Presépio com Vista para o Canal

The First Snow of the Year...

2012-01-31T23:12:00.000+01:00

Yesterday, I woke up in the middle of the night to drink a glass of water. When I looked at the window, I thought I had left the garden lights on because of the luminosity outside. But no. We just had our first snow of the year. I just smiled ;-) After a while, I went to sleep much happier. :-)
Finally, a real Winter! ;-) Not grey, but white ;-)

From Almere 2012

t's, oh, so quietit's, oh, so stillyou're all aloneand so peaceful until...

A Walk in the Woods

2012-01-30T23:36:00.000+01:00

In the last couple of weeks, for the first time since I'm living here, I've been feeling a bit of Winter Blues. One of the best ways to fight this and feel stronger and cheerful is a walk in the nature. And in our case, the woods are just around the corner...

The weather was perfect for a long stroll last Saturday afternoon. No wind, no rain, not so cold, a bit of sun. Just perfect. :-) Two hours later, I arrived home feeling much better :-)

Do you like my home surroundings? :-)

From Almere 2012

My A-Z of The Netherlands

2012-01-29T22:00:00.000+01:00

Sami, the author of the blog Sami's-Colourfulworld, is participating in the "A-Z" challenge that started in Portugal a couple of weeks ago. I accepted her invitation to join this challenge too and here I am with " My A-Z of The Netherlands". Do you want to join us and share interesting information about the country where you are living now? It will be fun!

From Coisas Minhas II

Each Friday I will share something about The Netherlands according to the letters of the alphabet.

Below, the blogs that joined this challenge so far:

http://juliedawnfox.com

http://algarveblog.net

http://restlessjo.wordpress.com

http://pigletinportugal.wordpress.com/

http://handsinportugal.wordpress.com/

http://passionateaboutpets.wordpress.com/

http://expatlogue.wordpress.com/

http://yoursaucepans.blogspot.com/

http://liannouwen.nl/

http://estirador.wordpress.com/

http://wordangell.wordpress.com/

http://seashellbytheseashore.wordpress.com/

All the contributions for this challenge are now in this new blog:

http://mycountryatoz.wordpress.com/

Have fun!

Zwolle by night

2012-01-24T00:09:00.000+01:00

After visiting the Beelden Festival, we went for a walk in the city. Zwolle is one of my favourites in the Netherlands. The city is situated in the province of the Overijssel in the central eastern part of the country. We took about one hour to arrive there.

First we went to the Christmas market ...

From Zwolle - 2012

then we stopped at St Michaels medieval church...

From Zwolle - 2012

Zwolle has many historical buildings. A very interesting one is the Roman Catholic Onze Lieve Vrouwe ten Hemelopneming-basilica (Our Lady Ascension church). Its tower, known as Peperbus (pepperbox), is one of the tallest and most famous church towers in the Netherlands.

From Zwolle - 2012

The Sassenpoort, one of the old city gates, and the Mosterdmakerstoren, mustard makers' tower, are also very pretty spots as well as some Art Nouveau buildings.

From Zwolle - 2012

Walking in Zwolle in the evening at this time of the year is quite magical with the Christmas lights still on.

From Zwolle - 2012

In the photo below, the Zwolse Balletjeshuis. Remember this post about it? :-)

From Zwolle - 2012

Zwolle became a member of the Hanseatic league in 1294, an economic alliance of trading cities. Their merchant guilds dominated trade along the coast of Northern Europe during the late Middle Ages and early modern period (c. 13th–17th centuries).
In the photo below, the Gildehuis (guildhouse). This one dates from 1571.

From Zwolle - 2012

Look at the windows of this building! Aren't they gorgeous?
De Slegte is one of my favourite bookstores in The Netherlands, where we can buy second-hand books and find out real treasures. If you come to the Netherlands, please, pay a visit to De Slegte.

From Zwolle - 2012

In Amsterdam we can take easily the train to Zwolle. The trip is about 1h18m.
If you want, on your way, you can stop in Amersfoort and visiting this also enchanting medieval city.
I hope you have enjoyed this evening in Zwolle with me! :-)
Stay well! :-)

Beelden Festival Zwolle 2011

2012-01-21T14:40:00.000+01:00

Welkom in de Wondere Wereld van Sneeuw en Ijs!

Welcome to the Wonderful World of Snow and Ice!

We went last Saturday to the Beelden Festival 2011 (Ice Sculptures Festival 2011) in Zwolle. A great tip from Aledys! :-) Thank you, my dear! We loved it!

An exhibition of sea related historical and mythical figures sculpted on ice...
I didn't photograph all the sculptures (numbers 4, 18, 20). Once in a while I had to keep my hands in the pockets. It was really cold (-8℃)!!

1. Onderwaterscene / Underwater scene

From Zwolle - 2012

2. 20.000 mijlen onder de zee

From Zwolle - 2012

3. Atlantis

From Zwolle - 2012

5. Odysseus

From Zwolle - 2012

6. Andromeda

From Zwolle - 2012

7. Sinbad de Zeeman

From Zwolle - 2012

8. Gulliver

From Zwolle - 2012

9. Leif Ericson

From Zwolle - 2012

10. Columbus

From Zwolle - 2012

11. Het behuyden huys

From Zwolle - 2012

12. Walvisvaart / Moby-Dick

From Zwolle - 2012

13. Michiel de Ruyter

From Zwolle - 2012

14. Piet Hein

From Zwolle - 2012

15. Scheepswiel

From Zwolle - 2012

16. Piraten

From Zwolle - 2012

17. De Glijbaan / Playground slide

From Zwolle - 2012

19. Zeemonsters / Hydra

From Zwolle - 2012

We enjoyed this exhibition very much!

You can visit it until January, 29. You'll find all the information here. Have fun!

Anita's drawings

2012-01-18T17:30:00.000+01:00

As I said in the previous post, blogland gave me the opportunity to meet very talented ladies. This time let me share with you these pretty dessins from Anita Rivera, author of the blog Castles, Crowns and Cottages.

From Coisas Minhas II

I have a special plan for these drawings. They will be placed in our (almost finished) dressing room. We have been doing here some improvements. We replaced the floor and placed a Pax System wardrobe (Ikea). I think, after painting the walls, the dressing room will look great with these drawings. ;-)

From Coisas Minhas II

You find more of Anita's works in her Etsy Shop. Enjoy!

Isabel's embroidery pin cushion

2012-01-15T22:23:00.002+01:00

One of the most interesting and beautiful things about blogging is the opportunity to meet very creative and talented people. Isabel Tiago is one of those skilled women I had the luck to meet in blogland.

Two years ago, when we had just moved to Tussen de Vaarten, I had this pretty and lovely handmade embroidery pin cushion from Isabel waiting for me in the post office. Just loved it! Last week, I found the perfect place for my beautiful pin cushion: a purple bamboo box! :-)

From Coisas Minhas II

Agulha Dourada is Isabel's blog where we can find more pretty embroidery works like this one. Here are some examples. :-)
http://agulhadourada.blogspot.com/2010/11/dia-de-sao-martinho-saco-das-castanhas.html
http://agulhadourada.blogspot.com/2010/08/toalha-bebe-ponto-cruz-hora-do-banho.html
http://agulhadourada.blogspot.com/2010/04/fralda-ponto-cruzsofia-alexandra.html

Isabel has other interesting blogs.

Partilhar Diferenças
A blog about Portuguese hidden cultural treasures, not so well known, I think, by foreign tourists. Take a look at these entries, I think you'll like it ;-) Festa dos Tabuleiros em Tomar, Fajão, Aldeia do Xisto, Pampilhosa da Serra and Cerdeira, Aldeia do Xisto, Lousã, Coimbra.

Memórias de Sacavém
A blog about the popular portuguese porcelain of Sacavém. Aren't they beautiful, this tureen and this plate with children decorations? ;-)

Enjoy Isabel's blogs!
Have fun and stay well! :-)

ABC AWARD

2012-01-08T22:27:00.001+01:00

Presépio has been awarded with the ABC award by Sami, author of the blog Sami-Colourfulworld.
Thank you, Sami! That was very nice of you! :-)

By this award, I must share with my blogger readers and friends something about myself using the alphabet. I can pass on this award to as many or as few as I wish. So, feel free to accept it and join the fun! You are all very welcome! :-) :-)

A	Amsterdam Almere Aachen Agatha Christie Ary dos Santos (Portuguese poet)	B	Boat Blof (Dutch music band)
C	Cat Canja de galinha caseira (Chicken soup) Cristina Branco and Carlos do Carmo (Portuguese Fado singers)	D	Dedicated Delta cafés Douro province
E	Enthusiastic Ennio Morricone Eça de Queirós (Portuguese writer) Eugénio de Andrade (Portuguese poet) Efteling	F	Fofinho (my cat) Flevoland Friendly Fado Florence France
G	German Christmas Markets Ginginha (cherry liquor)	H	Happy History
I	Ice cream	J	Juice (orange) Jane Austen
K	Kibbeling Kate Bush Kant	L	Laughter Lisbon London Loire Les Misérables
M	Mariola (ice cream) Monaco Migas (a traditional Portuguese side dish) Meryl Streep	N	Netherlands
O	Optimistic Once upon a time in America (film)	P	Portugal Poetry Paris Presépio Poirot
Q	Queijo fresco (fresh cottage cheese) Queen	R	Romantic Red wine
S	Sun Santini ice cream Sintra Sting Sherlock Holmes	T	Travel Tea Tom Jobim (Brazilian musician) Travesseiros de Sintra (a typical pastry from Sintra)
U	Utrecht Utopolis Cinema Urk U2 Upstairs, Downstairs Umberto Eco	V	Vacation Vicentinas tea room Vinicius de Moraes (Brazilian poet)
W	Water Waterboys	X	marks the spot ;-)
Y	York Yes, (Prime) Minister	Z	Zuiderzee Museum Zeeland

The Whole of the Moon

2012-01-07T22:11:00.001+01:00

This evening in my backyard... the whole of the moon...

