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
This is a challenge hosted by Dan from No Facilities.
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As my brother is working in Portugal I thought I would take the opportunity to visit him. He booked us into a two bed apartment just down the hill from the infamous funicular. During the day I was left to my own devices, meeting up for dinner at night. I’m quite happy to take tours on my own or follow google maps to explore this beautiful city.
I found a cute little cafe just a minute from the apartment to start the day with coffee and breakfast.
I worked out a walking plan and started down the hill. At the bottom I spied a hop on bus which I jumped on right away. Looking at the map I intended to alight at the Jeronimos Monastery. When I looked at the queue, I realised there was no way I was going to line up for an hour in the sun. I decided a different plan was called for.
I carried on walking towards the water front and through a beautiful park. The song Perfect was being played by a girl with a flute which could be heard all through the park.
The amazing Monument to the Discoveries came into view, looking dramatic against the blue sky. I took a few photos of the figures on the side and it was only when I looked up I saw people at the top. I decided to join them and bought a ticket, no queues this time. An elevator takes you up six floors and then there are stairs to the top. Well worth the price of the €10 ticket.
This monument is located on the banks of the Tagus River. It is shaped like the bow of a caravel, standing at 184 ft tall. The leading figure is Prince Henry the Navigator and followed by 32 other significant figures from that era. (The Age of Discovery during the 15th and 16th Centuries).
Ajuda National Palace and Jeronimos Monastery.
In the basement of this monument is a cultural centre which showcases various exhibits over the centuries. I enjoyed all the murals on display here.
Feeling peckish by now I headed back into the Old Town and looked for a traditional Portuguese cafe for lunch. I found the perfect place.
I didn’t think I could go wrong with a traditional dish of grilled sardines and a glass of Vino Verde.
With still time to go, I caught another bus up to the castle. It was too late to go in. I’ll try again tomorrow.
View from the top of Sao Jorge Castle
Out for dinner
A fabulous first day exploring the sights and streets of Lisbon. With so much to do it’s impossible to see everything in a few days. I am going to do my best.
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During our time in Hong Kong we caught a bus to Aberdeen. We hadn’t been to Aberdeen in over twenty years and was surprised at how nice the new promenade was.
Aberdeen dates back to the Ming Dynasty, and was originally known as Hong Kong. When the first foreigners landed they thought this town was the whole island. Even after they discovered this wasn’t the case, the name still stuck. The name Aberdeen comes from George Hamilton-Gordon, 4th Earl of Aberdeen, The former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (1852-1855).
Aberdeen is still a thriving fishing harbour with many people living on their boats.
During our stay in Hong Kong there was a “Pandamic”, advertised as a “Pandastic event”. We saw hundreds of these being blown up in Hong Kong Harbour. I couldn’t work out how this related to Christmas.
We walked along the promenade and noticed a ferry that was about to depart for Lamma Island. This was another place that we hadn’t been to since we had left Hong Kong. So without further ado, we jumped on board and sailed away.
We reached Lamma around lunchtime and meandered along the seafront looking for a place to eat. Many of the restaurants only serve seafood, mostly local cuisine. We opted for one that served Western also.
After lunch we had a wander up and down the seafront. Lamma is a fairly large island with many hiking trails. Young local Chinese often camp overnight here.
Dragon Boats are human powered watercraft and generally made from Teak. Dragon Boating is a popular pastime in Hong Kong, there is even a public holiday for this event.
If you are ever in Hong Kong and want to escape the busy city life, here is a fantastic way to see another side of Hong Kong. It’s a great day trip and easy to do. Ferries leave from Central, Hong Kong Island and Aberdeen regularly. Many people who visit HK miss out on these smaller side trips. They are not advertised much internationally but are very popular with local Hong Kong people. Ferries go back and forth regularly, both from Central and Aberdeen. The islands of Hong Kong and Country Parks are lush and verdant, which is a surprise to many.
During all the times we have been to Macau, we have never visited the famous casinos. This is something that has been on my list for a while.
Macau’s economy relies heavily on gambling. Macau has 61 casinos of which the biggest is The Venetian Macau. It’s surprising to note that Macau is the gambling capital of the World, the hotels and casinos are much larger for one thing.
Walking back from dinner on our first night, we passed by the MGM. So we stepped inside to take a look. There were several sculptures of lions, on display. As everyone knows the lion is the symbol of MGM.
I loved the amazing detail of these lions, there were many more too.
Neither of us are gambling types which is fortunate, otherwise the temptations would be too great!
The artwork at the MGM is stunning, I could have stayed a night or two here quite happily. It felt more like a museum than a hotel.
Most of the casinos are located in Taipa and the three biggest are The Venetian, The Parisian and The Londoner. We managed The Venetian and The Londoner, but our senses were overwhelmed and we didn’t get to The Parisian. I did feel as if I had visited three cities in one day.
