Writing

Awards!!!

You never really know what’s coming next in the world of blogging, do you?  You post something, then anxiously await comments and approval.  While you’re waiting you read emails and lose yourself in other people’s blogs.  Then you realise that you’ve actually been named in the blog you’re reading!  Yes, restlessjo, that’s definitely you.  Oh, panic…what do I have to do in response?

Well, it’s not too awful.  I don’t have to go wrestle alligators or punch sharks on the nose!  Just as well really as I’d be rubbish at both.  In fact, all I have to do is respond graciously and then I get to check out a whole list of bloggers, some of whom are old friends but many of whom are new to me.  And so the blogging world spins on, and I forget all about those comments I was waiting for (not really!)  Great, isn’t it?

So, in time honoured fashion, I’m about to say “thank you so much” to Meg http://megtraveling.com/ for sharing the 7 X 7 Link Award with me.  Meg’s is certainly one of those blogs that I can get deliciously lost in.  Gorgeous Capri, the canals of Venice or the shot below of the Giverny Gardens in Paris (pinched from her “The Beautiful Flowers of Giverny” blog- apologies Meg!) Hard to resist?  Go and have a look- there’s sure to be something to take your fancy.

I hadn’t come across this award before and found it quite difficult to do.  You have to provide links to your own blogs in 7 different categories, then pass the award on to 7 other bloggers.  I ended up lost in my own blog for a change!  Can I really have written all this stuff since my start up last September?  Seemingly so!  Here goes:

Most beautiful piece:- https://restlessjo.wordpress.com/2012/01/23/b-is-for-beaches/

Most popular:-           https://restlessjo.wordpress.com/2011/10/02/obidos-chocolate-cups-and-pure-theatre/

Most helpful :-           https://restlessjo.wordpress.com/2012/01/21/six-word-saturday-5/

Most controversial:-   https://restlessjo.wordpress.com/2011/11/10/blogger-call-to-action-please-help-me-happy-dance/

Most surprisingly successful:- https://restlessjo.wordpress.com/2012/02/16/d-is-for-douro/

Most underrated:-       https://restlessjo.wordpress.com/2011/09/25/festa-dos-tabuleiros-a-hot-one/

Most pride worthy:-     https://restlessjo.wordpress.com/2011/10/24/exploring-the-polish-connection/

Dad (centre) reunited with his brothers and sisters after 64 years

That’s the hard part done!  I just need to nominate some lovely bloggers now, but in the same week I was amazed to receive the Versatile Bloggers Award from Francine in Retirement.

Having been nominated for this I’d better keep my obsession with travel under control and deviate from the subject a little.  Thank you for your faith in me Francine.  I so love the words BE ENCOURAGED! BE BLESSED! with which you end each of your comments.  Follow this link to Francine’s “Happy St Patrick’s Day” post.  It’s so typical of her and I love it.   http://francineinretirement.wordpress.com/2012/03/17/happy-st-patricts-day/

In recognition of my Versatile Blogger Award I need to acknowledge and link to the awarding blog, nominate 15 bloggers, and tell 7 facts about me.

Here are my nominees:

http://1001scribbles.wordpress.com/

http://knittednotes.wordpress.com/

http://ourtravelingwithoutmoving.wordpress.com/

http://readmepatti.wordpress.com/

http://jfb57.wordpress.com/

http://anatravels.org/

http://joursdemots.wordpress.com/

http://cardboardmetravels.com/

http://abitofculture.net/

http://lornastearoomdelights.wordpress.com/

http://justasmidgen.com/

http://suehealy.org/

http://cloudoflace.com/

http://travelspirit333.wordpress.com/

http://travelsintransit.com/

Some of you may have one of the Awards but I don’t think anyone has both- it’s sometimes hard to tell.  Apologies if I offend anyone.

Finally my little known facts:

Hmmm…

1. I started my working life as a trainee fashion buyer for Top Shop.

2. I still love fashion but would much rather spend the money on travel and wear old tops and raggy jeans.

3. Have a bit of a “thing” for Rafa Nadal (not alone, am I?) and have been known to sit up till 4 in the morning or whatever it takes to see the completion of one of his matches.

Rafa, Paris 2011, from Wikipedia- sadly I wasn't there

4. I can neither drive nor ride a bike, which accounts for all the walking I do, though I’m so poorly coordinated it’s a wonder I can manage that.

