beach at Praia da Rocha

Despite the high rise, I’m sure you can see the attraction? Praia da Rocha was the Algarve’s earliest resort, and it still makes a pleasant place for a winter stroll. I don’t have much time to create a walk post, having just arrived home, so I’ll be starting you off very gently.

Praia da Rocha and the city of Portimão meld into one where the River Arade empties into the Atlantic Ocean, on Portugal’s southern coast. Next week we can wander the river bank at leisure, but let’s start simply, with the beach, shall we?

Smart hotels line the promenade

In contrast, the remains of the 17th century Fortress of Santa Catarina de Ribamar come as something of a surprise. Testimony to the days when pirate corsairs raided these shores.

Pirates beware!

But these days it’s more of a look out

And isn’t that the most inviting causeway stretching out into the sea? I think I can spy a lighthouse at the end. Zip your jacket up! A windsurfer or two is testing the breeze.

The empty beach tells it’s own story

I bet those waves are cool!

Still quite a way to go

Just a puff of cloud on the horizon

But here we are at the lighthouse

Hiding from that breeze!

And playing with the shadows

Collar huddled against that bracing wind, it’s a brisk stride back to the shelter of the cliffs. You can feel yourself relax then, as the warmth tickles your shoulder blades.

Near perfect weather for sailing

But it’s the boardwalk that beckons, and those mysterious stacks at the end of the beach.

You can walk back along the beach, admiring the cliff face in detail, or return to the cliff top. There are several sets of steps. Most of the available parking is around the marina, at the east end of the resort. Let’s just pop our noses in there first, then go looking for something to eat.

Take your pick!

If you’re not too hungry, you can wander out around the marina. There are plenty of restaurants to choose from, even though many close in the winter. I’m moving on to Portimão, and I hope you’ll join me there, next Monday.

I had a wonderful two weeks ‘away from it all’, and I have so many of you to catch up with! Thank you for your patience. I’ll stop by as soon as I can. Meantime, there are some wonderful walks to share. Some of you have been very diligent. For anyone new to my walks, the logo or my Monday walks page will give you more details. Goodness- I’m on to my second cuppa already!

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Any of you know Warsaw? That’s where my lovely friend Meg is right now, visiting family :

Shopping in Praga

Paula has been checking out ‘restless fliers’ in Zagreb. No, nothing to do with me!

Shooting birds on the lake

I can’t ski but I’m always game for a chair lift or two! Thanks, Drake :

Off-white or rough white

Two Megs this week, just to confuse you! This one’s in Virginia :

A Winter walk

Lucy often stays in Paris, lucky lady! Share a beautiful walk with her in St. Germain :

The streets of St. Germain

What about a little poetry next? And a classic from Dionne Warwick- thanks, Esther :

Walk on By

Amy really does take wonderful photos. Just check these out! :

Architecture walking tour of downtown Fort Worth

Welcome to Anabel, who introduces us to a beautiful light show in Glasgow Botanic Gardens. Jude- you’ll like this!

Electric Gardens

And you can rely on Elena for quirky!

Hundertwasser House in Vienna

I’ve always wanted to visit the Far East, so I’m very happy to tour Vientiane with Colibrist :

Experimental travel in Vientiane, Laos

Who wouldn’t want to eat with Yvette, and share music with Frizz? What a combination!

Pasto Italiano (and Belichick quote)

Or maybe try beachcombing with Tobias :

A Walcheren walk

The Eternal Traveler has joined us this week with some stunning views of Japan. I’m so jealous!

Unusual, unexpected, unbelievable

I’m delighted to end with lovely Sherri Matthews. You can’t help but enjoy her stories :

Virginia Woolf’s Round House and Lewes Priory

That’s it for this week, folks. I didn’t think I’d make it! Thank you for all your brilliant contributions, and I can’t wait to see what next week brings. Have a good one!

Three things I love about Porto

Porto, seen from the water

A great sight, whichever way you look!

Challenged recently to come up with three things I love about my favourite city, I barely hesitated before my thoughts turned to Porto, in Northern Portugal.

