Feeling special as I’ve been nominated again for the Liebster Award, but this time for this blog. Thank you again to Shanthini of the delicious Free Spirit Food for the nomination, I feel very honoured and so hope that you do get to have your dream vacation in Portugal.
I must admit I wasn’t sure how to handle the nomination for this blog as the post you need to write on acceptance doesn’t quite fit the style, and most of the wonderful Portuguese blogs I follow, unsurprisingly, have far more than 200 followers. So what I thought I would do instead – once I had visited all of the other brilliant nominees – if anyone knows Rhys and Danielle do tell me the outcome! – is share five Portuguese posts and one article which have inspired us to explore the Algarve, and also link (via the photos) to some old favourite posts of mine.
There is something about Portuguese architecture that demands you take photographs. I had for a while got carried away with photos of doors, chimneys and tiles and then the wonderful Willeke and Marlou inspired me with their journey through Portugal to take a second look at windows, and even paintings of windows.
We have as you will have seen by clicking on this photo of Mértola just begun to explore Alentejo, the beautiful region north of the Algarve. It is though Beyond Lisbon that has created the urge to properly explore more of Portugal. Our list for our next Portuguese expedition is growing!
Can’t remember when I first learnt that the Portuguese are the experts in making marzipan sweets, but it was this lovely Salt of Portugal post which inspired me to search out some delicious ones one day! The photo above by the way is essential if you want to find one of the best places to buy them.
When travelling to Alcoutim, we almost always take the back roads beside the Guardiana. It is so beautiful and there can be unexpected ‘goat’ delays, but it was not until the post by al Algarve conmigo that we finally stopped at one of the cafes in the villages you pass through.
You may have noticed that I mention Restless Jo quite a bit, that’s because I just love her blog. The post though that really inspired us was one of her Monday Walks, and this one was of Loule. We had been saying to ourselves for ages that we needed to visit, and then up popped her post and we were there later that day!
Our first visit to the Algarve was a couple of years ago now, and at that time my research was mostly via google rather than blogs. I soon learnt that blogs were the best way to find the hidden delights, but just occasionally you do come across a gem in a newspaper and magazine. Click on the photo to return to one of my very first posts to find it!
Hoped you liked my Liebster Award variation which has the added bonus of no expectation on anyone mentioned or linked to do the same!
If you are wondering though what my answers are to Shanthini brilliant questions check out my comments below, and for my other Liebster Award click here.
Congrats, and what a good way to fit the award post into your style and focus. Good job!
Thank you Jackie.
Thank you so much for your so kind words, Becky! And congrats to you 🙂 It’s not just about the numbers but the friendships you make along the way. And I’ve found a new one in you. 🙂
I haven’t yet met Willeke and Marlou so I’m off there next. The others I do know but the more followers you have the harder it is to get around everybody. Hope life in the UK is happy till you get to return to the Algarve.
Likewise on the friendship . . . it is just so nice to discover new things through someone else’s eyes and to chat about places you’ve both been. I know what you mean on the followers, real challenge . . . .trying to become more disciplined with The Reader to try and stay in touch with everyone but not always easy some weeks.
Discipline! That must be the key thing I’m missing 🙂
Dear Becky,
Interesting take on Liebster and beautiful pictures; congratulations 🙂
I enjoyed reading your answers. Portugal’s capital “Lisbon” always aroused my interest as I used to memorize the name in my school—do you know how it acquired this name?
Have a nice afternoon,
Anand 🙂
Thank you . . . we’ve yet to go to the capital but plan to in December. Looks like a beautiful city. I think it’s name means ‘safe haven’ but am not sure. Do you know?
How would I, when you don’t? 🙂
Well you’re so widely read I thought you might!!! But excellent point!
Thanks Becky, I am not widely read 🙂
Yes Becky you are correct . it is believed the Fenicians named it “safe haven” because of its safe harbour which is in a huge estuar ; but it is also believed to have been named by Ulisses (the other name of Lisboa is “Olissipo” ). 🙂
Ahha! Thank you so much.
Nice Post!
Thank you
Great post about the Algarve! Thank you so much for referring to our blog.
My pleasure, you have such a great blog.
Congratulations, this was so nice. Thank you, Love, nia
Thank you 🙂
1. What inspired you to start your blog? So many photographs of the Algarve!
2. Would you consider yourself an adventurous eater? What is the strangest thing you have eaten. I am up for trying most things, but now you ask me don’t think I’ve eaten anything that strange. Still not convinced by hotdogs with champagne though!
3. What is your dream holiday trip? Returning to Australia, and exploring further north and west, or a safari in Kenya
4. Do you enjoy cooking? what is your favourite meal to make? Love cooking particularly traditional English puddings, Thai curries, Moroccan tagines, Dhal and experimenting with fish we buy from Olhão market.
5. Who in the world would you find it most inspirational to have dinner with? Sir Patrick Stewart, Michella Obama and Malala Yousafzai
6. What was the most memorable meal you have had and why? A three course meal on my own in Noosa – food was divine, the wine superb and I surprised myself about how much fun I had eating alone
7. What is your idea of a perfect day? A walk beside the sea with friends followed by a delicious meal cooked for me
8. If you could choose any moment in the past, present or future to witness what would it be? Moon landing
9. Do you eat meat and if so which is your favourite? Yes but rarely. Much prefer game to farmed meat.
10. If you could have a superpower what would it be? Ability to fly
11. Are you as excited as I was to get to the end of the 11 questions? Yes!