5. My sense of direction is even worse than my coordination, so you know that left to myself I’m in real trouble! (Mick knows that if I say right, we absolutely should be heading left)

6. Can NOT resist sunshine- it lights up my world!

7. My latest addicton is oat and carrot cake- so nice!

So, that’s me all done.  Sorry that this is a long post but I’m sure you’ll find some great blogs to check out in my nominations.  Once more, big thanks to Meg and Francine for nominating me and for providing me with so much enjoyment.  Better go and advise my nominees now.

Flat Ruthie captures hearts in Hartlepool

This week I played hostess to an inquisitive young lady who hailed all the way from Pittsburgh, USA.  An impressive-looking city on the Ohio River in Pennsylvania, I kind of worried what I could show her in my humble little home town Hartlepool, on the north east coast of England.

Duquesne Incline, Pittsburgh, by Wikipedia

I needn’t have worried.  Flat Ruthie knew her manners and had been impeccably brought up in her website home http://cardboardmetravels.com/

Our town has a strong maritime heritage so it was off to the marina and Hartlepool Historic Quay http://www.hartlepoolsmaritimeexperience.com/ Cameras swinging nicely in tune we checked out the paddle-steamer PSS Wingfield Castle.

Hello sailor!

And Britain’s oldest fighting ship, HMS Trincomalee, built in India in 1817, was restored in Hartlepool over a 10 year period.

Pirates lad? Where be my cutlass?

A pirate party was about to break out on board so I steered Ruthie away to admire some smaller craft.  I’ve seen what a cutlass can do to a cardboard lady!

The Customs Office! Any smuggling still going on in these parts?

Let's just hang around a while

Whoo, I'm dangling!

Swiftly on to the lock gates, I think.

Tickets anybody? No? Oh, you can cross over for free- great!

Ah, now we're talking! You know I like monkeys.

Knowing Ruthie has a fondness for monkeys I didn’t like to share with her the Legend of the Monkey Hanger!  But you might like to read it- it’s just a bit of folklore. http://www.thisishartlepool.co.uk/history/thehartlepoolmonkey.asp

Tired with our efforts and beginning to attract a crowd of admirers, we decided to save the beach for another day and head home for a cuppa.

Is this a seahorse, Restlessjo? No dear, just a bookend.

Very grateful thanks are due to Ruth of http://cardboardmetravels.com/ for creating my little friend and allowing her to travel with me.  I’m hoping she just might accompany me to the Algarve sometime, and there I really can promise her a beach.

I absolutely love Ruth’s idea.  You can read all about it and follow Flat Ruthie’s travels by following the link.  Maybe some of you would like to escort Ruthie on a little trip yourselves?  The gal loves to travel- we’re kindred spirits.

Six Word Saturday

 Donkey jacket,

woods and

Robin Hood!

What a week!  One minute it was cold enough for a donkey jacket, the next I was sweltering on the beach at magnificent Robin Hood’s Bay on the North Yorkshire coast.  I hadn’t been there for many years so it was a rare treat to see it in all it’s Spring finery.

Weatherwise we’ve had everything in between too, but clambering through the woods in the good company of my rambling friends was a highlight.

What’s the Robin Hood connection, I asked myself?  Apparently it’s pirate related.  No surprise that, for this neck of the woods.  Seems he encountered French pirates pillaging the village, captured them and returned the loot to the villagers.  It’s just a legend of course, but it seems to’ve stuck.

More happy wanderings next week on http://www.showmyface.com/2008/01/six-word-saturdays.html.  You’re welcome to join me, or indeed to join in yourself.  Just follow the link or click on the header.

E is for Elvas, and Evora, of course

For the whole length of the River Guadiana and beyond, you can see the mighty fortresses that bear witness to Portugal’s struggles over the years with neighbouring Spain.  From Castro Marim and Alcoutim in the Algarve, on across the Alentejan plains, past Beja, to my tiny favourite Monsaraz, and dramatic Marvao, the evidence rolls on.  The border towns have seen more than their share of strife.

Marvao by Rosini for Wikipedia

None has a more embattled history than Elvas.  Just 12km from the Spanish border and a Moorish stronghold for 500 years, it has some of the best preserved fortifications in Europe. It was of great strategic importance during the wars of independence with Spain, in mid-17th century, and later became Wellington’s base to besiege Badajoz, across the Guadiana.  Walking around the castle ramparts above the town you cannot fail to be impressed with the scale of the star-shaped bastions.  Or with the views, which are endless.

