TRAVEL DIARY: PORTO 1 After a brisk journey aboard the Alfa Pendular, Portugal’s flagship Pendolinoa high-speed train, we arrived in Porto just past midday, so we were starving from the trip. Near our Airbnb, we stumbled upon a nearby restaurant where, unsure of what to choose, we trusted the owner’s recommendations for our meal. Francesinha…
Category: Travels 2023
Tuesday Streetart – 35
CAMDEN, LONDON Otto Schade – Osch has another addition to the Camden area Streetarts.
Around town on our last day
TRAVEL DIARY: LISBON 4 Did you know that Uber fares are incredibly cheap in Portugal? We stumbled upon this discovery during our visit to Sintra when we opted for a taxi. Glad we found out because since then, Uber has become our go-to mode of transportation. So this was our last day in Lisbon and…
Quaint town of Obidos and its doors
Obidos, just a half-hour’s drive from Nazare, is our third stop for our day trip. It is a quaint and charming escape with its cobblestone streets, narrow alleyways, colourful shops and many local cafes. These doors add to the town’s aesthetic charm. Here are doors that become more appealing because they are surrounded with greeneries….
Discovering the charm of Obidos
TRAVEL DIARY: OBIDOS The next stop on our day trip is Obidos. This is one place not to be missed when in Lisbon … a gorgeous medieval town perched on top of a hill. As we entered the town through Porta da Vila, the main gate, we were greeted by a stunning balcony adorned with…
Lovely Yellow Windows in a Corner Shop
NAZARE, PORTUGAL A yellow restaurant by the sea. I am linking this to Ludwig’s Monday Window
The green doors in Nazare
As I have posted previously, Santuário de Nossa Senhora da Nazaré or the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazare has semicircular steps that lead to a Baroque portal. Outside the church are green doors. In the interior … still more green doors in the corridors of the church. I an linking this to Dan’s Thursday Doors…
Tuesday Streetart – 33
PARIS, FRANCE You’ll find amazing urban art all over Paris – just walk the streets with your eyes wide open. This is a mural by Cannibal Letters. Cannibal Letters, originally from Paris, has been honing his skills since 1999, using various names and working with different groups. In 2010, he settled on his current name….
Exploring Portugal’s Coastal Gem
TRAVEL DIARY: NAZARE As we were leaving Fatima, the rain started again. We resumed our journey toward Nazare approximately an hour’s drive ahead. Glad to see the blue skies as we were approaching town. Nazare is one of the most picturesque seaside towns in Portugal Proceeded to the market stalls. Legend has it that nobleman…
Pandas at the Singapore Airport
Found this cute trail of Pandas at the Kuala Lumpur airport when we left for London in October 2023. I am linking it to Natalie’s PPAC
Doors in the old village of Fatima
Our short visit to the old village of Fatima took us to all these wonderful doors. It was where the three holy children (Francisco, Jacinta and Lucia) saw the Blessed Virgin Mary in Fatima, Portugal, from May to October 1917. This first one is the front door of the house of Francisco and Jacinta. And…
Tuesday Streetart of an Owl – 32
BRISTOL, UK This is “Pink Wisdom” by Tech Moon found somewhere in Bristol during a “drive by”.
