A Lingering look at windows

More Algarve windows

The sight of Barril beach bar always lifts my spirits

It’s often the midpoint of one of my walks, or a place to linger when it’s too warm on the beach. Come, stroll with me around a few more Algarve windows. Just click on a photo and off we go.

There are plenty of places to linger in the Algarve

Nobody seems to mind here that the roof has fallen in!

These windows look like they’ve been around a long while too

I expect these are better on the inside!

Just as it should be!

Every window should have its own painting, don’t you think?

Or a chimney, like this

And there’s always a church!

The prettiest of street houses (from a strange angle because the owner was washing up at the sink!)

The perfect balcony to end the day

I know this isn't purely a windows shot but I love the atmsphere

And as the light fades, the windows sparkle!

Thank you for indulging me again. There’s nothing I like better than a stroll in my Algarve streets. I know that Dawn’s windows will be completely different, and it’s time to take a look.

A lingering look at Algarve windows

Can you see the lamp reflected in the top left?

It’s a while since I found time for a windows post, but I did find some rather nice ones in the Algarve recently. The one above is in the village of Cacelha Velha. The others are pure Tavira!

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I think I’ll save some for next week. You can have too much of a good thing, can’t you? I like a bit of a story with my windows. The one below is one of the upstairs windows at the cafe Anazu. You might remember I have a penchant for a glass of port there? The piped music is always gentle and relaxed and, if that’s not enough entertainment, you can watch the swifts swooping overhead, into their nests. The umbrellas provide a spot of cover, just in case!

Here’s one, just returning!

I wonder what kind of windows Dawn is featuring this week. Old, new, shiny, stained glass- they all have that something that makes you linger, don’t they? She’s up to #week 25 in the current series! Let’s go take a look.

A lingering look at Glasgow windows

Looking in to those famous tea room windows

Well, you knew it was going to happen, didn’t you? There was never any doubt that I’d find a few interesting windows in Glasgow. The difficulty will be knowing where to stop! The Willow Tea Rooms were a treat for the eyes and other parts too.

Cream tea, anyone?

I didn’t have time for ‘the works’ but I can vouch for the whisky and sultana slice. I’d better do this in gallery form, or we’ll be here all day! Just click on any photo, as usual.

Here I go, down the stairs from the tea room

There’s a tea room squeezed in on Buchanan St. too

And the Princes Shopping Centre comes highly recommended

Opposite stately windows like this

How about a hint of reflection?

Or lots! And soggy people too.

And a few folks hanging about

But these guys were still cheerful in the rain

I came across all kinds of architecture, as you would in a city.

Some very colourful

Or some with just a hint of colour

Some for fashionistas

Or the young at heart

Some, more ‘old school’

And some on neglected old buildings

Like Kingston Halls

One I even spotted for a friend. Hi Jude!

And even one with a subterranean Dalek!

And a beauty on a building site

But the saddest window of all? The view from the coach, going home.

The misty rain-drenched valleys!

I hope you enjoyed my tour of Glasgow windows. I’m off to see what Dawn has in her Lingering windows challenge this week. Come join me?

A Lingering look through glass factory windows

Looking out of the National Glass Centre, Sunderland

Looking out from the National Glass Centre, in Sunderland

In my Monday post A promenade to Roker we took a walk through Sunderland’s ship building past. Though ships are no longer built here, a thriving cargo trade has developed on the River Wear today. The National Glass Centre occupies the former site of J. L. Thompson and Sons shipyard, on the north bank of the river, and is witness to most of the comings and goings.

Glass making was introduced to Britain from France in 674, specifically for the windows of the Monkwearmouth-Jarrow Priory, which stood not far from here. The industry thrived on cheap local coal in the 18th century, and Sunderland gradually established a name for glass. The Pyrex factory was based here until its closure in 2007.

The construction of the National Glass Centre in 1998 was a bold move, part of a regeneration scheme in a declining area. Today the centre is free to visit, with daily guided tours.

You can keep an eye on the boats while you admire the glassware

I know someone who loves owls!

Light bulbs?

Maybe not!

A telescope for looking out to sea?

The pieces are highly individual

And beautifully displayed

Part of the fascination is watching the glass workers ply their trade.

Behind glass, of course!

There’s bound to be an element of danger, isn’t there?

I love the quirkiness of these

The shapes of these

And the bright colours of these.

The building itself is quite interesting, and there’s a restaurant looking out onto the riverside.

And in the vestibule, possibly my favourite thing- this suspended glass sculpture.

Let’s raise a glass!

The National Glass Centre website gives full details of opening times, events and free tours.

I really enjoyed putting this post together for Dawn’s weekly Lingering Look at Windows challenge. Hope you like it too.

