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.

Reorganizing - instants of a well spent Sunday

Summer in the city - graffiti hunting

 

Nibbling here and there

Trying out new places, in different company, along these last months: lounging with V. and J at"Lost in India", drinking tea at Starbucks Cafe (inside Rossio Train Station), ice cream tasting at "Conchanata" with a few old friends,  mother's day lunch at "Darwin" and a veggie burger at "Honoratos" after a long, long day.