A Creative Spirit in Portugal
How do you feel about answering census questions; do you feel it is a useful exercise, a waste of money or a further intrusion into our privacy? Last Sunday the woman from our local Camara (council) delivered our form and a slip of paper with our pin number for the 2011 Portugal Census on the... Continue Reading →
Are you taking part in the WordPress Weekly Photo Challenge? This week's theme is "Spring" When I lived in the UK, the arrival of spring was heralded with wonderful displays of golden daffodils. In Portugal we have so many beautiful flowers throughout the year that when I think of spring; insects not flowers come to mind. Even... Continue Reading →
Do you experience problems with "Parking Scammers"? They are rife in Portugal and they REALLY annoy me!. It does not matter whether you park in a side road or in a free car park the "Parking Scammers" are lurking - just waiting to spring into action by directing you into a “free” parking space. “Free”... Continue Reading →
A few months ago a friend in Northern Portugal kindly sent me some Jalapeno Peppers which were excess produce from her veggie garden. She also included a simple recipe on how to pickle Jalapenos plus a variety of chili seeds so I could grow my own. I thought Christmas had come early and I’d have... Continue Reading →
When we opened our first bank account in Portugal the only thing I remember was our lawyer marching us up the road to a bank. The rest of the proceedings were a complete blur because said “proceedings” were conducted in Portuguese. Various pieces of paper were passed back and forth across the desk, our signatures... Continue Reading →
When I saw the theme for this week’s photo challenge I groaned. Usually inspiration is never far away but on this occasion maybe because my head is “muzzy” with the flu virus - my creative juices were just not flowing. It was while I was sitting in the sun pondering "refuge" and then thinking I... Continue Reading →
You can't get blood from a stone but apparently in Portugal you can get soup!The legend surrounding the recipe for Stone Soup (Sopa de pedra) has been passed down for generations. It made me smile so I thought I would share the story. Many many years ago in the Ribatejo area of Portugal a hungry... Continue Reading →
I don’t mind queueing, honestly, providing there are clear rules as to "who" goes in "what" order. Your expectations are then managed accordingly, as you stand and wait. Of course, someone will inevitably try to queue-jump. This is usually a little old Portuguese lady knee-high to a grasshopper, who with head down elbows her way... Continue Reading →
Are you taking part in the WordPress Weekly Photo Challenge? This week's theme is Curiosity. My favorite area of Lisbon is not the trendy modern development by the waterfront which houses designer shops and stylish restaurants, but the Alfama quarter with its outstanding views and medieval alleyways. On our last trip to Lisbon we wandered... Continue Reading →
I went to the local flea market on Sunday; I needed to buy some English books and Broadbean seeds. However, I was immediately distracted from my “mission” by a couple of piglets which an old Portuguese farmer was trying to sell. They do not normally sell livestock at this market so I was really surprised.... Continue Reading →
Living in a country where English is not the first language certainly takes you out of your comfort zone, especially when it comes to food shopping. Imagine walking into a supermarket and suddenly there are none of your favourite foods and familiar brands; throw the added complication of language into the mix and you may... Continue Reading →