From Almere 2012

After these stormy nights, after the flu, this gift from heaven ;-)

Life is good! :-)

"In every man's heart there is a secret nerve that answers to the vibrations of beauty."

Christopher Morley

Best of Presépio 2011 (2)

2012-01-06T23:02:00.000+01:00

June

Presépio's favourite tips for children and families
Interesting and beautiful places to go with your kids and wonderful experiences to enjoy with them in the Netherlands.

From Efteling

Historisch Festival Almere

Enjoy a steamboat trip and a fun exibithion of old trains and cars.

From Historisch Festival Almere 2011

Disneyland Paris
The pictures of a magical place. Meet Mickey and all your childhood friends.

Brabant's Orchestra demonstration in Den Hague
A very different way to show disagreement with government measures .

From Almere (III)

Public Art in Almere Train Station
Paintings of Margriet Maduro. Enjoy the colours of Aruba from where she is from.

July

Dutch Front Yards
Look how pretty they are in our neighbourhood.

From Coisas Minhas

Fofinho at the Dierenkliniek
My cat went to the vet in the Netherlands for the first time. Read here all the story.

Batavia Stad
An open air outlet shopping mall in Flevoland.

My Oostvaarders Photo wins the Tourism Flevoland Contest

October

Where are you Fofinho?
What we should do in the Netherlands if our pet is missing. My personal experience.

Oorchideeen Hoeve
A gift from Flevoland Tourism for my Oostvaarders photo.

From Orchidarium

November

London
Enjoying this amazing city on my birthday.

From Londres 2011

December

Greece
The photos of our Summer holidays.

From Ítaca

Kabouters
According to Dutch Mythology, a kabouter (gnome) is a tiny folkloric man who traditionally wears a pointy red hat, lives in harmony with nature and resides in mushrooms.

From Coisas Minhas - Jardim

Between Festivities
Saint Martin's Day, Sinterklaas arrival, Pakjesavond and Christmas.

From Coisas Minhas II

Fantastic Creatures in Amsterdam
My friend Raquel invited me to watch this amazing show in Amsterdam.

From Amsterdam

Dutch Christmas Postcards
They are different and very pretty. Take a look.

From Natal 2011

Christmas

A Sweet Christmas Eve and now, this photo, as a special plus: my husband's Bolo-Rainha (Queen's cake).

From Natal 2011

Happy New Year!!!
At home. In Almere. Oliebollen, Fireworks and Marco Borsato.

From New Year 2011-2012

And now, a special 2011 moment, wishing you a great 2012!
This moonlight when I was arriving home on December, 9 ...
My special gift for you. After all, today is Dia de Reis. :-)

From Natal 2011

Best of Presépio 2011 (1)

2012-01-04T11:45:00.000+01:00

In case you have missed it ;-)
Have fun! :-)

January

Oostvaardersplassen
Photos of this beautiful nature reserve between the cities of Almere and Lelystad in Flevoland.

Zeeuwse Bolus
A Dutch pastry with Portuguese origins.

Amersfoort
The medieval city center of Amersfoort in the mist.

From Amersfoort

February

Delft
Vermeer's city and a jazz bar.

Tussen de Pannen
A very special cooking book where you will find dishes from 15 different nationalities in the Almere's Bouwmeesterbuurt neighbourhood.

From Coisas Minhas

Learning Dutch (1)
How Dutch language crossed my way and how I learned my first words.

Learning Dutch (2)
My first adventures with Dutch language. Looking for a house in Almere.

March

Learning Dutch (3)
My first adventures with Dutch language. Understanding a renting house contract in Dutch.

Kasteel De Haar
A visit to the largest castle of the Netherlands.

Learning Dutch (4)
My first adventures with Dutch language. How to get a renting contract in Dutch.

A Tea in the Garden

A bucolic scenery tea house surrounded by a romantic and nostalgic garden with enchanted corners.

From Eemnes

A Sunset at Boat House

Come and see this very well located restaurant, nice to enjoy a glass of wine at sunset.

Learning Dutch (5)
My first adventures with Dutch language. How I dealt with all the official letters in Dutch.

Cristina Branco canta Slauerhoff
The happy meeting between a Portuguese singer and a Dutch poet. To listen carefully.

Learning Dutch (6)
My first adventures with Dutch language. My first experience with Dutch Taxes...in Dutch.

The Life in the City
Pictures of a normal day in Amersfoort.

Best Bibliotheek van Nederland 2010
In Almere, of course ;-) Take a look at the pictures.

From Almere (III)

April

Bring your pet with you
A very special post where I share with you what I have done to bring my cat with me from Portugal.

Dutch Vintage Postcards
A new love. A new passion.

From Coisas Minhas

Zwolse Balletjes
A typical sweet from the beautiful city of Zwolle. An exquisite offer from my dear Aledys.

From Coisas Minhas

De Negen Straatjes

A walk by this famous shopping district of very cute little stores in Amsterdam with my friend Raquel.

My Mate Experience
How I lived a true Argentinian experience. All the story by Aledys, who moved from Argentina to the Netherlands for love.

De Pijp (Amsterdam)

My outing in this lively bohemian district in Amsterdam.

From De Pijp

The Sarphati Park

Pictures of a park in Amsterdam that takes the name of a Dutch citizen of Portuguese origins.

Bazar Restaurant
Pictures of my favourite restaurant in Amsterdam.

Keukenhof 2011
My pictures of the largest flower park in the world.

Koninginnedag
How we celebrated Queen's Day in Almere.

Dodenherdenking

A day to celebrate those who lost their lives in the war, specially in World War II. A book that tells us the stories of those who, like Anne Frank, went into hiding during Holocaust.

A Restaurant surrounded by Contemporary Architecture
In Almere Stad, in front of the Weerwater Lake.

A Traditional Dutch New Year's Eve

2012-01-01T16:35:00.000+01:00

Oliebollen, Fireworks and Marco Borsato. More Dutch than this is almost impossible ;-))

The Traditional Dutch Oliebollen (literally oil balls)

From New Year 2011-2012

How delicious they were! Lekker, lekker, lekker!!!!

The Traditional Dutch Fireworks

As we have done last year, we took a champagne bottle, two champagne glasses and twelve sultanas each and we went to the street to watch the fireworks in our neighbourhood.
We stayed nearby the lake for a while and then we went for a walk until and along the canal.
The fireworks were absolutely AMAZING!!!! Each one better than the other. It seemed like a contest between neighbours.
I got the idea the Dutch were definitively telling a "GO AWAY 2011!", a strong "NO!" to the crisis and passing the message that 2012 would be a great year, against all odds: "We will fight this crisis and win!". Talking with one my neighbours, she expressed these same thoughts I was having at that moment.
What I've seen a couple of hours ago, I will never forget. The photos only give a small idea of the two hours show we have enjoyed.

From New Year 2011-2012

Marco Borsato

Already back home, we went for a warm and delicious Caldo Verde, our Portuguese traditional New Year's Eve soup, and then sat down on the sofa to watch TV. We decided for SBS6 and the great show "Symphonica in Rosso" with the Dutch singer, Marco Borsato. Just loved it!!!

I can not place here the videos of the concert, but if you would like to see a great show of eletric guitars and violins, please, click on this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Udv86haTu10.

In Volo: The Latin Touch of the Evening

Of course, this evening had a Latin touch too. :-)

After we enjoyed a delicious dinner prepared by my hubby,

Prawn Cocktail

From New Year 2011-2012

and Stuffed Crab,

From New Year 2011-2012

we watched a concert given by the Italian teenager tenor group Il Volo at RTL8. I didn't know them yet. Great voices! Listen to them here in O Solo Mio :-) Have you already heard about In Volo? :-)

...
This New Year's Eve was better that I was expecting. We were not in the mood for big parties. We just wanted to enjoy a cozy and relaxed evening. As I told you before, we have been tired because of the house's improvements we have been doing around here. Besides, December was not a very good month for me.
I have just lost a cousin with cancer in Christmas Day. Believe me, I'm very tired how this illness is taking away my family from me. I also received a lot of bad news from my family and friends in Portugal about the way the crisis is afecting them ("I have lost my job", "I've closed my firm.", etc).
The laws are changing too in my country. Many things will be quite different this year because of the agreement we have done with IMF. So I needed to spend some time trying to understand all the changes and to prepare my mother to face them in the smothiest possible way.
Last night, watching the fireworks show, I also gave a big "Goodbye to 2011!". I arrived at home feeling stronger and more hopeful in the near future. Focus, serenity, hope and self confidence will be my motto to face 2012.
If there is a "C" in my life, I prefer it to be a "C" of courage, not a "C" of "constant complains" or "crisis". ;-) Courage to deal with the situations, courage to cry when needed, courage to have a time for myself to put the things in order, courage to help myself and others, courage to make the best of it. That's the "C" I choose, keeping the faith and the hope.

Forever trusting who we are
And nothing else matters

Stay well! A great 2012 to all of you!! :-)

Happy 2012!!!

