Tavira

Six word Saturday

Light fades on another lovely memory.

It’s more than 6 weeks since I got back from Tavira, in my lovely Algarve.  Time to round up a few of those photos I never got around to sharing, and move on.   A new roof top bar provides a great overview of this beautiful place.

The river runs bronze after heavy rain
One of those shabby doors Sue loves
A hint of castle wall

Up on the castle walls

Down in the riverside gardens
A riot of colour
Such a pretty letterbox
And a little bit of magic on the rooftops

Until next time…

Don’t forget to share your six words on Debbie’s little bit of fun, and have a great weekend.  I’ll be back on Monday with a very English walk.

The Church of São Francisco

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Tavira, in the Eastern Algarve, has a reputation for restoring her many churches.  In the years I have been visiting I have marvelled at some of the changes wrought.  Still it is a thrill to turn a corner and find another, ripe for renovation.  If you look closely at the gallery below, you will see what I mean.  Exposed bare plaster scars the walls and alcoves.

Previously I had only been into the gardens, the church being always locked.  Just occasionally the gardens would be padlocked too, and I’d feel a sense of deprivation.  A quiet bench, the overgrown trees dappling patterns onto ruined walls, somehow they provide a warm and soothing space.

Still, it was a revelation to venture inside this church.  First appearances can be deceptive.  A curtain veiled the entrance to a side chapel.  Stepping through a little cautiously, I was utterly unprepared for the figures that greeted me there.

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The Church of São Francisco has met with it’s share of disasters.  Since construction in 1272 it has suffered 2 earthquakes (in 1722 and 1755), a landslide in 1843 and a fire in 1881.  Perhaps it’s time it had a little luck.  Should you find yourself in Tavira and the church happens to be open, please deposit a few coins in the collection box.  It may help speed the recovery.

This might not be what Paula had in mind for Traces of the Past this week, but it’s an opportunity to share with you Thursday’s Special.

 

My little town

I know!  I know!  I’m not supposed to be blogging but by the time I come back it will be too late to share this with you.  The 5th January is traditionally the last day for Christmas decorations and soon I’ll be off to watch the parade of Kings in Vila Real de S. Antonio.  Meantime I’ve found some lovely crib scenes here in Tavira… my little town.  Where else does the fire station contribute in such style?

That’s all I’ve time for!  Click on the gallery for a closer look.  Blue skies beckon.

Six word Saturday

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Out of the darkness comes light

It was a night of purest excitement and I haven’t really had chance to share it with you yet.  Let’s wander the streets of Tavira on the night that Portugal won the European Cup, against all expectations.  It was a great place to be.

I left the excitement briefly and climbed the back streets to look down on the town.  There was a ghostly silence.  But everywhere was clad in finery.

Suddenly a rousing cheer split the air, and I scurried back to be part of the action.  Truly, a night to remember!

Have a great weekend, and make some memories yourself.  Maybe share them in six words?

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Six word Saturday

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The devil is in the detail

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Mistress of the beach

Drifting, swirling on the tide.

Fronds that tease tiny fish

Then lie stranded on the shore-

A frothy, green petticoat.

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Jen’s photo in the Weekly Photo Challenge this week is a real beauty.  I can’t hope to compete, but I did want to share with you a few of the details of my recent trip to the Algarve.  As half expected, it was unbelievably hot, and much of the time was spent with my toes in the water.

A weekend at home in the UK will be an entirely different prospect.  Perhaps I shall relish the cool.  Whatever your weekend brings, I hope it’s a good one.  Join me on Monday and we’ll find somewhere to walk.  But first, pop in on Cate with six words?

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Six word Saturday

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An escape from all the madness

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So many images I’ve yet to share with you from my April trip to Tavira!  I’m returning, for another week, on Wednesday.  Beautiful though Britain is, I can’t pretend it won’t be a relief to escape for a little while.  Even grey days over there are greeted with a sunny smile and a wave.