Accor Hotels are inviting bloggers to create a post (or a video) illustrating their three favourite things about any city they love. In return, you can win a three-night stay for two, in London, Paris or Amsterdam. Something nice to look forward to at this dreary time of year? But you’d better get your skates on- last date for entries is Monday, 26th January at 12.01pm. Sorry I couldn’t give you more notice.

The quayside at Peso da Regua

So, why Porto, you might be asking yourself. If you were around when I came back from my trip two years ago, you might remember that I was totally besotted.

1. The city lies at the mouth of the River Douro. Step into a boat (or catch a train if you’re a landlubber) and you have before you one of the most beguiling landscapes you could ever imagine. As you depart the city, the hills ripple away on either shore, swathed in vines that change hue with the seasons. Utterly tranquil, yet with the frisson of a huge lock or two to navigate, and ruggedly wild beauty as you penetrate further along the river.

The Sandeman’s Port figure broods on a hillside

Azulejo panels illustrate the barcos rabelas

Nowadays they take trippers on the river

Along with their modern equivalent

But grapes are always at the heart of it

2. Porto has a beach! Crucial for someone who could never envisage life away from the sea. Nothing could be more delightful than hopping on the tram and rattling out to Foz do Douro. Or perhaps you would stroll it, but save some energy for when you get there. There’s a long promenade after the last tram stop. An old fort sits on the headland and there’s Seaworld if you prefer your fishes in a tank. Bars and restaurants abound for a lazy toasted end to the day.

A restaurant with a view, at Foz do Douro

3. It’s all in the name! The home of port wine, there is no better setting for sampling a glass or two. Three if you’re going to try Ruby, Tawny and White port. No need to rush it! There are numerous wine lodges, beside the river or up on the hill with magnificent views, if you can handle the climb. You will amble home with a smile on your face. That’s for sure!

Barcos rabelas at ease in their moorings

If you’d like to spend a little more time in Porto with me, try Simply beautiful blue and white. It’s a feast of azulejos! But then you should decide which is your favourite city, and visit A tale of three cities for details of how to enter the competition.

Thanks for a great year!

It might come as no surprise to you to find that my most popular posts this year were my walks. Along the shore came out marginally ahead, and I only have to look at the blue sky and shimmering sea to want to be transported back there myself.

Could anywhere be more different from the Algarve than Fountains Abbey, in Yorkshire? But I did have a blue sky day, again. And it WAS beautiful!

But I was delighted that my personal favourite was popular too. The Village of Giverny was very special to me because I spent my Silver Wedding anniversary there. (with a certain other someone too, of course!) I’d wanted to visit for many years, and it totally did not disappoint.

Isn’t this perfection?

Monet’s garden at Giverny was one of the most enchanting places I have ever been. How about you? What was the highlight of your year?

I don’t have much of a plan in place for next year, but I’m pretty sure that I’ll still be out and about walking. And you are all more than welcome to join me. We’ll stop and have a cuppa and a chat somewhere, won’t we?

I really just wanted to thank you all for making this such a happy year of blogging for me. I look at the world differently when I know that I’m going to be sharing it with you. Wishing you all a New Year full of love and kindness.

Six word Saturday

Burning the candle at both ends?

But such a pretty one!

My Christmas season has started already, with a dinner party and a zumba one! Barely just got the energy to post Six word Saturday, so here are a few restful images from the Algarve.

Peace and quiet at the Carmo Church

Gently stranded on the shore

Admiring that last glint

As the sun goes down

Maybe a stroll in the Praca

The first hints of an Algarve Christmas

A beautiful house sign

And a wise old owl, for Gemma

I haven’t posted in the week because I’ve been having conversations with Margaret-Rose Stringer about the best way to load an image to WordPress. I’m still not sure that I have it right, but you can read M-R’s thoughts here.

Now, where shall I take you walking on Monday? That’s my next decision. Meantime, have a great weekend and don’t forget to pop in on Cate at Show My Face.

Jo’s Monday walk : São Brás circular

Fancy living in a windmill?

