Six word Saturday

Celebrated landmark 50th post this week

https://restlessjo.wordpress.com/2012/03/30/k-is-for-krakow/

Wawel Cathedral

Thought I’d share with you just a few more images of my favourite Polish city.

Jewish Cemetery- the wall is partly reconstructed from smashed up tombstones

Section of the town wall that doubles as an art gallery

Collegium Maius- the prettiest ticket office lies just through those arches

Wasn't sure what to make of this outdoor exhibition but I liked it. "Lady with the ermine" reference?

Wawel Castle from Kanonicza

Loved this gate

Aren't the shapes just magical?

Up, up and away! Balon Widokowy from Wawel Castle gardens

Hope you enjoyed these as much as I did.  Read the Krakow guide and tell me what you think if you have time?  Have a good weekend and don’t forget to play Six word Saturday with Cate at http://www.showmyface.com/2008/01/six-word-saturdays.html  Click on the button below to see more of my Six word Saturdays.

K is for Kraków

I just know I’m going to struggle with this post.  I have so much affection and admiration for Kraków, and so many happy memories that keeping to a readable length may well prove impossible.

Woodcut of Krakow from the Nuremburg Chronicles,1493- from Wikipedia

Polish cities have had to be masters of the art of survival.  Nowhere is this better illlustrated than in Kraków, Poland’s ancient capital and seat of its kings for more than 500 years.  I was in love with this city from the first time I walked, arm in arm with my Aunt Anna, into Spring sunshine-filled Rynek Główny, the magnificent market square at the heart of Stare Miasto, the old town.

Rynek Glowny- from Wikipedia

I did not know then of the acid rain inflicted on the city by the post war communist regime.  The construction of Nowa Huta, the largest steelworks in Europe, on the city’s outskirts was intended to humble a proud, cultured city by grafting on a new working class.  If anything, it worked to strengthen anti-communist feeling, so that when opportunity presented itself, the steelworkers were quick to join Solidarity and agitate to overthrow their oppressors.

Kraków’s elegant buildings were little damaged by World War 2, since Hitler chose the city as his base of operations in Poland.  Yet a mighty struggle was needed to reverse the damage to the city and its inhabitants by the toxic chemicals from Nowa Huta.

None of this is apparent in today’s Kraków.  As I gazed in awe at the opulence and vast space of Rynek Główny, crowned by the Cloth Hall, Sukiennice, I was aware only of the gentle pressure of Anna’s arm.  I’m trying to discount the presence of the cameras that followed us- Dad’s story had attracted media attention back home.  https://restlessjo.wordpress.com/2011/10/24/exploring-the-polish-connection/ Flower stalls, candles and corn plaits filled the square with vibrant colour.  It was almost Easter and traditional circular bread rings were on sale.  My cousin Adam is a baker and it proved essential to sample these.

That day we didn’t linger, but I’ve returned many times since to Europe’s largest medieval market square.  I find it magical, with the gentle clop of horses’ hooves as the costumed drivers steer their carriages through strolling tourists.  Always, as the hour chimes, a cluster of people gaze skywards at the tallest tower of the Mariacki Church, St. Mary’s.  Legend has it that during a Tartar raid on the city in 1241, the watchman tried to sound the alarm from this tower.  He was cut short from his trumpeting by an arrow through the throat.  An hourly tribute to this moment ends mid phrase, then the trumpeter waves cheerily to the crowd, and lives to repeat his performance.

An altogether different performance takes place inside the Mariacki Church at noon each day. (Sundays and saints’ days excluded)   I found the cobalt blue ceiling with its panorama of stars and local artist Jan Matejko’s painted friezes truly beautiful, but it’s the opening of the high altar that draws the crowds.  Carved by Nuremberg craftsman Veit Stoss, from 1477 to 1489, it’s one of the finest examples of Gothic art in Europe.  The outer of the gilded limewood polyptych illustrates the life of the Holy Family.  With great pomp and ceremony the outer panels are drawn back to reveal six superbly colourful scenes from Christ’s life, while “sleeping” Mary is watched over by the Apostles.

