Six word Saturday

Home again, with just my memories!

Flying into Faro

Can it be 3 weeks since I took this shot? I love flying in, across the offshore islands, and looking out for landmarks. Planning what we’re going to do with all that time! The friends we’ll meet, the walks we’ll take, nice meals and restaurants to enjoy… Then, all too quickly, it’s gone, and I’m home again. But at least I have the blog to share a few of my memories.

First day there, I always stroll around Tavira, looking for changes and familiarising myself with ‘old friends’. This year I found myself fixated on benches! They were everywhere I looked. Jude has a lot to answer for!

Throughout the riverside gardens

There’s lots of temptation to sit

Spot the ‘deliberate’ mistake

The perfect place to look at my favourite bridge

But I really rather like this bike shot

Lots of choice today!

Even this, rather ugly duckling!

Did I hear you cry ‘enough benches!’ You have to be joking. Loads still to come. But for the sake of variety, I did spot a few other things, en route.

Like this face, on a door

This table decoration

And I know you love cakes!

I always like to check out any new shops, too. Casa da Bli on Rua da Liberdade was full of goodies- toiletries, wine and lots of pretty things.

Aren’t these lovely?

And just across the street, this handsome fellow

We listened to some excellent Fado too, at newly opened Fado com Historia. A post will follow.

A wonderful performance, at Fado com Historia

Naturally, we got out and about walking in the beautiful countryside, and I hope to entertain you with some of that in my Monday walks. But I can’t resist a snippet or two, while I’m daydreaming.

Spot any benches?

With tables too!

And awfully nice eucalyptus trees

And how about this for a view?

And a place to just sit and stare!

Of course, what Jude really wanted to see this month was black and white benches, so I have no choice but to conform. But not before I share a sunset seat.

For lovers

Will this do, Jude?

For those of you not familiar with the Bench Challenge, please follow my link and all will be explained. Please conform a little more than me though. I don’t want to make Jude cross.

Meantime, have a lovely weekend. It’s a glorious Spring day here in the north east of England so it’s not so bad to be home. Please do find time to visit Cate at Show My Face and share your six words, won’t you?

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!

Six word Saturday

Just time for a brisk walk!

You know, already, where this is!

So much about London is iconic, isn’t it? This time last week, I was whirling along the city streets! I still have a canal walk to share with you, but today I’m saying goodbye for a while.

Talking of iconic!

How blue is that sky?

South Bank Winter?

You’d hardly think so, would you?

Isn’t it beautiful?

I like to see a bit of industry

Ahh, that’s what he’s making!

A different kind of industry!

And another icon!

Under Blackfriar’s Bridge next. I hadn’t walked this part in a long time so it felt new to me, though some of it’s very old. I love the contrast.

Who knew this was here?

Industry of old

And times gone by

Sleekly modern London in the making

Who can fail to love this bridge?

Yes, Meg, I know I’m going to be teased mercilessly about rivers and bridges, but how can I not show you London’s finest, in the short time that I have?

St. Paul’s, across the Millenium Bridge

Can you tell that I’m just a little in love with our capital city? I had a fine weekend, but it’s back to the peaceful life for me. Early tomorrow morning I fly to the Algarve, hoping to find more blue skies. I’ll probably struggle to reply to many of you today, but hopefully I’ll make it up to you when I’m back.

Don’t forget the 6Friends Theory competition, will you? You never know what could happen. And, of course, visit Cate at Show My Face to share your week. I hope it was a good one.

6 Friends Theory- trip of a lifetime!

I had little idea what I was getting involved in when I received my invitation to the 6 Friends Theory event from Mercure Hotels. A bubble of excitement rose inside me as I read the details and then watched the video. If I understood correctly, Mercure were planning to send someone around the world! I needed to know more.

How often have we said ‘it’s a small world’? The Six Degrees of Separation theory is what lies behind Mercure Hotels initiative. This suggests that everyone is six steps away or fewer, by way of introduction, from any other person in the world. A chain of ‘a friend of a friend’ statements can be made to connect any two people, in a maximum of six steps. Such is the theory set out by Frigyes Karinthy in 1929. In this age of social media, Mercure are proposing to test the theory, offering one lucky person a round the world trip to do so.

Six Mercure Hotels will host the winner, on an unprecedented 30 day trip, starting in Paris, and scheduled for March 2015. Could it be you? I have wonderful memories of Paris last Summer.

Is there a more exciting city in the world than Paris?

Paris, in all its evening glory!

If you’ve watched the video you’ll know that Mercure propose to select an individual, and take them to meet an Aboriginal from the Bundjalung tribe in Australia. They will meet through the chain of friends, and friends of friends, that connect them. Exciting? I’ll tell you how to get involved soon.