Enough of nostalgia! I think we’ll do one last Algarve walk before I get stuck into a British winter. This one’s a country walk, led for me by Georgie, a lovely lady who lives in the inland village of São Brás de Alportel. If you’re ever in the Algarve at Easter, this village hosts a beautiful parade through lavender strewn, cobbled streets. It’s a treat for all the senses.

It was a glorious morning when we set out, but I was informed there was a 40% chance of rain! We had driven up above the village to the site of the former pousada, with wonderful, wide-ranging views all around.

Looking out to the surrounding hills

It was soon obvious we were heading for a windmill

It was soon obvious we were heading to a windmill

This tree seems to have a sense of humour!

We had already discussed the fact that on breezy days, the wind whistles around the hilltops. Someone who had once stayed in the pousada recollected that the shutters had banged and rattled ferociously throughout the night. No sign or sound of that today, but weather up in the hills can change frequently.

A windmill conversion should not have been surprising

A windmill conversion, ready to occupy

Starting at so high a point, it was fairly obvious that we would be going down and then, at some future point, back up again. Georgie assured us that, taking your time, it wasn’t especially taxing. The cobbled path gave way to a rough track, and we paused frequently to take notice of our surrounds. Soon we came to a fonte or spring, used for laundry purposes in former times.

The spring of Tareja

Used for laundering

Water storage is often in tanks in the countryside

The trail follows a stream and reed beds before climbing up into the hills. In Spring these would be carpeted with cistus and wild flowers.

Did I mention changeable weather?

The blue is rapidly disappearing from the sky!

A couple of years ago forest fires ravaged the gullies around here, and evidence of the burnt out trees was starkly visible. Nature is quick to regenerate and we were more concerned with the clouds that seemed to have zipped in from nowhere. A few spits and spots of rain were laughed off as we hastened towards our coffee stop.

What a treat this little place was! Tesouros da Serra means ‘treasures of the sierra’. Nobody was arguing! The produce on display looked delicious, but we knew that in a short while we would have a lunch stop. We settled for sharing some alfarroba biscuits, but made a mental note to come back another day.

The array of produce looked wonderful

Stained glass panel in the cafe

More local produce

One of the really delightful things about this cafe, in an out of the way spot at the back of São Brás, was its garden. Not widely accessible to the public, when Georgie asked if we might see the olive tree, claimed to be 2000 years old, we were assured that we could go in.

The farm of treasure

A beautiful carved wooden seat

The olive tree

And from another angle

Another bench

And an amazing plant!

The sun was shining brightly again and we turned right along a path that led us through a forest of cork oaks. Huge gnarled creatures, standing their ground as they had for generations. Cradled beneath them lay extraordinary fungi.

A sign is always useful! ‘Docaria’ is the cafe.

Edible? I have no idea!

Misshapen? Definitely!

Colourful? Absolutely!

Coming out of the woods, we were back on the trail up to the pousada, which didn’t seem anything like as steep as expected. Maybe it was the prospect of lunch! I’ll give you a little peek in our restaurant, shall I? ‘O Marques’ is in Gralheira, on the back road from São Brás to Loule.

Wood beamed ceilings

A handsome chimney breast

Sorry, I forgot to save you some dessert!

I haven’t fully captured the beauty of this area. Georgie assured me that in Spring it is quite magical, and I have no cause to disagree. There are signboards along the way, giving details of the flora and fauna, and if you look at my links you will find more. To find the pousada, take the N2 signed Alportel from the village and head to the top of the hill. The cobbled path is off on your right, just after a bend in the road. The distance covered was around 6 miles and took us 3 hours, including our half hour coffee stop.

I owe huge thanks to Georgie for guiding this walk and for being such good company.

Time to draw breath, put that kettle on, and see where our walkers have got to this week. As always, I’m really thrilled with all the contributions. For details of how to join me, click on the logo above. Many thanks to you all!

First up, Violet Sky treats us to some fascinating family history in a village in Fife :

‘Muchty

Drake has a bit of a theme going on with his Monday walks. Have you noticed?

Do you wanna dance?

Join Amy in a watery green world in Texas. You may be surprised at the scenery. I was!