Elvas from the castle walls

The only sign of violence on the slumbering streets of Elvas today is the pelourinho.  The ornate pillory makes such an artistic photograph that you tend to forget its original purpose, to shackle prisoners.  Elvas is one of many small Portuguese towns that repay a little browsing.  Nossa Senhora da Annuncao on the main square is hard to miss, but the dilapidated white walls of Nossa Senora dos Aflitos behind it hide a small but achingly lovely interior.  Marble columns and glorious azulejos reach high into the cupola.  The elegant TI on Praca da Republica can supply a town map, but basically the castle walls are top of the town and everything else falls away below.

Pelhourinho or pillory

The Turismo (TI) in Elvas

Approaching Elvas you are sure to have seen the staggeringly high Aqueduto da Amoreira.  With 843 arches and up to five tiers, it still delivers water 5 miles across the valley to the fountain in Largo da Misericordia.  You can park on the patchy ground overlooking it to explore the town.  Sample the delicious preserved plums sold locally- they are thought to be the original sugar plums after which the Nutcracker Fairy was named.

Aqueduto da Amoreira, by Acaro for Wikipedia

Most people drawn to this part of the world are attracted here by Evora– an atmospheric walled city of Roman origin, with deserved UNESCO status.  I was no exception.  I visited in November as a birthday treat so the skies were a bit leaden and the air fresh.  Knowing the heat that can envelop the Alentejo in the summer months, I felt this was no bad thing.

Praca do Giraldo, Evora

As soon as I saw the Praca do Giraldo I felt that bubble of excitement I sometimes have in a new and exciting place.  The Moorish arcades march away down the street.  Beneath them smart boutiques rub shoulders with more traditional stores.  Again I obtain a street map, from the TI on the Praca- more necessary here than Elvas, and a nice memento for my collection.

I did have a plan, but it was thrown to the winds as I delved deeper into the narrow streets, with their intriguing houses and artisans workshops built into the town walls, along with another ancient aqueduct, Agua de Prato (silver water).  Backtracking I make for the main sights.

Aqueduto de prato

Aqueduto de prato

The dramatic ruins of the Templo Romana, commonly known as the Temple of Diana, date back to 2nd Century AD.  The oldest Roman remains on the Iberian peninsula, they survived because they were incorporated into a medieval fortress, and later, bizzarely, a slaughterhouse.  The façade and mosaic floor have disappeared completely but 14 Corinthian columns remain.  They present a lovely vista in Largo Conde Vila Flor, with the mismatched towers of the cathedral beyond.  The views in the opposite direction, equally compelling, look out over Evora and the wide open plains.  Quiosque Jardim Diana is a good place to linger, with icecream or coffee.

Templo Romano by Wikipedia

Largo Conde Vila Flor

I couldn’t resist a quick peak inside elegant Convento dos Loios.  This former monastery, now a pousada (state run hotel), has the most beautiful adjoining chapel, Sao Joao Evangelista.  You’d never guess what lies behind the uninviting curtained door.  It’s well worth a couple of euros to see.

By contrast the 12th century Cathedral is a rather sombre experience, though striking in appearance, with its asymmetric towers.  The cloisters are grand but were outshone for me by those in the Jesuit University.  Downhill from the cathedral, the 16th century University stems from Evora’s heyday as a centre of learning and culture.  The blue and white azulejo tiled panels indicate the subject taught within each of the classrooms.  A hushed atmosphere prevails and I want to tiptoe down the corridor, satchel over my shoulder.

The Se or Cathedral by Lacobriga, Wikipedia

The Jesuit University

Follow your map down Rua da Republica to find Sao Francisco, the church of the “mother’s curse”.  The chapel, Casa dos Ossos (house of bones) is entirely lined with the bones of some 5000 people.  Less macabre, the chapterhouse is decorated with azulejos depicting scenes from the Passion and an “altar of promises”.  Wax effigies of parts of the body are placed there if prayers for a cure are successful.

Evora is full of graceful architecture.  Tradition has it that visiting dignitaries are welcomed by a display of vivid bedspreads hung from the wrought iron balconies.  Rua 5 de Outubro is certainly a colourful place to wander.  Squeezed into one of the tables at tiny VIPS café, my husband cannot believe that he acquires a samosa, huge slab of cake, glass of wine and coffee for 3 euros.  The food is for hearty appetites in the Alentejo.  Substantial amounts of black pork are consumed, interesting soups and a goat’s cheese I adore.

There’s a wide range in hotels too, but I opted for a former ducal palace, Albergaria Solar Monfalim, with its faded grandeur.  The solid stone staircase climbs to a lofty cloistered area overlooking the cobbled street. (Largo da Misericordia 1)

Evenings are wonderful in Evora, the Temple of Diana and Cathedral spectacularly staged with floodlight.  And afterwards a quiet glass of port in the hotel bar, filled with Evora’s past.

