Pousada do Convento das Chagas de Cristo, Vila Vicosa

posted in: Home, Portugal | 0

The Convento das Chagas de Cristo was founded by Dom Jaime, the 4th Duke of Braganza c.1514, apparently as a house for the ladies of the Court and unmarried daughters and with a Church where the wives of the Dukes of … Continued

Montemor-o-Novo, Alentejo, Portugal

posted in: Home, Portugal | 0

I love travelling in Portugal and set off to explore new areas and return to favoured haunts. During this visit we found that Alentejo on Foot has published brochures and a book of mapped, marked walks – I felt freer than ever to explore!

Cape Town Airport

posted in: Home, South Africa | 0

And finally we arrived at Cape Town International Airport for the flight to Jo’burg and London. I couldn’t believe the time in South Africa was over; I was returning to greyness.

Kirstenbosch Botanic Gardens

posted in: Home, South Africa | 0

It was our last day in South Africa and we had a few hours to wander in Kirstenbosch Botanic Gardens before the long flight back to the UK. The weeks had flown past, crammed with unforgettable sights and experiences – it had … Continued

Walking in Jonkershoek Nature Reserve

posted in: Home, South Africa | 2

It was our last day in Stellenbosch and we went walking in the Jonkershoek Nature Reserve. We bought a ticket and collected a brochure at the gate, drove down a somewhat rough dirt road, parked the car at this point, and … Continued

Spier Wine Estate

posted in: Home, South Africa | 0

In 1683 Arnoud Jansz settled near Stellenbosch and in 1692 Simon van der Stel granted him the land which became the Spier Wine Estate. Apart from its wines, the estate is particularly known for the gables on its buildings. We visited on … Continued

Wrought ironwork in Stellenbosch

posted in: Home, South Africa | 0

I wandered around Stellenbosch with my camera most of the days we were there – I could spend a lifetime doing this! I particularly remembered that someone had liked the broekie lace and so here is another broekie lace and wrought iron post.

The Braak in Stellenbosch

posted in: Home, South Africa | 0

The Braak (fallow land) is a large open space in the centre of the town which originally served as a Parade Ground. Stellenbosch suffered an earthquake in 1811 and people ran on to the space, vowing to God to keep it … Continued

%d bloggers like this: