That seems to be the theme of my week so far. In case you missed it, I raised a smile with a square on Thursday. Today I’m going for beauty. Becky is determined to turn our March Square. Why fight it? And, with a little thought, you can describe it all in six words.
Have a happy weekend!
A sea of boats, at Santa Luzia
Today’s walk is going to be pure self indulgence, so I apologise in advance if you’re not a lover of boats. I’ve taken you to the Algarve’s Santa Luzia before, and we’ve loitered in the tiled bliss of the back streets. One of the walks I did with my Stroller friends this past holiday was in territory very familiar to me. We started at a cafe (of course) in Santa Luzia, and walked across to Barril (remember the Anchor Graveyard?) on Tavira Island.
I was busy chatting and ‘catching up’ with people, so I forgot to wield the camera until we began to walk back. We headed through the holiday village Pedras d’el Rei and turned right, down a path I didn’t know, and suddenly I began to take notice.
Walking with the group doesn’t really work well for photographs, especially once they get the bit between their teeth and are headed for lunch. We emerged on a back lane in Santa Luzia and bundled into the restaurant “Moura”. Plentiful food and wine was consumed, but then I was eager to get back into the sunshine. I deposited my husband on a bench, gazing at the salt marshes through half closed eyes, and I was off, camera in hand.
Mick’s view!
Not a bad place to sit, is it? But I prefer to wander.
I’m content to amble up and down the gangways, admiring the boats from every angle. Nobody seems to mind, and the few people not lazing after lunch simply nod and smile. The fishermen are too busy discussing the day’s catch to care, and I am careful to step over the coils of rope.
Are your eyes beginning to glaze over? I should have warned you that I can look at boats for hours. I expect Mick’s asleep on his bench by now. Not too many more and then I’ll head back.
Thank you so much for your patience. I enjoyed the indulgence. It was easy to sit in my armchair and turn the clock back. I hope you didn’t mind ambling in the sunshine. Or you could join me in the back streets of Santa Luzia?
Can you believe it’s a whole year since I started sharing walks? It all started here. I’ve led you on a merry dance since then and can only be grateful that so many of you have stayed with me.
Thank you again for all the lovely shares this week. If any of you have a walk you’d like to share, the details are on my Jo’s Monday walk page. Just click on the logo or the link. All comers welcome! And now I really must put that kettle on. Coffee, anyone?
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Now, what have I got for you this week?
Drake first! Don’t miss his incredibly spooky photo in an abandoned orphanage!
Debbie’s on a mission to bring us canals. And she does it in style!
Who would have thought a Tokyo suburb would be so interesting? In like-minded company, of course.
Geoff takes us back to his old London haunts and a host of memories :
Join Esther in the clouds. You know you want to!
Amy and egrets! A winning combination if ever I saw one :
And finally, please welcome Susan. Beaches are always a hit with me :
It just remains to wish you all a happy week, and I hope it’s full of pleasant walks.
The patron saint of the village
I could wander around Santa Luzia all day and every day. So many of the houses are clothed in beautiful azulejo tiles. Just 2 km west of Tavira, this fishing village has an identity all of its own. Modern housing has been added, and a new seafront promenade since my first visit, more than 10 years ago. Yet somehow this village is timeless and defies outsiders to change its true nature. Would you like to share it with me? We’ll take just a slow walk today. There’s plenty of time.
The waterfront is where I usually start
It’s an easy place to spend time
The palm trees don’t provide much shade, but there are plenty of cafes lining the waterfront. It’s a place where you could idle away many an hour, just watching and wondering. Avenida Duarte Pacheco is the village’s main street and behind it there are only a handful of others. Getting lost really isn’t an option, but you’re welcome to try.
A typical house on Duarte Pacheco, next to a cafe
Isn’t this just beautiful?
I’m going to be a very lazy tour guide today and simply let you wander. The details that appeal to each of us are different, aren’t they? I think you should have time to choose where to linger.
The whole seems to me to blend together. The locals go about their business, paying little heed to the tourists. I always venture a smile and ‘Bom dia’ and without fail there is a response.
I’m going to be just a little naughty now. You remember my fondness for boats? For just 3 or 4 months in Summer a ferry runs from Santa Luzia across to the ilha, Tavira Island. It’s only a 10 minute crossing, so just about time to get comfortable. One of the nice things, though, is the opportunity it gives you to observe Santa Luzia from the water. Would you like to see? And if you’re full of energy, you can have a swift stride down the beach. I’ll be right with you!
Not so bad, was it? Just one last look at Santa Luzia and you’ll want to eat. Casa do Polvo, at the eastern end of the front, is great if you’re an octopus fan. On some evenings you can listen to fado there too, and even join in and sing a little if the fancy takes you. Away from the front there are a number of small restaurants. Most will feed you well. It’s just a matter of taste.
I’m hoping you enjoyed this week’s walk. Not too strenuous, was it? And the Eastern Algarve is easy on the eye, I always think?
Next week will be an English walk and very different. I’m going to my daughter’s in Nottingham next weekend and will be travelling back on the Monday. I’m going to attempt to schedule a walk. I’ve never done that before but am hoping it’s easy. If all else fails, I will be home by teatime and will post the walk then. Wish me luck!
Wow! What a week! So many fantastic entries. You’re definitely going to need a cuppa, or even two, to read your way through. I’m off to put the kettle back on. Thank you so much, everybody, for joining Jo’s Monday walk. The details are in my logo.
I simply love Drake’s Beatles walk! :
The Botanical Garden in Zagreb is beautiful! Thanks for sharing, Paula :
Monday Walk in the Botanical Garden
And, in case you missed it, atmospheric castle ruins near Bratislava, also in Paula’s delightful company :
Meg tackled a tricky one this week. All in a good cause! :
My lovable friend Cathy is finding her way around Nanning in China. Go and say ‘hi’ please? :
A Monday morning walk on Campus
A water lily from Israel! And incredibly beautiful, thanks, Cardinal :
Gardens! Gardens! And more lovely gardens! Thanks, Jude :
Garden Portrait : Westonbury Mill Water Gardens
Fabulous, aren’t they? And wait till you see Amy’s playful walk beside the river! :
A town with less than 1000 residents but lots of history is Yvette’s contribution :
And from California, please give a warm welcome to Elena :
With a destination that keeps getting higher on my ‘must see’ list, Debbie’s sharing a real beauty! Treat yourself- say ‘hello’ :
Walking on Top of the World in Marseille
And in this topsy turvy world of ours, Pauline is beautifully immersed in Spring. Don’t miss it!
Totally immersed in the splendour of Spring
That’s it for now, folks. Have a very splendid week and happy walking!
restlessjo 
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