Parking is easy on the huge expanse of land outside the town walls, approaching from Lisbon, except maybe when the annual Feria takes place in June.  From there you’re through a gate onto Rua Serpa Pinto and history beckons.

While writing this post I discovered that the name Evora derives from the Latin ebora = of yew trees and has links with the city of York, not far from my UK home.  In Roman times, York was known as Eboracum, “place of yew trees“.  Isn’t life strange sometimes?

This post is part of my personal A-Z of Portugal, Julie Dawn Fox’s great idea.  Follow my journey through the header or logos, or even join in.  You’ll find some great stories.

Just an afterthought for anyone thinking of visiting in the summer.  Evora has good open air swimming pools so it is possible to cool off. http://www2.cm-evora.pt/piscinasmunicipais/condicoes_horarios_verao.htm  There’s a map on the site.

An interview with Alyson Sheldrake

Alyson Sheldrake was one of my first contacts in the world of blogging.  A very generous lady,she extended the hand of friendship to me when she realised I was struggling with some technical issues, despite running two blogs of her own and creating wonderful art.

Her Algarve blog caught my eye initially.  Packed with interesting and highly informative articles on the Algarve, we developed a gentle rivalry over where we’d been and what we’d seen en route.  Then I discovered that she was also responsible for The Thought Palette, a bit more thought provoking and covering everything from philosophy to art.  Six word Saturday drew me in, and then of course the personal A-Z challenge.  Though this was Julie Dawn Fox’s brainchild, Alyson committed herself wholeheartedly to developing the challenge and giving help wherever it’s needed.

She has boundless energy and enthusiasm, not to mention talent.  Evidence of this, if any were needed, is the coming Art and Photography exhibition, from 14-18th April at the Holiday Inn in Armacao de Pera.  Understandably Alyson is very excited about this- her first ever exhibition.  When Alyson asked me whether I would like to take part in a series of interviews for her blog I was flattered.  While thinking up my own answers, I thought it might be a good idea to turn the tables on her, and I’m sure you’ll enjoy the results.

1 Why did you start to write your blog?

My Algarve Blog http://algarveblog.net/ was inspired by Ben at his Moving to Portugal blog as I found this such a useful resource as we planned our own move to live here in the Algarve – it was great to find someone who had already ‘been there and done it’ and it inspired me to start my own blog. I cannot believe that my Algarve blog has been running for a year now and even won an international award!

I also started my second blog The Thought Palette http://thethoughtpalette.co.uk/  a few months later as I wanted to have a blog that gave me a wider remit to be able to write about all sorts of things that inspired or challenged me.

2 Why did you choose Portugal to live?

We fell in love with the sleepy fishing village of Ferragudo about eight years ago after a last-minute unplanned holiday to the area; and five years ago we managed to finalise our plans to sell up in the UK and buy our house out here. It then took over four years of planning and plotting to actually move out here.

Ferragudo beach

3 What do you love most about where you live?

I love the people, our neighbours are all Portuguese and so friendly, helpful and gentle. The weather, obviously, but also the peace, slower pace of life, fantastic light for photography and painting, and the great simple food. I also love being able to sit outdoors in the sunshine and enjoy a leisurely lunch, listening to the birds in the trees and feeling the warm sun on my face!

4 Tell me about your art and paintings

I am like a small child skipping down on Christmas morning to open her presents every day that I can go downstairs and open the door to my very own studio! I have always painted but had been struggling to find any time at all to commit to this with a full time job – so being able to devote all of my time to this now is very special to me. I have spent the last few months painting virtually every day; and I have found my own ‘style’ has started to develop very naturally.

I love painting with acrylics, on a finely prepared gesso surfaced board – I really dislike canvas! I like to portray light and colour, with a mixture of detailed ‘realistic’ painting sections combined with more simple colour and shape – lots of people have seen my work and cannot ‘label’ it – I like that!

My husband Dave has been busy with his camera too and I am so proud of the quality of his photographs and enthusiasm for his work. We still have much to learn and develop further and the journey so far has been wonderful.

