Portugal Souvenir

I love exploring souvenirs while traveling; it’s a fun way to remember my adventures. However, I sometimes find myself spending on things I don’t really need. There was one item that caught my eye for Monday Window, and while I really liked it, I ultimately decided to pass on the purchase. But here is the…

Tuesday StreetArt Dublin – 60

Seeing photos sent by my son Tim feels almost like being there with him. Here are some amazing street art pieces on electric boxes from Ireland. Thanks, Tim! 😍

Finding Beauty in Unexpected Places

Patti (P.A.Moed) is hosting the Lens-Artists Photo Challenge this week, with the theme of Finding beauty in unexpected places This reminds us that wonder can emerge from anywhere. It challenges our perceptions, showing that even in the most ordinary settings, there are moments of inspiration waiting to be discovered. It might be a flock of…

Seven cats by the Window

NAZARE, PORTUGAL Lovely memory of Nazare. There were so many shops with handcrafted ceramics and souvenirs. Here are 7 cats by the window in the centre square of Nazare. .

Balconies

PR of Flights of the Soul is hosting the Lens-Artists Photo Challenge this week, focusing on Balconies. Balconies are architectural elements that extend from the exterior of a building, providing outdoor space and often offering picturesque views. One of literature’s most iconic balconies belongs to Juliet in Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet.” While the balcony itself in…

Tuesday Streetart Space Invaders -49

As we strolled through Paris, I spotted Space Invader artworks scattered throughout the city. These mosaics resembles the pixelated Space Invaders 1978 video game. They’re the work of Invader, a French artist who began creating these mosaics in the 1990s, drawing inspiration from his love for the classic game. Since then, he continued to create…

Sightseeing Destinations

This week, Leanne is hosting the Lens-Artists Photo Challenge, focusing on Tourist Attractions—a broad yet captivating theme. To tackle this expansive topic, I’m categorizing my entries into places I cherish exploring. To my mind, the greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things. as if for the first time,…

Liverpool

TRAVEL DIARY: LIVERPOOL There are places I’ll rememberAll my life, though some have changed.Some forever, not for better;Some have gone and some remain.– the Beatles Even if you’re unaware, you’ll unmistakably sense when you’ve arrived in Liverpool—where everything transforms into a celebration of the Beatles. But first was dinner. We decided to go to Jollibee,…

Window shopping in Edinburgh

Edinburgh offers more than just castles and historic sites—it’s also a place for diverse and vibrant shopping experiences. Here are some Scottish windows blending modern culture with rich history. Love the window reflection of the buildings from the opposite side. Want to do some window shopping with me?

Edinburgh

TRAVEL DIARY: EDINBURGH From York, we headed to Edinburgh, where Jack, Tim, and I spent three days and two nights at my cousin Connie’s place. Our visit was more about catching up and reminiscing than sightseeing. Last time I saw her was in 2016 with her late husband Rick, who drove us around Scotland.…from Glasgow,…

Doors in York

YORK, UK Here are the doors lining the main road of the Shambles in York, one of the city’s most renowned landmarks and among Europe’s best-preserved medieval shopping streets. A quirky shop named “The shop that must not be named” I always love capturing Nutcracker Christmas shop doors. Found more doors from the Lord Mayor’s…

York

TRAVEL DIARY: YORK After a scenic 4.5-hour drive from Bristol, we reached York around 7 p.m. Hungry from the journey, we headed to Riverside Farm near our hotel for a delicious dinner of traditional English Roast with mash and gravy. It was the ideal way to unwind after our travels. After dinner, we were all…

Bristol Drive-by shots of Double Doors

BRISTOL, UK As we strolled towards the streets adorned with vibrant street art (that’s what Bristol is known for), we couldn’t help but be captivated by the charming Bristol traditional terraced houses*. Each one boasted colourful double doors that added a unique touch to their character. *Thanks Sarah for letting me know that these are…

Connecting Bridges

This week, Donna from Wind Kisses hosts the Lens-Artists Photo Challenge with the topic of CONNECTIONS. Bridges connect more than just two pieces of land- they link communities, cultures, and histories, fostering unity and progress. However, this week, I’m focusing on their literal role as a form of connection from point A to point B. The Pont…

Somebody by the Window saw me

Here are more captivating windows from the Cotswolds. What’s amusing is that precisely when I snapped the picture, a lady by the window seemed to be peering back at me haha Quite the unexpected moment! Some more on the main street of Castle Combe.

Camden Town

TRAVEL DIARY: CAMDEN TOWN During the first leg of our holiday in Paris, Barcelona, and Portugal in October of 2023, we weren’t able to indulge in much shopping at the markets. Our luggage was already filled to the brim, leaving little room to bring back souvenirs or treasures from our travels. So first thing we…

Electricity Boxes Reimagined

You’ve probably seen one and stopped and maybe even smiled because it is hard to miss a large, cheerfully painted metal electricity box on the streets. I know, because there are also some here in Melbourne and is becoming a trend in many modern cities around the world. Last week, I showcased doors from Rua…

Doors in the area of Rua das Flores

We discovered the charm of this 18th Century walking street sloping down from Porto’s San Bento Railway Station to the Duoro river. Known as “Rua das Flores,” or “Flower Street,” it earned its name from the beautiful gardens that used to line the houses along the way. Sadly, those gardens are now gone. Love the…

Vicinity of Dom Luis Bridge

This was me and Hubby walking on our first day in Porto and seeing these doors in our walk from our Air Bnb to the Dom Luis Bridge. The Dom Luís Bridge is a double-deck metal arch bridge that spans the river Douro between the cities of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia in Portugal….

2018 is special

What is your favorite holiday? Why is it your favorite? *** Being an Australian, i am defining holiday as not going to work or it’s also a longer break from work such as taking time off to go on a trip somewhere. In 2018, I embarked on an unforgettable journey through London, Prague, Vienna, and…

Still wandering in Porto

TRAVEL DIARY: PORTO 3 BACK STORY: This is a continuation of my previous blog and this day, as I’ve said, it was pouring rain. While exploring, we stopped for lunch at a unique McDonald’s in downtown Porto, Portugal. Surprisingly, this restaurant, known as the McDonald’s Imperial, is housed in a historic café adorned with stunning…

Wandering in Porto

TRAVEL DIARY: PORTO 2 Since we were in Porto, we started our day with, you guessed it right, Portuguese tarts. Had it in the cafe right in front of the Livraria Lello. Livraria Lello is celebrated for its stunning blend of Neo-Gothic and Art Nouveau styles, making it a must-visit. Established in 1906, it’s among…

First impressions of Porto

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…

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

Cityscapes from Prague to London

In this week’s challenge, hosted by Patti, I will be showcasing Prague and London. While every city worldwide holds its own unique narrative, Prague and London hold a special place in my heart. Each snapshot I’ll be sharing is filled with cherished memories that resonate within me. (Well I really wanted to do Prague and…

Venice at Night

This week Johnbo challenges us to focus on Tools of Photo Composition. I have decided to use lighting as part of this composition. I am keeping it simple and only including elements that are relevant to the story I am telling. So this is my story… and this is Venice at night in 2016. At…

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…

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…

Shadows

LAS RAMBLAS, BARCELONA One sunny afternoon in the Las Ramlas area. I am linking it to Debbie’s One Word Sunday – Shadows

Window Shopping in Obidos

Obidos is a charming town not too far from Lisbon. It has narrow cobbled streets with whitewashed homes, accented with bright blue or red or yellow detailing, red tiled roofs and spreading purple bougainvillea blooms. It is a tiny town but it has a castle, churches, restaurants and a maze of cobbled alleyways. But that…