naked canopy
golden shooting stars descend
crunchy leaf litter
Tag: Photography
Fado com Historia
A few weeks ago I left you here,
and promised to return, this is why!
A few years ago I heard about Fado on a travel documentary programme and was intrigued. Travelling to Portugal, I hoped to hear some. In my previous post I’d been wandering around Tavira and found the Igreja da Misericordia by accident. The custodian at the Igreja told me there would be a performance that afternoon for a mere five euros.
We arrived in good time and the custodian gave us the best seats, she was expecting a German coach party, so before the onslaught there was time to take photos.
The audience assembled and waiting to be entertained.
The Portuguese guitarist was superb,
Then Sara Goncalves began singing, the moment the first note came from between her lips I was hooked. Her voice was so powerful and passionate I could only stare, amazed and totally entranced.
I have no idea how such music could come from such a young woman.
Apologies, I’m going to add my second youtube this week, only my third ever. Watch from around 14 minutes in, I think it has to be experienced live, but try to imagine Sara’s voice echoing around the Igreja. I learnt a bit later that Fado com Historia are based just around the corner, but I think the acoustics in the church were about as good as it gets.
Nine Portuguese Knockers
Tavira is a great city for people who like to photograph doors, windows, knobs, knockers and decay. I started snapping as soon as I arrived, here are a few that I found.
My favourites are the fish!
A Long Awaited Treat
From way back in the 1970’s I’ve wanted to walk down Gold Hill, in Shaftesbury, Dorset. Gold Hill became famous as a result of a much loved tv advert, created by Ridley Scott, for Hovis bread. It has a wonderful soundtrack, Dvorak’s New World symphony.
So here is my treat photo, fulfilling a long held dream.
I should add that Shaftesbury is only around 60 miles from home, but I think many of us neglect the gems to be seen locally don’t we?
Of course if I’d gone years ago that hill wouldn’t have been so steep, what goes down must go up and this is the view from near the bottom.
It was a real treat humming this tune!
This post is for the Weekly Photo Challenge of ‘Treat’
Lazy Poet’s Thursday Haiku
Deep in the green marsh
shall we walk lovely lady
this bright autumn day
Wordless Wednesday
Sunset on a bench
There’s still a few days for Jude’s bench challenge, this month it’s benches with people or other objects on them. This one was taken a few years ago on the waterfront at Kota Kinabalu. I’ve always felt that the blurriness gives it a slightly dreamy quality as the people gaze out on the islands of Tunku Abdul Raman park. What could they be thinking as they enjoy the view, is their conversation interesting, or perhaps they are silent?
Do you have a bench photo to share with the world? visit Jude, she’ll explain!
Lazy Poet’s Thursday Haiku
Crystalline granite
A boundary guardian
standing for all time
Wordless Wednesday
A Green Circle Walk
My city, Exeter, has a 12 mile circle of paths around it, going through valley parks, nature reserves, town parks and cemeteries. Because the path passes through so many green spaces – as well as leafy residential areas, on the quiet it is a haven for wildlife. There are foxes, buzzards, woodpeckers, deer and kestrel. Around the river and canal sections you may see kingfishers, mute swans and even otters.
Last weekend I walked a section of the Ludwell Valley Park. At it’s best on a clear day in high summer, when the views are beautiful and the meadows rich with the sound of chaffinch, goldfinch and even the rarer yellowhammer and cirl bunting. In early autumn there is still plenty to see if you keep your eyes open.
The remains of the meadow, left for wildlife to feast on.
The meadow was abundant and diverse in the summer.
Two small border terrorists decided to abandon me here!
So I stood around, admired the youngish oak tree, called them, stood around some more,
Squinted at the hazy view
enjoyed the holly and eventually they re-appeared.
So they had a bit of a sit down, and we all enjoyed a different view.
Then headed back to our starting point.
Admiring the rich hedgerow along the way.
Daisy debates another diversion, but we heard an animal sound, possibly a fox, bigger than her and warning her off, so she came back as soon as I called!
Ludwell valley part of the Green Circle has several entrances and you can walk three or four miles some of which will be very steep or just take a half mile level stroll. Whichever you choose, the air is fresh and its very peaceful.
I hope you enjoyed early autumn in Exeter Green Circle, this post is for Jo’s Monday Walk, she would be delighted if you joined her and her other walkers.
Lucid Gypsy 