Fatima then and now
TRAVEL DIARY: FATIMA The story begins in the village of Fatima, Portugal, on May 13, 1917. On that fateful day near that tiny village, The Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, appeared to three young peasant children: Francisco, Jacinta, and Lucia; ages 10, 9 and 7… As Catholics, hubby and I were interested to visit…
Lisbon windows through Tim’s Lens
Yes, yes my son, Tim, takes photos so much better than me and I am proud of it . Hubby and I stayed longer in Lisbon and when it was their last day, Tim and Leigh went out on their own to experience the city on a faster pace (without their 65 year old parents…
Empty Chairs waiting patiently for diners
Passing by a restaurant in Porto at midday. I guess they don’t open up for lunch. Linked to Xingfumama’s Pull Up a Seat Challenge and Debbie’s Six Word Saturday – 6WS
Art Inside Pasteis de Belem
When in Belém, don’t miss trying the original Pastel de Nata. Just remember, if you’re having more than one, it’s called Pasteis de Nata. ( which I am sure you will be having two or more of them)😂😂😂 You can find tasty pastel de nata all over Lisbon, but the ones from this famous bakery…
Pena Palace Doorways
The doors at Pena Palace, Portugal, are famous for their colorful designs and intricate craftsmanship, reflecting various architectural styles like Romanticism and Moorish influences. Closed doors in the Queen’s Terrace Here are some of the doors from the interior of the palace. Opened doors and arched entry. Linking this to Dan’s Thursday Doors Challenge
Tuesday Streetart – Banksy in London – 31
LONDON, UK In Cargo Bar’s Yard, behind the gate is Banksy’s ORIGINAL – Authorised Graffiti Area and Guard dog. This is in Rivington street. This has been there since the early 2000s and is still in good condition because they’ve put protective covering over it.
Exploring the Magic of Sintra’s Most Iconic Landmark
TRAVEL DIARY: SINTRA 2 Having marveled at the grandeur of the Quinta de Regaelera in the morning, we continue on our walk and immerse ourselves with the enchanting beauty of the Pena Palace in Sintra. My daughter Pat first introduced me to this palace in 2017 through a photo from her solo European trip, urging…
Too Many Seats, Not Enough Takers
LISBON, PORTUGAL Photo taken 18th October 2023 when it was a sunny day for a change. Linking this to Xingfumama’s Pull up a Seat Challenge And for Debbie’s Six WordSaturday
On our way to Sintra
Some drive by shots of DOORS on our way to Quinta da Regaleira in Sintra. Linked to Dan’s Thursday Doors Challenge
A morning at Quinta da Regaleira
TAVEL DIARY: SINTRA 1 The Quinta da Regaleira is located near the historic centre of Sintra, Portugal. It is protected within the UNESCO World Heritage site and is a mix of Gothic, Egyptian, Moorish and Renaissance architecture. It is an enchanting estate about half an hour from Lisbon. It was built by an eccentric Free…
Tuesday Streetart of a Funky Monkey – 30
LONDON, UK Funky Monkey by Otto Schade in Brick Lane
Through the Tram 28 Window
TRAVEL DIARY: LISBON 3 Because of the wet weather, we opted for a tram ride to explore the significant sights of Lisbon rather than staying indoors. Went on the TRAM 28, one of the famous Lisbon icons. It passes through the popular tourist districts for about a 40-minute journey. It took us winding up (or…
Murals and Seats in the LX Factory
LX Factory is in Alcântara, a cool part of Lisbon. It’s got over 50 shops, cafes, and restaurants, both indoors and outdoors. You can spend a few hours or even a whole day there, checking out stuff to buy or just looking around. It’s also fun to see all these Public Art. Near the entrance…
More Doors in Lisbon
This first one is 19th-century palace turned shopping mall hence the amazing architecture. This is the front door of the Pasteis de Belem where the original Pastel de Nata originated. Novelty shop Doors with tiled walls Doors inside the Mercado da Ribeira or popularly known as the Time Out Market . I love the design…
Tuesday Streetart of An Asian Woman – 29
LISBON, PORTUGAL In an obscure area in the LX Factory is this mural that I was attracted to because of its expressive eyes.
From Belém’s pastries to Fado’s melodies
(and everything in Between) TRAVEL DIARY: LISBON 2 We started early and walked to the train station. Some interesting things to see and smell along the way. Like the protruding car, some souvenirs and chestnuts roasting … yum my fave! From the train window I saw these murals. I see that cat in a lot…
A window in Cotswolds
Cotswolds is a charming countryside in England. It is famous for its endearing cottages just like this. Linked to Ludwig’s Monday Window Challenge
Shadows
LAS RAMBLAS, BARCELONA One sunny afternoon in the Las Ramlas area. I am linking it to Debbie’s One Word Sunday – Shadows