Summer holidays coming to an end

A few days till holidays are officially over and already missing these long, relaxed days where:

1 - a few naps were in order

2 - some chocolate ice cream treats were due, once in a while

3 - important celebrations took place - conveniently lit up with colourful candles

4 - Late breakfasts were eaten outside, in the company of new friends

5 - Gardening activities and new things - like how to keep plants thriving when planted in vases - were learned,

6 - 'Old' games were played with newbies

7 - Crafts were made and taught to new found enthusiasts,

(with a lot of talent, by the way!)

8 - Fruit ('medronhos') was picked up, to eat while enjoying the warm evening country walks,

(as well as white chestnuts, to decorate the house)

---- will try to make the most of these last few days!

Mini holidays in Sintra - walking up to the Palace of Pena

The last time I visited this palace was a long time ago. This time we hiked our way there, through the beautiful meandering green Sintra woods. We took the least known shortcut and found ourselves literally imersed in green beauty.

Upon arrival there was time to sketch na rest, before entering the palace itself.

 

It is such a nice space - cosy and exquisite at the same time. 

The sorrounding gardens are breathtaking, we spend lots of time enjoying them.

Mini holidays in Sintra - walk, eat, lounge

A late lunch had as wondering through the vila's narrow streets, until we found a cute place to have a light meal.

Our main reasons to choose Sintra for these 3 days were, firstly, its greenness and countryside atmosphere as soon as you walk away from the center of town.

(was really surprised to see mistletoe... in August??? Really?)

Secondly, the lovely details you can find virtually everywhere you look (camera obsession).

And last, but not least, I was particularly impressed with the clever use of repurposed objects and upcycling work made by the owners of the place we stayed in. Truly original, appealing and ecological.

I couldn't get enough of this lovely old (refurbished) country house with really friendly canine guests.

It seemed there was time to do everything. No rush. No need to do anything (not even to unpack).

This (on photo bellow) won the prize for the most original 'bedside lamp': made with old radio equipment and adapted to use the switches to turn the lights on/off. How about that?

Mini holidays in Sintra - beautiful Almaa

Sometimes we are lucky enough to find a really nice place to spend some relaxed days. We just did.

We found Almaa, a lovely hostel with really nice owners, a lovely atmosphere and where we plan to return again and again.

It is located in magical Sintra, where else?

We felt right at home. 

In the evening of our arrival we picked some books from the library, a cup of coffee and sat in the gardens enjoying a pink sunset.

Lovely tea and toasts for breakfast, the next morning!

Washed our plates and cups in a pink-sink-tub (the most appealing and original kitchen sink I've seen till this day). Everything here is either recycled or build with environmental care.

We made friends with magnificent Pavlov, the black (and omnipresent) labrador who loves buttered toast.