The journey through the Douro Valley leads to Pinhão, showcasing stunning views and historic landmarks like the Mosteiro Bridge and Ribadouro viaduct. This ancient wine region features terraced landscapes with olive and almond trees, as the tranquil Douro River once transported Port wine. Its charm captivates visitors gradually.
Tag Archives: tradition
Cute cave houses
Today we’re taking a trek to see some of the famous Cave houses that are dotted up high in Granada. Most are found in the area known as Sacromonte – sacred or holy mountain. The Sacromonte district is located on the Valparaiso hill of Granada and borders the north-east side of the Arab El AlbaícinContinue reading “Cute cave houses”
Alonnisos old town
Alonnisos old town is a sleepy little place that was rescued from virtual abandonment following a natural disaster. When we first arrive in the morning it is completely shut up and still sleeping! So we have a quick mooch around and then plan to come back later. Even shut up and empty, the town hasContinue reading “Alonnisos old town”
Charlestown
The next (literal) port of call on our Cornish explorer is the beautiful little town of Charlestown. The little town has a wonderful, unspoiled example of a late Georgian working port. It was constructed between 1791 and 1801 by Charles Rashleigh who was an entrepreneur and member of a local landowning family. It was builtContinue reading “Charlestown”
Darling Dartmouth
Dartmouth is the next seaside town we’re checking out as we dashed around Devon back in 2020. Dartmouth dates back as far as 1147 and you can still find echoes of its rich history as you explore its streets. It has a long and venerable nautical history and even today Dartmouth is of nautical strategicContinue reading “Darling Dartmouth”
Vieste
Vieste is a coastal town in Gargano National Park. It’s a pretty seaside town that sits on a white cliffed promontory jutting into the sea. In medieval times, the port was frequently attacked by pirates, Saracens and other enemies of the Kingdom of Naples. Below the curious wooden structure is a Trabucco – a centuries-oldContinue reading “Vieste”
Tōdaiji Temple
Located in Nara province, Tōdaiji, the “Great Eastern Temple” is one of Japan’s most famous and historically significant temples. The temple was built in 752 as the head temple of all provincial Buddhist temples of Japan. It grew so powerful that the capital was moved from Nara to Nagaoka in 784 to try and reduceContinue reading “Tōdaiji Temple”
Golden Gai
Next on our nighttime tour of Shinjuku is Golden Gai. This quirky little slice of Tokyo nightlife is a rabbit warren of bars – almost like a shanty town for inebriation! Below are a couple of pictures of Golden Gai from above showing just how crammed in it is and how ramshackle the little businesses are.Continue reading “Golden Gai”
Tokyo Imperial Palace
After exploring the fish based alleyways of Tsukiji market we zip off to take a look at the Imperial Palace. It takes a while for us to get anywhere as I am obsessed with taking snaps of pretty much every cross roads I see . . . The Imperial Palace is located on the former siteContinue reading “Tokyo Imperial Palace”
Raccoon dogs and tiny peeps
Heading on from Senso-ji we briefly admire this impressive copper statue of the 9th Danjuro Ichikawa the famous kabuki actor. He is shown in the role depicting “Shibaraku”. Then it’s onwards for more exploring of the winding streets of Asakusa, complete with colourful wall hangings and delightfully garish posters. Now we find ourselves exploring the curiousContinue reading “Raccoon dogs and tiny peeps”