Tina from Travels and Trifles has asked us to post our favourites of 2025 for Lens Artist Challenge this week. It took me a while to look back and select just 12, one for each month.
January
A wonderful start to 2025 with my son Laurence marrying his fiancee Maddy. Such a happy day.
February
I took this in my garden, these little birds are usually hard to capture.
March
Also taken from my garden, most probably relaxing with a glass of wine watching the sky change colour.
April
Another from the garden! I did leave the house, I promise.
May
Somewhere in England
June
Cottesloe Beach, Western Australia
July
Zac on the pier, Nedlands, Western Australia
August
Cheeky Galah, Perth, Western Australia
September
The Munchkins, Kings Park, Perth, Western Australia
October
Comporta, Portugal
November
Leaving Portugal and returning to England
December
Sensory overload! Father Christmas arrived much to the delight of the munchkins.
Thanks for the memories Tina, this was a difficult challenge but happy I took part.
Our flight back to the UK wasn’t until much later that day, so on checking out we drove to a village on the way to Faro. It was the pretty village of Alto. Before we arrived there Graham had a bee in his bonnet about wanting to swim by a waterfall.
We stopped at Queda do Vigario after seeing some beautiful photos. It was a fair walk down and also the photos were nothing like what appeared at the bottom. Anyway with the bit in his mouth off Graham trotted down the stairs. The water was murky and brown, with food floating in the pond. Not to be thwarted he jumped in. He didn’t stay in for long.
Views from the carpark at the top. I didn’t realise that the painted hillside was of the Portuguese Flag.
Satisfied he had achieved his goal, we drove onto Alte. We found a cute and scenic cafe where we had a delicious lunch. We came just in time as a few bus loads of tourists arrived shortly after.
Grilled cod with roasted garlic. The last fish dish I will be eating for a while.
Cobblestoned Streets of Alte
I could have bought many items from these artsy shops, but with my luggage limit on Ryan Air it was impossible.
There was a definite musical theme running through the village. The murals depicting instruments, players and dancers. Loving murals I was in my element.
As I was climbing up the stairs, these ladies were walking down. One of them stopped me and said I know you. She did look vaguely familiar, it was then it clicked. These were the lovely ladies who sat with me in a wine bar in Cascais watching the rain pour down. Miles from there we just happen to be in the same tiny village at the same time, spooky.
We couldn’t have asked for a better day to end this wonderful trip to Portugal. I will definitely be back to explore the towns, villages and beaches of this beautiful country.
On another note, a week after I returned to Perth my brother Graham fell seriously ill. He contracted a nasty virus in his arm muscle and apparently was close to losing his arm. Maybe it was the waterfall swim but they couldn’t find out what caused the infection. Happy to say he is on the mend now and he said the care was second to none in a Lisbon hospital.
Thank you for coming along on this glorious excursion to Portugal and wishing everyone all the very best for a healthy 2026.
Over breakfast on Sunday, we chatted about what the itinerary would be for that day. Graham had been told there were some wineries in the area. I looked a few up and asked the receptionist to ring around to check which ones were open. I was surprised to find out there was only one open, being a Sunday. We booked a tour and lunch and off we went.
As we were approaching Comporta we saw huge birds sitting atop chimneys, lampposts and buildings. Moving closer we realised they were storks. A real treat seeing a stork in the wild.
I tried to get closer, but you can guess what happened.
Before we arrived we stopped and admired the ricefields. At the time not realising they were ricefields.
The winery was called Adega da Herdade da Comporta. It lies with the sea on one side and rice fields on the other. The views around are absolutely stunning. We had arrived at the perfect place for our Sunday lunch. We were given a fascinating tour, visiting the wine cellars and learning about the history. The wine tasting was at our table and the measures were more than generous. We were served lunch with all the wine thankfully.
I was definitely looking forward to tasting this wine.
The view from our guide’s office window
Enjoying a delicious charcuterie board with a variety of wines
We all agreed that this place went above our expectations, although I think our lunch played a big part.
Our guide had mentioned a fishing village not far from the winery, she said we must go. So we did and what a fun find it was.
Cais Palafítico da Carrasqueira is a unique fishing village that sits on a multitude of wooden jetties on stilts. They zigzag along the muddy marshes with weathered huts standing on top. The huts are decorated in a myriad of ways all different. It is still a working village which was surprising, considering how rickety the small plankways looked. We spent quite a while here, all of us walking in different directions, daring each other to walk along the piers.
There was no-one around when we were here and I was wondering how the fisherman actually got to their boats.
Leaving just before sunset with the golden rays spreading slowly across the sea.
Before returning to our hotel we had another brief stop at an equestrian centre. It was just closing but the manager said we could still walk around. Being a horse lover Colleen was in her element. I’m happy there was fences between us.
I would have liked longer to long around as there were some fantastic memorabilia on display.