Veit Stoss altar- from Wikipedia

You need to purchase a ticket to witness the opening.  A small ticket office in the adjacent square Pl. Mariacki opens shortly before each unveiling.

Back in Rynek Główny, the contrast with tiny St Adalberts, the oldest building in the square and the first church to be founded in Kraków, couldn’t be greater.  It’s serenely peaceful inside, and in the basement the original 10th century foundations are still visible.

St Adalbert's Church

The flamboyance of medieval Sukiennice constantly draws the eye.  It has to be the prettiest indoor market I have ever seen.  Inside the stalls are laden with amber and sparkly things, craftwork and woollens.  Heraldic shields sit high on the whitewashed walls, a reminder that the richest of cloth merchants once worked here.  In the cafes, under the arcades, writers and artists once met.  Now tourists are catered for, with inflated prices.  I prefer to sit at the edge of the square, looking in on an ever changing scene.

A bird’s eye view of the square can be obtained from the Ratusz, the lofty tower all that remains of a 14th century Town Hall.  It now houses a Tourist Information office, with useful maps detailing the many restaurants and places of interest.

Ratusz and Sukiennice

Twice I have eaten cake at no 15, Hotel Wierzrynek, Kraków’s oldest and most famous restaurant.  Charles de Gaulle, Steven Spielberg, Yehudi Menuhin- and me!  The grandest restaurant I’ve been in, other than London’s Ritz. www.wierzrynek.pl

Much simpler, but quite delicious, I found Chimera, at 3 Sw. Anny, just off the Rynek.  A pretty enclosed courtyard, offers buffet style with lots of choice, or you can eat in the classier basement restaurant if you can afford more than student prices. www.chimera.com.pl

Just around the corner lies Collegium Maius, part of the Jagellonian University, where Copernicus allegedly studied in the 16th century.  It surrounds an imposing courtyard.  Guided tours can be booked from a ticket office as lovely as any I have ever seen.

Collegium Maius

Florianska is one of my favourite streets.  Leading north from the Rynek, the architecture is powerful, old and new mingling with surprising ease.  High fashion hides behind grand old facades and at Jama Michalika, no 45, afternoon folklore shows take place in a cavernous interior.  Florianska Gate, at the end of the street, marks the edge of Stare Miasto.  Artists’ impressions hang on the old defensive walls of the city.  Once there were 3 kilometres of wall, 10 metres high and almost 3 thick, with 47 bastions.  Only Barbakan remains, a lonely giant.  The old town is surrounded by the green and leafy Planty, which follows the course of the old ramparts.

Florianska Gate

Heading south from the Rynek, Grodzka follows the traditional route of the Polish monarchs to the glory that is Wawel Hill.  Part of the old trade route to Hungary, it passes by the Dominican and Franciscan churches, and the mighty Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul.  Beckoning in the distance, the spires of Wawel Castle and Cathedral.

Wawel Cathedral

Wawel is the spiritual and patriotic heart of Poland.  Even after the capital was moved to Warsaw, Polish monarchs continued to be buried in Wawel Cathedral, along with many of the nation’s heroes and writers.  You will find as many Poles as foreigners looking around this awesome sight, justifiably proud of their heritage.  Pope John Paul 2nd, who gave his first mass as a priest there and became a much loved Archbishop of Kraków, described the cathedral as “the sanctuary of the nation”.  The first cathedral was built here around 1020, and fragments of the original can still be seen.  I never saw so many beautiful shrines in one space.  The largely Gothic Cathedral is as lovely outside as within.  It’s a bit of a scramble up Sigismund Tower to view the mighty bell “Zygmunt” and its four medieval companions, but the views are fine.

The magical view from Balon Widokowy at sunset

Wawel Castle spins a fairy tale if ever there was one.  One of my best memories is of viewing it from the sky in “Balon Widokowy”- a tethered hot air balloon on the banks of the River Wisła (Vistula).  The Castle was the royal residence until 1609.  The internal courtyard is immense.  Surrounded by 3 tiered arcades, it has the feel of an Italian palazzo.  The Royal Chambers are furnished in Renaissance style and contain 136 well-travelled Flemish tapestries from the 16th century.  At the outbreak of World War 2 many of the castle treasures were spirited abroad.  Just as well because occupation by Governor Hans Frank and his Nazi henchmen followed.  The tapestries were only partially recovered, many of them returning from Canada in 1968.