A Lingering look at Windows : week 8

Leo the lion looks out hopefully

Remember I was in York last week for Lisa and Leo’s wedding anniversary? This window would have fit quite nicely in the Valentine’s collection, wouldn’t it? Missed the boat, again! It wasn’t really the weather for window shopping, but everything looked so tempting.

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And when the rain finally drove me inside, I looked through the pretty stained glass windows of The York Tap at the vaulted station roof.

It’s been a bit drier here this week. Did you linger outside any windows? I know Dawn did. Pop over and take a look.

A Lingering look at Windows: week 7

A hint of mystery and the exotic behind these doors

I’m sure you can’t begin to guess where I was lingering this week? Does Preston Park Museum ring any bells? I thought I might do the Winter Garden and the Victorian Street separately- you know, big finale!- but I didn’t want you tiring of the subject. So we’ll just take a quick peep in the conservatory before moving swiftly on.

Orchids are beautiful, aren’t they?

There weren’t any comfy seat pads on the chairs and the doors were firmly closed, so I took the hint and kept walking. And this was my reward!

A toy shop window to press my nose up against

So I did! Sorry- I know some of you don’t like Pierrots, but he was loveable.

Maybe chocolate is more your thing?

Or objects d’art?

No shortage of those!

I do know one or two of you who don't mind sweets!

I do know one or two of you who don’t mind a sweet treat!

Remember any of these?

A few of the shops don’t qualify for this post. The blacksmith didn’t have a window, as such- just lots of tools. I wandered into the printers and a very nice young lady was setting up the press to print some cards. She was well bundled up against the cold, as she needed to be with the door wide open. I couldn’t photograph her cheerful smile as it was a little dark in there.

But I did find an ironmonger, for the practical ones among you

And a photographer, for the family portaits

And a photographer, for the family portraits

This was my very favourite! Apologies for the poor quality of the photo

This was my very favourite shop! Apologies for the terrible quality of the photo.

I know what some of you are waiting for. I saw this sign but couldn’t find anywhere to buy an alcoholic drink, though I looked very hard.

Promises! Promises!

So it had to be the tea rooms and the “temperance drinks”

But you know what I forgot to take a photo of? The Victorian sponge sandwich on the counter. You’ll just have to take my word for it that it was very nice. Just in case you’ve missed any of my Preston Park Museum posts, you can find them here, and here, and here. Understatement- that’s what I’m going for!

Meanwhile I wonder what kind of windows everyone else is showcasing this week. Find them at Dawn’s The Day After. I believe she’s gone all romantic this week.

More fun with windows!

The morning looked promising through my front window

Which was good, because I planned to travel up to Durham on the bus, to meet a friend for coffee. After a brisk 20 minute walk, I was on board.

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My friend lives in the “New Inn” and works in Durham City, which has a goodly selection of coffee shops. Unfortunately we have to cram all our news into her lunch hour, but it does leave me time to wander with the camera. And you know how I love to do that.

I managed to capture a few windows, and their reflection in the River Wear

That way I can claim double the amount of windows!

Time for a little gentle window shopping too

Especially when I can find quirky ones, like this!

I had intended to take a few more bus window shots on the way home. Well, I was just getting in the groove! But the bus windows were so filthy I could barely see out. Perhaps it’s just as well.
I can’t seem to get out of the habit of of taking a Lingering look at Windows. How about you? I know Dawn loves them. Are you joining her this week?

Windows on the soul

I have a strange entry for Dawn’s Lingering look at Windows this week. Maybe a little mournful, and not playing strictly by the rules. But I do think that these windows are rather beautiful, and hope that you will too.

Roses for eternity

Sunflowers for Fernanda

Simplicity for Maria

Lilies and colour for Joao

More roses for Rosa

Eternal health

The wife of Jacinto

And the prettiest of pinks for Teresa

All keeping each other company

In England we have nothing like this, and I am always drawn by this expression of love. On a Sunday afternoon, in a sleepy Algarve village, family members come and go, bringing fresh flowers and relighting candles. I watch quietly and respectfully, and then try to capture the serenity. Even in such a tiny village, newer members have their problems.

Reaching the top boxes is for the fit and agile

Reaching the top boxes needs a head for heights

Windows come in all shapes and sizes, don’t they? For a very different view, visit Dawn- A Lingering look at windows- week # 5

restlessjo

Roaming, at home and abroad

A Lingering look at windows

More Algarve windows

A lingering look at Algarve windows

A lingering look at Glasgow windows

A Lingering look through glass factory windows

A Lingering look at Windows : week 8

A Lingering look at Windows: week 7

More fun with windows!

Windows on the soul

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