Cibolo Nature Centre

Rarely, if ever, have I seen anywhere more beautiful than the beaches Noe shares in South Sulawesi :

West Coast of Gusung Island

But just to prove that English beaches can hold their own, Suzanne’s been to St. Ives :

St. Ives, Cornwall- beaches, boats and the Old Green Door

Such a treat I have for you next! A magic carpet ride 🙂 If you don’t know Lisa, you must!

Magic Carpet Airlines Special- for Subscribers only

Stay on the carpet and we’ll fly to the Antipodes to join Meg! :

The River Road 9- grandeur and a river crossing

And Pauline is ‘stamping about’, just down the road! :

Rediscovering my stamping ground

Tobias is here with some lovely Hamburg curves and woods. Say hello, won’t you? :

Downtown strolls

Home Range

And in a last mad scramble, Shan has made it!

New York State Museum

Fantastic times, all round! I hope you enjoy reading these as much as I enjoy the sharing. Happy walking!

Six word Saturday

Could a week be more different?

Halloween, Algarve style

You might wonder what a random bunch of Algarve kids are doing in my Six word Saturday. Lovely Colline in Toronto was kind enough to link a Halloween walk to my Monday walks feature. When I said I’d seen some small ‘trick or treaters’ whilst out walking in the Algarve, Colline, who is a teacher, said that she’d love to see them. I thought that you might too.

The skyline that I love

Truthfully, it’s not been much of a week. I’ve sniffled and snuffled my way through it, looking out of the window hopefully for blue skies, of which there have been few. To be fair, we are clinging on to random bursts of Autumn colour, which I witnessed yesterday at t’ai chi, after a day of miserable rain. The sun burst forth at teatime, just in time to set, and this morning a soupy grey fog is pushing up against the windowsill. Soon I shall determinedly make my way out into it. I’m tired of being cooped up.

I’m missing my empty beaches

And the shells I found everywhere

Neatly folded, one with the other

With that pearly sheen I love so much

Especially on the gritty river bank

And twinkling near the water

So many shapes

And delicate loveliness

Serene in their beauty

But it’s not all doom and gloom. I finally managed to activate my new smartphone last night and am looking forward to playing with Instagram (don’t hold your breath!). Maybe my old friend will be waiting for me on that shoreline, refreshed from it’s swim. Time will tell!

Meanwhile I’ll look forward to next year’s ‘trick or treaters’

Happy weekend to you all! Don’t forget to visit Cate at Show My Face to share your Six word Saturday. I’ll be cosied up watching ‘Strictly’. See you on Monday, for my walk!

A palace in warm sunshine

Restored to glory- the fountains at Estoi Palace

One of my treats to myself on my visit to the Algarve was the Garden Fair, being held at Estoi Palace for the first time this November. When I came here 10 years ago, the palace was a down-at-heel ruin, but with enchanting grounds that cast their own spell. The past was cupped in the chipped and empty fountains, and breathed through the azulejos adorning the walls.

I was half delighted, but half concerned to hear of a proposed restoration that would turn the palace into a pousada, one of Portugal’s elite hotels. The transformation took many long years but, when the hotel finally opened its doors, I was hugely impressed. The grand salon was grace and elegance, with incredible ceilings, and the gardens had been given a modern twist, yet retained the features that had made them so beautiful. The new ‘add on’ for the hotel guest rooms was not so pleasing, but I was simply grateful that this lovely ruin had been given a life.

At this stage there was still much to do, and the ongoing work on the fountains and flights of stairs had placed them ‘out of bounds’. I remembered wistfully when I had been able to wander at will, conjuring with dreams. So it was, with a flutter of excitement, that I returned to Estoi for the Garden Fair.

The side gate to the palace- the lion is genially on guard

I didn’t expect that tiny Estoi would be playing host to so many people that day, but as the sun beamed with unseasonable heat, it became clear that this was to be a popular event. I was glad that I had arrived promptly for the 11am opening. As one of the wardens pointed out to me, this is the Algarve’s only historic garden.

What else to enjoy the sunshine but cacti?

What better to enjoy the sunshine than cacti?

