Thursday, April 21, 2011

more sunshine and exercise...in Constancia....

...still going up... hahhahah...... but, honestly, in hindsight, it was a very good thing that we put on as many walking miles as we did.  We enjoyed waaaay too much great food and way too many custard tarts and other yummy desserts later on ...... poor Joe fared the worst, but luckily I only gained 4 pounds.  Lost it and then... am gaining it back as I am not out walking in the snow and cold.  Roll on, warmer days.

A little chapel nearer the top.... church in background... and behind that a lovely little perfectly kept cemetery with some very old stones and crypts.


































Little houses right close to the cemetery and church....I decided the caretakers might live here.   I love to make up my own little stories as I go along.... not only while on holiday...but, pretty much everywhere.















As usual.... one or two not quite up to snuff.  Somebody needs to show up with a brush and some whitewash.  Still sturdy for sure...just needs a bit of cosmetic care....






















some old.......some new........ all so clean and lovingly cared for even though blackened from time and weathering.  Coarsely crushed light sand between the stones for walking on..... ..... some real and some artificial flowers.... and even two new bumps of pale sandy earth where someone was recently laid to rest.




















We quietly took some photos and definitely appreciated the workmanship of the stones and little vaults.....  and then began to head downhill.















Turned around to look back.... a beautiful palm ....  turned around again and this..... I'm not sure exactly what it is...but, reminds me of what we call Tulip Trees around here......     






                                                        













































Little planters along the walkways and the streets... ... flowers in all of them.....

Prickly pear cactus..















Hard to tell the size without some perspective....yikes...



















This little place looks like only half a house... how strange.....


















And, this lovely little fella (I decided it was a "he") was behind bars.  The cats roamed freely...but, this did seem to be the fate of most dogs.  Small, tiled areas to hang out in.  Only saw one or two with bigger yards and some grass to play on. Hardly saw anybody actually walking a dog.   This little guy was just a puppy...and only wanted somebody to talk to him and pet him.  He had the softest fur...like velvet....   Several others we saw were pretty loud and probably wanted a taste of Canadian back(side) bacon. Probably they were just frustrated.



7 comments:

Norma Soulet (AZArtist) said...

Hi Vee,

Love all the photos! I can see you really enjoyed your trip. :)

Hugs and I posted some Easter postcards on my blog if you would like to visit.
Happy Easter!

Creations by Marie Antoinette and Edie Marie said...

OMG VEE!!!
So quint and beautiful.
Your pictures are outstanding dear!!! The flowers and cati!!!
I'm so happy you got to go to Portugal.
This way we can feel that we were along for the ride...LOL... maybe a few drinks. You can get parched walking up them ther hills,
Happy Easter Love,
Marie Antionette

Felted House said...

What beautiful light and blue skies! I could so do with a holiday but will look forward to one in the summer - a British seaside one - wonder what the weather will be like, possibly not as sunny as yours! Just wanted to say thanks so much for your message about Archie recently - it was a terrible thing to happen but it does help to know people care xx

Jennifer Rose said...

awww poor puppy :(

those are huge cacti!! o.0

Unknown said...

Magnolia is the beautiful tree. I love the pictures as usual.
Must go on....next please. Maa

Susan said...

Gorgeous architecture.
Such a visually pretty place, flowers in the planters and walkways.
That cacti is huge!

sandy said...

You amassed a lot of great photos...wonderful tour of where you went - and the dog at the bottom ...so adorable.