Photography

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.

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.

Inspire

When I’m not blowing about on windy clifftops this Winter, I’m often to be found in a museum. It was pure chance that took me into my local art gallery in Hartlepool this week. So unprepared was I that I didn’t even have my camera with me! It’s no longer a catastrophe when I have my phone handy, but I do have to apologise for the quality of the photos.

Inspire is an exhibition comprised of wire mesh sculptures and photographs of local athletes, or aspiring ones. It was the efforts of the disabled nephew of a friend of mine, competing in a local triathlon with his Dad, that brought the venture to my attention. As often happens, I was delighted with what I found.

Suspended beneath the timbered ceiling

Diving gracefully floorwards

And into the light

Michelle Castles is the lady responsible for the life-sized mesh sculptures. She graduated from the University of Sunderland and it’s always good to see local talent so beautifully showcased.

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Hartlepool Art Gallery lives in what was formerly Christ Church, and is a lovely venue in itself. You may remember Follow the Herring, an extraordinary exhibition of knitting I showed you last year? It’s always worth looking in on a museum. You never know what you might find.

I’m linking to Paula’s Thursday Special again today. Her theme is multi-coloured and I’m thinking that I’ve just got enough colour here to get away with it.

Shadowed

Not so much shadowed as dwarfed!

Lost him!

I had little intention of clambering to the heights of Penshaw Monument when I set out for my walk on Monday. It was blowing a gale, for one thing! But blue sky and the temptation to ‘see for miles’ got the better of me.

You can even climb to the top, in Summer!

You can even climb to the very top, by a hidden staircase, in Summer

It didn’t last long before the rain gusted in, but it was good while it lasted. And how else would I meet the weekly challenge?

Jo’s Monday walk : Roker pier

Roker lighthouse

There’s nothing I like better than standing at the foot of a lighthouse and looking up! Especially when, as in this case at Roker, Sunderland, the pier has been newly restored and it’s possible to walk right out there.

Newly restored Roker Pier

Last week I mentioned that I might have to repeat some of my walks. This is a variation on one I’ve previously done but with the addition of the newly accessible pier. Mind you- it was bitter cold out there, but it didn’t seem to deter whole families of hardy northerners. Toddlers skippetty-hopped along, tugging parents hands, or racing ahead on ‘Christmas-new’ bikes and scooters.

600 metres long, Roker Pier is 111 years old and grade II listed. Enormous seas had rendered it unsafe for the public, and a restoration programme began last June. It reopened in November. Further work is planned to both pier and lighthouse, but I really should start at the beginning of the walk, so grab your warmest coat and woollies. It’s time to go.

This was my start point- note the frost!

The evidence!

You may remember the ‘coat’?

Shame the fire wasn’t burning!

There’s a message here somewhere

The sun was fighting hard to melt the frost

One last remnant of chimney pot

Part of the Riverside Sculpture Trail, the group above are entitled ‘The Red House’, and are just beyond the National Glass Centre, where you can park for free. The trail continues towards the marina which, because of its situation, is probably the warmest spot on our walk today. In fact, I distinctly remember an elderly couple sitting on a bench, backs to the wall and faces lifted reverently to the sun. Overcoats on, of course!

Interesting Celtic design on the steps

Plenty of boats idling in the marina

I do really like these steps

Silly buoys!

The first sighting of the pier- note the hard frost on the ramp!

Just beyond the marina and the boatyard, a vista of beach and pier opens up before you. The concrete bowls on the beach are filled to different levels, representing different phases of the moon. A promenade leads past a children’s playground to the final item on the Sculpture Trail. This highly polished granite monolith, designed by Andrew Small, has a circular cutout which makes a fine frame for Roker Lighthouse.

The children’s playground

The marble monolith and the pier

Roker as described by Wikipedia is a seaside resort. I doubt that many would lay that claim in these days of exotic holidays, but it still retains a certain charm. It was news to me that the Roker story goes back to 1587, when the Abbs family were granted land on the north shore of the River Wear. It was a condition that they provide six soldiers to defend the mouth of the river.

Did I mention that further work needs to be done on the pier?

The railings could definitely use some TLC!

But out on the pier it doesn’t seem to matter

And there it is!

Complete with fishermen

And a fine view back to the mainland

The history of the pier

Beautifully striped!

I didn’t have a band of Northumberland Hussars to pipe me off the pier, like the Earl of Durham, but it would have been nice. As would a hot drink! But for that we need to return to the National Glass Centre. You can pass through the tunnel at the end of the promenade, into Roker Park, and complete a circuit back to the front, or simply retrace your steps.

Be sure to leave yourself time to loiter in the Glass Centre. You’re bound to like something!

Even if it’s only an angel in a bauble! So, that’s another walk completed! I hope you enjoyed it. I’ll be back next week, and we’ll wander some more.

If you’d like to join in my Monday walks, it’s very easy to do. Just click on the logo or my walks page. Many thanks to this weeks contributors. Now, let’s put the kettle on and settle back to read!

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Lovely Debbie from Travel with Intent is joining us this week. I know you’ll enjoy Glasgow through her eyes. Many thanks, Debs!

The Banks of the Clyde

Paula has an on-going love affair with Corsica and it’s not hard to see why :

A Walk among the Menhirs

You can count on Cardinal to have a unique viewpoint! :

Oslo- a Village on Steroids

Again, Jude has me wishing I was on the far side of the world! :

Hills Road walk

Amy’s back with a bang! Well, maybe that’s not the right expression around a volcano!

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

A Monday walk wouldn’t be a Monday walk without Drake, would it?

Friendly minded castle conquest

Please welcome a very distinguished newcomer, from Australia. Many thanks for joining us, Elizabeth!

New Year’s walk : a giant stairway and a miniature train

And a lovely lady called Lisa joins us from the Bay of Islands :

Opua-Pahia Coastal Walkway

Rosemay finishes off her zoo walk. It’s hot!

Tales from Perth, part 2

And then Yvette comes in with a blockbuster of a post!

Shadows in New York City

If you’re not totally worn out, you can even do an evening walk? Welcome Bon Minou!

Amsterdam at Night

What a selection! Brilliant, aren’t they? Have a great week everyone, and happy walking!

Six word Saturday

A very frustrating couple of days!

But I’m still smiling!

I can’t begin to explain the frustrations, nor is it appropriate, but I almost didn’t make Six word Saturday this week. Now that I’m here, I’m simply going to share a few more lovely pieces of glasswork from the National Glass Centre at Sunderland, and make a hasty exit!

I’d love some of these for next year’s tree

And how about these?

They’re just so sweet!

Hard to pick a favourite!

January is now well into its stride, so it’s time to put all that behind me. Join me for next Monday’s walk, won’t you? We can stop off at the National Glass Centre for coffee afterwards.

Hope you all have a good weekend. Hang on to your hats- it’s wild out there! I’m off to check out Cate at Show My Face. She’d love you to play too.

restlessjo

Roaming, at home and abroad

Photography

All set to Shimmy!

Jo’s Monday walk : Praia da Rocha

Six word Saturday

Just time for a brisk walk!

Three things I love about Porto

Jo’s Monday walk : Dodging golf balls!

Six word Saturday

To be at peace with myself.

Inspire

Shadowed

Jo’s Monday walk : Roker pier

Six word Saturday

A very frustrating couple of days!

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Just time for a brisk walk!

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To be at peace with myself.

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A very frustrating couple of days!

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