The Venetian in Macau was built to replicate The Venetian in Las Vegas. To say it is astounding would be an understatement. My first impressions on walking to the canals section were that the weather had improved and turned warmer. Realising that it was in fact a false ceiling, I had the feeling I was an extra on The Truman Show.
It was a Sunday the day we visited and also a festive holiday and the crowds were out in force. When I looked up I was momentarily confused as to what the dark holes in the sky were. I thought at first they were drones. I have to say it was very disconcerting.
I’ve now been to Venice!
As we left The Venetian, I looked up to see the striking ceiling, with such complex designs.
The Houses of Parliament from The Londoner in the background.
The Houses of Parliament and Big Ben at The Londoner
After a while Anthony said he had to get out, it was getting to be claustrophobic! They don’t make it easy though to find an exit, everywhere just seemed to lead to more labyrinths.
Before heading over to The Londoner I managed to take a couple of photos of the Eiffel Tower at The Parisian.
We stopped for a drink at one of the many cafes inside and watched The Changing of the Guards.
Big Ben
I enjoyed visiting The Londoner, the architecture is unbelievable. I can’t imagine how it would be to stay in a place like this. For one, the cost would be extortionate and also I think it would feel too overwhelming.
I’m happy that we visited some of the casinos but I doubt we would go back, Macau has so much more to offer. If you visit and want to see some fabulous art, I would suggest one of the big casinos.
Last week we caught up with Anthony’s brother and wife for a few days in Bangkok. Having been here many times before, there was no need to be a tourist. I had booked us into the Chatrium Riverside Hotel with a fantastic view over the Chao Phraya River. Staying by the river is a wonderful way to see Bangkok, as most hotels have their own river boat. The ferries run all day to Sathorn Pier and from here you can take other boats or walk a short distance to the station.
City and river views from our room
Our first morning was spent catching up over a lengthy breakfast, watching the river transport.
After breakfast we took the river ferry over to the Iconsiam. A massive shopping mall, not with just shops but also artwork, fountains, waterfalls and many restaurants.
It was the King’s Birthday today plus Father’s Day, so we expected crowds. It wasn’t as bad as we feared and we had the ferry almost to ourselves.
Outside and inside the Iconsiam was absolute mayhem, people milling around and taking photos and generally blocking the way! Didn’t expect anything less being a public holiday.
Not your traditional tree!
The basement has a floating market with many hawker type stalls. It’s also where all the Thai style handicrafts are located. I did manage to pick up a few Christmas presents.
I wanted to see the waterfall on the third floor, which drops from the middle of the ceiling and changes colour as it falls. This was spectacular and a feat in architectural design.
For lunch we snagged an outside table overlooking the river and ate while we watched the different boats go up and down.
Taking the same route back to the hotel, we had more of a wait for connecting ferries.
These guys don’t hang around and it’s a swift turnaround. You have to be quick on your feet to jump on and off! But no complaints as it’s a free service.
A new suitcase for me, plus goodies inside for Anthony. I’ll have no trouble at the carousel looking for my case.
We had a quick rest before heading down for a seafood buffet. The weather was perfect, with a light breeze making it possible to sit outside. For me it’s still quite hot, but you see many of the Thai people with hoodies and sweatshirts on as it is Winter.
The next day we took it easy around the beautiful pool, catching some rays and swimming a few laps.
Our last evening was spent on a nearby rooftop bar drinking champagne and watching the sunset.
There is plenty to do in Bangkok, from visiting the temples, just browsing the many shops or taking a leisurely cruise along the river. Also with many different cuisines you can eat cheaply at the hawker stalls or fine dine if that’s your thing. Bangkok is a wonderful city to stop over for a short break.
For Monochrome Madness this week, Sarah from Travel with Me, has challenged us to find leading lines in our photos.
“Leading lines are a compositional technique that uses lines in a photograph to guide the viewer’s eye towards the subject. They can be natural or man-made, and can be straight, curved, horizontal, vertical, or diagonal. Leading lines can create a sense of movement and depth, and can be used to direct the viewer’s focus, create balance, and tell a story“.
I’ve thoroughly scoured my archives to see if I had anything along these lines (excuse the pun!).
I wouldn’t have necessarily taken a photo because of the lines, these just become apparent after viewing. I will now try and implement this technique.
It’s something I’ve come to appreciate on these challenges, I find out more and more about different ways of taking photos.
Climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge is a popular tourist attraction. For the more adventurous and not something I’ve ever felt inclined to do! I prefer looking up at the ant like characters at the top.
Quiet street in Luang Prabang, mostly bikes. Such a peaceful road.
I decided to change things up this time for our family holiday in Bali. Four days in peaceful Benoa and four days in lively Legian.
