Archive

September 2019

A slight burnt smell in the air suddenly has my mind unwittingly strolling along University Avenue in Palo Alto. How strange.

Heading back to London on a Eurostar Class 373 carrying its original livery. Though bashed about a bit – the interior has seen better days – this iconic 25-year-old train stirs memories of when advancing under the Channel was an intriguing yet unnerving prospect.

Lisbon is a beautiful city, but nearby Sintra is simply on another level. Views of and from Castelo dos Mouros (Castle of the Moors) and Palácio Nacional da Pena (Pena National Palace) are astounding, with the historic town below equally as picturesque. Wow!

View over the walls of Castelo dos Mouros (Castle of the Moors). View over the walls of Castelo dos Mouros (Castle of the Moors). Painted sign pointing to ‘Castelo’ (left) and ‘Palácio’ (right). Couryard within Palácio Nacional da Pena (Pena National Palace) A goulish sea monster (strone relief) below a protruding window. Light from a stained glass window reflected on a stone floor. The historic center of Sintra with Moors Castle on hilltop above. Derlicit yet colourful wall on a Sintra backstreet.