Big Tin Bus » Places

Mertola

Keith — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:28:32 +0000

Yesterday, Thursday, we took a drive in land and ended up in Mertola. We drove through some very arid and desolate landscape, not exactly scenic.

Mertola is built on a ridge at the confluence of two rivers. At the highest point is a castle and the remains of Roman settlement.

The bronze effigies of varies animals relates to the towns situation as the centre of a national park. On the plaque explaining the reason for the monument it states that it celebrates the presence in the park of the depicted species and there international importance. It then goe’s on to say that it was unvieled by dignitories including the town mayor, who, according to the plaque, enjoyed hunting. Umnn.

The eastern Algarve.

Keith — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 08:13:34 +0000

This part of the Algarve is not subject to the same level of intense development as the western Algarve. It is still largely rural with small scale agricultural and fruit growing.

The people are friendly, when we go for a walk they acknowledge us either with a gesture or verbal greeting. We have noticed that the population in the rural areas is mostly of retirement age. Indeed, if they did not carry on maintaining the small holdings the deterioration of the land would be even greater. It strikes us that with the coming of tourism and the building of large detached properties, mostly for incomers, it as changed values. It is no longer economically viable to grow produce. It is quite sad to see the land, houses and buildings falling in to disrepair with signs of neglect evident.

Once you adjust to the local culture it is a lovely place. They have a relaxed life style and a strong social bond.

If you want to spend time in warm sunshine with a relaxed atmosphere good value food and friendly people, visit the eastern Algarve. Just stay away from the tourist hot spots and go rural.

Fresh supplies.

Keith — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 07:43:41 +0000

Most communities in the Algarve still have municipal markets selling a variety of produce. Meat, fish, fruit and veg. They vary in size according to the local community. Some traders are selling their own produce. What is nice is the variety, not only in terms of produce but, also the number of traders. It allows you to select produce in the quantity and from the stall of your choice .

Yesterday we shopped at Tavira, one of the larger ones. As you enter the building there is a literally a buzz.

Algarve.

Keith — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 15:27:03 +0000

Big skies, warm sun and a relaxed easy going life style. We would recommend this part of Europe. Suspect there is something here for everyone, what ever your idea of relaxing may be. The coastal strip offers high density holiday accommodation with a variety of facilities, and, in some places lovely clean beaches. If you move in land a little way to the rural areas you can enjoy peace and quiet, our preference.

At night the stars come out and you can enjoy them like no where else, no light pollution and no haze to distort.

Friendly people, good food at a reasonable price and a unhurried life style makes for a relaxing time. If you are lucky enough to pay a visit just chill out and go with the flow. Remember the culture is different so, please try not to judge or criticize.

Take nothing but memories, leave nothing but footprints.

Kew gardens.

Keith — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 06:10:28 +0000

A tree hugger’s paradise. Keith was in his element. A wonderful place to visit, we both agreed that we need more time there. It is an assault on the senses, so much to take in. We retreated, slowly and reluctantly, both feeling tired from the experience.

We will go back, to do some tree hugging, with our tree book, which we forgot. Another senior moment.

We did remember the camera. Have a look at the pictures.

Kew bridge steam museum.

Keith — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 05:44:43 +0000

Another tick on the list of places to visit. Started life as a pumping station to deliver water direct from the Thames.

The main reason to visit is the 9o inch (the size of the low pressure piston), steam powered beam engine. A leviathan of a machine which towers over three floors. That something that big runs so smoothly is a testament to British engineering.

Sorry no pictures.

Walton on Thames

Keith — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 05:31:14 +0000

Camping and Caravan club site, basic and inexpensive. It is ideal for us, bus stop ten minute walk away. Bus to Hampton court, Kingston or Walton on Thames and all points beyond.

Bus pass used extensively, great stuff.

Batemans.

Keith — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 07:00:57 +0000

The home of the late Rudyard Kipling. Nice grounds, house and watermill which, together, creates a nice relaxed ambiance. The turbine replaced the waterwheel and was used to generate electricity for the house.

Crathes castle.

Keith — Sun, 04 Sep 2011 14:28:36 +0000

Woke up Sunday to sunshine. Decided to visit Crathe castle estate and gardens, a National Trust for Scotland property.

Our membership of the National trust allows us to visit for free. Did not bother to go in the castle, we are castled out.

Enjoyed the gardens, grounds, oh, and the cat.

Tommorrow south to Moffat.

Silverbank C C site.

Keith — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 19:18:53 +0000

We had to kill a bit of time this morning as it is only a short journey to the site at Banchory and we were not allowed to arrive until after 12-00 noon. As it worked out by the time we did some grocery shopping and fueled up we did not have a lot of time to waste.

It is a nice site. Huge pitches, all hard standing on level ground with good facilities and nice and clean.