Part 11 "Badajoz " Spain

BADAJOZ

                   My first time crossing the Guadiana river into Badajoz spain was in  the summer of 1974. On one of our trips to Portugal from Africa. In those times , we had to cross by ferry boat.  The ferry would take so many cars and people accross at one time.   This is the new bridge that spans the beautiful river Guadiana.   The Guadiana springs from the "Sierra Navada" North east of Granada and runs all the way to the Atlantic Ocean at the crossing between  Villa real do Santo Antonio in the south of Portugal to Ayamont on the Spanish side in Spain.  The Guadiana divides Portugal from Spain..

                                  Lady with open arms stretched and greeting you to the City

                                   I took this photo from the car window.  The river Guadiana

                                      A big fountain at another roundabout

                               Entering into Spain..here we are on the Portuguese side and approaching the bridge to the entrance of Badajoz.

                                           Beautiful esplanades .. apartments and houses next to the river. In the 35 years since I was in Badajoz.. I was amazed .. Its a big big city now.

A map of Badajoz. It was an hours drive from my friends home.

                                     The Seige of Badajoz.. 1812.  Here is  the Earl of Wellington.

                               In 1812 the Anglo -Portuguese army, under the command of the Earl of Wellington besieged Badajoz (Spain) They forced the surrender of the French Garrison then under the command of Napoleon..
Wellington also fought Napoleons army in Portugal.

                                                      Wellington viewing the battle scene at Badajoz

                                                            The seige..

The fortress of Badajoz underwent many sieges.. the 1812 seige was one of the bloodiest of the Napoleonic wars.  It was considered a costly victory by the British.

It was also once a small Muslim Kingdom.

So dear friends.. that was my little trip to Arronches and Badajoz..  So much to see there.. it warrants another visit.
Iberia has such an interesting history.  I hope you enjoyed this little write up.

Happy summer days to you all.

3 days away (Part one) Arronches

I was invited to go away for  3 days to the daughter of my very good friend Dita. The family live 1 half hours away from our village.  An hour from the spanish border. 

Its been more than 20 years since I was up in that region, and I was excited to see the place again.

The name of the village is Arronches.  I am sure that most of you have read about the history of Spain and Portugal and the Iberian wars. Arronches is a walled in town.  Of course some of the walls are just visible now and some areas you can see where they are still in good condition. 

I was able to take a few photos of the village and would like to share them with you.

                                             part of the old castle wall and turret

                                               Tiny little cottages all neat in a row

                                              This mural is part of a fountain.. its such a shame, its hidden outside of the village and is a little unkept.  I thought the mural exeptional and depicted life in the 18th century very well , with the stage coach stopping at Arronches on its way to Evora.

                                    A very old drawing of the original castle

                                     Each house has geranium pots ouside their doors and it looks so pretty.

                                           view from my bedroom window.

                                              I had to take a photo of this beautiful tiled window frame.. the tiles are from the 18th century..  The village houses are small , but very well kept.

                                                                               41º on Sunday when i took the photos.. One of the pots of geraniums . All were given and hung by the municipality.

                                    I did not want to show you the back part of this most beautiful monestery.  There is a long story that goes with it.   It is now privately owned and is just been left in ruin.. It was built  around 1500's.. it belonged to the church. The church needed money and they sold it.  Then the man that bought it went bankrupt and its been decaying ever since.   Its such a magnificent entrance  of "Manueline" style

The fountain where the tiles are. Very intricate design. To find out the history of this fountain.. i would need to speak to a historian from the University of Evora.. the local people tell mythical stories about it.

                                    A statue of "Our Lady of Fatima" greeting you at the last village, before entering Spain.

                                 Part of the village church, lit up at night.  It was a cool balmy evening

                                           Front entrance to the church

             I liked this panel of tiles.. depicting life in Arronches during Portugal's golden age.

The Battle of Arronches an encounter between the Portuguese empire and of the Spanish Empire took place in 1653... Along the way to Spain..you can see little ruined  stone towers, where the amunitions were kept. Now fallen and  hidden between the olive trees
Arronches is very well known for its black pigs and its fantastic smoked ham hocks.
I couldnt fit any more of Arronches in.  But am now reading up about its history.

Part 11..  Badajoz.

"Tram 28"

I recieved this beautifully illustrated book "The beauty of Lisbon" Electrico 28.  A surprise  gift from a friend.  

My post today is to share it with you.

 When I opened it, I was so delighted its beautifully illustrated pages telling stories of Lisbon from times gone by.. then and now,of historical buildings and archialogical digs .

  I am ashamed to tell you.   I have never ridden on "Tram 28". When i stay at my son's home..it wakes us with its early "Tring Tring"- Alas -Remedy is on the way!