First I need to tell you a little about your hosts. Mercure are passionate hoteliers, dedicated to providing a warm experience in their network of 707 hotels in 53 countries around the globe. Part of Accor, the world’s leading hotel operator with more than 3,600 hotels, the Mercure brand has a strong personal identity. From the second I walked through the doors of the Mercure London Bridge, I was greeted with warm smiles. This continued throughout my stay, and everyone from the receptionists to the hotel maids had a friendly greeting for me.

Click on any photo to see it enlarged.

My comfortable hotel bedroom

Toiletries

The Lounge

Busy receptionists

Bar area

Hannah, waiting to go out, in reception

The bedroom was fully equipped, with tea and coffee making facilities and a plate of delicious fresh fruit. The first thing I did was to kick off my boots, put the kettle on, and check out the free high speed Wifi connection, which worked to perfection. Slippers and a towelling robe beckoned, and a full range of toiletries in the bathroom. A hot shower, and London waiting on the doorstep. What could be better?

The reception area has sleek modern lines, with inviting vases of sweets on almost every available surface. I don’t know how I restrained myself! Perhaps the prospect of supper in nearby Borough Market? The 4 star hotel is situated on Southwark Street and is just minutes from the London Bridge or Southwark Metro station. I have yet to visit beautiful Southwark Cathedral, but I thoroughly enjoyed my tour of Shakespeare’s Globe theatre, just around the corner on Bankside. Tate Modern and the London Eye are a wander away, while St. Paul’s Cathedral is just across the river. The area is also perfect for a romantic evening stroll.

St. Paul’s, across the Millenium Bridge

Talking of iconic!

‘The Globe’, theatre in the round

I think it’s probably time I got to the competition details, don’t you? Of course, it involves social media. Mercure are interested in the question of human bonds in the digital era. A societal study of friendship is being conducted alongside the Six Friends Theory operation.

To take part in the competition, you need to post a 60 second video on Facebook. In this, you should describe your personality and motivations, and explain why you think you are the best person to undertake this trip. As one of the judges says, ‘The candidate will be the nice friend everybody would like to go around the world with’. Is that you? You have until 10th February to convince everybody and pull in the votes on Facebook. Follow this link for full details. It just remains to wish you good luck, or ‘bonne chance’!

Mercure were kind enough to invite me to their promotional event, as part of a group of bloggers, but all photos and opinions are my own.

Jo’s Monday walk : London by Moonlight

The Golden Hind II, on Bankside

I had a brilliant time in London this weekend, staying at the Mercure London Bridge hotel for a 6 Friends Theory event. I’ll tell you all about it later in the week, but first things first- my Mondays always start with a walk.

You can imagine the amount of walking I did in London! Let’s just say, my boots need re-heeling. Friday saw me striding out along South Bank, the air crisp and bright! On Saturday I took to the canal paths, sandwiching this with a superb guided walk round Old Camden Town. Judith, from London Walks, had a merry twinkle in her eyes as she shared stories of the neighbourhood- everything from George Bernard Shaw to George Melly!

I’m a little short on time to do those walks justice, so I thought I’d do something a bit different this week. How about a moonlit stroll? It’s not often that I get to see our capital by night, and it’s a glorious sight. I had to cut it shorter than planned when the skies suddenly opened!

I’ve always loved a Tall Ship, and this one’s so colourful!

Golden Hind II, an authentic replica of Sir Francis Drake’s ship, has resided in her berth at St. Mary Overie Dock, Bankside since 1996. She’s had her share of colourful adventures and has cicumnavigated the globe and featured in four films. These days her chief activity is to provide living history lessons about Elizabethan maritime history. The children can swashbuckle a little and dress up as Tudor sailors. Details of her voyages, along with Drake’s own round the world trip, from 1577 to 1580, are provided in this Wikipedia link.

A complication of rigging!

I mentioned moonlight, and the night was clear and crisp when I left the hotel, on Southwark St., for a short walk to Borough Market. At Fish the food was delicious! I needed a stroll afterwards.

How I found space for pudding, I’m not sure

I maybe should have stopped at fish

But really- would you?

From Borough Market, I headed through Clink St. towards Bankside, and lingered by the dock. The lights from the towering buildings and the bridges danced playfully on the water.

Southwark Bridge and St. Paul’s Cathedral

A shock of colour in close up!

The air was turning damp and it seemed a good idea to head back towards Clink St. A familiar shape loomed overhead. It’s London’s latest landmark, The Shard.

The Shard- visible everywhere!

Beads of rain speckled the sign

The remains of Winchester Palace

The rain was gathering conviction and I hastened my steps, though still held in London’s night time spell. Hood pulled up, it was time for my camera to retreat to safety. Just a last couple of shots, then it was time to step out swiftly, back to the hotel.