Almost edible in their lushness

Full of flounces!

And delicate blooms

But with a hint of malice in the spikes

A swirl of colour caught my eye

And multi-hued chillis!

No idea what this beauty is!

But this is definitely a grapefruit!

I can never ignore a hot red!

I have to admit that I didn’t linger as long as I might, delightful though it all was. I could not wait to move on from the plant stalls and into the gardens. The former coach house had been transformed into a magnificent exhibition space, with gleaming floors and chandelier embellishments. Air plants nestled amongst the crafts, with potions made from herbs, and exquisite mosaics. I eased myself past temptation and out into the garden.

Dappled shade led to the grand staircase

The azulejos were as beautiful as I remembered

The azulejos as beautiful as I remembered

The details quite beguiling

Looking back at my photos I don’t think I did the palace gardens justice, but you will have a general impression which I hope might tempt you to go there some day. The palace itself is beautiful. Perhaps I might take afternoon tea there one day and show you inside.

The palace and parterres

The fountains are trickling again

Alongside nymphs and ladies

Living a beautiful life!

In graceful harmony

A flight of fantasy!

The mosaics were beautiful too

Complementing the blue and white

The horses galloping with gay abandon

And the maidens hiding in their grottoe

It may not reflect quite the type of warmth that Paula was thinking of, but I think this post might sit nicely on her Thursday’s Special. Come with me and admire.

Jo’s Monday walk : Algar Seco

Algar Seco

Going back to places isn’t always such a good idea, but in this instance it definitely paid off. It must be 10 years since I first set foot in Carvoeiro. The location, possessively hugging a small cove, fishing boats pulled up on shore for safety, was always idyllic. Unfortunately too many people had discovered its charms. Parking was something of a nightmare, and the overall impression was definitely ‘tacky’.

I’m not one to give up on a place so easily, and I felt I owed it a second chance. As it happened, it provided the perfect location for my November birthday. Crowds weren’t an issue and some of the parking problems appeared to have been solved. The ‘tacky’ aspect is still there, but the spectacular scenery of the surrounding coast is justifiably a magnet. ‘High end’ villas and smart restaurants have moved in. Best of all, a beautiful new boardwalk has been installed along the cliff top east of town, making a walk to Algar Seco pure exhilaration.

The boardwalk, heading towards Carvoeira

The boardwalk, heading towards Carvoeiro

Magnificent, isn’t it? I was totally unprepared for the sight, but so often it seems to me that the Algarve ‘gets it right’. The cliff tops are subject to erosion and the boardwalk helps to protect them from the curious, while enabling safe and easy access to their dramatic beauty.

You can see the frailty of the rocks

Algar Seco is the name given to a rock formation carved into the cliffs by erosion and the action of the waves. Steps lead down into a natural amphitheatre, where the fit and sure-footed can view at close quarters how the sea seductively sculpts the shore.

Steps down into the grottoes

Close to the action

The shapes are surreal

And the waves suck and soar

While the sun glints wickedly on the water

I am not known for my affinity with goats, and wearing smart sandals was perhaps a mistake. A squidgy yellow puddle wasn’t exactly what they were designed for, but they survived. Wet wipes are a wonderful invention, aren’t they?

I thought the scenery was worth it!

Especially from inside the caves

Amazing to be so close to nature

Even if a little scary

But much safer up on the boardwalk!

Now let’s follow the boardwalk towards Carvoeiro. It isn’t very far and the views will keep you enthralled. There are benches set in at intervals if you want to simply sit and feast your eyes. Looking back you have the beach of Marinha, with Benagil’s tiny cove beyond. Ahead , an extravaganza of coast! Soon you arrive at Capela da Nossa Senhora da Encarnacao’s so pretty chapel.

The church square

With a pretty roof

Affording calm views to sea

Beyond this, the road starts to dip into the cove which is Praia da Carvoeiro. The sea wall is planted with hardy flowers but the chances are you won’t be able to take your eyes off the bay.

Determined to bloom in the salt air!

Just a hint at the beach below you

Invariably there will be a couple of boats, drawn up well away from the clutches of the sea. And a burst of colour in the houses at shoreline.

