Author Archives: restlessjo
Z is for Zgorzelec and Zakopane
I expect some of you have heard of Zakopane, in the Tatry Mountains in Poland? Zgorzelec, maybe not, but it is a town of great significance for me. It’s the … Continue reading
G is for Grażyna
Grażyna is the daughter of Dad’s oldest living brother, my Uncle Włodek. He lives in Zgorzelec, and this post just seemed to follow on naturally from that one. Grażyna was … Continue reading
T is for the Tavira Vase
Now this may not be what you’re expecting, but I’m well aware that I’ve filled pages with the delights of Tavira, in Portugal’s Eastern Algarve. So I thought I’d dedicate … Continue reading
P is for Porto
You knew it was coming! The final post on my visit to Porto. Just one more time I’m going to take you there, and try to capture the impact it … Continue reading
O is for Olhão
From its situation on the Ria Formosa, it was always obvious that Olhão would make a fine fishing port. The town’s growth was enabled by a large spring or olho … Continue reading
I is for Ilhas
On the shoreline, simply stroll, with the tongues of water teasing and licking at your toes. Look back over your shoulder and you will see the ilha of Cabanas. I … Continue reading
W is for Warsaw
I gazed in awe at Plac Zamkowy, Castle Square, with its serene Royal Palace, barely believing that this was all reconstruction. I said that I don’t have an emotional connection … Continue reading
K is for Krakow
Polish cities have had to be masters of the art of survival. Nowhere is this better illlustrated than in Kraków, Poland’s ancient capital and seat of its kings for … Continue reading
H is for Hotel
It was when I thought back to my first ever Polish lesson that the solution became clear. I pounced with delight on the word “hotel”, leaping out of the text … Continue reading
H is for Happy Heart
I was immensely taken with the heart logo which popped up everywhere in Guimaraes in 2012. Designed by Joao Campos, it was inspired by the crenels of Guimaraes Castle and … Continue reading
G is for Guadiana
My next post seems to flow quite naturally from my recent trip across the Guadiana River. More than 800 kilometres long, if you look at it on a map it’s … Continue reading
F is for Fonte (fountain or spring)
The word “fonte” appears in many place names in Portugal. In fact, when we’re directing people to our home in Tavira, we tell them to turn off the E125 at … Continue reading
E is for Elvas, and Evora, of course
For the whole length of the River Guadiana and beyond, you can see the mighty fortresses that bear witness to Portugal’s struggles over the years with neighbouring Spain. From Castro … Continue reading
E is for Eagle, “elokwentny” and Edyta
There is a rather charming legend associated with the White Eagle. Long, long ago three brothers, Lech, Czech and Rus, left their overcrowded village in search of a new home. … Continue reading
D is for Dobry (good)
Just to prove that I have applied myself a little, I thought it would be fun to do a Polish question and answer exercise, using photographs. Co to jest? (What … Continue reading
I is for Ilhas
As you fly into Faro, often the plane will follow the coastline and dip low over the Ria Formosa, a natural habitat of salt marshes. Still, it does not really … Continue reading
D is for Douro
The River Douro rises in Spain and flows 897 km till it reaches the Atlantic at Porto. Over 100 of these kilometres form the border with Spain in a series … Continue reading
C is for Cousins
Cousins are hugely significant to me. I have a couple of English ones but they have been far outnumbered by my Polish family (apologies called for?). Almost my first correspondence … Continue reading
B is for Bełchatów
You would have to dig quite deeply on Google to find out much about Bełchatów but for me it is a very special place. It’s home to a large portion of … Continue reading
C is for Cacela Velha
There are far more important C’s in all of Portugal than this tiny smudge on the map. There’s Coimbra, Castelo Branco, or even famous Cascais on Lisbon’s doorstep. I’d love … Continue reading
B is for Beaches
Ok, it’s predictable I know, but how could I have a home in the Algarve and NOT love beaches? There’s nothing I like better than an amble along the beach, … Continue reading