2011-12-30T00:24:00.000+01:00

2011 is almost over...

Let's celebrate 2011 nice moments!

January 2011

We started the year watching the fireworks in our neighbourhood...

From New Year 2011

A couple of days later, we enjoyed an amazing day in Oostvaardersplassen nature reserve. I took this photo from the car, already on our way back home...

From Oostvaardersplassen

February 2011

A visit to the Kasteel de Haar. The guided tour was in Dutch and I was able to understand 70% of it. I even spoke a bit in Dutch with the guide. ;-)

From De Haar

March 2011

A Tea in Eemnes in a bucolic and romantic scenery. :-) A suggestion of a blogger friend.

From Eemnes

April 2011

Time to enjoy Keukenhof...

From K3 2011

May 2011

4 magical days in Disneyland Paris...

From Eurodisney

June 2011

Time for sailing ;-)

Stoomboot Rondvaart Almere Haven

From Stoomboot Rondvaart Almere Haven 2011

Batavia Stad

From Batavia Stad

July

I was one of the two winners of the Flevoland Tourism Contest.

From Almere (III)

August

Greece...to enjoy the sun and the sea....

From Grécia 2011 - Kefalonia -

September

Lisbon... to enjoy family and friends...

From Lisboa 2011

October

I tasted for the first time a homemade Hungarian Goulash...

From Coisas Minhas - Goulash

November

London, where I spent my birthday :-)

From Londres 2011

December 2011

One of the angels of my Christmas Tree...:-)

From Natal 2011

HAPPY 2012!!!!

I wish you all PEACE, HEALTH, LOVE and JOY!
Ik wens iedereen een gezond een gelukkig 2012!
Feliz Ano Novo! :-)

A Sweet Christmas Eve

2011-12-28T23:23:00.000+01:00

Last weekend, we have enjoyed a very pleasant Christmas Eve. Let me share with you some of those sweet moments. Specially, how we always try to keep our Portuguese traditions. ;-)

In Portugal we are used to eat cod fish with potatoes and cabbages at Christmas Eve. My mother always offers the cod fish for this special night. However, this time, we decided to eat it "à lagareiro", one of the thousand ways how we eat cod fish in Portugal.

From Natal 2011

Mommy also offered me "línguas de gato" (cat tongues), one of my dearest childhood memories. ;-) So sweet of her! Thank you, mommy!!

My friend A. sent me the chourizos to make "Caldo Verde", our traditional and delicious New Year's Eve soup. Thank you, my dear!

My goddaughter's mother also gave me a very sweet present: homemade decorated cookies. ;-) She knows how I appreciate homemade gifts. :-)

From Natal 2011

A very nice surprise was also my mother's neighbour's gift. She knows me since I was born and she does beautiful and lovely crochet works. M., who is now 87 years, is a very talented lady! Look where I will put the bon bons next time! Several pieces like this one with bon bons make a very special effect on the table.

From Natal 2011

Christmas means traditions and rituals. One is my husband's gift, generally a parfum. This time, I chose Pure White Linen Coral by Estée Lauder.
:-)

From Natal 2011

But, he had a surprise for me: two Occitane facial creams. Very useful now with this cold!

From Natal 2011

My goddaughter also wanted to protect me from the low temperatures. She gave me polar socks.

From Natal 2011

A Christmas present that should never be missed in my sock is a book. I was very glad when I unwrapped my godmother's gift: Agatha Christie's autobiography!!! I love you, Madrinha!

From Natal 2011

Finally, the touch of Dutch of this special evening: poffertjes!!

From Natal 2011

I've enjoyed my Christmas Eve very much!

I hope you have enjoyed yours too!

Thank you all for your sweet Christmas Cards, emails and sms's.

The Lord's Prayer in Dutch

2011-12-25T16:39:00.000+01:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS, everyone!!! :-)

From Natal 2011

Let me share with you this special gift from my friend Raquel.

From Natal 2011

She printed in the same paper an image from The Creation of Adam of Michelangelo as well as the Lord's prayer. She placed it then in this frame, so that I would know how to pray "Our Father" in Dutch. Very sweet of her!
A couple of months ago, we met at the Begijnhof in Amsterdam and we decided at the last minute to attend a Mass in Dutch. Generally the priests talk slower, so I wondered if I would be able to understand a Mass in Dutch. Soon, I realized I couldn't. I was not (and I'm still not) aware of the Dutch religious vocabulary. I also realized that I didn't even know the Lord's Prayer ...
A couple of weeks after, in our next outing, Raquel gave me this frame. :-)
Today we celebrate the birth of Jesus. I think it's the perfect moment to share the Lord's prayer in Dutch with you. :-)

Onze Vader

Onze Vader, die in de hemel zijt,
Uw naam worde geheiligd,
Uw Rijk kome,
Uw wil geschiede op aarde zoals in Hemel,
Geef ons heden ons dagelijks brood,
en vergeef ons onze schuld,
zoals ook wij aan anderen hun schuld vergeven,
en leid ons niet in bekoring,
maar verlos ons van het kwade.

Amen.

Listen to the Onze Vader sung in Dutch ....:-) This music is very cheerful! ;-))

And in Portuguese... ;-)

From Natal 2011

Pai Nosso

Pai Nosso, que estais no Céu
Santificado seja o Vosso Nome,
Venha a nós o Vosso Reino,
Seja feita a Vossa vontade,
assim na Terra como no Céu,
O Pão Nosso de cada dia nos dai hoje,
Perdoai-nos as nossas ofensas,
assim como nós perdoamos
a Quem nos tem ofendido,
e não nos deixeis cair em tentação,
Mas livrai-nos do Mal.

Amém.

Dutch Christmas Postcards

2011-12-22T21:44:00.000+01:00

These are some of the Christmas postcards I've sent to my family and friends.

This one was sent to A. and P. who became parents of a lovely baby girl this year, L.

From Natal 2011

This one was sent to M. and I. This year, they became parents of two adorable boys.

From Natal 2011

This one was to A. who has two cute cats at home ;-))

From Natal 2011

This one was sent to my friend O. and her daughter I. :-)

From Natal 2011

The more traditional ones are also very pretty, I think.

From Coisas Minhas II

There were others, specially from Anton Pieck, like this one.

From Natal 2011

Am I right or not to be in love with Dutch postcards? ;-))

O Meu Presépio/ My Nativity Scene/ Mijn Kerststalletje

2011-12-20T14:38:00.000+01:00

O Meu Presépio/ My Nativity Scene/ Mijn Kerststalletje

From Natal 2011

sem vista para o canal ;-)without a view to the canal ;-)

zonder uitzicht op de gracht ;-)

From Natal 2011

We are now living in Tussen de Vaarten, not anymore in Almere Centrum...;-)

From Natal 2011

Feliz Natal!

Merry Christmas!

Prettige Kerstdagen!

Between Festivities

2011-12-18T21:03:00.000+01:00

I like very much the Autumn and the beginning of Winter in The Netherlands with all the season festivities: Saint Martin's Day, Sinterklaas Arrival , Pakjesavond and finally, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

November, 11: Saint Martin's Day

From Magusto 2011

This year was the most cheerful Saint Martin's Day that I have ever enjoyed! I didn't stop all evening. Many children knocked at my door with their paper lanterns, singing Saint Martin's songs. In the end of the evening, the three bowls filled with candies got almost empty! That means all the children have sung very well. ;-)

We think it's important to participate in our host country traditions. We feel more integrated in the Dutch society.

As you can see by the photo, we celebrated Saint Martin's day in a mixed way: Dutch pepernoten with roasted chestnuts, as we do in Portugal.
We didn't have água- pé, a low alchoolic beverage that we traditionally drink in Saint Martin's Day in Portugal, so we drank Port wine.

November, 12: Sinterklaas arrival

This year we didn't see Sinterklaas arrival in Almere Haven. We were very tired because of the improvements we have been doing in the house. We also have disassembled furniture we didn't want anymore and gave it away. This house is smaller than our previous one and we are struggling to have more space available. Besides, in the previous week to Sinterklaas arrival, I had participated in a very interesting Dutch course in Bussum. I must tell you about it later! ;-)

December, 5: Pakjesavond

From Natal 2011

We enjoyed a very nice Pakjesavond, eating chocolate letters, pepernoten and speculaas, according to Dutch tradition. However, we gave it a Portuguese touch by drinking Port wine. ;-)
As I told you here before, this time, I shared this evening with my beloved goddaughter in Portugal. Also with my mom, to whom I sent a Dutch umbrella as a Sinterklaas gift, perfect to face strong winds.
I think it's very interesting to share with my beloved ones in Portugal the traditions of my host country.

From Coisas Minhas - Chapéu de Chuva

We also enjoyed a couple of meetings with friends during this Autumn.
We met the newborn twins of a Dutch-Indonesian couple. I told you about Meiko, my Indonesian friend, before. Do you remember her Indonesian recipes?

From Coisas Minhas

Another very special ocasion was K.'s husband's birthday. K. is a Dutch teacher. Generally, we meet once a week to practice my Dutch so she can correct my mistakes and in return I give her Portuguese lessons.
K. is also Hungarian. So, for the first time, I tasted a homemade Hungarian Goulash. Curiously, it was made by her Dutch husband.
I want to ask her for the Goulash recipe but I will wait untill January. As I said, these are busy times in The Netherlands, with a lot of Festivities going on and for now our meetings are standing by.