It will be hot, so there won’t be much walking, but almost certainly a little toe dabbling, and lazily watching clouds gather on the horizon.

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Early mornings and long warm evenings will be the best times, when I can look out on the world at peace, or enjoy a little quiet companionship.

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I will still be walking with you on Monday, but I haven’t decided where yet.  Then I’ll quietly disappear.  Maybe it will all make sense when I return.

Do enjoy your weekend.  I’m off to zumba, as soon as I’ve checked in on Cate.  Share your six words?

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3 Days, 3 Quotes- Day 2

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When I was much younger I had a bit of a yen for Kerouac, and the lifestyle.  Even today, ‘On the Road’ resonates, for a lady with a restless streak.

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Another day dawns

Another adventure begins, in a place that I love.

I hope that it may long continue.

The Happy Traveler kindly nominated me for the 3 Days, 3 Quotes challenge.  I have one more quote to come tomorrow.  If any of you would like to join in with some quotes of your own, please do feel free.  Meantime, have a happy Friday!

3 days, 3 quotes

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“In one drop of water are found all the secrets of the oceans”- Kahlil Gibran

I spent very little time at the beach on my recent trip to the Algarve, but there’s an ugly/beautiful stretch of river beach quite close to our home in Tavira.  On a warm, February, late afternoon I sat on a rock and just let my thoughts drift right out there, with the tide.

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The Happy Traveler has kindly nominated me for the 3 Days, 3 Quotes challenge.  It’s taken me the longest time to respond.  Too much daydreaming and not enough action?  I apologise!

I’ll be back tomorrow with another quote.  If you’d like to take up the challenge, please feel free to do so.  Happy Thursday to you!

Six word Saturday

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Carnival, for old and young alike

As always happens, I came back from Tavira with far too many photos and far too much to do!  But I couldn’t let Six word Saturday pass without a wave from the kids at this year’s Carnival.  I was a little greedy this year because we were there throughout the Carnival period, which starts with a children’s parade, on the Friday before Shrove Tuesday, in most of the towns and villages.

The main event in the Algarve takes place in Loule, where this year 110 years of Carnival were celebrated.  I managed to go there on the Saturday and happily rain kept away for the day.  Sunday in the small town of Sao Bras de Alportel was fine and sunny.  On Shrove Tuesday the weather was less kind, but I managed to catch a few shots over the tops of the umbrellas in the village of Moncarapacho. We’d been walking that morning but I was still in the mood for some samba.

No one is left out-  young, old or disabled, and it doesn’t matter if you’ve money to spend or not.  Long may it continue!

I have some shots of the fabulous Carnival floats, but no time to post them here.  I’m off to zumba and, later today, some real excitement!  I have a ticket to see Vincent Sirmione and Flavia dancing in their Last Tango show.  Fans of ‘Strictly’ will know how happy that makes me.

I hope you have a great weekend and can find time to join me for a Monday walk, when I’ll be taking you to see some beautiful almond blossom.   

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Six word Saturday

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In Tavira, it goes like this…

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Down at the beach bar we have Santa and a lady friend, and a cute little tree.

Aside from the main town square, not a lot of money is spent on decoration, and Christmas is no worse for that.  A simple crib scene adorns a few street corners.  There is little money to spare, and food banks were operating in the supermarkets in late December.

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The council are keen to attract further tourism to Tavira, and they are spending money on infrastructure.  The natural assets and the sunshine are there for all to see, but down at Quatro Aguas major improvements are underway.  Jude might enjoy these brand new Benches.

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Maybe she’ll get to sit on them one day.  The view’s not bad….

Meantime, it’s Saturday and I hope you’re not too full of Christmas pudding to take a little stroll with me.  I’m not sure if Cate is playing Six Word Saturday this week.  It’s Boxing Day and that’s confusing, isn’t it?  Hope to see you all on Monday!

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