A fitting end to a perfect day. Back to the hotel for our last night in Porto Covo.
My brother in his infinite wisdom decided he wanted to drive back to Lisbon from Porto Covo to see the Pena Palace. At least I would still have a chance to see this beautiful palace. Once again the rain poured down. Hopefully this would be left behind once we crossed the bridge.
A whimsical shot through the skylight of the car
Aguas Livres Aqueduct
This aqueduct was built between 1731 and 1799. Consisting of 35 arches and reaching 65 metres high. It has been classified a national monument. I love feats of engineering like this, and find it interesting to research the history.
Stopped for a quick photo from down below.
Arriving up at the palace, Graham searched for a car park, thankfully dropping us off at the entrance first. He found one way down the hill. We were lucky with the tickets, as the next entry was just a 30 minute wait.
Not too much of a queue!
Heading into the palace itself, each at our own pace!
I’m happy to say that we did go back as Pena Palace is absolutely stunning. Especially now that the sun had made an appearance. The bright yellow of the walls against the blue sky was dazzling.
It really was a fairy tale palace
From above and below
An alcove made entirely of shells. You would be forgiven if you thought I had brush stroked the left photo! Instead it has been replastered, maybe waiting to be restored with shells.
Beautifully set dining table and a photo Queen Amelie and her two sons.
A few samples of the intricately tiled walls I came across. I was thinking bottom right for my bathroom and bottom left for the kitchen floor.
Majestic statue of a Moor
Some information on Pena Palace.
The castle stands on the top of a hill in the Sintra Mountains above the town of Sintra. On a clear day it can be easily seen from Lisbon. It is a national monument and is built in the style of 19th-century Romanticism. The palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The first building on this site was built in the Middle Ages. Construction of a chapel started after an apparition of the Virgin Mary. In 1493 a monastery was also built. In the 18th century the monastery was severely damaged by lightning. It was the 1755 earthquake, occurring shortly afterwards, that took the heaviest toll on the monastery, reducing it to ruins. Rebuilt in 1842 by King Ferninand it stayed in the Royal Family until 1899. Queen Amelie spent her last night here before being exiled after the Portuguese Revolution. Edited from Pena Palace, Wikipedia.
This week Leya is hosting the Lens Artist Challenge. The theme this time is Holiday Fun. This could be keeping in the spirit of things with Christmas images or just your favourite holiday images. I’ve gone with some recent photos I’ve taken. I have been fairly busy with many different kinds of parties. I’ve been to a bookclub lunch, bridge parties, zumba and have an upcoming street party. It’s been so much fun, I haven’t yet found the time for any shopping.
Taken when I was back in the UK. We had a day out at a winter wonderland Christmas shop. I couldn’t believe the amount of decorations on sale. I’m happy I don’t have a colour scheme or any kind of theme as I wouldn’t know where to start.
I spent far too long on Canva with these frames, but happy to say I have more knowledge on framing now!
I’ve been a good girl, I promise
Our lovely hostess Shirley created this table for our bridge lunch.
Enjoying a glass or two after playing bridge all afternoon. We didn’t do well.
Arriving in Porto Covo around 8 pm we decided to eat in the hotel itself. I had a perfect room overlooking the sea. The restaurant looked to be first class and we weren’t disappointed.
We were staying here for three nights, and would be exploring the villages and towns nearby.
The next morning we had a delicious buffet breakfast together. Before setting off for the day I went for a walk along the cliff top.
I took the above photos sitting on the veranda. A man doing Tai Chi and a family of joggers.
Photos below of my walk along the cliff top. It was a beautiful walk. It went around in a loop to the back of the village. Alternatively, you could keep walking further along the top. There was a warning about the stairs being unstable down to the beach, so gave that a miss.
Top: Having fun posing with the sign – Bottom: Porto Covo Spa Hotel
What a difference a day made! The weather was beautiful on one of the days.
Photos of Porto Covo Village
The village of Porto Covo is picturesque and postcard perfect. I could easily visit here again, preferably in the summer months. We did eat out one night at a fabulous Italian Pizza place. On our third night we opted for the hotel again as the heavens opened as we were about to walk out of the door!
During my stay in Portugal I saw so many photogenic doors. As a lover of doors Lisbon was a stand out city for this.
My featured photograph certainly caught my eye. I was tempted to go in but was slightly worried they would ask if I needed any help. I wouldn’t have a clue!
In a small lane near Sao Jorge Castle.
Washing already in!
From the R. da Barroca – possibly one of the steepest streets I ever climbed
We set off for Faro today to meet up with my sister-in-law and nephew. It was an early start and only a brief promised stop at a service station on the way! At least there would be coffee. The drive from Lisbon Airport to Faro Old Town takes approximately 2 hours 40 minutes. It maybe less with a certain driver. The journey is mostly inland so no nice coastal shots.
Crossing over the Vasco da Gama Bridge I was able to take a few photos, when my brother slowed down!