From Coisas Minhas - Goulash

Christmas and Boxing Day

I already finished all the preparations. I painted the kitchen and the living room (this one is almost done). The decorations, the Christmas tree and the Christmas stall are in place already. Also my Christmas postcards are on their way. :-)

From Natal 2011

This year it hasn't snowed so far. I wish it had! I'm a big fan of a White Christmas!

We haven't had the time to go to the Christmas markets in Germany either. Some domestic issues to solve:a broken washing machine, the replacement of the kitchen's tap (I hope we can manage it to do it on the third time), etc.

Nevertheless, we are enjoying the season and we hope to have a quiet and cozy Christmas evening.

In the following days, I will publish some photos of our Christmas Stall (Presépio) and all the Christmas decorations. I also have a special post for Christmas Day ;-) Stay tuned!

Kabouters

2011-12-15T21:35:00.000+01:00

After those wonderful two weeks in Greece, I went to Portugal specially to visit my mother and do her big house cleaning. My mother is now 73, she is a widow and has many difficulties to do some of the chores because of her back and bone problems. Living in a second floor without a lift, it's not possible anymore for her to carry heavy bags full of old things to the garbage or to take heavy bags full of clothes, shoes and other stuff to give away. My mom has the help of a lady who goes there once a week to do the usual cleaning, but that's all.

Initially, I was planning to stay about two weeks in Portugal, but soon I realized that I would need to stay more time- in fact the whole month- to do the proper visits to my family and friends, and specially to finish my job. The last big cleaning I've done there was five years ago.

I was very tired when I arrived here. I have worked until the last minute, but I was happy because I left everything organized for my mom to enjoy her everyday life in a much smoothier way, like reaching easily the things in the cupboard without the danger of domestic accidents. You already know how careful I am with my mommy.

So, I guess you can imagine how nice it was, after a month of hard work, to arrive in the Netherlands and see the new flower bed's brick fence in the front garden as well as the stones to reduce the amount of weed.
A very nice surprise from my hubby! :-)

From Coisas Minhas - Jardim

I was so happy with the new look of the front garden that I went to Blokker to buy some kabouters or gnomes. I also bought some mushrooms. According to Dutch Mythology, a kabouter is a tiny folkloric man who traditionally wears a pointy red hat, lives in harmony with nature and resides in mushrooms. (Wikipedia)
:-)

Do you like my kabouters? :-)

From Coisas Minhas - Jardim

The end result...;-)

From Coisas Minhas - Jardim

:-)

Yes, the hortensias changed from blue to pink. That is because of the soil.
Looking at my hortensias, I believe they have missed me during my stay in Portugal, don't you agree? ;-)

I think we have done a very good job in the front garden. As you already may know, during last Spring, we have cleaned the weed, took away the previous plants and the tree in front of the doorway, painted the fences and the doorpost and also planted the hortensias.

I hope next Spring to finish the other flower beds. And have more photos to share with you, of course!! :-))

Stay well!

Have Ithaka always in your mind...

2011-12-13T22:26:00.000+01:00

We took our lunch in the lovely port of Kioni.

From Ítaca

"I wish I had a boat like this. I would sail in those blue waters and stop here and there just for lunch, and then, leave again into the sea.", I thought while sittting in the terrace ;-)

After lunch and shopping at the local stores, my wish seemed to come true. ;-) We took a boat until Vathy, Ithaca's capital. This journey, our return voyage, was the most beautiful part of the trip.

We spotted these old windmills...

From Ítaca

...before arriving to a green colour water beach...

From Ítaca

...where the boat stopped so we could enjoy a bath...

From Ítaca

... how we regretted to have eaten so much at lunch...we couldn't go into the water...

Around us some small boats like this one...

From Ítaca

Again I felt I was in Douro...

From Ítaca

because of this liaison between mountains and water...

From Ítaca

Almost in Vathy, this beautiful chapel nearby the sea...

From Ítaca

I became in love by Ithaca, as you may have already noticed it ;-)
So, I leave you with this beautiful poem about this exquisite island. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. :-)

Ithaca

When you set out for Ithaka
ask that your way be long,
full of adventure, full of instruction.
The Laistrygonians and the Cyclops,
angry Poseidon - do not fear them:
such as these you will never find
as long as your thought is lofty, as long as a rare
emotion touch your spirit and your body.
The Laistrygonians and the Cyclops,
angry Poseidon - you will not meet them
unless you carry them in your soul,
unless your soul raise them up before you.

Ask that your way be long.
At many a Summer dawn to enter
with what gratitude, what joy -
ports seen for the first time;
to stop at Phoenician trading centres,
and to buy good merchandise,
mother of pearl and coral, amber and ebony,
and sensuous perfumes of every kind,
sensuous perfumes as lavishly as you can;
to visit many Egyptian cities,
to gather stores of knowledge from the learned.

Have Ithaka always in your mind.
Your arrival there is what you are destined for.
But don't in the least hurry the journey.
Better it last for years,
so that when you reach the island you are old,
rich with all you have gained on the way,
not expecting Ithaka to give you wealth.
Ithaka gave you a splendid journey.
Without her you would not have set out.
She hasn't anything else to give you.

And if you find her poor, Ithaka hasn't deceived you.
So wise you have become, of such experience,
that already you'll have understood what these Ithakas mean.

Constantine P. Cavafy

On our way to Stavros

2011-12-12T23:43:00.000+01:00

On our departure to Stavros, we stopped by a gas station to take one more photo of Vathy.
Ithaca's capital seems like a lake, don't you think? :-)

From Ítaca

Again in the bus, we enjoyed very nice spots of the island. Look at this fishing boat. So fragile...

From Ítaca

One of the main economical activities: fish farms.

From Ítaca

For a couple of moments, the landscape reminded me of Douro, in Portugal...

From Ítaca

Meanwhile, we arrived in Stavros and we could taste its typical sweet: Rovani. At the town main square, you find a sign indicating where you can taste this traditional Greek dessert. Just delicious, specially with vanilla ice-cream. ;-)

From Ítaca

Vathy

2011-12-11T22:55:00.000+01:00

Vathy, Ithaca's capital, one of the world's largest natural harbours.

From Ítaca

"Odysseus is leaving Ithaca with his army", I thought while watching these boats...
;-)

From Ítaca

Meanwhile, I was astonished with all those luxury yachts..."I'm in Monaco again", I thought...

From Ítaca

Nevertheless, what really caught my heart were the cats I saw there... :-)

From Ítaca

They were so cute!!!

From Ítaca

We found them nearby this lovely terrace...

From Ítaca

Another cosy terrace...However, we didn't sit down here for a coffee...

From Ítaca

Other pretty places were expecting us...;-)

Arriving in Ithaca

2011-12-10T22:44:00.000+01:00

Another trip we have done while in Kephalonia was to Ithaca, the island of Odysseus.

From Ítaca

This trip was also organized by Arke, our travel agency.

A taxi picked us up at the Hotel in Xi Beach to take us to Lixouri where we took a ferry to Argostoli, Kefalonia's capital. From there, we took a bus toSami, located on the central east coast of the island. There, many buses with tourists, most of them Dutch and British, were waiting for their turn to get into the ferry to Ithaca.

A journey with outstanding panoramics...

From Ítaca

This sky, this sea...

From Ítaca

Everything so blue, so relaxing...

From Ítaca

I felt that everything was so exotic. All the means of transport we needed to take to get to Ithaca, the beauty of those islands and specially the names of the towns: Lixouri, Argostoli, Sami. Poirot and all the exotic journeys he had done crossed my mind for a couple of minutes ;-)

After arriving in Ithaca, we left the ferry and climbed a bit to the place where we should wait for the bus and where I took the photo below.

From Ítaca

Drogarati Cave and Melissani Lake

2011-12-09T23:43:00.000+01:00

Besides Myrtos, Assos and Fiskardo, we visited as well the Drogarati Cave where, we were told, Maria Callas has sung. Very, very pretty and the acustic is amazing!

From Grécia 2011 - Kefalonia - Gruta

Finally, the place I enjoyed the most: Melissani Lake.

From Grécia 2011 - Kefalonia - Lago

The cave features a sky-blue lake covered with stones.
The white colour from the rocks is stucco.

From Grécia 2011 - Kefalonia - Lago

The water is sooo cold!!! :-)) But this colour...oh... this colour...!! ;-)

From Grécia 2011 - Kefalonia - Lago

If you go to Kefalonia, don't miss this lake! ;-)

Fiskardo

2011-12-08T23:43:00.000+01:00

After Assos and the beautiful panoramic sights in the mountains, we stopped at Fiskardo, a harbour village in the north of Kefalonia, to lunch and enjoy a walk by the sea.

The mountains we are seeing in this photo are from Ithaca, the beloved island of Odysseus...

From Grécia 2011 - Kefalonia -

Fiskardo has very pretty and colourful houses and restaurants...

From Grécia 2011 - Kefalonia -

...like this one where we had lunch, the Cafe Tselenti, a historical building owned by the Tselenti family since 1893. The food is absolutely delicious!

From Grécia 2011 - Kefalonia -

I love flowers, so Fiskardo was a kind of paradise for me...;-)

From Grécia 2011 - Kefalonia -

Fiskardo has cosy and lovely terraces, don't you think?

From Grécia 2011 - Kefalonia -

Many artists, like Madonna, Sean Connery, Tom Hanks, Steven Spielberg have already visited Fiskardo. In fact, Spielberg arrived to Kefalonia in the day we left the island, we were told.

