Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Talisman, Fire Island


Talisman beach, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

I'm home.
I haven't posted a Long Island photo in so long, I thought I should to keep up with the local beauty.

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

on the balcony


on the balcony, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

Sunrise from the Lisbon balcony.
I'm back home but already missing the early morning coffee on the balcony.

Sunday, October 10, 2010

decorated crab plate


decorated crab plate, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

This plate was attached to a wall at a ceramic shop. The town is Sangres, Portugal, at the very south-westerly end of Portugal, the town from which Vasco di Gama sailed across the Atlantic.

Friday, October 08, 2010

Palace of Estoi


Palace of Estoi, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

Estoi, Portugal on the Algarve coast, this is a government run Pousada, restored palace.
See the information below!

Ceiling in the Palace of Estoi

One of the Pousadas of Poutugal, this is an old palace which has been remodeled and updated.

In the city of Estoi, read about it here!

Portugal has government owned Pousadas that are now luxury hotels, at a discount for senior citizens, over 60, in the off-season period.

This has been, and continues to be, a wonderful vacation in Portugal!

~~~

Sunday, October 03, 2010

selling in Nazaré

selling in Nazaré, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

This older woman was selling dried figs and nuts in Nazaré, Portugal. It's an older fishing village with lots of character. One item they sell here is barnacles. They collect them from the sea, then cook them, and peel and eat. I haven't tried them yet but I know on Long Island, we scrape them off the bottom of the boat. I'll have to try them before I leave.

Another woman was selling fresh figs which are in season here in this area of Portugal. Nothing is sweeter than fresh ripe figs! Now I know why my grandparents, from southern Italy, grew fig trees in Brooklyn. The difference is that in Brooklyn, the trees needed to be protected in winter. They were pulled over, wrapped in tar paper and covered with a bucket. Sounds crazy? Well, I guess you just have had to been there....... Ripe figs are delicious!

Nazaré


Nazaré, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

The fishing village of Nazaré, not far from Lisbon, Portugal.

Bicycles in Lisbon


Bicycles in Lisbon, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

This could be any US city, but it's Lisbon, Portugal.

The city has hills like San Francisco and a tram or trolley. Some of the buildings are much older since this is Europe, but there are modern buildings also.

The people are very friendly and we're having a good time speaking with the locals. From our experience here, they are happy to practice their English and we are using our limited Spanish and learning some Portuguese words. No problems what-so-ever understanding each other.

The Portuguese language is not what I expected. Some words look like Spanish and are familiar to me but it sounds very different, more like Greek or Russian (to my very untrained ear. Forgive me if this comment shows my ignorance! I'm not a language student.)

It's fun to travel and learn the differences and similarities that make us all human!

Lisbon Laundry


Lisbon Laundry, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

As in most cities of Europe, people dry laundry in the fresh air. This is a common European city scene.

Electricity is expensive and drying outdoors is so much more practical. How wasteful we are, drying in the electric or gas fueled clothes dryer!

Saturday, October 02, 2010

Fatima Sanctuary, Portugal

We are still traveling through Portugal, today going to towns of Fatima and Obidos.
Fatima's statue, "Our Lady of Fatima" has much significance for many who make the long journey to see this holy place.

See this link for more information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Our_Lady_of_Fátima

Chiado


Chiado, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

The view from our apartment, renting through VRBO (vacation rentals by owner).

Friday, October 01, 2010

Castelo dos Mouros


Castelo dos Mouros, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

A castle in the hilltops, it's all climbing and steps to the top. They didn't tell you that in the guidebooks! It was a good workout and the view was spectacular!

Castle of the Moors: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castle_of_the_Moors

Lisbon building facade

The facade (or façade, in French) of many buildings, includes a balcony, tile work and some graffiti!

No Photoshop work on this photo. I'm working on my laptop in Portugal and have been using Picasa for edits.

Thursday, September 30, 2010

sardines


sardines, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

One of the frequent items on the menu, sardines are eaten by many people in Lisbon. Usually they are fried and served with rice and french fries. Where's the veggies?

Metro in Lisbon


Metro Lisbon, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

Lisbon, Portugal

We've taken the Metro just about everywhere. Easy to use and clean, makes me wonder why we can't do this in Manhattan!

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Lisbon, Portugal


lisbon trams, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

This traveling Long Island woman is now in Portugal. Lisbon is a wonderful city and a real surprise to new visitors. Prices are reasonable and the food is good. The people are wonderful and are very friendly. Photos will be posted of this beautiful country, for the next few weeks.

Saturday, September 25, 2010

Bayport House Tour, October 17th, 2010


The Bayport 24th Autumn House Tour will take place on
Sunday, October 17, 2010.
1 pm to 5 pm

Tickets, $25, go on sale Friday, October 1st at Country Junque on Middle Road in Bayport
and the Bayport-Blue Point Library.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

In-laws


In-laws, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

My husband's siblings came to visit from Indiana and Pennsylvania. It was a fun week and it gave him a rare opportunity to connect with his family.

Friday, September 10, 2010

Long Island Duck


Long Island Duck, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

Photo © Alida Thorpe. All rights reserved. Photo cannot be used without permission and consent.

Look for this photo in a new cookbook, coming out in November.
One Big Table by Molly O'Neill will have photos and recipes from around the world.

Friday, September 03, 2010

beach walk


beach walk, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

An older photo, I was looking for this on flickr and realized I never posted it. (I'm working on a project of beach photos for a person who wants to decorate their home with a beach theme.) Don't know whether or not this will work.
What do you think? Is this something you would hang in your home?