Algarve

Jo’s Monday walk : Loulé Uncovered

Nossa Senhora da Piedade

Perched high on a hill, overlooking the Algarve, Nossa Senhora da Piedade at Loulé is one of those places I’d always meant to visit. When I finally did, it had a wonderful surprise in store.

A ‘scramble’ of a market town, Loulé dates back at least till Roman times. We’ll have a wander through the historic centre shortly, but first I want to take you up to the heights with me.

Looking down from the Chapel

The original Chapel of our Lady of Mercy (Nossa Senhora da Piedade) was built in 1553, but was partially destroyed in the earthquake of 1755. Driving along the A22 motorway past Loulé, the modern dome is clearly visible above the town. I had often wondered how it looked in close up.

The dome in close up, with alarmingly grey skies

Looking up to the bell tower

On Easter Sunday a huge celebration begins here, Festa da Mãe Soberana (the feast of the Sovereign Mother). A statue of the patron saint is carried from her resting place, in the Sanctuary, down the hill to the Church of San Francisco, on Festa Pequena.(Small Feast) Two weeks later, on Festa Grande, she is returned to her home on the holy mountain, with full ceremony, prayers and fireworks. I would love to see the spectacle of the procession. For now I have to content myself with a look at Mãe Soberana, quietly waiting.

The statue, resting inside the Sanctuary

From afar the domed building appears to be the entirety of the church, so I was delighted to find the chapel restoration alongside. Known as the ‘House of Candles’, the tiny space is exquisite. Ceiling paintings dating from 1760 had been damaged by smoke from the candle offerings but were restored when the modern building was constructed. The wall panels depicting the Passion of Christ are from a later date.

Ceiling paintings from 1760

Cherubs adorn the wall panels

With scenes from the Passion

And Crucifiction

The altar

I love the contrast of old and new. Time to come back down to earth and begin our stroll. I would not recommend climbing the steps to Nossa Senhora. Doing so carrying the saint must be quite an ordeal. Unless it’s Easter, there’s ample parking up there.

Leaving the Sanctuary behind

The streets below are made for strolling. Tile patterns beneath your feet enhance your wander.

The pedestrianised streets of the centre

The excellent website Loulé Uncovered will guide you around Loulé better than I could ever hope to do. There you will find a map and suggestions of what you can hope to see. On Saturday mornings the market will be in full swing. At most other times you will still be treated to the splendour of the Arabian style market hall. Poke your nose inside. The sights and smells will capture your senses.

The main street and the Arabian market

Loulé Castle dates from 13th century and still retains its imposing walls and a keep. Artisans practise their crafts in the surrounding streets. Follow them through to the Largo da Matriz and the main church of Loulé, Igreja de S. Clemente. The procession will pass by here on Festa Grande. A small garden, Jardim dos Amuados (Garden of Sulks) nestles behind the church. The view sweeps out across the valley and there on the hill, Nossa Senhora da Piedade.

Click on the gallery and we’ll stroll

The market is warming up

An onlooker

Busy market stalls

Mellow walls

A smoked ham

What do you think, dear?

Rosy pink

Faded grandeur

Solid castle walls

Beauty in a restaurant

The clock tower

The view across to Nossa Senhora da Piedade

I hope that you found Loulé interesting. I was so glad I finally made it up that hill. My L is for Loule has a few more details, including some lively Carnival scenes.

Next week my walk will bring me nearer home. I would love it if you could join me there.

How to join in with the walks? Click on the logo or my Jo’s Monday walk page for the details. Thank you so much to all my contributors. You brighten up my Mondays. Let’s get that kettle on and settle back for a good read, shall we?

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Sit beside the fire in a cosy armchair with Drake. Or party at magnificent St. George Hall! :

Beyond the Frontage

Debbie’s found another intriguing canal in the city(with street art!) :

Vienna’s Arty Canal

I asked Esther for a walking song and this is what I got! Applaud the lady!

Walk with a Crocodile

Amy has such fun on her Sunday walks. You have to join her!

The Final Race

Geoff’s been checking up on street art too, including the famous Stik :

Dulwich Street Art

What can you say about Yvette? A heart of gold comes to mind :

Florida and B & W Day 3

Please welcome Becky everybody. She likes to spend some of her Winter on the Algarve, and enjoys bird watching :

Ludo and Lago de Sao Lourenco

Not so fortunate, Violet Sky joins us again with some seriously depressing weather :

Expect delays

Japan has a culture all its own, and I’m enjoying learning about it with the Eternal Traveller :

Do you speak English?

And lastly, a riverside walk beside the Exe, with lovely Gilly (and her dogs) :

Strolling Route 2

I’m nearly ready to head off out now. Hope you all have a wonderful week and can make time for a walk or two.