I am also so excited that we are about to have our first ‘solo’ exhibition here in the Algarve – you can find out more about our work and the exhibition here A3 Art website (link) http://www.a3art.co.uk/section596752.html

Breakwater-Lighthouse in acrylic by Alyson Sheldrake

5 Quick choice:

  • Mac or PC?
  • PC – I love the sleek design of a Mac but have not been tempted yet!
  • Starter or dessert?
  • Dessert every time!
  • Early morning or late night?
  • Erm, neither! I’m so not a morning person, but I also like going to bed and reading too!
  • Air con or log fire?
  • We don’t have either here – but a log fire would win for me – crackling and welcoming

 

6 What book(s) are you reading now?

I’ve just enjoyed both Pentecost and Prophecy by Joanna (J F) Penn; and I am currently reading ‘Three Thousand Miles for a Wish: the true story of a young woman’s quest to find happiness’ by Safiya Hussain – this is a really well written story of a young girl as she embarks on the Hajj and enters the world of ancient Islamic practice and devotion. I’ve also just discovered Brenda Youngerman – so there’s lots more on my Kindle to read!

7 Do you have a role model or someone who has inspired you?

I have started a new blog series – My Personal A to Z of Art – (link) http://thethoughtpalette.co.uk/my-personal-a-z-challenge/my-a-to-z-of-art/

For each letter of the alphabet I will be sharing the artists that inspire me – with some surprises along the way!

8 What blogs and web-sites do you read regularly?

I am enjoying so many of the A to Z Challenges; and also Six Word Saturday has introduced me to so many new blogs – I have now set up my WordPress account so that I don’t receive any emails for new blog posts anymore – there are too many! I prefer to go to ‘my blogs’ and have a more leisurely read over a cup of tea in the morning!

Some of my ‘classic’ blogs include:

Jeff Goins – http://goinswriter.com/ – Mr Inspiring!

Tamara Out Loud – http://tamaraoutloud.com/ I love her quirky take on life

Robert Brault – http://www.robertbrault.com/ I love his quotes!

9 For people new to your blogs, where should they start?

Just dive in there and see what catches your eye – and maybe check out the About Us page too. I’ve tried to create some more pages now which collate interesting posts together – so try My A to Z of Portugal http://algarveblog.net/my-a-z-of-portugal/ or Places to Go http://algarveblog.net/places-to-go/ on Algarve Blog; and My A to Z of Art http://thethoughtpalette.co.uk/my-personal-a-z-challenge/my-a-to-z-of-art/ on The Thought Palette.

Silves

10 What is your favourite meal to order in a restaurant?

I’d have to travel for this one, I’d have Salada do Polvo (octopus salad) for a starter from the little restaurant near the beach in Burgau; rabbit stew from a little restaurant we love in Odeceixe, and then mousse de caramel from Toc Toc’s in Ferragudo… with a nice glass of red wine (Monte Velho is good!)

11 What were your best subjects at school, and do they relate to your work now?

P.E. English and Art – So I took a degree in sport, a teaching qualification PGCE in PE and English, and then joined the Police, working my way out and into senior education roles, including working as a Director of Education for the Church of England! Finally I am now able to concentrate on my painting and art, and I am loving every minute.

12 Do you have any advice for anyone thinking about starting their own blog?

Go for it – but have a ‘theme’ and a purpose – and consider something like WordPress as an easy way of hosting and designing a site. But beware it has limitations if you want to expand or have more control over what you want to do with your blog in the longer term.

And definitely think about joining the A to Z Challenge – website link http://myatozchallenge.com/ – I’ve found this a brilliant way of giving your blog a purpose and ‘theme’ to follow. You will also meet a lovely community of other supportive bloggers!

13 Where else can we find you on the web or in print – any books, articles, Facebook or Twitter account?

You can see our art and photography on our web-site http://www.a3art.co.uk and you can find us on Facebook A3-Art. I’m also starting to draft out my first book – but it will take a while I am sure! I’m also thinking of expanding my current writing commitments and would be open to any suitable suggestions!

Prainha beach

14 Can you share one thing about yourself that we would never know about you from reading your blog?

I’m still a huge fan of John Barrowman! I met him once and it took me about a week to recover!

15 For people considering a move to live abroad, what would you recommend they do first?

Visit the place lots of times first – at different times of the year, not just during the ‘holiday times’ – i.e. see what it’s like in winter! Ask lots of people lots of questions, and maybe plan to rent first, if you can, to see if you like it enough to want to live there.

16 Can you name three favourite places you would recommend people visit if they are on holiday here in the Algarve?

Ferragudo, Silves and the West Coast.

West coast

17 What would be your favourite way to spend a weekend that you had all to yourself?

I’d have a lie in of course! Then decide where I am going to eat out (Toc Toc’s in the village will probably win for me!) as I am rubbish at cooking! Then download a new book to read, walk to the beach and settle down to enjoy the sunshine! Probably a chick-flick on the Sunday night after another meal out and walk with my camera… and maybe no internet for the whole weekend for a change!