It was extremely late by the time we arrived due to a delayed departure. The lobby was large and spacious with enormous high ceilings. Checking in took a while but we were finally given our keys and taken to our rooms. We were assigned interconnecting rooms for Elena, Damian and the kids, and an upgrade for myself and Anthony. There are two parts to the Novotel and the block we were staying in was across the road and away from the beach. I was disappointed to start but after the first night was feeling quite happy with this arrangement. It seemed less busy and the adult and kids pools were just below us.
I had a great night’s sleep, but Anthony said it was too noisy for him. When I stepped onto the balcony I realised that we were very near the road.
The road doesn’t look too busy in this shot, but the bikes are a big problem!
Breakfast was served in the beach block across the road. This is manned by two attendants who try their hardest to stop the traffic. The bikes especially just drove around them and the cars mostly ignored them!
The above photos show some of the artwork on display around the Novotel.
A buffet was on offer serving up all kinds of traditional food plus fresh fruit. There was an egg station plus waffles, pancakes and donuts for the kids. Something for everyone.
Over the next four days, we swam in the ocean, played in the pools and relaxed. We found some fabulous restaurants for dinner but stayed at the hotel for lunch.
One day we took a tour on a glass bottomed boat to Turtle Island. The kids loved the boat. Out at sea was exceptionally busy with all kinds of activities. I thought I had seen most water sports, but all of a sudden we saw a flying lilo with someone holding on for dear life.
The sea here is tidal so the optimum time for swimming was around 1 pm. Anthony and I swam every day, but the kids preferred the pools. There is a forest of seaweed, undulating beneath the sea and I wasn’t keen on swimming over this. The feeling of feathery tendrils sweeping your legs was most disconcerting.
Waiting patiently for the tide to come in
Some more of the sculptures around the hotel
One of the things we enjoy about Bali is the food, always tasty and full of flavour. Unlike the others I prefer something not too spicy, whereas they all have a dish of sambal on the side.
Some of the dishes we ate. The top dish is called Rijsttafel, a Dutch word that translates to Rice Table. It consists of many (forty is not an unusual number) side dishes served in small portions, accompanied by rice prepared in several different ways. Popular side dishes include egg rolls, sambals, satay, fish, fruit, vegetables, pickles, and nuts. Source: Wikipedia. One of Anthony and Elena’s favourites.
Family dinners were not complete without Ipads and earphones. This meant we could all have a leisurely dinner. Although you couldn’t ask for better behaved munchkins.
Spot Rosie!
Last day in Benoa, ready to hit the road for Legian
See you in Legian!
Another destination was on our itinerary today and after a leisurely breakfast, we said goodbye to Alex (not Nick as previously mentioned!) and his wife packed up the car and set off. Our drive would take us on the famous Llogora Pass and even though Anthony was driving my stomach had butterflies. The road is a high mountain pass in the Ceraunian Mountains with an elevation of over a 1,000 metres and is 20 miles long. The journey takes approximately 3 hours. We would be stopping frequently though to let tail gaters pass.
We were hoping that the roads would be fairly decent, but we did come across parts of the road that were being upgraded. (as above).
My heart was in my mouth most of the time and Anthony was getting slightly irritated with my comments of “watch out!”, “you’re too close to the edge”. Stopping for lunch was a welcome break.
The Big Bunker located on the Llogara Pass. Albania has 700,000 bunkers dotted all over the country. Built during Hoxha’s reign, they were a drain on the economy and were never used for their intended purpose.
Arriving into Berat around 6 pm, we passed by the hotel and pulled over while I checked for parking. I promptly walked into a parking sign and nearly knocked myself out. A few people came over after they saw what happened, Anthony missed the whole thing and wondered why I sat down with my head in my hands. It was fortunate that the man outside the hotel saw and came to help.
On being taken up to our room, when we opened the door there was an overpowering smell of blocked sewers. I went back down and said it was impossible to stay there, the receptionist promptly found us another room, actually an upgrade but up four flights of stairs.
Berat is best known for its white Ottoman houses and is also a Unesco World Heritage city. It’s approximately 2,400 years old and is situated on the Osum River.
We were spending just one night here so dropping our bags in our room we set off exploring. Behind our hotel there was a mass of alleyways, with shops and restaurants, going up into the hills. Across the river where the houses were Berat Castle sits on top of a rocky hill. Deciding to give the castle a miss we spent the time looking around.
Walking across the bridge to the other side we walked through more alleys to find a restaurant I had looked up. It didn’t have a view but was in such a quaint garden overhung with lights on the grapevines and was perfect. There seemed to be only one oldish man running it and when I asked for the menu, he just reeled off three dishes in the quietest voice. It was then a surprise to see him take up his guitar and provide some entertainment.
Berat is well worth an overnight stay to experience the beauty of the nighttime lights of the houses.
