My Country Home

Algarve: Time and Nature

noreply@blogger.com (Mizé) — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 01:28:00 +0000

Hello Countryhome fellows,
It´s with great joy that today I´m publishing another set of M.`s pictures.
All the pictures above were taken in Algarve countryside and show details of the passage of time trough our local nature.
Enjoy :)

My Lost Paradise in Algarve

noreply@blogger.com (Mizé) — Sun, 07 Aug 2011 22:53:00 +0000

Last month, I took the above picture at my favorite beach and thought about sharing it here in My Countryhome blog.
This beach is called "Ricucu" and it´s located near Montegordo city here in Algarve, Portugal. The beach is exactly located between "Praia do Cabeço" and "Ricucu" and, as you can see in the picture, is pretty calm even in Summer days when the surrounding beaches are crowded.
There is no public transportation to this beach, you can only access it by car or a private boat. And that´s what makes it so amazing and one of my all time favorite beaches in Algarve...it´s not crowded like the other ones in the same zone and the water is so calm and warm. When the tide is low, you have to walk many meters until you can swim or dive and that´s why it´s so great and safe for kids.
If you ever come to Algarve, I strongly recommend you this beach. I call it "A Lost Paradise" :)
See you xx

Tavira Seaside - "Cabanas"

noreply@blogger.com (Mizé) — Thu, 05 May 2011 00:39:00 +0000

Last winter, I went to "Cabanas de Tavira" - a village right next to Tavira city - and took a few pictures of it´s beautiful seaside views to share here in My Countryhome blog.
Today I´m posting some of those pictures and I´ll publish the rest in a next post.
See you

Last Minute Travel

noreply@blogger.com (Mizé) — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 17:49:00 +0000

With the recent year´s economic downturn, more and more people want to save money and holidays abroad is a luxury not everyone can afford.
With more and more people wanting to travel cheap, a new market niche emerged: The Low Cost and Last Minute Travel Brand.
Personally, I prefer the "all included" package type holidays but traditionally they are more expensive. The biggest advantage I found with this type of packages is not having to worry much about flights, transportation, accommodation, meals and drinks. It´s all included in the package price and you know what to count on.
With such a wide offer of last minute travel packages available in my country, for my next travel abroad I will certainly look for cheaper options and will try to program the holidays myself. Another option I can try is looking for a last minute holidays package which can be found for certain destinations.
For cheap flights, there are companies such as jetstar or last minute flights and for accommodation there are plenty hotels offering last minute deals.
The Last Minute brand offers worldwide travel services. If you´re thinking about traveling to Australia, you should check the recently relaunched Last Minute website in which you can find all the bargains and useful information for holidays in Australia using this money saving system.

Cork: Portuguese Richness

noreply@blogger.com (Mizé) — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 19:12:00 +0000

Cork - Tavira
Photo: M.S.

Cork is a natural product abundant in Portugal. It can be considered one of our many richness.
According to this article about the cork industry in Portugal, the country "produces about half the world output of commercial cork, and its exports over recent years have accounted for around 70 percent of world trade".
Cork has a wide range of applications, from crafts to industry.

Check out the video below to learn more about Portuguese cork:

Holiday Cottages

noreply@blogger.com (Mizé) — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 15:02:00 +0000

My ideal great holiday always used to be a crowded beach during the day, a nice meal in the evening, a comfortable room in a quiet hotel and the usual shopping stroll. However, lately my idea of a peaceful and fun holiday includes being close to nature and away from crowded places. And the sort of accommodation that can offer both is holiday cottages.

According to Wikipedia, a holiday cottage is a small home rented for accommodation which can be run as if it was your own during the stay. Compared to a bed and breakfast, a hotel or any other type of accommodation, holiday cottages are much less restrictive and present many advantages. You can get more value for your money, more space, more privacy and flexibility. A holiday cottage can be booked directly from the property owner, or through a holiday cottage agency.

