Category Archives: My Personal A to Z
O is for “okropny” and the Ojcow Valley
I arrived in Kraków expecting the beautiful Spring weather I had experienced in previous years, but it was not to be. Okropny- the Polish word for “terrible”- described it very … Continue reading
F is for Fundraising and Charities
Something that is very different from back home relates to people’s approach to charity. While in Portugal you have a few public fundraising for the main charities – which have … Continue reading
C for Corbel | By: Valentina Cirasola | Interior Designer
Welcome to my A to Z Challenge on the subject of http://myatozchallenge.com/2012/02/20/welcome-to-my-a-to-z-challenge-2/ (Corbel Arch of Septimium Severus – Rome) Korbel with a K is a California winery producing traditional Méthode … Continue reading
R is for the Rock Hyrax, our beloved Dassie
Leading up to this Easter weekend, my mind had been wondering around Easter bunnies, which got me thinking about our Rock Hyrax commonly known as the “Dassie” or Rock Rabbit. … Continue reading
Q is for the Quintessential of all trees, the Sunland Baobab Tree
I have always wanted to use the word “quintessential” but how and where, then, while I was writing an article on trees (don’t ask..), the Baobab Tree sprung to mind … Continue reading
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
T For Tub | Harold Bring The Tub | By: Valentina Cirasola Interior Designer
Above: Copper Tub – Oil Bronze Finish – Approximately: $4,000. We don’t think much of all technology we use on a daily basis and how technology has improved our lives. … Continue reading
S is for Seven Saucy, Scenic Photos of Storms River Village
If you are after some adventurous activities, look no further than Storm River Village. Set in the middle of the forest at the foothills of the Tsitsikamma Forest, this tiny … 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
