It’s getting perilously close to the end of March, and you know what that means? No more Spiky Squares 😦 (and Becky can have a rest 🙂 ). The good news is, Six Word Saturday continues. Yabba Dabba Doo! Have a great weekend!
Silves, as one of the loveliest towns in the Algarve and its former capital, is one I seldom fail to take visitors to. Last weekend, while strolling the streets on my way to a Mediterranean Garden Fair, I was much taken with some distinctive and amusing street art. Boxes housing electricity cables are seldom an attractive feature, so an initiative to transform them must surely be a good thing.
‘Stencilpes’ is described as an urban intervention project to encourage young people’s interest in art, using images from history, architecture and nature. I could find little information about the individual artists, but I thoroughly enjoyed spotting the artworks.
Whimsical creatures rub shoulders with cork oaks and olives, grapes and strawberries, birds and butterflies. On the riverfront, these pieces of modern art pay tribute to Silves’ Moorish past.
High on the hill, the red brick fortress looks down on peaceful streets. The morning market supplies restaurants and locals alike, but then the town seems to sleep, leaving just the storks to keep watch from their lofty perch.
Great, aren’t they? No need for me to say much! A nice change for you.
I found myself wandering into an area I didn’t really know, in pursuit of the boxes. On the corner of Rua Dom Afonso III stands a pretty little church, Igreja Nossa Senhora dos Martires, and a statue of the martyrs, which looks like it’s seen better days.
I don’t know about you, but I was starting to feel the need for some refreshment. You’ve been very patient this week, so I’ll give you a choice.
While I was eating, a clattering noise overhead caused me to look up. What a magical sight met my eyes! A stork was descending to his waiting mate, on their nest above. I averted my eyes, politely, from their noisy love making.
The garden fair wasn’t the highlight of my afternoon, but I did buy a couple of plants and a terracotta pot. I wandered back to the riverside parking, a big smile on my face. And spotted another couple of boxes!
I’m sure I’ve missed a few, but maybe next time? I hope you enjoyed them too. S is for Silves will give you a little background on the city.
Thanks so much for your company on my little jaunt! Join me any time you can, here on Jo’s Monday walk. You’ll always get a warm welcome.
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Debbie posts some amazing sights, as she whizzes around the world :
A rainy day in Paris? Don’t despair- just follow Jude’s lead!
Walking the Right Bank Passages in Paris
It’s all a bit weird and wonderful at Drake’s place this week!
There are options for healthy eating with Irene :
Then you could have coffee with Jackie :
Natalie is someone who sets herself health goals and walks for fitness :
Wellness Post #3 : Ice Breakers 2019
It’s a little grey at the beach with Sandra, but there’s beauty aplenty in those Spheres :
#Amazon #Spheres – Saturday Snapshot and Jo’s Monday walk
Eek! That white stuff is still to be found! But Rupali is happy with blue skies :
Susanne has found plenty of sunshine in her neck of the woods :
A Walk at Coulon Park on the Last Day of Winter
Lisa too, but still a little cool, I understand :
I don’t think they have winter in Alice’s part of the world :
Step Forward or a Peek into the Past
Follow Ulli to Germany- it’s beautiful too!
Janet knows I love a glass or two of wine :
Covering up the weariness with a smile; you must be following Cathy’s epic journey?
(Camino day 9) Villamayor de Monjardin to Torres del Rio
There’s a regular Monday meetup over at Sami’s Colourful World for all those of you who love street art. Have a great week, and see you next time!
‘Some are Spiky, some are not’. 🙂 Share Six Words with Debbie, and don’t forget to find a Spiky Square or two for Becky. Have a great weekend!
You can have too much of a good thing, but I couldn’t leave Loulé out of my Carnaval spikes. No more- I promise! But you’ll find plenty of Spiky Squares over at Becky’s place, and some excellent advice on Debbie’s Six Word Saturday. Have a great weekend, everyone!
In the past few years I’ve watched Carnaval parades in many different Algarve towns and villages. They all share a sense of fun, exuberance and a zest for life that is infectious. High in the hills, nowhere is more traditional than Alte. I couldn’t wait to see how they celebrated.
Approaching the quiet village, the empty dragonboat’s hopeful gaze was the first sign that all was not quite normal. A horde of Norsemen, carousing outside the café, helmets under the table, was the second. I climbed the steep streets to the church, in search of more evidence.