More enchanting by night?

Back on Southwark St. the rain bounces!

If the weather had been better, I might have followed the Thames all night, so perhaps it’s just as well the rain came. The next day dawned clear and sharp, and I was off again.

But those stories will have to wait. Next Sunday I’m off to the Algarve, so Jo’s Monday walk will be taking a two week breather. I already have several walks lined up in the Algarve, so I hope you’ll join me when I get back. (16th February)

I am so grateful to all the people who have shared walks with me. You take me to places I could never reach under my own steam. I only hope that you enjoy my walks as much as I enjoy yours. Please feel free to share them at any time. My Jo’s Monday walk page will give you the details.

Time to put the kettle on for a cuppa. There are some wonderful walks coming up!

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Paula has agreed to show us a little of her home city, Zagreb, currently cloaked in winter bareness

A fun walk by the lake

Richard has been a friend for the longest time, and knows the BEST places to go!

The Watergate Bay sunset walk

A walk that I meant to share after my trip to Paris, done beautifully by Debbie. Thanks for the memory!

Promenading the banks of Canal Saint-Martin

Something I’m very familiar with, but Jude makes it look good!

Wintery Blues

Natural sounds, presented with flair, from Amy this week. I adore a hibiscus in the rain!

Sounds in Nature

A first for my walks- some wonderful poetry from Esther! She’ll make you smile, I guarantee :

Walk in the Woods

Elizabeth is walking home from work, but don’t feel sorry for her! I certainly don’t :

Walking home from work

Is it possible to walk with Drake without smiling? I don’t think so!

Walkabout in Strasbourg

And Kathryn had me smiling so, with her sweetness. Let’s go tracking, in the woods!

Monday walk with Jo in mind

Thank you to all my kind and lovely friends! I’ll try to catch up with you during the week. Then I may have earned a rest. Happy walking, everyone!

Six word Saturday

To be, or not to be?

‘The Globe’ theatre, in miniature

This weekend finds me in London, on a blogging event with the Mercure hotel chain. They are launching a major competition based on the 6 Friends Theory. More of that to follow!

Just so that you know I haven’t been wasting my time, I popped into The Globe theatre at Bankside and did the tour. It’s a reconstruction of Shakespeare’s original Globe, and I’ve wanted to visit for years. (another tick in box!) Now I want to go back and see a play there. Maybe next trip? The exhibition space was very interesting too, though I didn’t have nearly enough time. Here’s just a glimpse!

Never can resist a knight in shining armour!

Or a nice gown

The stage hangings were from New Zealnd

And were wonderfully crafted

And quite dramatic!

You could even be a model for a Shakespearean gown!

Fortunately, I didn’t have time before the bell rang for the tour, but the lady seemed to be enjoying herself. I was disappointed with my photos of The Globe itself. With dazzling bright skies (yes, I was lucky again!) and deep shade, I struggled to get clear images, but my memories are intact. If I had longer I would love to visit the new indoor Jacobean Theatre in the complex. (one off the list, and two back on!) Sam Wanamaker’s vision and tireless energy in driving the project has finally come to fruition.

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That’s it for now! It’s time for breakfast and some more sight seeing. Have a great weekend, and don’t forget to visit Cate at Show My Face to share your six words. Apologies if I don’t respond to you for a while. Home this evening!

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.

Jo’s Monday walk : Dodging golf balls!

The bridge crossing the railway lines

I was a little conflicted over which walk to share with you today. Logically, it should be the one which culminates with Penshaw Monument, which intrigued many of you last week. But I’m often not a logical creature, and I’m always susceptible to the pull of the sea.

Hartlepool has three golf courses. I’ve never especially felt the need to wallop a golf ball, though I did once demonstrate a mild talent for pitch and put. All 3 courses have sea views, but by far the most scenic is very close to the sea. I would never be able to concentrate on the ball, so it’s a good job I’m a walker. Our start point is on the Hart to Haswell walkway, just north of Hartlepool Headland. Are you ready? We’ll need to step out briskly to keep warm!

You can already see and smell the sea as you cross the bridge

You can see, and almost smell, the sea as you cross the bridge

Through the gate, the path leads down towards the sea

And then, a glimpse of beach

The gorse is beginning to flower- always an encouraging sign. Depending on how high the tide, you will probably find a ribbon of water, wriggling its way towards the sea.

The curve of an errant strip of water

With the sun so low, the water glimmers electric blue

With the sun so low, the water glimmers an electric blue

You have a choice at this point. You can stay down at beach level or ascend a gentle gradient to the golf course. There is a public right of way, but you venture there at your own risk.

In other words, keep your head down!

I prefer to climb a little for the views along the coast

In both directions

I like an empty golf course!

