The small fishing town of Alhandra, which I reached by train, was the start point for my walk along a new pathway that links two towns: Alhandra and the industrial town of Vila Franca, both located by the river Tagus. In fact, since then I have already done it once again as on the first time, the sky was not very clear.
As you walk through the town you easily notice remnants of the fishing activity in the past. To be precise, I would add that some elder men are still engaged in the activity. I saw not many but a few of them...
On the other hand, you will see houses that draw your attention for their old-style façades.
Are you wondering why I am posting about a walkway, usually with no particular characteristics. Well, the pictures will show you the uncommon characteristics that have made me share some of the photos I took during my two walks. I have no idea of the distance in between the benches along the walkway but each and every of them has something like a concrete screen on which we see graffiti related to the respective spot. The photo below, shows the first bench and the start of the pathway that coincidently is a stretch of the trail from Lisbon to Fatima and simultaneously part of the Portuguese trail of the St. James' Way.
The walkway follows the banks of the Tagus River for all the time. More or less half way, there is an elevator. If you take it, as I did, you can enjoy a panoramic view over the river and the whole area.
As I reached the end of the walkway, I saw a bright, geometric, waterside building, 26 meter high, located by the river and facing old buildings. It's the new library at the industrial town of Vila Franca. I got into it, had rest at the café while read a magazine.
As I reached the end of the walkway, I saw a bright, geometric, waterside building, 26 meter high, located by the river and facing old buildings. It's the new library at the industrial town of Vila Franca. I got into it, had rest at the café while read a magazine.
If you want to give a look at all the benches and more, I would suggest you to view the slideshow ...
~~ ENJOY THE LAST WEEK OF THIS MONTH ~~
~~ THANKS FOR STOPPING BY ~~
I came earlier and enjoyed the colors, the buildings, the sea air (which I could almost but not quite smell). So much richness in this lovely spot. But of all these, my favorite is the picture of the man repairing nets. I cannot see his face but I know it is strong and weathered. Perhaps he has a ready smile.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your journey with me.
Hi Benni! Actually it's not the sea but the Tagus river.It's so wide at that area that it's hard to believe it's not a sea. In fact, the estuary is called Mar da Palha (Sea of Straw - so-called for the windmills that ground wheat on the southern shore).
DeleteHaving you following me is always a pleasure. Thank you!
A very enjoyable walk, I was glad to accompany you. I like how they have made the path out of the same material used in sport stadiums. I really liked all the painted murals behind each bench, and also how you tried to echo each one with a 'real' scene. Very clever!! I really like the photo of the dog sleeping in the sun.
ReplyDeleteHi Mitch! Recently, paths in Portugal are made out of that material. I have no idea about the reason but I guess it has to do with its durability. As I wanted to make the post a bit more appealing to viewers, I thought I should add those images, one of the reasons to walk it twice and wait until I could shoot what I had on my mind...
DeleteThanks for joining me... A true pleasure, as always!
Thanks
Beautiful journey...I'm only wondering about the winter time in your country...Everything is green, flowers and what a calm weather. Above all I like a stunning water reflection of boats and many others things...I'm sure you enjoyed it...
ReplyDeleteHi Viera! Well, this year the weather has been unstable, somehow, though the temperature has not reached low degrees. At this moment (7:00am) it's 10ºC. Nice and calm scenery as you walk along that pathway. When you come over here again, I'll be pleased to walk alonh it together with you...
DeleteThanks for visiting and commenting...have a nice day!
I keep one eye on the fly tickets...:-)
DeleteGreat, Viera! Pls keep doing it!
DeleteThat was my first visit to Vila Franca de Xira, Isabel. My favourite mural was the one of the white dog. I wait for the day when I can have a dog running around. Did you ever have a dog ?
ReplyDeleteHi Dai! I hope this will encourage you to walk some day in the future along that pathway. At my parents' there were always dogs: I remember well one of a Portuguese breed named Serra da Estrela and a Pekingese, the latter very much loved by my youngest sister.
DeleteWhat fabulous bench art! I loved your personal touch with matching up the scenes, lol! The water reflections were wonderful, and the houses [as always!] so pretty. That was a wonderful walk, I enjoyed all the photos so much!
ReplyDeleteHi Monica! I really appreciate your visits and quality comments here on my blog... Many thanks!
DeleteHi Belita, another lovely walk about, the photos and video are fabulous as usual. it is good to see you are enjoying doing what you love.
ReplyDeleteI am just popping in for a short time today. I really do have to try and water the garden a bit later when it cools down. This crazy weather is driving everyone nuts.
Huggles.
Hi Shayna! Walking by the riverside brings some tranquillity that makes one feel good. I sincerely hope the weather will change for better at your place.
DeleteThanks for visiting. Hugs back at you, Shayna!