The bridge spans the Tagus River and is 17.2 kilometers long. It was until a few years ago the longest bridge in Europe. That title now belongs to the Crimean Bridge in Russia. It is a spectacular drive over with excellent road surfaces.
Stopping briefly for a much needed coffee at a service station, we huddled together under the smallest umbrella. The rain seemed to be chasing us from Lisbon.
We arrived in Faro around lunchtime in the middle of a storm. With the roads flooding and trees crashing down in the car park, we sat in the car and waited it out.
Sometime later after picking up Colleen and Greg we headed into Faro Old Town for lunch and a wander.
Arch of Rest
The Old Town features beautiful cobble stone alleyways and lanes. Murals adorn many of the walls and other walls are brightly painted.
We found the perfect spot for lunch, when I asked for the wine list the owner said there is none. He had over 2,500 bottles on display and told me just to describe the type of wine I was after. A tricky one, as who knew there were so many varieties of Alborinho.
by Opus
After lunch we headed over to Faro Cathedral. By this time the weather had cleared and the sun was shining brightly.
There is no fee to enter and look around which was a welcome surprise. It made me wonder how this place is kept looking so nice, inside and out.
The ornate ceilings inside the chapel. Decorated with blue and yellow painted tiles. The “ribs” of the ceiling are carved masonry.
Deciding to go up to the roof, we climbed some very uneven steep stairs. Below is a photo looking through the open window to the sea beyond.
Up on top, raincoat back on as the sun has disappeared once again.
Stunning views over the tiled rooftops of Faro
Steady but slow wins the race
The Chapel of Bones and the Bell Tower
The Chapel of Bones is so called because it is lined with skulls and bones of ordinary people. Gruesome indeed, imagining working and handling these.
The last but one day of November Squares. Becky has done an outstanding job of collating so many squares this month. The theme has been brilliant. Thank you Becky 😊.
Here’s a few I took in Portugal.
Reflections of the sun’s rays across the water at Porto Palafita da Carrasqueira.
I caught this lady taking many selfies against the backdrop of the Atlantic Sea in Portugal.
“I see a little silhouette of a man…” The brother contemplating life.
Figures on the Monument to the Discoveries silhouetted against the sunset over the Tagus.
My last day in Lisbon was full of disasters. Starting early in the morning, I set off before breakfast to join a bus tour to Sintra. I had booked this previously while up at the castle. The sky was black, occasionally lit up by bolts of lightening accompanied by enormous claps of thunder. I arrived in plenty of time at the hotel named. After 15 minutes my spidey sense kicked in. I went inside and asked the concierge if they would kindly phone the number on my ticket. (Only data on my esim). I found out quickly that I had been booked the day before, but the wrong date was on my ticket.
It was suggested by now that I take an uber across town to see if I could catch the bus before it departed. I finally arrived at the correct place but watched all four buses leave. I stood at the roadside trying to wave them down, dripping wet. Beyond belief by now and hungry (hangry I should say) I went into the tour office. Anyway to finish off, the lovely girl in there booked me on another tour in the afternoon. I did lose some money but really did not have the patience or energy to trek back up to Sao Jorge Castle for a refund.
As wet as it was I had a good walk along the Avenue da Liberdade. This glorious boulevard is modeled after Champs-Elysees. Many luxury boutiques line this street along with five star hotels and restaurants.
So onto Sintra for an afternoon visit to the National Palace of Sintra. The tour was meant to include Cascais and Estoril, but due to the torrential rain we only had a brief stop in Cascais.
Looking up at the National Palace of Pena through the mist.
Capturing the reflections of the balustrade on the wet tiles.
I loved the ornate ceilings inside the Palace, each room had its own story to tell.
The coats of arms of the Portuguese royal familyThe Galleys Room, depicting galleys from various countriesThe Mermaid Room or Room of the Sirens
This ceiling dates from the 17th century and is within a geometric framework of wooden red and green beams.
The Swan Room ceiling, a masterpiece of gilded woodwork and painted panels. It is decorated with 27 painted swans. A number believed to be the age of the Infanta Isabel of Portugal when she became engaged. Each swan wears a crown around its neck.
The above two photos show the ceiling of the Magpie Room. There are 136 painted magpies, each holding a red rose in its claw, and a motto “Por bem” – For Honour in its beak. The magpies are said to represent the ladies-in-waiting of the court, gossiping about King John I kissing a lady-in-waiting. Source: Sintra Palace.
Just one example of the fabulous azulejo tiles on display in the palace. Such amazing scenes depicted throughout this room.
“Only the illustrious deserve to be painted” – Francisco de Hollanda
I thoroughly enjoyed my short time in Sintra. It is such a quaint town. Despite the rain I’m happy I managed to see some of it.
All’s well that ends well as the saying goes. And that is the end of my sojourn in Lisbon. More adventures await as we travel to Faro tomorrow.