That’s the reality – the fantasy would be front row seats at a John Mayer concert followed by dinner with John Barrowman (hee hee I can dream right?!)

18 Can you speak any other languages and what would you recommend for people wanting to learn a new language?

Oh I wish it was better! We are not frightened to ‘have a go’ now and we have found the Portuguese are very friendly and will always try to help you – usually by speaking English which doesn’t help us learn the language! We have found the Michel Thomas CDs very good as a starting point.

19 What is your favourite:

  • Film?
  • ‘What Dreams May Come’ – a little known Robin Williams film; or Shakespeare in Love
  • Book?
  • ‘Wind in the Willows’ – Kenneth Grahame
  • Album/Music?
  • Sugarland, John Mayer, Katie Melua, Norah Jones, Tricia Yearwood – there’s a long list and a very eclectic playlist on my iPod!
  • Gadget?
  • Before I left my last job I was a real gadget girl with all the latest toys, but now I would have to say it is my camera.

20 And finally, where do you think you will be in five years’ time, and what will you be doing?

Hopefully still living here in the Algarve; working as a professional artist, with regular exhibitions shared jointly with Dave and his photographs; and with the same relaxed enjoyable lifestyle we enjoy now. And still writing and enjoying my blogs too!

Sunset on Prainha

Hope you all enjoyed the interview as much as I did.  Thank you Alyson for taking time to supply the answers and the lovely photos (big hug for Dave).  I’m sure everyone will join me in wishing you every success for the future.  Hope the exhibition knocks their socks off!

You can read also Alyson’s interview with me http://algarveblog.net/2012/03/08/interviewing-restless-jo/  My photos are North east coast so not so sunny!

 

Six word Saturday

Symbol of Spring

A crocus carpet

Crocus ochroleucus by Gideon Pisanty for Wikipedia

Saved by Wikipedia again!  On Wednesday, as I walked back from meeting a friend in town, the sky was blue and our local council had excelled themselves with the swathes of crocus woven into the grass edges.

I climbed the path through the Old Cemetery, as I often do, for the view across town.  There too the crocus greeted me on every side.  I had that soaring, wonderful Spring in the air feeling, but of course, no camera!

I resolved to return to capture the moment later in the week, but you know what week’s are and I didn’t make it.  Had to make do with one rather feeble shot taken wearily at the end of our road on Thursday, after an 8 and a half mile walk. (through glorious woodland but not a crocus in sight)

Thought I might manage today, after zumba, but the skies are grey and not at all promising.  After a beautiful sunny week I can’t complain.

So what’s a girl to do?  Credit my good friend Wikipedia and Gideon Pisanty, Kenpei, Meneerke Bloem and Bernd Haynold respectively.  Thanks a lot guys.

Do you have a favourite?  Mine’s the exotic “blue” from Japan by Kenpei.  Don’t think our council planted any of that!

Anyone up for a bit of sharing on a Saturday should visit Cath’s http://www.showmyface.com/ website or click on the header.

W is for Warsaw

I do worry that maybe I’m being a bit too personal with my A-Z of Poland so I’m nipping right down to the foot of the alphabet to tell you about Warsaw, a place I don’t have an emotional connection to.  Some of you may know it much better than I do.  I was only there for one day, but what I saw was truly inspirational, and I wouldn’t hesitate to go back.

Not that I was sure of this when I emerged from Warsawa Centralna railway station into a honking, braking cacophony of traffic.  I looked across at the unmissable 231 towering metres of the Palace of Culture and Science, took a deep breath and plunged.  Once over on the green island that surrounds the museum, things didn’t seem so bad, but that impression wasn’t to last.

Museum of Culture and Science

Time was short and my priority was to see Stare Miasto, the old town, more than 80 percent of which had been deliberately razed to the ground during World War 2.  Some of the family were already inside the museum, cameras clicking.  The rooftop panorama from the 30th floor viewing deck appealed, but it was hot and busy so I decided to reconnoitre the surrounding area, looking for a bus stop which would take us to the Old Town.  Mistake!  With hindsight it would have been faster to walk, but that was never an option as Dad was with us, and he’s not so good on his legs.  He’d been determined to accompany us, despite knowing that it would be a tiring day.  Rightly enough, as he’d never seen his Polish capital in all his 80+ years.