Paper flowers wreathed the church, gaudy competition for the real ones. Respected elders sat patiently in a little leafy shade, recalling the parades of their youth, while the young cavorted excitedly below. Plenty of time to inspect the assembled floats before selecting a good vantage point. No-one seriously believed that the procession would start promptly at three.
It’s a pretty village at any time, but the skillfully decorated floats brought gaiety to the scene. Gradually the noise level built as the cast of characters swelled gently into position. Bill the Flowerpot Man weaved in and out, genial host with a friendly welcome for anyone who crossed his path.
The decibels increased to deafening level and they were off! Windy Miller amused me greatly by turning the sails of his windmill by hand, as they swayed around the narrow, cobbled streets, his bakery assistants tending the buns in the glowing oven.
Indians with sweet faces, a fierce-looking biker lady, astronauts who seemed to be auditioning for a role in Star Wars, dinosaurs who kept escaping from their cage, only to be pursued, captured and returned, only to escape again … Mafia hoods, a float of ‘doces’- not real, unfortunately- two wacky old gents doing a shuffle dance… all slightly barmy but very endearing. And finally, the Vikings had donned their helmets.
No serious walking this week, but a whole lot of fun. If you get the chance to visit Alte for Carnaval, I can highly recommend it.
Thanks to everybody who has contributed this week. And to all you armchair readers. That’s what blogs are for- right? Join me next time, here on Jo’s Monday walk. You can share a walk, if you like, or simply read.
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Gotta love Sue! Mother Theresa or Dark Lord? (now don’t take that personally, Sue 🙂 ) I’ll let you all judge :
A very short walk off Brick Lane
Many years ago I witnessed ‘June Gloom’ in La Jolla. It looks much prettier through Rupali’s eyes :
Dog looks so very intelligent! I guess he’s seen a lot of life, Geoff?
Walking While Pondering #dunwich #suffolk
Did you know about oyster shell recycling? Nor did I till I asked Alice :
Something I’ve missed this year, but they seem abundant in Wales :
The Snowdrop Walk at Chirk Castle
Oh, my! You’ve not seen cherry doughnuts like these! Thanks, Janet!
And one of Jackie’s Mojitos might be nice, too!
If you’re really trying to make me happy, a veranda would be wonderful. Rocking chair ready, Karen?
Stratford Walk 2: history and houses
Meanwhile Jude is treating us all to a feast of Spring, complete with lurching rhododendrons!
I suspect she’d like to join Margaret for this one, too 🙂
Becky’s back in the UK for a short while, but not without leaving a flavour of the Algarve behind :
A glorious walk in the ‘Serra do Caldeirao’
While Georgina crosses the Guadiana to take a closer look at our hillside flora :
In the Canaries, meanwhile, all is peaceful :
The Vikings were not the most peaceful of folk, but Amanda has found us a beautiful, ancient church :
How about an indoor forest? That’s what Sandra has in store this week :
#Spheres -#Saturday Snapshot and #Monday Walk
And Drake? A few tubs of luscious dates 🙂
Walking in heat, and running out of water! I can relate to that one, Cathy!
(Camino: day 7) Muruzabal to Lorca & ruminations (week one)
Because she really is an inspiration, I’m submitting this walk for Cathy’s Photography Invitation. Let her show you wonderfully scenic Ouray, Colorado. Have a great week, and see you next time!
This is the setting for my Saturday morning t’ai chi, but before we start I’d like to say an enormous thank you to all of you who commented on my previous post. It’s not the first time that I’ve experienced the warmth of this community, but it was a powerful reminder of how lovely you all are, and I’m very grateful. And feeling fine! 🙂
Meanwhile, Becky is feeling Spiky this month. Don’t forget to join in, and remember, it’s a Square challenge. (but you can stretch it a bit… 🙂 ) I thought I’d join in with some very gentle spikes. The butterfly had very ragged, spiky wings but they’re fluttering so happily that I’m afraid you can’t tell. The flowers are definitely spiky though. And beautiful, too.
Apologies to Debbie for exceeding my Six again. She’s at fabulous Venice Carnival. Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!
I’m feeling a bit naughty this week. You’re always encouraging me to eat cake, so I thought I’d take you along with me to the annual, Algarve Chocolate Fair, in Loulé. Any volunteers to help with the tasting? I bet I can guess whose hand went up!