Street life in Olhão

Dario Silva isn’t a name that I knew until recently. I’ve been seeing his handiwork around Olhão, in the Eastern Algarve, for a number of years, mostly on old and unloved buildings. A prolific street artist, in 2009 he was forced to stop using spray paint. The toxic fumes in the paint were damaging his liver. But you can’t keep a good artist down. “The street is my addiction”, he said.

In recovery, he turned to painting with a brush and water-based paints. It’s a much slower medium but it enables him to continue to paint. His work might once have been regarded as vandalism, but now the commissions are coming in and even the local council have embraced him. Many think that Olhão is a finer place for his intervention.

Vivenda Victoria is his best known work

It’s virtually impossible to pass through Olhão without seeing Vivenda Victoria, in it’s abandoned state. It sits on the E125, at the hub of the town’s shopping area. Other works of art have started to mushroom in the most unlikely places, but you have to seek them out.

I had thought to include the street artworks in a Monday walk, but they straggle around some of the town’s less desirable parts, and that is surely the point. At times I felt a little intrusive, wandering with my camera through the back streets of Olhão.

I had intended to link this post to Thursday’s Special, which this week is themed ‘Abstract’. By definition abstract means divorced from reality. My images are rather a reflection of sad reality, but I would urge you to visit Suzanne’s wonderful post. It might set you thinking.

Do you have a favourite of these? Mine is still the boy with sad eyes.

Jo’s Monday walk : Falesia beach

Falesia Beach has its share of plant life

Reach for the skies!

Back to the beach this week! Well, we are in the Algarve, aren’t we? It would be rude not to.

Falesia Beach is quite central to the Algarve and runs from Vilamoura, with its huge array of yachts, to Olhos d’Agua, a smaller resort on the run up to Albufeira. It won’t really require me to say much, as the photos pretty much speak for themselves. I should warn you though that if you intend to do much of the clifftop you will require the agility of a mountain goat. But we can worry about that part later, or simply stay on the beach.

Something of an unexpected sight

But you know I love a boardwalk

There is ample parking at the western end of Vilamoura, beyond the enormous marina. At the eastern end of the resort, hotels back on to the shoreline, but to the west the red cliffs begin a steady ascent. A bridge carries you from the car park across a canal and onto the boardwalk. From here you can see for miles.

A path runs along the back of the beach

The cliff shapes are quite captivating

With lumps and bumps everywhere

And a quantity of grass too

Aloe Vera grow freely

I am mesmerised by the shapes and colours

At intervals there are steps up to the cliffs

Those leggy trees that I love poke through the grasses

And the cliffs grow ever steeper

The colours begin to vary

And tiny flowers battle for space

Beneath the towering giants

Can you see anyone on the tops?

From time to time a couple of people will appear up there, peer down and then disappear from sight. I’m quite keen to follow some of the cliff top trail, but I know that it is a little rugged in places. (I once attempted part of it in flipflops- not a good idea!)

There are lots of ups and downs!

You might have been wondering about the beach? I’m sorry! I do tend to get engrossed in the patterns on the cliff face.

Here it is!

Often the blue skies are deceptive but this particular Winter’s day in the Algarve was balmy. Before climbing up the cliff, I sat for a while, just absorbing the sun’s rays.

A sheltered spot to relax

Directly from the beach a flight of not very steep steps led up to a hotel complex, nestled among pines. From here it was easy to head back towards Vilamoura, along the cliff top.

For a moment the sun hid behind a cloud

This pink beauty craved my attention

Looking back along the cliffs

You may remember my saying that the cliffs were fit only for goats. There are some stretches that are fairly level and you can choose to descend to the beach if the going gets too rough. A couple of flights of steps lead down.

Steep gullies

In places the pines are quite dense

Back to the beach

Just one last look!

And then it’s safely back to earth. I hope you agree it was worth a little bit of climbing for those views. And when you get back to Vilamoura there are plenty of places to eat and relax.

I’d love it if you could join me with a walk of your own. It can be long, short, or in between- I really don’t mind. For details just click on my logo, or go to my Jo’s Monday walk page. It’s time to say a big thank you to my contributors again this week. Let’s put the kettle on, sit back and enjoy!

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The last of Jude’s Australian walks. Oh NO!

Oasis in the Suburbs

A trip to the loo, with Esther? And a poem to make you smile :

A walk in the dark

A tour of Old Montreal, for history and culture lovers. Thanks, Ana!

Walking tour of Old Montreal

Or an eating frenzy in Vegas with drums and Boba tea?

Chinese New Year at China Town in Las Vegas

These salt fields look very like those in the Algarve, but Kampot is totally different :

Kampot : Colonial town and salt fields

Back to Suffolk with Geoff now. Hope you don’t mind a drop of rain?