Maybe the wind has deterred them

But I don’t mind

Just a little windswept?

Probably not 'sitting on a bench' weather!

Certainly not ‘sitting on a bench’ weather!

The advantage of being up on the tops is that you can remain in the sun for a little longer. Below, on the beach, the shadows rapidly lengthen and you need to increase your pace.

The shadows have swept the beach almost bare

As the sun retreats, out to sea

I gallop along, but pause, intrigued by the sand patterns

And the blueness of the sea

Fascinating, aren’t they?

We’re not too far from the Headland now, and you may recognise a landmark ahead. The pier that once belonged to Steetley Magnesite, and betrays our industrial past, has featured in several of my posts. I find it a compelling sight.

Steetley pier in the distance

And in close up

It’s a little like a magnet to me, and I have to admit that I probably overdid it on this walk. You can about face and retrace your steps at any point, but having reached the pier I had determined to continue to the Headland. It’s the only place nearby where you can obtain refreshments.

The promenade on the Headland

The sun was rapidly sinking as I walked

And my reward- a dazzling sunset

I confess that I did not walk all the way back. There is a bus from the Headland which would take me home. I was rather lucky on this occasion, and met some friends, who’d been having scones with jam and cream in Mary Rowntree’s. They kindly offered me a lift. You just never know what might happen when you go out for a walk! I hope you enjoyed this one.

Time to thank all my lovely contributors again this week. They will take you to some ravishing places! Pop the kettle on and settle down for a good read. If you happen to have a walk you’d like to share, I’d be delighted. My Jo’s Monday walk page tells you how.

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No-one can tell a story like Tish Farrell! I know that you will enjoy…

To the Isle of Dwynwen, Welsh Saint of lovers

Another shot full of drama from Cardinal! Anyone been to Oslo?

Winter Sunset

Debbie takes us to Ljubljana. That girl gets to the loveliest places!

A Short Plecnik Walk

No need to venture beyond this garden, in South Africa! Let Sonel show you around :

In our Garden

Amy’s educating us about the Banyan tree next. Who knew?

Which Way?

And there’s a beautiful sequel to Paula’s walk from last week. Don’t miss it!

A Walk among the Menhirs- Sequel

You knew that Drake would be here again, didn’t you? Indoors, this time!

Indoor walking!

Use Feng shui and prayer flags to boost your energy? Like Elena :

Wind Horse in the Mountains

For complete contrast, a luxurious stroll, with beetroot tart and salad- with Rosemay :

On the Heritage Trail, South Perth

And while we’re down that way, let’s finish the day deliciously, in Canberra with Jude.

R G Menzies Evening Walk

What’s better than a walk? A walk and a steam train ride, of course! Many thanks to Lisa :

Kawakawa-Opua Cycle Trail

Absolutely fantastic walks! I really hope you can find time to read them. I’ll be back with you next Monday, but after that there’ll be a short break. Happy walking in the meantime!

Six word Saturday

To be at peace with myself.

Like those clouds, i'm going to let it all drift away

Like those clouds, I’d like to let it all just drift away

How quickly a week passes! After last week’s funk and all your kind wishes, I’m resolved to stop skittering about and simply enjoy what comes my way.

I love clouds! Except, of course, when I’m bumping down through them on an aircraft, but that’s a different story. I’m only two weeks away from my next visit to the Algarve, and the tingle of excitement is there already. Before that I have a couple of days in London, so peace will not come so easily. The buzz of the city will surround me.

I have lots of cloud photos! These were snatched from the car

I have so many cloud photos! These were snatched from the car

These too!

So many times I’ve watched the sun come up through my front window and set again in the evening, behind my home. The peace and wonder of it all envelopes me, and I love it.

That first glimmer of sunlight

Till the last curtain fall

Just beautiful, isn’t it?

Wishing you all peace this weekend. I may post for Six Word Saturday next week, but I’ll be in transit so my response will be slow. In any case, the world will keep on turning. I hadn’t seen the Daily Post challenge when I posted this, but really- what could be more serene?

Please don’t forget to share your week with Cate at Show My Face, and maybe join me for a walk on Monday? I’ll look forward to it.

restlessjo

Roaming, at home and abroad

Six word Saturday

Home again, with just my memories!

All set to Shimmy!

Jo’s Monday walk : Praia da Rocha

Six word Saturday

Just time for a brisk walk!

6 Friends Theory- trip of a lifetime!

Jo’s Monday walk : London by Moonlight

Six word Saturday

To be, or not to be?

Three things I love about Porto

Jo’s Monday walk : Dodging golf balls!

Six word Saturday

To be at peace with myself.

Home again, with just my memories!

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Just time for a brisk walk!

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Share this:javascript:void(0);return false;

To be, or not to be?

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To be at peace with myself.

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