From Grécia 2011 - Kefalonia -

Myrtos and Assos

2011-12-07T23:57:00.000+01:00

On our first day at Kefalonia we had a meeting with Arke's travel agency operator about the sightseeing trips in the island.
We chose the trip through the North: Myrtos, Assos, Fiskardo, Melissani Lake and Drogarati Cave.

On the scheduled day, a taxi from Arke picked us up at the Hotel to take us to Lixouri. There, we got into a ferry to Argostoli, Kefalonia's capital, where a bus was waiting for us.

Myrtos Beach, our first stop, is one of the most photographed Greek beaches.
We only looked at it from above because it would be difficult to get there by bus.

From Grécia 2011 - Kefalonia -

The second stop was Assos, a small village with pretty Venetian style houses.

From Grécia 2011 - Kefalonia -

Very cosy, Assos offers enchanted corners and lovely terraces!

Some examples below :-)

From Grécia 2011 - Kefalonia -

Are you enjoying this trip? ;-)

Greece:Kefalonia

2011-12-06T22:03:00.000+01:00

Last August, we went to Greece for two weeks. My health was not so good because of the lack of sun. The level of vitamine D was low, for example. The previous months in The Netherlands were very cold and rainy, except in May and some days in June. July and August in Portugal were cold and rainy too, so we decided to go to Greece and buy an all-inclusive package in Arke travel agency.Destination: Kefalonia.

From Kefalonia - Praia

We stayed at Kefalonia Palace Hotel at Xi beach. We liked the hotel very much: clean, delicious food, friendly staff. However, I felt I hadn't leave The Netherlands. ;-)) Wherever I looked, I spotted a Dutch couple, with or without children.

From Kefalonia - Praia

We really needed this vacation, the so called dolce far niente:
shower, delicious breakfast, lay down on the yellow sand in a quiet spot, enjoy clean, blue and transparent waters,....

From Kefalonia - Praia

...and again, shower, delicious lunch, sleep, lay down on the sand, walk on the sunset (specially in the second week),...

From Kefalonia - Praia

...evening sea baths,...

From Kefalonia - Praia

...shower, delicious dinner, piña colada in the hotel terrace, sleep,...

From Kefalonia - Praia

On Friday, we had Greek dances. I danced too, of course ;-)

From Grécia 2011 - Kefalonia

However, during our stay in the island, we could see the signs of the economical crisis: unfinished buildings, bad road conditions, dump fields. We were also surprised with the people's low English level. After all, it's a very touristic island.

Nevertheless, there was this incredible sea, the warm sun and the Meditterranean landscape with fig trees. Again, like in my childhood, I went to pick some figs. A simple pleasure, but so great for me!

Pakjesavond

2011-12-05T22:30:00.000+01:00

This evening is "Pakjesavond" or Gifts Night (Saint Nicholas Eve).
Sinterklaas (Saint Nicholas) will bring some gifts for the children who have behaved properly during the year.

It's time to enjoy...

Pepernoten...

From Coisas Minhas II

Speculaas...

From Coisas Minhas II

and to receive, specially the children, a chocolate letter with the Christian name initial...

From Coisas Minhas II

...as well as a nice gift like an agenda, perhaps? ;-)

From Coisas Minhas II

I sent a package with these gifts to my goddaughter, so she can experience a little bit of Sinterklaas.

She told me that she took the perpenoten to the school and shared them with her schoolmates.

In the end of the day, she said, there was nothing left :-))

...

We've just enjoyed this movie! Have fun! Happy Sinterklaas! :-))

Fantastic Creatures in Amsterdam

2011-12-04T00:03:00.000+01:00

A couple of weaks ago, I went to Amsterdam to meet my friend Raquel. She had invited me to watch a show at Dam Square. A show of light and fantastic creatures: Turn on the Lights 2011 by Bijenkorf.

From Amsterdam

I had no clue about it, so I was surprised when I saw all the fantastic creatures.
The show was very funny: sometimes, we needed to run away from the sorcerers and the dragons ;-))

From Amsterdam

I didn't understand what they were saying, but I think they were fighting for power...;-)

From Amsterdam

The building you are seeing in the photo bellow is the Royal Palace.

From Amsterdam

But then, an angel appeared...

From Amsterdam

... singing in a yellow balloon...

From Amsterdam

...and everything ended well...

From Amsterdam

...with an invitation for a glass of Prosecco at Bijenkorf ;-)

I leave you with the video of the Turn on the Lights 2011 show!
Enjoy! :-)

Thanks Raquel! Thanks Bijenkorf!

Churchill War Rooms

2011-12-03T01:14:00.000+01:00

On our last day in London, we visited the Churchill War Rooms. We took our time to see it slowly. We were on a very special place, the heart of Britain's wartime government during the Blitz.
"This is the room from which I will direct the war." said Churchill after became Prime Minister.

The Cabinet War Rooms, situated at Westminster, London's heart, is a historic underground complex that housed the British government during World War II.

From Londres 2011

A place that we should visit with a special respect. We listened to the souds of the typists, the bells, the phones, Churchill's voice on the radio. We were again in the 40's. At war. We walked along the corridors and saw the staff dormitories, the private bedrooms for military officers and senior ministers, their workplaces, like Churchill's Cabinet below, and the Map Room where the officers in charge were responsible for producing a daily intelligence summary for the King.

From Londres 2011

I enjoyed to see so many people there, visiting this extraordinary place. In the photo below, "The Dock", an undergroud in the underground, a place of hiding and protection.

From Londres 2011

We had also the opportunitty to listen to the stories of those who worked there during those troubled years, without fresh air or sun, away from their own families.

After this impressive visit, we went to the pub The Marquis of Westminster, in front of our hotel, to enjoy our lunch before our departure. The homemade soup, the traditional fish and chips and the hamburgers were absolutely delicious. I guess I found my places in London:where to stay and where to eat. Also how to travel cheaper: with the London Pass, of course ;-)

From Londres 2011

The Enchanted Kensington Palace (II)

2011-12-02T01:00:00.000+01:00

These are some photos I took on the other rooms of Kensington Palace State Apartments . I must say I liked very much the light installations by Chris Levine. The quotes and the music were chosen by me.

There are two kinds of light- the glow that illumines, and the glare that obscures.
James Thurber

From Londres 2011

When you possess light within, you see it externally.

Anais Nin

From Londres 2011

There are two ways of spreading light; to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.

Edith Wharton

From Londres 2011

(William III of England, also Prince of Orange, a great militar general, has played here with his toys.)

Nothing in the universe can travel at the speed of light, they say, forgetful of the shadow's speed.
Howard Nemerov

From Londres 2011

In the last room, there were portraits of the seven princesses of the quest and in the walls there were dancing shadows...

The Doors, Light my fire

The Enchanted Kensington Palace (I)

2011-12-01T00:51:00.000+01:00

On my birthday's morning, we went to the Kensington Palace to enjoy the exhibition "The Enchanted Palace", available to visitors until coming January, 3. At the door, we were given a quest to find out each of the seven princesses in the State Apartments rooms.

These were the rooms I liked the most.

The Room of Royal Sorrows
Queen Mary II (1662-1694)

From Londres 2011

In this room, we heard Queen Mary of Modena, second wife of King James II of England, weeping because of the rumors about the birth of her only surviving son, James Francis Edward. Most people believed he was a changeling brought into the birth-chamber in a warming-pan, in order to perpetuate King James II's Catholic dinasty. It was believed the real prince was a stillborn baby.
Those rumours, in spite of the privy-council investigations proved to be false, lead to the Glorious Revolution and the expulsion of the king who was replaced by his eldest daughter Mary and her husband William of Orange, who became Queen Mary II and King William III of England, respectively.

The Room of a Sleeping Princess

Queen Victoria (1819-1901)

From Londres 2011

Queen Victoria was born in 1819 on March, 24 in Kensington Palace. She was educated under the so called "Kensington System", an elaborate set of rules and protocols devised by her mother, the Dutchess of Kent, and her comptroller, Sir John Conroy, so she could become weak and be manipulated by them.
Constrained by day, she is free in her dreams...that's the message of this room.

The Room of Dancing Princesses

Princess Margaret (1930-2002) and Princess Diana (1961-1997)

Two symbols of fashion in this room.

In these photos, the tiara which Princess Margaret wore at her wedding to Anthony Armstrong-Jones in 1960.

From Londres 2011

This room decoration is very beautiful, don't you think? :-)

From Londres 2011

The Room of Flight

Princess Charlotte (1796-1817)

Princess Charlotte died following childbirth at the age of 21, after a year and a half of a happy marriage with Leopold Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld who became King of the Belgians in 1830. He was the uncle of the future Queen Victoria. She was the daughter of George, Prince of Wales (later King George IV). Her father had pressured her to marry the Prince of Orange, but her will to marry Leopold took the best.

From Londres 2011

Tomorrow I will show you other rooms with the beautiful light works by Chris Levine.

Well Done, London!

2011-11-30T01:00:00.000+01:00

I really appreciated the way how monuments are so well cared in London...

Not only the great ones...

From Londres 2011

like the White Tower of William the Conqueror...

From Londres 2011

but also the little shinny details...

as these ones ...

From Londres 2011

I also enjoyed how they keep their History so alive and kicking...

During our visit to the tower we found here and there actors representing historical figures...

From Londres 2011

"So, you are Portuguese...We are old friends." he said. "We'll send very soon an army to your country." he added very seriously. I think he was predicting the future, talking about the Peninsular War. ;-)

Almost at the end of our visit, we saw the place where Anne Boleyn and other well known historical figures had been decapitated...

