Tagged: Portugal

July 28, 2016

Dolphins!!

This is a post from a while back..but I like the photos..Laters, Kate x

September 6, 2013

Last of the Summer x

There’s been a ten degree temperature drop over night here in London and heavy rain is predicted…but there are still memories to savour as the back to school routine kicks into gear..

Laters, Kate x

August 12, 2013

Sigh..

The ultimate in bikinis, non?

We are slowly getting back to the rhythm that is normal life with the holiday now a retreating paradise rapidly disappearing into the horizon…but it was a brilliant break.

Holidays are tough with kids: No matter how exotic the place, the beauty is sometimes the only positive of being away..which actually isn’t enough. Expectations are so high, the relaxation so needed..but the chores still remain the same: Planning, shopping, cleaning, cooking, ~~sick wiping~~, ~~world war 3 crisis talks~~, ~~bottom wiping~~, parenting..but with none of the normal safety nets like toys, dvds, ~~sound proof rooms,~~ play dates, ~~drugs.~~..added to which you don’t know where anything is, it’s stinking hot and no-one is sleeping at night…

Spotted at Faro Airport. An unfortunate name…

Generally I embrace the grot that makes the foundation of home life, but sometimes, just sometimes….I want someone else to take over so I can step off the continual conveyor belt of care and re-charge my own batteries..

In Portugal we had meals provided, a kiddies club from 9-12.30 in the morning for both children, then again at 2.30-5.30 for Bella if she wanted it. Kids tea at 5.30 or they could eat with us later. More games (rounders etc) with her friends for Bella at 7.30 pm if she wanted (she did!) followed by a film and bed till we picked her up at 11.00. And a film club and a bed for Charlie from 7.30 – 11 pm. It was utter and absolute bliss..I read books!!..with never a worry a child could be drowning, I swam for myself..I went to the toilet – BY MYSELF..The Husband played tennis, mountain biked..we had romantic meals together..we drank, we ate, we talked..we became human beings again..

Which lasted..until we got through our front door and found the washing machine was broken..Oh life. With one hand it gives..and with the other it taketh away..

Laters, Kate xxx

August 7, 2013

Going Green x

Our final hurrah in Portugal was to head away from the sea and go horse riding..

Just off the beaten track, a mere 4 km from Luz, we went to Tiffany’s Riding Centre.

A no frills, wholesome place with a rustic air of contentment.

And a soundscape of dogs (eleven!) and lazy insects.

And a rather vocal bird.

Tiffany..capable and knowledgeable..salt of the earth..sort of – I started out with nothing..and I still got most of it left..and that’s the way I like it – touch.

The lovely Jasmine, staying for a month before heading back to the UK, looked after Bella. Loved her riding boots – brogue like with a zip up the middle. Ariat’s apparently..could be worth looking up for autumn..

To be still in routine.In the grounds is an eco-house..if you want to/need to step off the rat-race and can ride a horse, Tiffany and Martin offer the accommodation in return for work. Check out the website Work Aways for more info along with other places offering similar scenarios…there’s a lot to be said for back to basics honest hard labour..and the palpable satisfaction that comes from it…sometimes it’s the simple things that make the memories that dance.