South Europe has plenty of offers in rural tourism and villa rentals but holiday cottages have become more common and popular in the United Kingdom and Canada. In the UK, the top holiday cottage destinations include the New Forest, the Lake District and Cornwall. I researched a few UK countryside destinations, browsed online guides with local information and, personally, I found Cornwall cottages the most appealing of all options for holidays.

Cornwall is a region in the south-western peninsula of Great Britain and it's only city is called Truro. It has four main counties with a wide range of attractions for different types of holidays. It has beautiful beaches, fishing villages, gardens, galleries, museums, a theme park, water sports facilities, a golf club, biking opportunities, a waterfall and a littoral coast with numerous underground caverns and passages.

A few examples of Cornwall's attractions include: The Glasshouse Gallery, Buccaneer Bay, Cornwall''s Crealy Adventure Theme Park, Carnglaze Caverns, Poldark Mine, Prideaux Place, Hidden Valley, Discovery Park, Launceston Castle, Dairyland Farm World, etc. With so much to do and see in Cornwall, one can choose to rest in the peaceful countryside or engage in exciting activities such as trekking or horse-riding.

The New Forest is now a National Park with the same name and the Lake District is a mountainous region in the North West of England. The former is as its name suggests a forest while the latter is about lakes, cliffs and low mountains not far from the sea. I've seen some pictures and both regions have splendid views. Although these two destinations are becoming more and more popular in the recent years, Cornwall seems to combine better great landscapes with a great choice of fun activities.

Tavira Countryside Views IV

noreply@blogger.com (Mizé) — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 05:57:00 +0000

Photos Author: M.S.

Tavira Countryside Views III

noreply@blogger.com (Mizé) — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 07:45:00 +0000

Today I´m posting the third set of "Tavira Countryside Pictures".
The pictures were taken last Summer by my friend and My Countryhome co-author M.
The first picture shows what´s left of an old windmill. Some Portuguese old windmills like the one in the picture above have been recovered and transformed into living spaces. I think that recovering this type of structures and transforming them into a home is a very good idea.
The other pictures show the great countryside views of Tavira´s mountains, just an example of how beautiful my country´s nature is.

Vila Milreu - Palace View

noreply@blogger.com (Mizé) — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 15:48:00 +0000

Hello everyone,
Today, I was going trough my older image files and found a few pictures which I took before I changed My Countryhome´s editorial direction and never had a chance to publish them. So, today, I´m posting a picture of one important spot in Faro´s origins, Vila Milreu, currently known as the village Estoi.
The picture above shows the Palace´s outside view and surroundings.
Much could be said about this Palace. A couple years ago, it was renovated and converted into a hotel unit.
Researching this Palace origins and history and after posting the results here would surely be interesting. I could also visit the Palace and ask permission to take some pictures of it´s interior and gardens to publish. Although I have more topics to post here in My Countryhome, this is a type of research I would surely enjoy doing. Maybe next Spring I can find some free time for a countryside trip and do that research.
See you soon.

Happy New Year!

noreply@blogger.com (Mizé) — Sat, 01 Jan 2011 22:40:00 +0000

Happy New Year Everyone!
I spent New Year´s Eve eating and drinking with my friend M. After midnight, I had a good time watching the fire and "7Eventy 7Even" concert in Faro´s downtown. Their singer is amazing...although they play covers, I enjoyed every bit of it.
I wish all My Countryhome visitors and friends the best for 2011..and much success for my fellow bloggers!
I´m using the postcard image above, which I found online, across all my blogs...
My message for 2011 is: "Don´t Destroy Nature"

Hugs & Peace to all!
xxx

Big Christmas Nativity Scene

noreply@blogger.com (Mizé) — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 23:57:00 +0000

The biggest Navity Scene in Algarve can be seen in the old market facilities of "Vila Real de Santo António", the south Portugal city which makes frontier with Spanish lands.
The entrance is free but it is limited to a few dozen visitors each time.
I had the chance to see this remarkable handmade Christmas Navity Scene and took some pictures to share with My Countryhome readers.
Click the pictures to enlarge:

Happy Holidays :)

Merry Christmas Everyone!

noreply@blogger.com (Mizé) — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 04:30:00 +0000

I wish all My Countryhome visitors and followers:

Merry Christmas!