Wet, wet, wet- You’ll never walk alone part 2

A little damp on the streets of Strasbourg too, but we can take the trolley!

Walk right In

And finally, Pauline (and Jack) take us to a pretty rural village :

March 1st and a walk through Tyalgum

You can’t beat that for variety, can you? So glad you could join me. I hope you have a happy week and some great walks. You might need to wrap up warm!

Six word Saturday

Bringing Spring home from the Algarve

Irresistible blossom

Dew-kissed Iris

A downy head

Deeper blossom

A gentle wash of colour

Over the garden wall

Sweet perfection

Help, Jude! What’s this?

A solitary cistus

A single bougainvillea

Spring’s gentle tones were everywhere in the Algarve. Has Spring arrived where you are yet? In Australia they will just be exhaling after the scorch of Summer. My little corner of north eastern UK is shivery still. Much to look forward to.

Wishing you all a happy weekend! Have you got six words to share? Cate at Show My Face will gladly host them.

“Fado com História”

The venue

As I was meandering around the cobbled streets of Tavira, I spotted, several times, a leaflet in a shop window. Always interested in a new venture, I went to find out more. ” Fado com História” is situated in the heart of the old quarter, just beside the Misericordia Church and below the castle walls. What I found delighted me. If you’ve never experienced Fado, or think that it might not be for you, I can recommend you to this introduction.

Fado originated in Lisbon, and the show begins with a video featuring some of Portugal’s most famous Fado singers, so that you get a feel for the sound. Most prominent among these was Amalia Rodrigues(1920-1999). She said that “Fado has to be felt. Fado isn’t sung, but just happens. You feel it, you don’t understand it, nor can it be explained.” Such passion did she arouse that, when she died, Portugal held 3 days of national mourning.

A wonderful live performance

Nowadays Fado can be heard throughout Portugal, usually in an atmospheric bar or restaurant. “Fado com História” is a small venue, featuring a trio of live artists. They include Virgilio Lanca, who plays guitar and makes most of the explanations in a soft voice. He describes fado as “a song that gives you goosebumps”. Miguel Drago plays Portuguese guitar, which has 12 metallic strings in groups of 2. You could hear a pin drop as the two begin a guitarrada, demonstrating the ebb and flow of their art.

They are joined by a fadista, Teresa Viola, a lovely young woman with a beautiful voice. She closes her eyes, takes a deep breath, and leans into the performance. Accompanied by the guitarists she sings 4 or 5 fados, explaining the stories behind them. The backdrop is a wall-sized photograph of a 1942 performance at Cafe Luso, in Lisbon, featuring the great Amalia.

The passion of the performers for their project is clearly evident, and at the end of the show they are happy to talk about it. They are working in conjunction with the Fado Museum in Lisbon but have found a different way to present fado, and the live performances are key.

The museum is open from 10am to 5pm every day except Sundays, and a new show begins each hour. Details are at http://www.fadocomhistoria.wix.com/fado . I can only suggest that if you have the opportunity at any time you should go along. You will be warmly welcomed. This video is in Portuguese but is quite easy to follow.

Jo’s Monday walk : as promised, Portimão

The fishing community of Portimao revere the Virgin

The fishing community of Portimao are mostly religious

Portimão is that intriguing mix of shabby and chique that, for me, typifies the Algarve. Always assuming you can find it, that is! Portimão is a big city by Algarve standards, but still I struggled to locate it. Fortunately for me, my driver has a much better sense of direction.

Heading for the city centre, we managed to end up at the beach, at neighbouring Praia da Rocha. That was fine and produced a highly enjoyable Monday walk last week. In theory, we then just needed to follow the mouth of the River Arade inland till we came to the waterfront at Portimão. ‘Oops- I think it’s back that way’ sound familiar to you? I think my advice to strangers would be to catch the bus! The bus station is, conveniently, right alongside the waterfront. But if you do manage to find it by car, there’s a generous parking area.

Deep in thought!

So what will you find, and does it repay the effort? Well, boats, of course, and fish (Portimão boasts an impressive selection of fish restaurants). Come stroll with me along the Manuel Bivar gardens at the waterfront. Then we can delve a little into the history of this town.

Did somebody mention boats?

Aside from the fishing industry the city hosts numerous sailing events, and the Portuguese Gran Prix of the Sea, for those who like noisy powerboats. In Summer you can catch a boat all the way up the river to beautiful Silves. At this time of year, the waterfront is peaceful, peopled simply with a series of sculptures.

A tall lady?

Just a few boats, for good measure

Lips, with crooked teeth?

Or a peep hole?

This one’s a little strange

I rather like this mournful face

The promenade continues to Largo de Barca, the home of many of the simple fish restaurants. Sizzling sardines are the staple diet in these parts. A bridge spans the enormous width of the river at this point. On the far shore, pretty Ferragudo. For many years access was by ferry only.

