Saturday, June 30, 2012

Light Show


Portuguese tiles slide show/projection on the building façades at the Cascais Town Hall Square

Friday, June 29, 2012

Another Blooming Air Plant


Unidentified Tillandsia from my collection
*
This post is linked to Floral Friday Photos

Thursday, June 28, 2012

Sardines


Tiny souvenir shop at Alfama district, Lisbon

As I mentioned on the previous St. Anthony popular (pre-)party posts, eating grilled sardines on the streets is a must. Therefore, the sardine has become Lisbon's June symbol.

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

The Passenger


Lisbon-Oeiras-Cascais railroad

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Expected 40+ºC Today


Queen's Beach at Cascais

Monday, June 25, 2012

Ossuaries



Oeiras Cemetery

A body is first buried in a temporary grave; then, after some years, the skeletal remains are removed and placed in a small crypt to save space. However, I don't think this is mandatory as old gravestones can be seen among the 'new' ones. And, of course, there are the mausoleums too.
*
This post is linked to Taphophile Tragics

Sunday, June 24, 2012

Casa de Santa Maria


Santa Marta Cove, Cascais

Formerly a private house built in 1902, it is now open to the public after some restoration thanks to the Cascais council who has recently purchased it.

Saturday, June 23, 2012

Lisbon Harbour


As seen from Le Chat café

Friday, June 22, 2012

Trichocereus sp.



The largest blooms in my cacti collection
*
This post is linked to Floral Friday Fotos

Thursday, June 21, 2012

"ArteMar" Project




Art works on the Cascais-Estoril sea promenade

1- "Catch me" (giant lobster trap) by Fernando Almeida
2- "Woonden Leg XXL" by Peter Gilbert
3- "Horizon Line" by Pedro Léger Pereira

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Jacaranda Blooms At Her Feet


Small park next to the National Museum of Ancient Art, Lisbon

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

"Unseen"



I love her as an actress but I had no idea she is also a photographer. And a very good one. I have especially enjoyed the Mexico series.


Cascais Cultural Center

Monday, June 18, 2012

European H.O.G. Rally 2012





12.000 bikers (Harley Owners Group) gathered for a 4 days party in Cascais (14-17 June)

Saturday, June 16, 2012

(The Afternoon Before) The Largest Popular Festivity In Lisbon: St. Anthony Day's Eve, June 13 (4 of 5)



Once Saint Anthony is also the matchmaker, boys are supposed to offer their girlfriends potted 'manjericos' (basil 'greek') decorated with colourful paper carnations and small flags with popular love quotes.
Alfama district, Lisbon
More information on post #1

Friday, June 15, 2012

(The Afternoon Before) The Largest Popular Festivity In Lisbon: St. Anthony Day's Eve, June 13 (3 of 5)





'Saint Anthony' is having a break! :-)
Alfama district, Lisbon
Information on post #1

Thursday, June 14, 2012

(The Afternoon Before) The Largest Popular Festivity In Lisbon: St. Anthony Day's Eve, June 13 (2 of 5)



Female inhabitants of the Alfama district, still not wearing their costumes but all made up for the evening parade.
Information on the previous post.

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

(The Afternoon Before) The Largest Popular Festivity In Lisbon: St. Anthony Day's Eve, June 13 (1 of 5)





Alfama district, Lisbon

The month of June is party time in Lisbon! One of Portugal’s most popular saints, Santo António (Saint Anthony of Padua), was a Fransiscan friar canised by the Catholic Church in record time, one year after his death (on June 13, 1232). Many miracles have been attributed to him and he is considered a protector of the souls of purgatory, guardian of good marriages, defender of animals, healer, and advocate of lost objects. On the eve of June 13th Lisbon (and in all of Portugal) turns into one big party, the craziest night of the year! (The Lisbon Connection)

The night is filled with parades, live music, dancing and eating on the streets: grilled sardines, pepper salad, red wine and sangria (lots of wine and sangria!) are a must. The places to go are the city's poor neighbourhoods, especially the centuries old district of Alfama.

I left much before the party begins, when things were still being set for the night. Can you imagine thousands of people, mostly drunk, singing and shouting going up and down these labyrinthic streets until dawn? I don't go there at night, however I had much fun in my teen years. Actually, it's a major tourist attraction and foreigners love it.

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Monday, June 11, 2012

Sunday, June 10, 2012

Volvo Ocean Race




Top: 25th of April Bridge (1966) and the Belém Tower (early 16th century) in Lisbon
Middle: Three of the six contesting teams near the Tagus River south bank
Bottom: People attending the race, a quite busy estuary

Saturday, June 9, 2012

The 70's




Apartment building at Parede

Friday, June 8, 2012

Gymnocalicyum sp.


A small cactus from my collection
*
This post is linked to Floral Friday Fotos

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Lady In White


Tivoli Hotel, Lisbon