Pause for breath? Please excuse the overload, but it was planned as a Valentine’s Day treat. We’d better walk slowly now, while you nibble your chocolate. (I did succumb to a very delicious dark chocolate bar, nibbed with crispy almonds, but I’m keeping that one to myself)
Loulé makes for very easy wandering, unless you happen to time it for Carnaval. The main street was already being festooned with garlands, in readiness for the event in two weeks time. We’ve been on numerous occasions, and my husband loves the political satire and the sparingly clothed dancing girls. Me, not so much! But it’s good fun and the youngsters love to get dressed up and join in.
I’m more interested in the beautiful, tiny church, tucked around the corner from the castle, Ermida de Nossa Senhora de Conceição. The kind lady inside happily points out the main features of the azulejos, telling the story of Mary and Joseph and their special baby. Just within the doorway, remnants of the town walls gaze dimly upwards, through a clear glass panel.
Downhill, past the castle and around silent Igreja Matriz, a small park looks out onto battered rooftops, and across town to the futuristic dome of Nossa Senhora da Piedade. An elderly chap gazes quietly into space from his bench, while above a small boy gleefully climbs an ancient olive.
We’ve loitered in Loulé often before. A gate through the old town wall leads out to a busy back street, rumbling with traffic. Beside the gateway scowls an ancient pump, the surrounding streets an enigma of beautiful tilework, graffiti and skilled craftsmanship. Ceramics and cork shops flourish and, from an open doorway, the sound of mallet tapping brass rings out. I stop to admire a gleaming, burnished lampshade.
I was a little disappointed to find that no art was on display in the former Convento de Santo Antonio. Hopefully restoration will continue and a further exhibition be set up for summer. One last port of call. I rarely visit Loulé without ascending to the heights, but this time we drove up the hill to Nossa Senhora da Piedade. I hope to be there to see her carried from her sanctuary this Easter.
It’s a strange church, but I was quite taken with my last image- a reflection of the Sanctuarium on the window of the House of Candles.
The walks keep rolling in, so thanks to all who’ve contributed, and to those of you who take the time to read them. Join me, whenever you can, here on Jo’s Monday walk. I try to keep it lighthearted!
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Did you think we’d lost Meg? Can’t keep a good woman down! Showcasing a hodge podge of Australian architecture, in her own inimitable style :
‘My’ bit of the Coast to Coast walk, with Geoff and his Dad. Great memories, beautifully written :
Walking With The Wind At My Back: Part Five #coasttocoast #walking
Natalie continues her adventures in Central America :
Boat trip on Lake Atitlan and Santiago Village
Pure delight for the eyes, this one from Susan :
Winter Walk Around Bodnant Garden in Wales
A quick zap of colour from Jackie this week :
‘Sunshine, food and medicine for the soul’. Irresistible, don’t you think?
Flower of the Day – Hellebores
A casual day out, enjoying the warmth, with Alice :
Irene is determined to make me shiver!
While Elaine has captured the most beautiful dragonfly shot, despite very murky weather :
A dragonfly and a fish out of water
Architecturally beautiful, and sunny! Debbie’s post couldn’t be more different :
Ever been to Queens, New York City? Let Lisa show you around :
Iceland is on most people’s wish list, isn’t it? You might know Drake had made it!
The Algarve, not so much, but it certainly suits me and Becky :
Carol shares a wonderfully atmospheric snippet of Toronto’s history :
While Jude revives a memory or two of her own, in Ludlow :
And Eunice takes us back through Bolton’s history, in 3 parts. Know about the elephant connection?
Visiting the museum (1) – Elephants & Egypt
Finally, Cathy shares a garden that Jude would just love to be let loose in! And I’d love to join her :
Worn out, again? Must be all that chocolate. It was good fun though, wasn’t it? Have a great week and see you next time!
The earliest I ever remember seeing it! We’ve had such wonderfully sunny days, but, ooh, it can be nippy on a night. 🙂 Debbie’s a bit of a wonder, too. How does she keep turning out such perfect Six Word Saturdays?
I’ve been seriously neglecting Becky’s Square challenge this month, but time marches on and it’s almost time to wish you all a very Merry Christmas.
I’ve seen Aldeia dos Sonhos (the children’s Village of Dreams) in Loulé, a tree made of recycled plastics in São Brás de Alportel, and one decorated with firemen’s boots in Faro. I’ve hunted down Presépios (Nativity scenes) in towns and villages all across the Algarve.