From Londres 2011

Of course, the Queen's Crown Jewels (I saw it twice) and the prisioner grafittis in Beauchamp Tower were also very special and interesting parts of this visit!

Time went fast... and after 5 hours in the Tower and many, many, steps later, it was time to leave...

From Londres 2011

and visit the magnificent Tower Bridge...

From Londres 2011

where we have been able to see more little shinny details, like this steam engine,

From Londres 2011

and, at the end, to enjoy a beautiful sunset :-)

From Londres 2011

London at night

2011-11-29T00:12:00.000+01:00

We spent all of the following day in the Tower of London and in the Tower Bridge. We arrived at the Tower of London around 10.30 and we ended our day on the other side of the Thames, already in the evening.

The Tower of London

From Londres 2011

The Tower Bridge

From Londres 2011

We found many people on this side of the river setting up all the proper equipment to take good pictures during the evening, which was not my case.
:-)
I took my little, light and handy Lumix with me.

I regret I didn't take a picture of the photographers, so I could be able to show you all the atmosphere they give to the place. I perfectly understand their care. The spots are quite amazing, like this one for example, with Saint Paul's Cathedral behind the bridge.

From Londres 2011

We ended our day in China Town in the restaurant Four Seasons where we ate very nicely for an affordable price. The restaurant was crowded and we needed to wait standing up, but the service was quick and efficient and the food delicious. I read many different opinions about this restaurant, but our experience was quite positive.

From Londres 2011

What is your favourite restaurant in London?

Belgravia

2011-11-27T22:54:00.001+01:00

Last year, we didn't appreciate so much the hotel where we've stayed in London. So, this year, we decided to look for another one. We chose the Best Western Victoria Palace Hotel , which revealed itself to be a great budget solution. Happily situated nearby Victoria Station, we were very close to
the beautiful and wealthy district of Belgravia.

Looking at the buildings around and specially when we were being led to our downstairs room (why do you think we got a good price for it?;-)), I could only think of Rose and Mr Hudson of the unforgetable Upstairs, Downstairs, a British television drama I used to watch on TV in the late seventies...

The episode I chose to remember this televison drama was "Guest of Honour" and I did it for a particular reason. As you may know, Edward VII was the king of the United Kingdom when the story of Upstairs, Downstairs began. In this episode, he is the guest of honour of Lady Marjorie Bellamy. Trying to guess who was the famous guest, the cook, Mrs Bridges, suggested, on minute 3.48, the name of a very important gentleman and close friend of the king, the Portuguese ambassador Marquês de Soveral (Marquess of Soveral), honored by Queen Victoria and considered London's most elegant gentleman.

I read that the father of Dame Eileen Atkins, one of the authors of Upstairs, Downstairs has worked as the under-chauffer of a Portuguese ambassador, and I wonder if it was Marquês de Soveral.

We were still talking about Upstairs, Downstairs, that evening, when we went for a very nice walk in Belgravia to admire the beautiful buildings and we passed by the house of Lord Mountbatten, the last Viceroy of India. A nice journey beginning, I thougt.

From Londres 2011

(the photo isn't good as it should, sorry.)

Fado: World Intangible Heritage

2011-11-27T13:56:00.001+01:00

Fado...our national song is from today World Intagible Heritage! Congratulations Portugal!!!!!!

Some of my favourite Fados...

Mariza, Oh Gente da Minha Terra

Dulce Pontes, Canção do Mar

Amália Rodrigues, Barco Negro

Carlos do Carmo, Os Putos

41

2011-11-24T13:34:00.000+01:00

The cookies made by my goddaughters's mother and sent to me as a gift. My friend L. likes to decorate cookies and cakes. In these cookies, you will find the words "Parabéns Sandra" which means "Congratulations Sandra". They were my birthday cake :-) I blew the candles yesterday evening. The cookies were absolutely delicious!!

From Coisas Minhas II

I coudn't get them earlier in the post office because I was in London. So, I can say I had a surprise party ;-) Very private, but a surprise party ;-)

From Coisas Minhas II

We arrived at home last Tuesday evening. Look at the surprise I had in my living room! No, this is not my cat, but the cat of one of my neighbours.My cat was on the sofa.They were both very quiet when we got in the living room. I didn't see him right away because his colour is very similar to the colour of the new TV furniture.

From Coisas Minhas II

He must have gotten in when my neighbour J. opened the backyard/living room door a little bit so that my cat could go to the backyard for a couple of minutes. J. was here taking care of the cat litter, his food and water supplies. My neighbour lives next door and generally when we go away, he comes twice a day.

From Coisas Minhas II

Yesterday, I was also in the post office to get my mother's present: a book about the European Royal Families who came to live in Portugal during World War II.They stayed mainly in the towns of Sintra and Cascais. Never in history there were so many crowned heads living in the same place at the same time.This book was written by the French Prince, Charles Philippe D'Orléans, married with the Portuguese Duchess Diana of Cadaval.

From Coisas Minhas II

Previously, my mother sent to me another book about a great lady I admire very much, the Portuguese Princess, Adelaide of Braganza.In times of crisis, the story of this Princess is in fact an inspiration. She almost got killed by the Gestapo. By the way, she married a Dutch doctor ;-)

I leave you now with the trailer of the musical I went to see in London: "Les Misérables".

Stay well :-)

PS1:I know I have been away. Sorry. But I've been very busy.

PS2: Thanks again to the ones who sent me emails and sms's of congratulations. :-)

A Dutch Flower and a Portuguese Song (X)

2011-10-27T00:12:00.000+02:00

From De Orchideeen Hoeve...

From Orchidarium

A Dutch Flower and a Portuguese Song (IX)

2011-10-26T00:30:00.000+02:00

From De Orchideeen Hoeve...

From Orchidarium

A Dutch Flower and a Portuguese Song (VIII)

2011-10-25T00:10:00.000+02:00

From De Orchideeen Hoeve...

From Orchidarium

A Dutch Flower and a Portuguese Song (VII)

2011-10-24T00:30:00.000+02:00

From De Orchideeen Hoeve...

From Orchidarium

A Dutch Flower and a Portuguese Song (VI)

2011-10-23T00:14:00.000+02:00

From De Orchideeen Hoeve...

From Orchidarium

A Dutch Flower and a Portuguese Song (V)

2011-10-22T02:26:00.000+02:00

From De Orchideeen Hoeve...

From Orchidarium

A Dutch Flower and a Portuguese Song (IV)

2011-10-21T01:29:00.000+02:00

From De Orchideeen Hoeve...

From Orchidarium

Vitorino, Alentejanas e Amorosas

A Dutch Flower and a Portuguese Song (III)

2011-10-20T00:06:00.000+02:00

From De Orchideeen Hoeve...

From Orchidarium

A Dutch Flower and a Portuguese Song (II)

2011-10-19T08:56:00.000+02:00

From De Orchideeen Hoeve...

From Orchidarium

I think this flower goes well with a more noir song...Mundo Cão, Ordena que te ame

A Dutch Flower and a Portuguese Song (I)

2011-10-18T00:30:00.000+02:00

From De Orchideeen Hoeve...

From Orchidarium

Sara Tavares, Eu Sei

Dutch Flowers and Portuguese Songs

2011-10-17T18:04:00.000+02:00

In the next entries, I will join a flower from De Orchideeen Hoeve with a Portuguese song. Enjoy! Amor Electro, A Máquina Parou

From Orchidarium

Portuguese delicacies that make me happy ;-)

2011-10-16T22:58:00.001+02:00

Um café e uma queijadinha :-) :-)

From Lisboa 2011

Saladinha de Polvo :-) :-) Thanks Leonor, Pedro, Helena and Sara! :-))

From Coisas Minhas

Leitão (Restaurante Manjar dos Templários) :-) :-)Thanks Aida, Pedro and Leonor :-)

From Coisas Minhas

The following ones were very special to me ;-) Pancakes by my 9 years old goddaughter, Helena :-)

From Coisas Minhas

Jelly with Dates by my godmother :-)

From Coisas Minhas

There were other delicacies that made me happy, shared with very special friends and family, but I didn't always have my camera with me, sorry. Next time, then... :-)Have a nice week :-)

2011-10-14T01:46:00.001+02:00

Fofinho is at home now. He is ok. We are ok. And happy. :-))Thanks for your support!!A gift for you ;-) Wisdom: The greatest gift one generation can give to another by Andrew Zuckerman

WISDOM Trailer from Andrew Zuckerman Studio on Vimeo.

Beijinhos!! :-))

Where are you, Fofinho?

2011-10-13T01:03:00.003+02:00

My cat is missing since last Tuesday. I'm so worried and sad.