Peace, Health & Love :)

Algarve´s Typical Country-House

noreply@blogger.com (Mizé) — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 13:43:00 +0000

Algave´s typical Country-house in Tavira region.

Photo: M.S.

Tavira Countryside Views II

noreply@blogger.com (Mizé) — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 22:58:00 +0000

Pictures: M.S.
Summer 2010

Tavira Countryside Views

noreply@blogger.com (Mizé) — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 23:25:00 +0000

Hello everyone.
Here in Algarve, December is starting with rain and colder nights. In North Portugal is snowing but Algarve is the warmest Portuguese region: minimum 5ºC, maximum 16ºC. Still, for us living here all year round, these temperatures are cold.
This week, I´m publishing a beautiful set of pictures of Tavira countryside captured (2010 late Summer) by my frien M.S.
Here´s the first set:

Calçada Portuguesa: Lisboa

noreply@blogger.com (Mizé) — Thu, 25 Nov 2010 01:25:00 +0000

The picture above shows another example of Portuguese "Calçada".
The street above is in Libon´s downtown. In that part of Lisbon, most streets have stone handwork as seen in the picture but you can also find different patterns.
Artisans are called "Calceteiros" and, as happens with many crafts, they´re becoming rare. There´s still a few Portuguese companies working both for private clients and businesses but prices per m2 aren´t exactly cheap.
I think "Calçada" is really beautiful and stylish.

Portuguese "Calçada": A Windrose

noreply@blogger.com (Mizé) — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 23:28:00 +0000

When you visit Portuguese cities, don´t forget to watch where you step.. literally :)
You might be stepping on Portuguese "Calçada".
"Calçada" is a typical street floor stone work, all done manually, you can find in most Portuguese cities.
Faro has plenty streets and squares in which you can find Portuguese Calçada. For example, nearby S. Francisco Park, there´s a small street leading to the docks in which you can find this beautiful Wind-rose:

My Countryhome Topics

noreply@blogger.com (Mizé) — Sat, 20 Nov 2010 21:34:00 +0000

Hello everyone,
I finished editing labels, content and changing My Countryhome´s layout so I´m back to normal posting. My Countryhome has now a different focus, it has become more a South-Portuguese travel/photo blog. My new agenda´s goal is to write, at least, a new post each week.
In the next months, with the contribution of my friend M., I will post mostly pictures and brief descriptions of places we find interesting in our small trips.
Occasionally, I will post an article about a different foreigner traveling destination. The place I choose to write about can be a destination I would enjoy visiting or I find interesting in any way, culturally or for entertainment.
From now on, in My Countryhome, I will only post Personal Finances topics if they´re related to travel. As some of my readers already know, my Personal Finances blog is now Mizé Journey.
So, I hope you enjoy the changes and keep visiting My Countryhome!
See you soon.

Sunday Walk: Olhão Marina

noreply@blogger.com (Mizé) — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 17:00:00 +0000

Olhão Marina became my favorite "Sunday Walk" destination. Not only because of delicious "Gelvi" ice-creams, the abundance of fresh fish, seafood stores and restaurants but mainly because of it´s Marina views:

I find these afternoon walks so relaxing...the sea-view has a calming effect. It´s easy to forget about time:

And when I notice, the sun begins to fall below the horizon...Oh! This place´s sunset is even more magnificent...the sky turns orange and the night colors slowly arrive... Time to go home.

Faro´s Skate & Bike Park

noreply@blogger.com (Mizé) — Sat, 22 May 2010 05:16:00 +0000

Countryside Views: S. Brás de Alportel

noreply@blogger.com (Mizé) — Tue, 11 May 2010 00:55:00 +0000

Last month I went to S. Brás de Alportel, a small country village in the mountain, around 20 km from Faro. On my way there, I stopped right after passing "Bordeira" crossroad and took the pictures above.
I enjoy this type of views... fresh mountain air and the smell of nature...
Once I wasn´t in a rush, I spent some time by the side of the road just enjoying the views and meditating.

