Tag: europe
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Ephesus – city of cats & dogs
Saturday January 31, 2026 The focus of Friday January 30 was the celebrated archeological site of the city dedicated to the goddess Artemis: Ephesus. It is hard to imagine today the importance of this port city in the ancient world. Today, it is completely landlocked the once vibrant port filled in by silt and the…
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Daybreak in Istanbul, Türkiye
Saturday January 31, 2026 Yes, dear reader, there has been a complete and total change of scene! Believe your eyes! My winter travel adventure has shifted from Portugal to the beautiful and magical land of Türkiye. Arrived in Istanbul the evening of Wednesday January 28 to meet up with my friend Mahmood from Iran. He…
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From Évora to Estoi
Sunday January 25, 2026 Yes, I’m currently “at home” in Estoi still banging on about my trip to Évora! It was well worth the journey and I plan to return. There is so much to explore including the nearby neolithic sites Almendes Cromlech and Almendes Menhir. Learning a little about the history of Évora gave…
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Évora: Past & Present
Friday January 23, 2026 Évora was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986 giving international recognition to its unique history and historical value. Its history dates back more than five milenia with its roots in an early Celtici settlement known as Ebora. The Old Town is partially surrounded by well preserved medieval walls and…
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ROAD TRIP: DESTINATION ÉVORA
Thursday January 22, 2026 Road trips in Portugal always have their ups and downs, literally! Especially when the route is N2 from Estoi to Évora. Until one reaches the Alentejo plateau, the two lane highway twists, turns and undulates its way through valleys and over narrow and high hill tops. Lots of fun! I set…
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Another Portugal Adventure
Tuesday January 06, 2026 Today is the day many Christians around the world celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany – January 6, 12 days after Christmas Day. It’s also the day traditionally attached to the three Wise Guys from the East visiting the Christ Child. No one really knows how many there were or exactly…
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Blue skies, sunshine, fresh air
Friday January 31 2025 It was a perfect day for a hike over the hills and through the verdant valleys surrounding Santa Catarina da Fonte do Bispo about a half hour drive from Estoi. Two of my neighbours in the Quinta, Harald and Guido, elected to participate in this hike organized by Kim. Perhaps you…
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PORTUGAL: Algarve winter
Welcome back to Estoi: Sunday January 19, 2025 It’s more than half-past January and I have been in Estoi a total of 24 hours. It’s wonderful to be here again and renew acquaintances and begin revisiting old haunts and make plans to visit new sites. Quinta Pé da Cruz is once again my home for…
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Of tiny roads and sheep
Tuesday August 06 2024 It was road trip day, again. The destination being Galway City with a major detour into the Dingle Peninsula and the town of the same name. I knew it would be a drive filled with dramatic views and roadside vistas. What I was unprepared for was an accidental left hand turn…
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Blarney Stone, Castle and gardens
Sunday August 04 2024 The first weekend in August is a bank holiday meaning most everyone get’s a three day weekend. So. everyone and their next door neighbour were out and about. I was up early with an evening destination of the Ouvane Falls Hotel near Bantry. So, I decided to stop at Blarney castle…
Five Feet, Nine Inches Above Ground 