Let’s just say that we hopped into taxis, but not before I had seen a little too much of modern Warsaw and taken plenty of wrong turnings.  Never mind, it all faded away as I gazed in awe at Plac Zamkowy, Castle Square, with its serene Royal Palace, barely believing that this was all reconstruction.  I said that I don’t have an emotional connection to this city but it would be impossible not to be moved by what transpired here.  Following almost total annihilation, in 30 years, working from paintings and old photographs, the Old Town was painstakingly resurrected in all its glorious colour.

Plac Zamkowy from St Anne’s Church roof

It was a grand setting in which to sit and admire this seat of Polish kings from 17th century onwards.  It opens for guided tours Tuesday till Sunday (free on Sundays).  http://www.warsawguide.com/royal_castle.html  Cafes and restaurants line this majestic space, not cheap by Polish standards, but you don’t have to pay for the view if you don’t want to.  You can grab an icecream and hitch up on a wall or the stone seating if you can find a space.  Dad, as so often, charmed his way in.

I had picked up a map at the Tourist Information office in the square and it seemed a good idea to get our bearings on board the mini tourist train.  The commentary was in Polish but it didn’t matter as it was difficult to hear whilst rattling over the cobbles.  The map was useful, especially when it came to strolling out of Plac Zamkovy, past St John’s Cathedral.  It was occupied by German tanks during the war and so badly damaged that only the Gothic exterior is original.  Kanonia, behind, has views of the endless River Vistula.

St John’s Cathedral

Kanonia

By the River Wisła (Vistula)

I was beguiled by Rynek Starego Miasta, Old Market Square, smaller and bustling, with Syrena, the mermaid statue, at its heart.  The buildings are beautifully patterned.  No.42, the Historical Museum of Warsaw, is where you can follow the entire story of the city’s heroic rebirth.  In Summer artists stalls and florists thrive in the space.  A circuit of the charismatic narrow streets will bring you to Ulica Podwale, where a bronze statue of a small boy in a gigantic helmet symbolises the children who fought alongside their parents in the Warsaw Ghetto.

Syrena, the mermaid, in Rynek Starego Miasta

The defensive walls of the Barbican lead back to Plac Zamkovy.  A final treat before leaving the square is to climb to the observation tower in St Anne’s Church, which amazingly withstood the surrounding devastation.  The views out across the Old Town and the river provide wonderful photographic opportunities.

The Barbican

River view from St Anne’s roof

Krakowskie Przedmiescie is the start of the 4km Royal Way and an elegant stroll to Łazienki Palace.  My husband designs gardens for a living and I was sure that he would be impressed by these.  Dad was tiring and we hopped a 180 bus directly to the palace gates.  Not far inside Dad was delighted to find an open air café where he could relax with herbata (tea) while we explored.  The palace was the Summer residence of Poland’s last monarch, King Stanislaw Poniatowski, and the park was awash with canals, pavilions and statuary.  We shared the green space with nimble red squirrels and gracious peacocks.  On Sunday afternoons in Summer, the Chopin Monument is a concert venue to showcase the composer, but we were surprised to find a rock band tuning up in a handsome stone amphitheatre.

Time was beginning to run out on us and we gratefully languished in a taxi back to the centre.  We rejoined the rest of the family and ate in the striking glass shopping complex, Złote Tarasy, close to the station.  I had the strong impression that this could be a shopper’s paradise.  I left Warsaw with the happy conviction that there was much more to see and do, after a totally memorable day.

Złote Tarasy

I should mention that I travelled to Warsaw by express train from Kraków, in the company of my step-brother Tony, wife Carole and step-sister Lynne, who had travelled all the way from Canada with husband George, so it was quite a family affair.

More of my Polish adventures can be found by clicking on the Polish eagle banner at the top of this post, and in the sidebar.  You can join in with Julie Dawn Fox’s Personal A-Z challenge from the link or the logo below.  And if you want a different take on life, Frizz at Flickr Comments welcomes all comers on his A-Z challenge too.

banner4

C is for Carnaval

I fought long and hard to resist writing this, and then capitulated.  A bit like my husband when the dancing girls stopped in front of us and took each of us by the hand, to my expression of delight and his of abject dismay.  Happily for him, it was over in a flash and we were back in the crowd, minus my jester’s hat.  Shame!

Financial crisis hits Loule Carnival

It was our first experience of the Loule Carnaval procession and it fully lived up to our expectations.  Loule is an interesting market town, 16km north of Faro in the Algarve.  The remains of the castle date back to the 12th century and the almedina, the old quarter, is a maze of streets lined with artisan shops and cafes.  The Arab style market hall on Praca da Republica is a focal point, and there’s a lively street market on Saturday mornings.