Perhaps I’m biased but I do think that Tavira’s lights are the best I’ve seen. Square, or not so square, I hope you have a wonderful Christmas.
Wishing you all the joy of the festive season. And let’s hope the year ahead is kind. I will be whizzing around the UK, so no Monday walk for me next week. But I’ll be home in the Algarve for New Year. Hope to see you then. Meantime, don’t miss Debbie’s beautiful six words.
Why is it that whenever I suggest an outing to an event, my husband looks at me with some scepticism? Granted, we have struggled sometimes to be in the right place at the right time, but we usually do get there in the end. So it was with the Blessing of the Fishermen, in Quarteira this month.
I’d be the first to suggest that Quarteira isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but there are some occasions you shouldn’t miss, if you can help it. Nossa Senhora da Conçeição is the patron saint of fishermen and of Portugal. Every year on 8th December an image of the saint is carried to the harbour for a blessing of the fleet. I had read that this took place at 3pm. Thinking to have a bit of a stroll first, we arrived soon after midday. All was quiet, but as we approached the harbour I was excited to see that the boats were all decked out in their finery. Blue and white bunting fluttered in the air, colours considered lucky by the fishermen.
Access to the harbour was restricted to fishermen and their families, but you could walk right out along the molho, the sea wall enclosing them. Music and laughter drifted from many of the vessels. A black cat looked on disdainfully, just one of many opportunists. At the end of the molho, a shrine dedicated to Our Lady.
A blessing did not look imminent, so we retraced our steps past the compelling street art and into the older part of town, hoping to find a church. A red carpet seemed like an invitation, but turned out to be a herring of the same colour. Dilapidation mingles with the mundane in Quarteira.
Back on the lengthy promenade, it was time for a drink. I won’t show you the enormous piece of chocolate cake my husband managed to consume, without any help, I hasten to add. I had seated myself next to an elderly gentleman, gazing out to sea. Waiting for the action to transpire, we had soon exchanged histories. He was from Lisbon, visiting his daughter and keen to see this event for the first time. Gradually people were assembling, small groups chatting and families with children, weaving in and out on scooters and skates. On the beach, a few sun worshippers appeared oblivious, but most kept an eye on the sea.
Sure enough, at 15.00 the fleet began to leave the harbour, tooting horns and shooting flares high into the cloudless blue sky. Excitement rippled through the spectators. The shorter arm of the seawall made a good vantage point, and I munched on roast chestnuts as I watched and waited. Finally all the boats were lined up. More flares ripped through the air, and they were off, racing back to shore.
Boats from all across the Algarve had come to join in the celebration. We waited until all had returned to harbour, uncertain of what, if anything, came next. And, just as we’d decided to call it a day, around the corner came the procession, led by a slow marching band, the Senhora held aloft.
We realised that the procession had made its way along the promenade, while the boats paid their tributes out at sea. We were swept along with the crowd for a while, turning back at the busy harbour, where the priest would be waiting to give his blessing. An afternoon to remember.
I hope you enjoyed sharing this with me. It was such a joyful, warm atmosphere. Advent here in the Algarve is lovely. I won’t be sharing a walk next Monday as it’s Christmas Eve and you might well have other things to do. I will be stopping by with good wishes for the festive season before then but, in case I miss you, have a blessed and peaceful Christmas. Meantime, my thanks to everyone for your company. Let’s share some walks!
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Mount Baker makes an awesome backdrop. I know you’ll love Lynn’s beautiful photos :
A Little Farther Into the Woods
Alice stays close to home for this week’s walk :
But Jackie’s still in Spain. I would have loved to visit Monserrat :
Why not let Geoff show you a few scores?
The Earliest Place #Lowestoft #walking
Yay! ‘Tis the season, and where better to view it?
Walking in a Victoria Wonderland
Drake shares the love of his life. From an angle you might not have seen her!
Come and listen to the birds in Denzil’s homeland. He’s always full of good, practical advice :
Walking around De Maten in Limburg
I don’t think Cathy will ever run out of beautiful walks to share!
Canyon de Chelly: the White House Trail
On Mondays there are always murals over at Sami’s Colourful World. Pop along and see, if you haven’t already. Don’t be too busy to enjoy life this week. Christmas will be here and gone before you know it.
restlessjo 
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