Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Living Next To A Castle


Mouraria, Lisbon
The Siege of Lisbon took place in 1147 and the castle was won from the Moors

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Au Bonheur Des Dames


In 1988 a fire destroyed seven blocks of the historic Lisbon neighbourhood known as Chiado and most of the iconic architecture was lost for good. In this case, the stone work of a former perfume shop entranceway was rescued and placed in the new building. However, all you can find there now is Nespresso and George Clooney at the window.

Monday, February 27, 2012

Fado


Fado (destiny, fate) is a music genre which can be traced to the 1820s in Portugal. It's form of music is characterized by mournful tunes and lyrics, often about the sea or the life of the poor. The music is usually linked to the Portuguese word saudade which symbolizes the feeling of loss (a permanent, irreparable loss and its consequent life lasting damage). On November 27, 2011, Fado was inscribed in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists. (source: Wikipedia)
If you are not familiared with this kind of music, check this video of Mariza, maybe the greatest voice of the 'modern' Fado.


Mouraria, Lisbon
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This post is linked to Monday Mural

Sunday, February 26, 2012

Side Altar Dome



 Church of the Incarnation (previous post)

Saturday, February 25, 2012

Church Of The Incarnation


Like most of the buildings in Lisbon, the church was completely destroyed after the 1755 Great Earthquake. It was rebuilt in 1784.

Friday, February 24, 2012

Decay (LIV): Mouraria




Mouraria is one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Lisbon. After the conquest of the city to the Moors (Mouros) by King Afonso I in the 12th century, the Moorish people were confined to this area, hence the name. Currently it must be the most multicultural place in Lisbon, its inhabitants are mainly immigrants mostly from African and Asian countries. Apart from some peripheral buildings, the whole neighbourhood is decaying!
I have never walked these streets before and, although it might not be the safest place in town to explore, I have to come back to this labyrinth with more time as the photo opportunities are endless.

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Tibetan New Year


Tibetans celebrated New Year yesterday. However, "the Tibetan government in exile has called on Tibetans in the country to boycott any celebrations." - check the BBC video.
Friends of the Free Tibet movement gathered in Lisbon to write supporting messages on paper prayer flags to be sent to Dharamsala, the centre of the Tibetan exile world in India.

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

A Bunch Of Swallows And A Cat


Ceramic works by Rafael Bordallo Pinheiro (1846-1905) at the City Museum building, Lisbon

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Mermaids And Tritons


City Museum (Pimenta Palace), Lisbon

Monday, February 20, 2012

Azarujinha Beach


São João do Estoril

Sunday, February 19, 2012

Under An Olive Tree


Stone benches at the Empire Square, Lisbon

Saturday, February 18, 2012

Bright Colours


Downtown Oeiras

Friday, February 17, 2012

"500 Years Of Diplomatic Relations"


Gift from the Kingdom of Thailand to Portugal at Jardim do Ultramar (Overseas Park), Lisbon

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Decay (LIII)


Belém, Lisbon

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Lisbon Sunset


I recently read something I never thought about and it's quite obvious (LOL!):
 "Lisbon is the only european capital where you can watch the sun set over the sea". 

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Fake Snail And Real Peahen


Giant ceramic snail by Rafael Bordallo Pinheiro (1846-1905) at the Bordallo Pinheiro Garden, Lisbon

Monday, February 13, 2012

'Bacalhoeiro'


Cool restaurant on the second floor of a very old building in downtown Lisbon
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This post is linked to Monday Mural

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Saturday, February 11, 2012

Someone Is Dressing Trees


Carcavelos

Update: A friend told me about 'their' page on Facebook.

Friday, February 10, 2012

Fernando Pessoa


Poets Park, Oeiras

Fernando Pessoa (1888-1935): one of the most significant literary figures of the 20th century and one of the greatest poets in the Portuguese language.

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Oeiras Mother Church


Destroyed by the 1755 Earthquake, rebuilt (and enlarged) in 1777

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Wind


Carcavelos Beach

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Decay (LII)



 Nova Oeiras

Monday, February 6, 2012

Ceramic Lady


City Museum (Pimenta Palace), Lisbon

Sunday, February 5, 2012

More Aloe


Downtown Oeiras

Aloe arborescens is everywhere. This species blooms once a year around Christmas and the flowers last for a couple of months more.

Saturday, February 4, 2012

The Siberian Cold Wave Has Arrived


Downtown Oeiras Park

Temperatures have dropped to -11ºC at night in some places up north. Fortunatelly the sun keeps shining everyday but, on the other hand, the drought is already causing serious problems in agriculture.

Friday, February 3, 2012

Growth


About two months earlier:


It was a tiny Aloe when I got it years ago and it's blooming for the first time,
he's a big boy now! :-)
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For more flower shots check NixBlog's Floral Friday Photos

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Giant Bees



Bordallo Pinheiro Garden, Lisbon
Rafael Bordallo Pinheiro (1846-1905) was a Portuguese artist known for his illustrations, caricatures, sculpture and ceramics designs, and is considered the first Portuguese comics creator.

Wednesday, February 1, 2012