Portugal 2009 (Feb): Algarve/Alentejo

Saturday, 7 February 2009

Susan catches up on some last-minute correspondence in  the wonderful KLM  Lounge at  Pearson Airport while  we wait for our flight to Portugal.
Susan catches up on some last-minute correspondence in the wonderful KLM Lounge at Pearson Airport while we wait for our flight to Portugal.

Monday, 9 February 2009

Vila Valverde in Lagos. An interior shot at Vila Valverde from the top (third) floor, where our room is.  A lovely building - the light is terrific.
Vila Valverde in Lagos. An interior shot at Vila Valverde from the top (third) floor, where our room is. A lovely building – the light is terrific.

Tuesday, 10 February 2009

Steve catching up with some news.
Steve catching up with some news.

A great pastelaria in Lagos.
A great pastelaria in Lagos.

Almoço ao Cabo de São Vicente. Photograph taken by a very nice young Austrian woman who just climbed down the steep path near where we were having lunch.
Almoço ao Cabo de São Vicente. Photograph taken by a very nice young Austrian woman who just climbed down the steep path near where we were having lunch.

Susan is brave.
Susan is brave.

Cabo de São Vicente
Cabo de São Vicente

Petisco means tidbit or small snack and Casinha means little house, but there is nothing small about  the meals served here.  More importantly, the quality is excellent.  Almoço yesterday; jantar tonight.  The Rosa family did itself proud both times.  Highly recommended; if we return to this area, we will certainly eat here again.
Petisco means tidbit or small snack and Casinha means little house, but there is nothing small about the meals served here. More importantly, the quality is excellent. Almoço yesterday; jantar tonight. The Rosa family did itself proud both times. Highly recommended; if we return to this area, we will certainly eat here again.


Wednesday, 11 February 2009

Today's almoço as we moved from the Algarve to Alentejo.  A very satisfactory meal - the components are listed on the board.
Today’s almoço as we moved from the Algarve to Alentejo. A very satisfactory meal – the components are listed on the board.

Monte Clérigo
Monte Clérigo

Monte Clérigo
Monte Clérigo

The Rio component of Naturarte. Naturarte has two spots, 6 km apart on M532; we are staying at Rio (the other is Campo).
The Rio component of Naturarte. Naturarte has two spots, 6 km apart on M532; we are staying at Rio (the other is Campo).


Thursday, 12 February 2009

Cork. Part of the main Naturarte campus (Campo), where we have breakfast.
Cork. Part of the main Naturarte campus (Campo), where we have breakfast.

Where we had a wonderful lunch.
Where we had a wonderful lunch.

The owner and the waiter at Tasca do Celso (they are the two standing).  You will note that the owner looks quite a lot like Tommy Lee Jones, the actor!
The owner and the waiter at Tasca do Celso (they are the two standing). You will note that the owner looks quite a lot like Tommy Lee Jones, the actor!

We liked it so well, that we will return tomorrow!
We liked it so well, that we will return tomorrow!

Enjoying the sun in Vila Nova de Milfontes after almoço at Tasca do Celso.
Enjoying the sun in Vila Nova de Milfontes after almoço at Tasca do Celso.

Casa do Poente at Naturarte, #4.
Casa do Poente at Naturarte, #4.

Naturarte, Rio campus. Our  suite is around the right side (see next photograph).
Naturarte, Rio campus. Our suite is around the right side.

Susan's new series - grain, or grain-like  plants.
Susan’s new series – grain, or grain-like plants.


Friday, 13 February 2009

Steve takes a corner.
Steve takes a corner.

Offside?!?!
Offside?!?!

Cabo Sardão. Some fantistic coastline here (and all  up and down this part of Portugal).
Cabo Sardão. Some fantistic coastline here (and all up and down this part of Portugal).

It is a long way out.
It is a long way out.

It is a long way down.
It is a long way down.

Scilla monophyllos. Part of the Knowmark Plant Series.  This was taken along Rio Mira, just east of Vila Nova de Milfontes.
Scilla monophyllos. Part of the Knowmark Plant Series. This was taken along Rio Mira, just east of Vila Nova de Milfontes.


Saturday, 14 February 2009

Delivering breakfast and flowers at Naturarte-Rio on Valentine's Day, which is growing in popularity (or, at least marketed more successfully) in Portugal.
Delivering breakfast and flowers at Naturarte-Rio on Valentine’s Day, which is growing in popularity (or, at least marketed more successfully) in Portugal.