The castle courtyard. Below, frescoe detail

Tapestries on display in the Royal Chambers

Guest bedroom with the oldest of the tapestries and 18th century ceramic heater

Admission to the Royal Chambers is free on Sundays.  Separate tickets are needed for Castle and Cathedral and I could fully recommend the Castle tour.  Details on www.wawel.krakow.pl

Oh dear!  I’ve only just scratched the surface and I haven’t even mentioned Kazimierz, the charismatic Jewish Quarter.  Or the szopki, nativity scenes very special to Kraków.  Or Wieliczka– salt mines such as you’ve never seen, with salt crystal chandeliers.  Or the views from Kosciuszko Mound (don’t go on a hazy day, as I did!)  Or, more seriously, Auschwitz.

Just as well I can put these into other A-Z posts!  Meantime, for all the things I haven’t told you www.krakow.pl is an excellent site, with English version available.  Transport, what to see, events- it’s all there.

Kraków is an emotionally charged city for me and I hate it when I see it dismissed as “a venue for stag nights and hen parties”.  Having survived so much, I’m sure it can overcome this image.  Do go and see for yourself.

I’ll close with some Easter symbols: eggs, the candles bought for me in the Rynek by Aunt Anna and an Easter blessing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Few things stranger than life, and just after posting this I got a “shout” from Mark of Travels of a Non Traveller, who was in Krakow.  He has some great tips on free walking tours so just follow his link.

Six word Saturday

Flat Ruthie lights up my week

I always loved playing with cardboard cutout dolls when my daughter was small, so I was enthralled when I came upon the website Cardboard Me Travels, while indulging in a little armchair travel myself.

Flat Ruthie meets Snoopy and Old Bear

I hastened to http://cardboardmetravels.com/about/ to find out more, and in no time at all a pink envelope was slipping onto my doormat, all the way from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  My introduction to Flat Ruthie was complete.

This young lady doesn’t like to stay in one place too long, her restless nature being on a par with mine, so it was off to Hartlepool marina on the first sunny day available.  Just look at that blue sky!

Flat Ruthie boarding PSS Wingfield Castle in Hartlepool marina

And "hanging out" with boats

I had great fun with “the shoot” and it made a lovely post. https://restlessjo.wordpress.com/2012/03/19/flat-ruthie-captures-hearts-in-hartlepool/ I couldn’t help but notice there were Six Words in the title.  Hmmm!

It didn’t end there.  Through the week Ruthie accompanied me to t’ai chi, Nordic walking (no suitable miniature poles for her, alas) and even zumba, making fans along the way.  She was even responsible for introducing me to Flat Stanley.

Flat Stanley, from Wikipedia

She also tweaked my memory and caused me to seek out another awesome blog http://themiddlestsister.com/ that takes me back to happy days playing with Fuzzy Felts.  The child in me is reluctant to take a back seat, and I am a lifelong Snoopy fan.  What better way to end this post.  Huge thanks to Flat Ruthie for brightening up my week. (And to “Big Ruth” of course- I’m sure she’s really not!- without whom none of this would be possible)

"Oh Snoopy, I love your nose"

Thanks also to Cate at http://www.showmyface.com/2008/01/six-word-saturdays.html whose blog I am just about to visit.  Why don’t you come too?  You might just get hooked.  Follow my other Six word Saturdays on the logo below.

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.

Six word Saturday

Guess what I did this week?

No, don’t be silly!  Have you SEEN my matchstick men?  I interviewed Alyson Sheldrake, whose “Breakwater- Lighthouse” in acrylic paint appears above.  Lovely isn’t it?  She had previously interviewed me but I only had photos of my native north east coast to trade.

https://restlessjo.wordpress.com/2012/03/08/an-interview-with-alyson-sheldrake/

Alyson Sheldrake

 Are you joining in Cate’s 6WS this week?  Look forward to reading yours.  You can find all of mine by clicking on the button below.

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.