Goodness, it’s a long time since I’ve written a medley! So, what have you missed? After Peneda-Gerês we had a quiet week or so, recovering, and then catching up with friends. Saving our energy for the excitement of Tavira Day on 24th June and a weekend of fun. The town went all out this year, with fireworks and a free concert featuring Calema, a well known Portuguese band. They attracted a huge audience of all ages, most of whom knew all the words and sang along. I hummed a bit and applauded loudly!

The colours were a little gaudy this year, but there were some nice musical notes and instruments. The ‘coreto’, or bandstand, was a study in black and white, and the trestle tables were set up for food every evening, with fireworks preceding the big day.

June was seriously hot this year, so walking has been pretty much confined to the beach. Often with the feet in the sea. There is nowhere more wonderful to cool off than our barrier islands. Love Tavira though I do, it was the islands that I fell for, hook, line and sinker when we first came here. I mean, truthfully, can you offer better than this?

A favourite expedition is to take the ferry from Olhão to Culatra. The islands have their own character and, generally speaking, don’t bend the knee to the God of tourism. In other words, they can be a little ragged around the edges. They are, after all, the homes of fisherfolk who make their living from the sea, and the evidence of this is everywhere. The beauty is always there, for those who look.

After walking along the beach we choose a restaurant to stop for lunch, and perhaps amble through some of the narrow alleyways between the cottages. If it’s not too fiercely hot! The outing starts and ends on the quayside at Olhão, but sometimes we wander through the town’s charismatic streets or around the marina. The latter is definitely well groomed for tourists, but with an outlook like this, why wouldn’t you take advantage? The sleepy back streets are simply beguiling.

Some of the doors are so full of character, you just gaze in admiration. I seldom have time to take part in Dan’s Thursday Doors but, if I did, these two would take centre stage.

What’s left to share? It’s easy to lose track of time. I’ll finish with a bit of nonsense! The Verão em Tavira summer programme got off to a flying start with a performance called Lampshades.

Giant inflatables invaded our city! Honestly, we didn’t know what to expect and hung around optimistically, waiting for something to happen. And then it did! With a fanfare of music they paraded across the bridge, gesticulating and waving to the gaping audience. We couldn’t quite believe our eyes, but they were happy to engage with the crowd and a good time was had by all.

And now I’d better introduce some walks. But before I do, let there be cake! ( darkly mysterious, Toblerone cake)

No, she’s not a cake fairy! I simply remembered the musical performances in our churches all summer. Hopefully you will spot a few squares for Becky, too. She’s #SimplyRed this month. Plenty of time to join in.

Now, let’s take to the Channel with Anabel!

Channel Islands Part 4: walking on Guernsey and Sark

Vancouver- everyone’s favourite destination? I’d love to see it, Alice :

Spending the day on Granville Island

Not a blog that I often feature, but I thought that you might enjoy this :

Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk Albury

I do share Eunice sometimes, especially when she’s by a canal :

A walk to Ashton Basin

And when Sarah takes me to the beautiful island of Sicily, I couldn’t be happier (unless I was there myself!)

Exploring Ortigia, the ancient heart of Syracuse

I.J. seems perfectly happy to be revisiting Bhutan :

A stroll with the herd

While Rupali’s found perfect hiking in Norway :

Listening to local people is beneficial

And you all know that Jim loves hiking the English Lake District :

Allen Crags and Seathwaite Fell, from Seathwaite

People do share some extraordinary walks with me. Don’t miss this one, from Carol!

A First for Two of Us

Many thanks, everyone, for the good wishes for Michael and, of course, for the walks. Tonight we have a jazz quintet in town (and maybe more cake!) Have a great week and I’ll catch up soon.