Still in Belem we scale the Discoveries Monument to get a birds’s eye view of the area. We can see the boats moored in the harbour, the tiny ant folk and the impressive monastery that looks like a little scale model from up here. Even high up it’s an impressive sight and we’ll take a tourContinue reading “Views from above”
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Bit of Belem
We hopped on tram 15 to head out from Lisbon centre to Belem for the day. Belem’s name comes from the Portuguese word for Bethlehem. Many of Portugal’s distinctive buildings and beautiful landmarks can be found in Belem including the Jerónimos Monastery (above and below) and the Tower of Belém Jerónimos Monastery – located in Empire Square- was originally built toContinue reading “Bit of Belem”
The old district of Alfama
The Alfama is the oldest district of Lisbon, spreading on the slope between the São Jorge Castle and the Tejo river. Its name is believed to come from the Arabic Al-hamma, meaning “hot fountains” or “baths”. During the times of Moorish domination, Alfama constituted the whole of the city, which later spread to the West (BaixaContinue reading “The old district of Alfama”
Lisbon colours and corners
Lisbon is alive with colour, blink and you miss it details and delights around every corner. It’s also famous for its cute little trams that whizz up and down the steep cobbled streets. Two not to miss are number 28 that takes you winding through the old Alfama district and over blood curdling hills. TheContinue reading “Lisbon colours and corners”
Return to the blogging!
It’s been a while readers but I’m finally back and on the blog again! Blame DIY and a curious case of Globus Hystericus for my lengthy absence! But I’ve not been sitting still during this prolonged radio silence so with no further ado let’s look at the latest trip – Lisbon, Sintra and Cascais! I’ve beenContinue reading “Return to the blogging!”
Closer to home
While I (impatiently) wait for the first of this year’s global jaunts I thought I’d celebrate the gorgeous place that I live – Derbyshire! This lovely county is home to one of the most visited national parks in the world – The Peak District. We’re just outside of the peak park in the tiny touristContinue reading “Closer to home”
Planning!
So with my Sicily trip all reported on where next . . ?! I’ve always got to have something to look forward to and plan for and this year is no exception! We’ll be heading back to Portugal again in May but steering away from the traditional tourist hotspot of the Algarve and instead heading forContinue reading “Planning!”
Final glimpses
It’s time to bid a final adieu to Sicily with a final batch of photos from the trip. We make a return visit to the Fountain of Shame in the sunlight for a better look at all the rudey nudeys! The details are all the more impressive under the glaring Sicilian sunshine. The weird aquatic fantasyContinue reading “Final glimpses”
More market malarky
We head deeper into the barely contained chaos that is Palermo’s Capo market. Beset on all sides by jewel bright vegetables, slimy snails and red raw animal heads! Note how the man looks supremely defensive on all the photos with hands securely over any valuables – markets are prime pickpocketing areas so beware. Briefly seekingContinue reading “More market malarky”
Mercato del Capo
Moving on from the rather disappointing La Vucciria market we head onto the far more bustling and hectic Mercato del Capo. First we walk through the textile and cloth merchants section. With every texture and hue of fabric on show it’s a colourful sight. I loved this little haberdashery / homeware stall with its vividContinue reading “Mercato del Capo”