Fountain and the Arabian market, Loule

Much of Loule is a modern sprawl and we were uncertain about access to this, the Algarve’s biggest Carnaval celebration.  For once, it turned out well.  We approached the town on the N270 from Sao Bras de Alportel and at lunchtime traffic was minimal.  There was the distinct impression that the townsfolk were conserving their energy to party later.  Establishing where the barriers were on the main street, Avenida Jose da Costa Mealha, we parked a little way out on Rua Alfonso de Albuquerque and strolled back into town in pleasant sunshine.

A pavement coffee and pastry to watch the excitement build was a good choice.  The 15 floats were towed gently into place and there was plenty of time to wander between them to admire and take photographs without the crowd.  Loudspeakers announced a 3pm start and it was time to seek out that good spot, having first paid your 2 euros at the kiosk.  It was entertainment in its highest form just watching the locals arriving, many of the children in costume and jiggling with excitement.  This year costume shops and stalls had been set up to encourage people to get into the spirit of Carnaval and shake off the doom and gloom.

The Portuguese are very happy to poke fun at their leaders and celebrities and the Carnaval has a political theme.  Many of the floats produced wry smiles if not outright chuckles.

Just a bit more shuffling of feet and the parade was assembled and off.  It was everything you could have hoped for and more- strange characters on stilts, who bent down to engage with the children, dancers by the score, trick cyclists, pierrots, and of course the “Samba” ladies in their provocative outfits.  As each float pulled to a standstill hoards of paper streamers and tiny keepsakes were flung into the crowd.  As the sun sank behind the buildings I had to jiggle harder to the music to keep warm.  It took over an hour for all of the floats to pass by- 2 euros very well spent.

Our dancing ladies were just feet away when Michael decided that enough was enough- he wasn’t going to be involved in another round of embarrassment.

My all too brief moment of fame, then I had to give the hat back!

We really did have a great time, but it was in fact our second experience of Carnaval, Algarve-style.  The event runs for three days, culminating on Shrove Tuesday, and on the previous Sunday we had gone to a far more low key and traditional style of parade at Paderne, a small inland village.  We were familiar with the village having spent time there seeking out an exquisite art gallery, Corte Real, and on another occasion following a trail to Paderne Castle.

The church at Paderne

Paderne regularly fools us and this time was no different.  Apart from some streamers overhead there was little sign of life in the village so, assuming we’d got it wrong, we set off for a stroll in the sunshine, down to the Fonte, a rather intriguing spring.  Half an hour later the village had mobilised into action and suddenly we were in the thick of the preparations.  The excitement was tangible.  Mystified we retired to a tiny café where a captivating toddler, dressed as a fluffy yellow chicken, was passed around its adoring family.  When we poked our noses back out again the parade was about to begin.

Although much smaller than its Loule counterpart, the procession was no less fun.  The setting was intimate, within just a few village streets, locals looking down from bedroom windows.  The lords and ladies mounted the floats and as they moved off four shimmering Chinese dragons manoeuvred into position.  I was delighted to observe that their scales had been constructed painstakingly from cartons.  The theme was Chinese business and a flutter of parasols and coolie hats took to the streets.

With enormous energy they paraded around and around, and as we made for home there were still queues at the kiosk.  We were left in no doubt that the Algarveans know how to party.

I’m entering this in the word a week photography challenge on celebrations as it just seems to fit so well.

Six Word Saturday

Music in the Churches of Tavira

Sao Sebastiao Church, Tavira

The Tavira Academy of Music have been running “Music in the Churches” for 5 years now.  It’s a wonderful opportunity and also a huge pleasure to lend support to the community, for just 2 euros.  Last Saturday we were treated to a superb performance of Mozart, Chopin and some of his own work by pianist Luis Conceicao. (wearing an overcoat and woolly muffler, bless him- it was a little “fresh” in the church)

I would love to be there for this weeks classical guitar performance by Rui Mourinho- alas I’m back in England, but with some lovely memories.  If you’re nearby he’s at Sao Sebastiao Church 6-7pm this evening.  The venues vary week to week.

Why not join in with this Six Word Saturday challenge?  The details are all on http://www.showmyface.com

Six word Saturday

Gone to the Algarve- back soon!

Spring in Tavira

Estoi Palace gardens- under restoration

Ponte Romana, Tavira

Don’t forget to visit Show my Face for some more inspiration.

Back in time to post next week!