THE CITY OF SNOW AND WOOL

Situated on the southern slopes of Serra da Estrela, the highest mountain of mainland Portugal and the only place in the country with a ski resort, the city of Covilhã is becoming the centre of urban art in its region. There is a Festival that honours Covilhã’s glorious past as one of the most important wool-producing cities in Portugal and aims to be a major urban art reference in the country. 

So, I would suggest you to join me and go on a street art tour. I think I hear some of you saying "Yes, yes!".

There are staircases linking the various levels of the hilly city but let's take a modern lift of free use.

Let's stop here for a while and admire this beautiful blue and white, tiled covered church, dating back to the 16th century.

When a building is abandoned - and since the Twenties, the number of factories has fallen from 220 to six - many artists have applied for permission to brighten their outer walls.

When I grow up I want to be happy

Now, you better ask your legs whether or not they are in a condition so as to walk farther up a steep, narrow street. I heard no objection which means let's go ahead with our tour.

Oh, look at your right side. You see a shop window with interesting displays. How about stepping into the store? No objection from anyone. Great! We meet the owner, a nice Spanish lady, married to a Portuguese architect who, a few years ago, found out this former grocery and changed it into a multi-brand store, selling exclusively Portuguese made products. The shop has kept its original name 'Tentadora' (Portuguese word for Tempter)... a name that suits the store, perfectly...

Don't you gaze up at a huge owl with tyres for eyes and old car parts for feathers. It was created four years ago by the Portuguese urban artist Bordallo II. Is the owl an omen???

I wonder how your feet must be aching. Shoes, like art, aren't always designed to make you feel comfortable.

Prior to heading back to our starting point, the main square, keep your eyes wide open and see what is surrounding us...

We are now at the main square...

Time to wave farewell to the city👋

 ~~ I was very pleased to have you touring with me ~~

CHRISTMAS SEASON IS OVER....

In Portugal, like in many countries, Kings' Day falls on January 6. This day represents the official end of Christmas celebrations, when it's finally appropriate to take down the lights and decorations.In some areas you may notice nothing different at all locally, however, in others, some traditions are still alive.
 I had the opportunity to take part in what we call a Kings' parade that went throughout a small town named Tortosendo, located on the slope of Serra da Estrela, Portugal's highest mountain in the country. 

It was already late in the evening when the parade arrived at the same place from where it had departed: the Town's main church.

This time is also another excuse to eat Bolo Rei (King Cake) a sweet cake with a hole in the centre, filled with dried and candied fruits. 

There is a custom to eat pomegranate because the huge amount of seeds and juice in the fruit represents wealth. In some regions, people suck the first three seeds that are traditionally placed in the drawer where money is kept, the second batch of three goes into the bread drawer and the third is thrown into the fire. Why all the seed stashing? To keep money, food and warmth coming all year of course.  Some people even wrap three seeds in foil and keep them in their wallets. I have never done it. Would you?

~~ Thanks for stopping by ~~

A PORTUGUESE VILLAGE NAMED BY THE ROMANS

On the way...

Ferro is a  Portuguese village, the human settlement of which dates  from the Roman times. It's located in the Central Region of Portugal. The Romans are said to have named the village after the Latin word Ferrum. 


Let's wander throughout this village, far from the bustling city life. Time flies slowly, people ignore what being in a hurry means...

Nowadays. we can still find  several remains from those times, such as Menirs. Reading the word Menir, I guess your  mind goes immediately to Obelix, from the comic book Astérix, who used the huge stones to defeat the Romans!  

The cross is pointing to the north

Cherries play an important role in the local economy. There are over 60 cherry-producing family farms. These cover a total area that makes it be Portugal's largest cherry orchard....

As the sky began to be painted with the glowing colours of the sunset, I waved farewell to this tiny yet attractive village....

~~ Thanks for stopping by ~~

~~ Have a Very Happy 2019 ~~