  " Tram 28"  is an inseparable part of Lisbon life . Its route starts from Graça(grace) and ends at Prazeres(pleasure) old Lisbon "Bairros" (districts) on the upper high streets one can look down and see the vast expanse of the Tagus river.   

. It offers such a unique and special way of seeing Lisbon.  Taking   advatage of true life in the city.  Of the night and day life , its sounds, its smells , the people and the magnificent scenery.  Daily life at its best. One can never get bored in Lisbon.

The trams have open windows and the breeze is most welcoming on  hot summer days  The tram is not only used by visitors, but by the people of the city too.  Its one of the cities routes. 

                                                       great photos..

 Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in Europe. The route of Tram 28 takes you through the old streets and up and down the steep inclines of the old part of the city.   You can get on and off when you like.   Hop off for a lunch and taste the delights of Lisbon's excellent gastronomy..   You can hear the "tring tring" of the trolley as it starts and stops along its route.

                      Its difficult to see here in this photo..but the cover of the book is in 3D.. its so attractive.

                               When i am in Lisbon staying at my son's home in Chiado..this is where i have my mid morning coffee,its a block from the hotel.  Its one of the oldest cafe's in  Lisbon.  " The Brazileira".There is a statue of Fernado Pessoa sitting with his book outside the cafe. .. in winter no where can one drink such a delightful cup of hot chocolate .. Its a meeting place.    "where shall we meet"!  Ok! at the Brazileira.     Its known from north to south of the country.  You cannot visit Lisbon and not sit inside or outside the Brazileira, and watch the world go by and dream of romantic Moorish nights and Fado and the sailors that sail to far off lands.

Sometimes you can be lucky and catch the 28 and there will be surely some day or other someone with their "portuguese viola and a voice will begin to sing "Fado" or holding onto the hanging rail ..the age old nostalgic music with its unique sound and poetic words  sung the same way for centuries. Fado is  the music of the people. It tells  of  loves lost  and nights of mystical longing and passion.  

 
 28 - stopping along the way.  Tram 28, is a happy Tram, Mr M takes it every time he is in Lisbon. He tells me that people talk to one another and chat about the old streets and market places, and their every day lives. He hops off when he wants to go to this shop or that for a special "something" then hops back on again.
You can also hire one of the trams, for birthday parties or just a night with your friends..

                                 This street is only for the trams. This street has now become a centre for night life with the opening of bars and cafe's on this steep incline.  Its great to know the old buildings are being revived.

                I could write so much more about the city of Lisbon, but i will leave it all to your imagination.  Its acient history has many tales to tell.! The district of Alfama is over 4.000 years old.

                                   One of the "Kiosks"  coffee after dinner is a must.. During summer people are out until the early hours.  Lisbon is a safe city and full of charm.

 These trams were the first built.  Now on show in the "Carris" museum.. I think they should be running again!.. they are so beautiful.
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I have made an Autumn list of  "things i must do".. Taking a ride on tram 28 is at the top of the list, especially on one of the days that they are singing Fado.


 Fernando Pessoa.. one of Portugal's greatest poets wrote;-
             ................................................
How human was the metallic ring of the tram bell!
What a joyful landscape the simple rain in the street, rescued from the abyss!
Oh, Lisbon, my home.


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I hoped you liked my little writeup of Tram 28. Next time it will be my photos and me hoping on and off.

Its hot summer days here.. I am soaking in these wonderful days,   before Mr Sun decides to leave.
Ice creams,  delicious bbq's and sangria, and chilling with my family.
Wishing you all the rest of a happy week.

A morning "Thank you"

        Dear friends,   I am having some wonderful days during this July month, mainly with family and fitting in "me" time.   I have been a little lazy replying to all your wonderful comments.  Please forgive this summer madness of mine.
                            I wish to thank all of you that left comments on my "last two posts".. I was thrilled.
  Its the first time, that i have taken time off blogging since I started. Other than the few blogging hitches in the beginning.   My grandniece Georgina is so lovely and we have spent quality time together. I have'nt seen her for 7 years.   My grandaughter Didi and Georgina have cooked dinner for me and kept me very entertained.

.

                                                       Early this morning at Rose Cottage

                                                  Hello everyone I am "Isaa a bichon frise" but i prefer my hair short.

                                             view from my new patio lying down on sofa

                                           

 summer chilling.

                          Georgina is studying to be an architect. she is still at college.. yesterday we decided to do some water colours. Georgina has taken a photo of our main village church.. and she is painting it. Didi was enthralled and just went with the flow.

                                            art books, pencils and stuff.

                             Taken at 8.30 this morning.  Our weather at the moment is simply perfect.
sending you lots of good wishes, for happy days with your families.  Enjoy each moment like it was the first time.
                                                  THANK YOU EVERYONE. HAPPY DAYS