Happy to be stranded!

How about this for ‘beachfront’?

But you know that what will always lure me on is the thrash of the waves on the shore. I cannot wait to get close! Just a quick paddle!

Too close, sometimes!

But water like this is hard to resist!

After a play on the beach (yes, the wet bum incident, but the camera was safe!) and a few more shell shots, I opted to climb Rua da Paraiso. I just had to see what ‘Paradise Beach’ offered. The views down into the bay are equally lovely and you can complete a circuit which brings you back into the centre. There are only two main streets, side by side, leading to the beach (and away, if you’re a driver). Algar Seco is clearly signed, along the coast road and within the town, if you have left your car at the eastern end, as we did.

Thank you all for your patience. I’ve struggled mightily this weekend but, in the week ahead, hope to get ‘back on track’. As always I have some wonderful shares for you, so let’s get that kettle on and go armchair walking!

First we’re off to Otatara Beach in New Zealand, with Jill :

All Soul’s Day wander at Otatara PA

Then flying straight on to the States and the Hudson River :

Fort Lee Historic Park

A truly delightful Halloween walk next, with Colline. I found some little ‘trick or treaters’ in the Algarve too. Must show you sometime!

A Halloween Walk

Lamb burger anybody? Then you can walk it off, with Yvette :

Burger, Bach and a walk

Lovely Noe showed me another little piece of village life in South Sulawesi. Don’t miss it!

The old village of Bitombang

Tobias is here from Hamburg! A place I know little of, and am enjoying through his eyes :

The steep approach to Baumwall

Of course, there’d be no Monday walk without Drake! He always manages to stir nostalgia in me :

Whistle down the Wind

And when there’s a walk from Tish Farrell, you know you’re in for a treat :

Rambling Tales, My Little Pony, windmills, Olympian dreams

If Pauline ever invites you for a walk in her garden, say ‘yes’ immediately. It’s fabulous! :

Come walk with me in the garden

Nurturing and looking after swans sounds like a grand job, doesn’t it? Sherri is at a swannery this week :

A walk with swans

No Jude, you might have noticed? She has her hands full of grandson in Australia. Happy days! I owe so many thanks to my contributors. You have made my Mondays very special. I hope I haven’t missed anybody this week? Happy walking!

Six word Saturday

Overwhelmed with wishes! Thank you all!

I seem to've got myself in a hole at the moment!

I seem to’ve got myself in a bit of a hole!

You’ll be able to find out where on next Monday’s walk, but meanwhile I have some serious catching up to do! I just wanted to say a big thank you to everyone who has left comments on the blog in the past week. I’ll be visiting you as soon as I possibly can.

I had a wonderful birthday, and the smile on my face wasn’t even seriously dented when my mobile phone made a bid for freedom from the bottom of my bag and swam off beneath the ferry! It did, of course, provide much amusement for the other passengers. I hope you’ll excuse me if I simply post a quick gallery of highlights.

Naturally I got a wet bum!

And ‘captured’ some more shells

I smiled a lot, in a windswept way

And drank coffee with this lovely man

There were boats, of course!

For a bit of culture, we went to Corte Real art gallery

And visited the palace gardens at Estoi

Birthday evening was spent in my favourite restaurant

With lovely appetisers

And a lizard or two for company

Rounded off nicely with a stroll by the river

Such delightful memories! Here’s wishing you all a wonderful weekend. I’m off to visit Cate at Show My Face and check out Six Word Saturday. See you soon!

restlessjo

Roaming, at home and abroad

Portugal

All set to Shimmy!

Jo’s Monday walk : Praia da Rocha

Three things I love about Porto

Thanks for a great year!

Six word Saturday

Burning the candle at both ends?

Jo’s Monday walk : São Brás circular

Six word Saturday

Could a week be more different?

A palace in warm sunshine

Jo’s Monday walk : Algar Seco

Six word Saturday

Overwhelmed with wishes! Thank you all!

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Burning the candle at both ends?

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Could a week be more different?

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Overwhelmed with wishes! Thank you all!

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