Continuing our adventures through Albania, we set off today for Himare, along the Albanian Riviera. We had to bypass Saranda again as there is no straight road through. So we drove all the way down the mountain and then had to climb up again and down to Livadi Beach in Himare where we were staying!
We had to stop and take a photo of the shepherd and his herd.
Scenes likes this were very typical driving along the highway.
Arriving at Livadi Beach around 5pm, we located our hotel half way down the gravel track along the beach. I have to say we were a bit disappointed on first sight as it looked like a prison block. There didn’t seem to be anyone about, so I walked around the whole block and up the stairs, there was no-one in reception either. Walking down to the beach, past the bar I spotted a man lying fully clothed asleep under an umbrella. Coughing politely and waking him up I asked if he knew where the owner was, he jumped up quickly and made a call! Five minutes later his wife came from the back of the hotel and said she was trying to have a rest, obviously leaving hubby in charge! Anyway we went up to our room, which was just perfect, newly furnished with a balcony that overlooked the ocean.
We had two nights here, so a bit of R and R for Anthony after all that driving.
The beach stretched for miles and I’m glad we came just out of season, because the rows and rows of beach umbrellas told of the crowds that were expected.
There didn’t seem to be that many hotels for the amount of beds, but we saw a few campsites. Actually Livadi Beach was a beautiful tranquil place, and at night we could leave the window open and listen to the waves gently lapping against the shore.
Over the next two days Anthony got chatting to Nick “the layed laid back” husband and what his opinions were. He said most Albanians were lazy (pot/kettle came to mind) and many had left to work overseas. We hadn’t found this to be the case so far. His wife couldn’t have been a better hostess, even doing our laundry for free.
I did venture into the sea a few times, but coming out was a problem and lucky I had reef shoes. In the end I perfected my technique of digging a heel into the pebbles and launching myself forward, but it was a case of one step forward and two back. Not a graceful move.
We were told to help ourselves to drinks if there was no-one around.
The next day we drove back up to Himare Old Town, parked the car and walked up to Himare Castle.
Quite a slog for me as the paths were not even and made up of broken stones, hard on the feet. Absolutely fascinating to see how people are living within the walls of the old town and incorporating the walls into their homes. The walls date back to the 5th or 6th Century.
The aroma from the jasmine made the walk easier, taking deep breaths of perfumed air. We found the smallest cafe at the top with stunning views across Himare. The cafe and apartment where the owners lived were also incorporated into the ruins.
Below are some of the photos of the castle and surroundings.
The church of Sts. Sergius and Bacchus
This church was thought to have been constructed at the end of the 10th century or early 11th century. The murals are post-Byzantine and the colours still so vibrant.
I would definitely recommend a trip up to Himare Castle, with lunch at the top.
Back at the bottom I saw an old resident resting on a wall and couldn’t resist a shot, especially when he smiled.
Livadi Beach was perfect for a two night stop. Maybe if we ever get to visit Albania again we might try another area along the coast.
After a delicious breakfast served by Anna, the daughter-in-law of the owner, we packed our bags and left them with her so we could visit the castle. Breakfasts in Albania are normally cakes, breads and pastries, but none offer gluten free options, which is perhaps a good thing because I would be piling on the pounds. There is always a great variety of fruit and yoghurt though plus freshly made omelettes, so I didn’t starve.
Of course it was another uphill slog, but what castle worth its salt is not at the top of a hill. Gjirokaster Castle has a fascinating and also rather grim history, especially so in Hoxha’s reign. King Zog ruled Albania from 1928 until he was ousted by Mussolini in 1939. Zog was also known as a cruel dictator. Hoxha reigned from 1944 until he was toppled in 1992. It was a long and terrible time for Albanian people as we found out by visiting the castle.
There was a resistance movement during Hoxha’s reign but any opposition to the harsh rules were met with severe retribution, including internal exile, long-term imprisonment and execution. During his forty-year reign, the Albanian leader banned religion, forbade travel and outlawed private property.
The castle is also known as “The Seven Windows Prison” of which there are five below. The guards used to go into these cells each morning and bang iron frames on the windows to check they were secure. The noise rang out over the villages below as a reminder there was no escape.
We opted also to have a walk around the museum which was an added cost, but the price was minimal and it seemed empty. In here we learnt so much more about the history and the horrors that went on, quite sobering to read. It was interesting to note that not much is written about Hoxha and what photo they did have, his face was scratched out.
It is said that the castle was originally built in the 4th century, it is the largest castle in Albania. I’m always drawn to castles because of their history and Anthony enjoys a walk around a museum reading every word printed, always adding to his extensive knowledge.
Our next destination is along the coast, part of the Albanian Riviera. There are no highways across Albania – East to West only North to South – so there is much backtracking or I have simply not planned the route well. As Anthony has no clue about where we are headed next, he won’t realise, I just tell him the planned itinerary for that day, very exciting for him!