Fish restaurants at Largo de Barca

And a few fish

A popular choice

The railway bridge

Largo de Barca

The bridge to Ferragudo

With its excellent situation, in the natural shelter of the River Arade, Portimão began to develop into an important trading centre from the time of the Phoenicians. In 1435 it was awarded town status and walls were constructed to protect growing prosperity, and prevent pirate raids. Two forts were built at the river mouth- Santa Catarina, featured in last week’s Praia da Rocha walk and, across the river in Ferragudo, the picturesque Castelo de São João. The earthquake of 1755 did major damage to the town walls. Santa Catarina fort was damaged too, but was later reconstructed.

Turn in on Rua Professore Jose Buisel, from Largo de Barco, and you are in a neighbourhood of slightly down-at-heel fishermen’s homes. Many still have original azulejo tiles, with religious images above the door. The road leads toward the pedestrianised shopping area. The spire of the mother church, Igreja Matriz, provides a good landmark in its elevated position above Praca da Republica. A huge Jesuit college dominates the Praca. You are very welcome to look inside.

The Jesuit college

Tiles adorn many homes

College interior and altar

Igreja Matriz

With lovely icons

The bell tower

From the Praca, turn right down Rua Diogo Tome and you are heading back towards the river. The shops in this area are smart, so it comes as a bit of a surprise to come upon some wall art.

Fishermen, of course, plying their trade

And a gull or two

I was heading towards Largo 1st de Dezembro because I’d read about some azulejo tiled benches there. If you saw my Six word Saturday this week you’ll know that I’ve been collecting bench photos lately. The benches commemorate famous dates in Portuguese history.

Pretty Largo 1st de Dezembro

Faded loveliness

A little more bold

The benches are a little shabby these days, and slightly incongruous in a busy city square, but you can still admire the artistry. I imagine on a fine day in Summer that the benches would all be taken with office workers on their lunch break. I stole a longing look at the most elegant of cake shops, but it was time to return to the waterfront, just ahead of me. I reflected as I did how foolish that I had been unable to find this vast river in a city which orients itself totally to the sea.

Main square at the riverfront

Had it been worth it? I think so. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Portimão a little better. I hope you did too. If you prefer to see it bustling with people, a huge market wraps around Largo de Barco at the beginning of each month.

Lots of walks to share this week! You’ll need plenty of stamina. And a cuppa or two! If you’re new to my walks just click on the logo to find out how to join in. To everybody else, thank you for your fantastic contributions and for making Jo’s Monday walk a success.

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As always, Drake is here, waiting, to make me smile. Isn’t he the nicest guy?

Step on Stones

Paula always has something beautiful to share, and this week is no exception :

Summer Bloom

Tobias is in the woods this week. My favourite is number two. How about you?

A Walk in the Forest

If anyone you know can have fun with symmetry, it has to be Yvette!

Symmetry

Anabel takes us walking by Loch Lomond. The islands are beautiful!

Balmaha and Conic Hill

Jude’s taking us to sunny Australia. Form an orderly line, please!

The Manly Eastern Hill Heritage Trail

Please welcome newcomer (to my blog) Geoff! As the song goes…

You’ll never walk alone!

Or you could venture into the Polish capital, with Meg. Please do! She’d love your company :

Walking through the heart of Warsaw

And there’s the cutest squirrel in this one!

A walk in Lazienki

Esther charmingly rhymes as she walks :

Walk on the Beach

Elizabeth revives some beautiful memories :

Walking in the Mountains above Interlaken

And Minou takes us canal rambling in Holland (or you could grab a bike!)

Following the footsteps of pilgrims in Leiden

And then climbing the most beautiful windmill. You can just watch if you’re tired.

Climbing Leiden’s Windmill

Pauline is posting a storm warning. By the time you read this it will have passed over, with not too much damage, I very much hope.

Storm Warning

If temple ruins in Laos appeal, this is the post for you!

Vat Phou, the Angkor-style temple in Laos

So many fantastic places to visit in this world, aren’t there? Thanks again everybody. Have a happy week, and keep walking!

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!

Thanks for a great year!

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

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

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

Isn’t this perfection?

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

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

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

restlessjo

Roaming, at home and abroad

Algarve

Jo’s Monday walk : Loulé Uncovered

Street life in Olhão

Jo’s Monday walk : Falesia beach

Six word Saturday

Bringing Spring home from the Algarve

“Fado com História”

Jo’s Monday walk : as promised, Portimão

Six word Saturday

Home again, with just my memories!

All set to Shimmy!

Jo’s Monday walk : Praia da Rocha

Thanks for a great year!

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Bringing Spring home from the Algarve

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Home again, with just my memories!

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