From Coisas Minhas

We have been looking for him everywhere, day and night, by foot and by car. We have placed photos at the supermarket and at the vet clinic.After looking for him without results tuesday evening and wednesday morning, I called to the police to know what should I do in these circumstances. They advised me to contact the Dieren Ambulance. And so I did and I have followed all their advices.I took a look at mijn dier is zoek, a site with photos and information about lost pets found by other people. But unfortunately, I didn't find anything! Then I phoned to the Dieren Asiel in Almere asking if someone has left Fofinho there. Later I also sent a Fofinho's photo.Finally, I sent all the information to Amivedi, a site about lost pets.The Dieren Ambulance assistant also told me if they find my cat in the street, they will let me know. I've sent to them my cat's photo to help them on their work.I've also talked to my neighbours, checked frontyards, backyards, corridors, lakes, public gardens, etc. Nothing!I'm so worried and sad, but I'm trying to think positive. He has got a chip with its identification data. That means he can easily be recognized. He has got all the vaccines. That means he is more protected against this cold weather. He is friendly. Perhaps he will be found by a gentle soul. I'm worried because this is not his usual behaviour. Everyday he likes to go for a walk, but after a while he comes back to eat something and drink water. He is doing a special diet because he has kidney problems. On the other side, the street is very quiet and he knows the surroundings. But I just can't find him anywhere and he doesn't come back home. Where are you, Fofinho?I thought perhaps he was injured and he could not move. So I called for him, but not even a sound. I've been looking carefully at the sidewalks and the roads (perhaps an accident), but gladly, I didn't see him in those circumstances. I don't know what to think about and what to do more. Where is he? I checked all the places I was able to remember.If it was in the Summer and he was younger, I would be more relaxed. But knowing him under this rain and cold, with 14 years old, I'm fearing the worst scenario. I'm so sad. I want him with me, protected and well. Why doesn't he come back home?? Why don't I see him anywhere?Just pray, so I would be able to find him soon. Tomorrow I will place more photos in public places.

Galapos, Setúbal, Portugal

2011-10-09T17:45:00.001+02:00

Between the Arrábida Mountains and a blue and calm sea,

From Praia de Galapos

a very beautiful beach,

From Praia de Galapos

where I went with my goddaughter, her sister and her parents :-)

From Praia de Galapos

to enjoy an unforgetable September afternoon ;-)

From Praia de Galapos

At Lisbon...

2011-10-05T15:29:00.003+02:00

5th October 1143 - Portugal became an independent nation and kingdom by the Treaty of Zamora. Today, Portugal celebrates 868 years of history! In spite of the fact that my country has no official celebrations of this important historical date, I always celebrate it. So, Congrats Portugal! :-)To celebrate my country's birthday, I want to share with you some Lisbon pictures, from last September, during my staying in Portugal :-) I took an afternoon just for myself. A walk in the city's downtown ( A Baixa)...Cais das Colunas (18th century)

From Lisboa 2011

Enjoying the Tagus River ( O Rio Tejo)...

From Lisboa 2011

Looking at the south bank of the river Tagus...

From Lisboa 2011

Enjoying one of the most beautiful squares in the world with its magnificent view to the Tagus River and the Cais das Colunas...Praça do Comércio (18th century) / Comércio SquareArco da Rua Augusta / Augusta Street Arch

From Lisboa 2011

A new restaurant in the square... (at least for me) ;-)

From Lisboa 2011

Estátua do Rei D. José I/ King D. José I statue

From Lisboa 2011

For the first time, I visited the Terreiro do Paço (the previous name of Praça do Comércio) and Santa Apolónia metro stations. This one is specially pretty with the tiles about the trains. Santa Apolónia is Lisbon's main train station.Also for the first time, I saw the Terreiro do Paço new ferryboat station! So different from what I remember! So large and modern!After my stroll in Baixa, I went to Chiado, Lisbon's cultural place par excellence and also the most expensive district...This picture from Rua Garret/Garret Street was taken in Armazéns do Chiado, a shopping center managed by a Dutch company, the Multi Mall Management.

From Lisboa 2011

From the shopping center lady's rest room, I took a picture of Castelo de São Jorge/Saint George Castle...

From Lisboa 2011

...and of our Cathedral, a Sé...

From Lisboa 2011

In Chiado, I went to Bertrand Bookstore to feel the typical smell of this exquisite place, after all the oldest bookstore in the world (1732). Then I went to Santini, to enjoy the best portuguese (if not in the world!) ice-creams. I must say I went there twice. The ice-creams are absolutely delicious!Walking down Rua do Carmo/ Carmo Street, another pretty Chiado's street, listening a fado from Amália, I stopped to take a picture of the Elevador de Santa Justa/ Santa Justa Lift...

From Lisboa 2011

...and to enjoy another great view of the Castle and the downtown...

From Lisboa 2011

Finally, I went to another part of the city, the Avenida Duque d' Ávila. I was curious about the city's new ciclovia (fietspad), but I didn't see any bikes. However, a couple of days before, I saw someone on a bike in a ferryboat. Such a surprise, I must say.

From Lisboa 2011

I hope you have enjoyed this mini-trip in Lisbon! For me it was very special!See you soon!Ponte Vasco da Gama/ Vasco da Gama Bridge

From Lisboa 2011

Summer 2011: a song

2011-09-29T03:02:00.006+02:00

From Portugal...Enjoy!! ;-))

Thanks Aida and Pedro ;-) Bjs!!

It's time to say...

2011-08-01T15:04:00.003+02:00

Boas Férias! Fijne vakantie! Happy summer holidays!

Twarres, Wêr Bisto

I will come back in September...Have fun!!!

Europe and Architecture Photography Contest

2011-07-30T01:06:00.003+02:00

Last June, I sent these three photos to the Europe and Architecture Photography Contest organized by Almere's New Library and the Europe Direct Almere. Now they are part of an exhibition in Almere Haven's Library until August, 7. After they will be in Almere Buiten's Library until August, 31.
I went already to the exhibition in Haven's Library and there are great photos that deserve to win. Good luck to everybody!

Almere, Tussen de Vaarten, November, 7, 2010

From Almere (III)

Almere's Library, March, 28, 2011

From Almere (III)

Almere Stad, Hema,

From Almere (III)

Wish me luck as well! :-)

The results will be known on August, 31. Until then!!

My Oostvaarders photo wins the Flevoland Tourism Contest

2011-07-29T12:49:00.001+02:00

Hello, my dear readers and friends, :-)

Remember my Almere Oostvaarders photo ? :-)

From Almere (III)

Well, this beautiful sunset in Oostvaarders has won the 2011 Spring-Summer Tourisme Flevoland Contest!!! There were two winnars and one was I! :-)

I enjoyed so much to participate in this contest! I like to live in Flevoland! It's a green, quiet and relaxed province with very pretty places to visit and enjoy!
We also have many cultural activities! Flevoland is pure gezelligheid! :-)

We won the prize I really wanted to win! One day out at Orchideeën Hoeve in Luttelgeest , a very pretty place with colourful orchids, many butterflies, tropical fishes and exquisite plants! ;-))

Enjoy the video!!

Beijinhos!!

Let's dance in Almere Centrum Station!

2011-07-29T00:49:00.000+02:00

Enjoy!!! :-)

Blogland Chain Against Famine

2011-07-28T10:44:00.000+02:00

Last week, Cozinha dos Vurdóns and (In)Cultura blogs invited me to join them in a blogland chain against famine.
It's a big joy for me to join them, as well as other blogs, in this effort to help those who are suffering now.

In (In)Cultura blog, I told a story of mine to Ana, about the best present I've ever had. She found it a very beautiful story and asked me to share it with my readers. Here it is :-)

The best gift that I've received in my lifetime was a typical cookie from Portugal given to me by a 13 years old boy who was very poor and sometimes didn't have nothing to eat at home. The cookie was made by him in his traditional oven.

João was a lovely and well educated boy, but living with many difficulties in one of the poorest areas of the country. He must be 27 years old by now. I hope he is happy now with a nice family of his own and an interesting job.

Beijinhos, para ti, meu querido, estejas onde estiveres!

So... :-) You will be very welcome to join this blogland chain against famine and share some special stories with us. :-)

Meanwhile, you may already noticed that I've placed the UNICEF's link on the blog. Any help is precious!

Have a beautiful day!

Nick Cave and the Bad Steeds,

"O Children"

Pass me that lovely little gun
My dear, my darling one
The cleaners are coming, one by one
You don't even want to let them start

They are knocking now upon your door
They measure the room, they know the score
They're mopping up the butcher's floor
Of your broken little hearts

O children

Forgive us now for what we've done
It started out as a bit of fun
Here, take these before we run away
The keys to the gulag

O children
Lift up your voice, lift up your voice
Children
Rejoice, rejoice

Here comes Frank and poor old Jim
They're gathering round with all my friends
We're older now, the light is dim
And you are only just beginning

O children

We have the answer to all your fears
It's short, it's simple, it's crystal clear
It's round about and it's somewhere here
Lost amongst our winnings

O children
Lift up your voice, lift up your voice
Children
Rejoice, rejoice

The cleaners have done their job on you
They're hip to it, man, they're in the groove
They've hosed you down, you're good as new
They're lining up to inspect you

O children

Poor old Jim's white as a ghost
He's found the answer that we lost
We're all weeping now, weeping because
There ain't nothing we can do to protect you

O children
Lift up your voice, lift up your voice
Children
Rejoice, rejoice

Hey little train! We are all jumping on
The train that goes to the Kingdom
We're happy, Ma, we're having fun
And the train ain't even left the station

Hey, little train! Wait for me!
I once was blind but now I see
Have you left a seat for me?
Is that such a stretch of the imagination?

Hey little train! Wait for me!
I was held in chains but now I'm free
I'm hanging in there, don't you see
In this process of elimination

Hey little train! We are all jumping on
The train that goes to the Kingdom
We're happy, Ma, we're having fun
It's beyond my wildest expectation

Hey little train! We are all jumping on
The train that goes to the Kingdom
We're happy, Ma, we're having fun
And the train ain't even left the station

Batavia Stad

2011-07-25T19:02:00.009+02:00

June, 26, 2011

We went for the sales in Batavia Stad, an open- air outlet in our province, Flevoland.