Enjoying Faro Island´s Sunset

noreply@blogger.com (Mizé) — Sat, 01 May 2010 02:31:00 +0000

Yesterday the weather was enjoyably warm, a hot Spring day. After picking my daughter at school, we went to "Ilha de Faro" for a walk, to smell the ocean and enjoy the beautiful sunset.
I enjoy walking in the beach in the afternoon, when it´s quiet, like yesterday. It helps me relax and think about my stuff.
Ilha de Faro is near Faro´s Airport, 3/4 Km from the city downtown, +/- 10 minutes drive. The public transportation available to "Ilha de Faro" is bus, which you can catch in the central Bus station right next to "Hotel Eva", and boat departing from Faro´s Marina.
The island is located in such a way that you can appreciate both the natural beauty of "Ria Formosa" and Atlantic Ocean´s.
To get in the Island there´s a one way road bridge. I took some pictures, click them to enlarge:

Faro Island´s Entrance

Ria Formosa

Atlantic Ocean Beach

Holidays Destination: Ibiza

noreply@blogger.com (Mizé) — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 19:33:00 +0000

Algarve is very near south Spain, only 60 Km separate Portugal from our neighbor country. The nearest Spanish cities are Aya Monte, Isla Cristina, Huelva and Sevilla.
Algarve has many Spanish tourists that come for Easter, Summer holidays or just a weekend getaway. Spain is a frequent travel destination for Portuguese not only because it´s close but due to the diversity of sightseeing locations.
In my top list of places to visit Maiollarca comes first, followed by Ibiza.
Ibiza or Eivissa, as it´s officially called, is one of the Balearic Islands which enjoys Mediterranean weather. This island is characterized for it´s mild winters and hot summers. Like in Algarve, Ibiza´s Summer months are July and August, the high peek season. It has minimum temperatures of 19º C and maximum of 28º C, perfect for beach holidays.
Ibiza and Formentera are also known as the "Islas Pitiusas" because of the abundance of pines. Ibiza holidays offer a diversity of things to do. In my country, Ibiza is known for it´s sandy beaches, resorts and nightclubs. The lively Island has beautiful resorts worth visiting such as San Antonio, Santa Eulália and Portinatx.
Santo António offers a variety of accommodation, entertainment and a lively night time. Santa Eulalia is Ibiza's third largest resort. It´s a perfect destination for families and those seeking a quieter holiday. Santa Eulalia is known as the island's gastronomic and cultural center offering Art Galleries, the beautiful Yacht Marina and some of the island´s best restaurants. Portinatx is a complete mini resort, also ideal for family holidays. This resort offers shallow water, excellent for bathing. Ibiza's waters are amongst the cleanest in the Mediterranean, many of the beaches are continually awarded the EU Blue Flags.
Although the island is known by it´s nightclubs and resorts, holidays in Ibiza offer a variety of sightseeing spots. In 1999, Ibiza town was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The island offers remarkable natural and human heritage such as churches, monuments, caves, excellent countryside and coastline views. Top Ibiza landmarks and monuments to visit include: Monumento a Cristóbal Colón, Murallas de Ibiza, Monumento a los Corsarios, Capilla de San Ciriaco, Monumento al General Vara de Rey, among others. Ibiza also has an Archaeology Museum, a Contemporary Art Museum and it´s own folklore music.
In my opinion, Ibiza is a very good summer holidays destination because it has sun, beaches and variety of things to do such as sightseeing, sports, bike tours, guided tours, boat charter, good restaurants, etc.

Photos: makulero

A Trip To Lisbon

noreply@blogger.com (Mizé) — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 20:40:00 +0000

Photos: Isabel - Marimuelles
Thanks for your contribution to My Countryhome!

Happy Easter!

noreply@blogger.com (Mizé) — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 06:06:00 +0000

I´d like to wish all My Countryhome readers and visitors, a very happy and peaceful Easter.
The majority of Portuguese are Christian and Easter is celebrated in family with almonds, chocolate eggs and the traditional Easter cake called "Folar".
See you soon :)

Image:http://omundoactual.blogspot.com