Half term escape to Portugal

After basking in the warm Portuguese sunshine for the last week it was a  bit of shock to return to the sub zero temperatures of the UK. Matilda and I got back last night, although glad to be home we were a little sad to wave goodbye to the beautiful bright light of my second home country.

Our very first half term holiday was a success. It was lovely to spend time with my parents and family, we hadn't seen them all since last May. We managed to squeeze in some of our own little family time with the husband, walks along the local beach and a few day trips up the Lisbon coast.


My parents live on the coast South of Lisbon (Costa Da Caparica) which is lined with big sandy beaches, still untouched by tourism it is the real Portugal. Amazingly it has remained largely unaffected by the same mass tourism of the Algarve despite it's better beaches. The coast North of Lisbon is more developed though nowhere near Spanish standards and extraordinarily beautiful. There are  We couldn't believe our luck when we stopped at Boca Do Inferno to see three dolphins diving in and out of the waves. What a treat! Here are a few photos from our travels.



The resplendent Praia do Commercio that faces the Tejo.


You just couldn't get a balcony that screams Portuguese more than this.


Those arabic influenced tiles found everywhere in Portugal.


Beautiful Art Nouveau stained glass windows in a jewelery shop on the Praca do Rossio.


One of my favourite views in Lisbon, Chiado.


The Fado truck in Lisbon providing the haunting soundtrack to this melancholic city.


My beloved Tejo.


The village resident's afternoon meeting point outside the church.


On the ferry.


The waves crashing around Cascais.


The tiny fishing village of Praia das Macas, eerily quiet in Winter.



Instantly recognisable Portuguese blue tiles.


The picturesque beach town of Ericeira.


Playing football on the beach.


Our local beach deserted on a Winter's day.


My parents clementine tree which produces the juiciest fruit.


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