From Batavia Stad

Once a year we go there. This time I needed to buy a swimsuit, a bag, sun glasses and a watch. I was very pleased with the prices I found.

I came happy from there.

We had a delicious lunch in La Place. :-)

From Batavia Stad

The weather was also nice. A sunny and warm day, very pleasant for a walk and to admire the replica of "Batavia", a ship that was built in Amsterdam in 1628 at the behest of the Dutch East India Company (VOC).

From Batavia Stad

On the site about Batavia, we can read the whole story: "On 4 June, 1629,however, the ship, carrying a crew of 332 and heading for Java, was wrecked on its maiden voyage off the coast of Western Australia.

From Batavia Stad

[...] The reconstruction of the Batavia was an initiative of master shipbuilder Willem Vos . It started in 1985 and under Vos's impassioned guidance, a changing group of long-term unemployed, volunteers and employees worked on the ship.

From Batavia Stad

The basic aim was to create an authentic reconstruction, using original materials and a traditional construction method. The ship is built entirely out of Danish oak and decorated with several hundred hand-carved figures and ornaments. The rigging and guns have also been reconstructed.

On 7 April 1995, the ‘Batavia' was christened and launched by Queen Beatrix. Since then, the Batavia has attracted visitors to Batavia Yard in Lelystad on a daily basis."

I will come back to Batavia Stad. I want to visit Batavia and also the Niew Land and the RACM museums.

From Batavia Stad

The Nieuw Land museum introduces visitors to the history of Flevoland. We can learn about the neolithic Swifterbant Culture inhabitants of the marsh lands, past the medieval lords of Kuinre, the fishermen and island dwellers through to stories about the land reclamation and pioneers of the new land, and also admire seven magnificent model ships from the collection of the Rijksmuseum Amsterdam.

RACM is about nautical and sub-aquatic archaeology. The RACM is home to the largest nautical archaeological depot of the Netherlands. More than 30,000 artifacts are shown, all taken from ships. There are even complete ship wrecks: from a Roman vessel to a regular barge service vessel. Besides, specialists will be working while we visit. This I found very interesting!

Dutch Weather

2011-07-21T00:34:00.010+02:00

July, 17, 2011

A walk in the city center to enjoy the sun...

From Almere (III)

Six o'clock...time for dinner, at least in the Netherlands...

We got a very nice spot at Bobbie Beer restaurant with a window view to the Weerwater Lake.

From Almere (III)

Suddenly, the sky started to become darker and darker.... and we could see it was raining in Almere Haven...

However, the new colours seemed very pretty to me and I took these pictures through the restaurant window.

From Almere (III)

Look how the sky was so, so dark!

From Almere (III)

A strong wind started blowing and some chairs almost flew away!

From Almere (III)

A typical Dutch day, I dare to say, at least this summer ;-)

A music that I enjoy to listen when it's raining...

David Bowie, Heroes

Life's What You Make It

2011-07-19T23:38:00.007+02:00

I'm wishing for a true Summer...

My kitchen, July, 5, 2011

From Coisas Minhas

"Nada mais que possibilidades. Nada mais que desejos. E, de repente, ser realização, ser verão, ter sol."

Rainer Maria Rilke

Fofinho at the Dierenkliniek

2011-07-15T16:04:00.013+02:00

From Coisas Minhas

On this entry I told you what was necessary to bring my cat by plane from Portugal to the Netherlands. On today's entry I will tell you how it was his first visit to the vet.

Fofinho is in the Netherlands since September 2008. However, only last month I went to the veterinary clinic (dierenkliniek) to make an appointment with the vet and to ask how I could change Fofinho's chip data.

The recepcionist said I should send an email to the Portuguese organisation SIRA/SNMV (Sistema de Identificação e Registo Animal/Sindicato Nacional dos Médicos Veterinários) to change my cat's data. So I did, without extra costs, and now, my name, my new address, my email and my phone number are there. I've already received a confirmation letter. As you may remember my cat came with my mother and so the chip had her information, not mine.

On our first meeting with the vet, Fofinho did a general check-up (heart, weight, eyes, ears, hair and teeth).
Fofinho was ok. In fact, he lost some weight (3 kg). I think it's his daily walkings in the street. We live in a quiet, clean and safe street, so I feel more confident to let him leave.
Fofinho also took as a routine procedure a vaccine (vaccin) to protect him against different kinds of health problems and a tablet (tablet) for the treatment (behandeling) of mixed infections (infecties) with worms (wormen).

However, he needed to do a surgery (chirurgie) to remove a tooth (tand). I made another appointment. The surgery went well. Fofinho has received an anesthesia (anesthesie) and stayed all day long with the vet. The following two days he was a bit dizzy, but it was all.

On the first appointment I paid € 66.77 and for the second one I paid € 160.61. That means between the expenses to bring Fofinho from Portugal and the medical costs I spent almost € 500. So, if you are portuguese, you wish to live here and you want to bring your cat, this is more or less what you may spend.

I must say I had to spend € 61 more on the following week because Fofinho had a problem with one of his legs. He couldn't walk properly. He went to the dierenkliniek again and the vet said it was probably a fight with another cat. Fofinho took a medicine (geneesmiddel) for the pain (pijn) and now he is ok and walking again.

My Front Yard

2011-07-12T01:57:00.021+02:00

As you already may know, since we came from Disneyland Paris, we have been busy with the front yard (voortuin).

Yesterday, we put this bell we have bought at Intratuin. They have many garden decorations as this one related with the Efteling Park theme.

From Coisas Minhas

I wanted to create a clear and colourful entrance with blue and white hortensias in the front garden.

From Coisas Minhas

So, in May, we have taken away all the bushes and the tree located next to the fence.

The tree we took away...

From Almere (III)

...and the place where it was...

From Almere (III)

We had so much work in the voortuin during the last weeks! Sixteen bags like these went to the garbage bin.

From Almere (III)

We bought the hortensias at the Pinksterdag markt (Pentecost Market).

From Almere (III)

Before planting the hortensias, we painted the fence and the door frame. The first in brown and the second in white.

From Coisas Minhas

Now I want to buy more garden decorations and take away the tree in front of the kitchen's window.
I will give it to Masha, the daughter of the previous owners. She planted it when she was younger. It's Masha's tree ;-)
I'm thinking about planting red roses instead, you see... :-)

Dutch Front Yards

2011-07-05T18:19:00.004+02:00

In my street...

From Coisas Minhas

In a street nearby...

From Coisas Minhas

In another street nearby...

From Coisas Minhas

Bolo de Arroz at Schiphol Airport

2011-06-29T13:40:00.006+02:00

Yesterday, at Schiphol Airport, in Amsterdam, on my way to Den Haag, I had 8 minutes available to drink a coffee. I thought about Starbucks but soon I changed my mind when I saw its very long queue.
Next to Starbucks is Per-Tutti. No queue. Let's go then!
Can you imagine my surprise and happyness when I saw they were selling Bolo de Arroz (Portuguese rice muffin)?!!

From Coisas Minhas

Do you see the portuguese flag? Oh, I was so excited! I asked for one, of course! Ah, "Receita Portuguesa" means "Portuguese Recipe". ;-)

I just needed to share this! ;-) Lekker!!!

PS: Sorry, the photo is not good as it should, but I was in a hurry.

Public Art in Almere Centrum Train Station

2011-06-27T21:36:00.004+02:00

One of the things I love the most in the Netherlands is the Public Art.

From Almere (III)

These photos were taken in Almere Centrum Train Station.

From Almere (III)

In this case, all the colours give such a lifely sfeer to this usually grey place.

From Almere (III)

The author of these paintings is Margriet Maduro. She was born in Aruba in 1961. She began to paint in 1997. Art is for Margriet an important way to communicate, specially because she is deaf. She works mostly with acrylic. Her work's influence is her environment. Aruba is her great inspiration as well as her memories and daily events.

I must say to catch the train now is even more pleasant ;-) Thanks Margriet!

Brabant's Orchestra Demonstration in The Hague

2011-06-26T02:25:00.005+02:00

Last Tuesday I went to The Hague, one of my favourite cities of the Netherlands.
On my way back to the Central Station, in the most known square of the city, Het Plein, nearby Mauritshuis and the Parliament, I was surprised with an orchestra performance.

From Haia

Soon I realised it was not an usual performance, but a demonstration against the cuts in the North Brabant Culture and Arts budget.

From Haia

("Cultuur Onthoofd" means "Decapitated Culture" or, in Portuguese, " Cultura Decapitada" )

As far as I understood, Brabants Orchestra, one of the top orchestras in The Netherlands, could face some serious problems with the new budget cuts. If you have more information about it, please share it with us.
North Brabant is a province of the Netherlands, located in the south part of the country. Its capital is Hertogen Bosch.

A theatre group from North Brabant was there too, doing some performances and calling the attention to the current situation.

From Haia

The Queens's Commissioner in North Brabant, Wim van de Donk, has given his support to the demonstration as well as Brigitte van Haaften, North Brabant culture deputy.

Let me share with you the videos about it I have found in YouTube.

You will listen Ravel's Bolero (1928) and "Brabant" (2002), a Guus Meeuwis song.

North Brabant is responsable for 20% GDP ( Gross Domestic Product) and 45% of the exportations of the Netherlands as far as I read in the black poster of the demonstration. A protest letter was given to Bas Jan van Bochove, of the House of Commons Culture Comission.