Pretty as a picture!
A wading gull in an azure pool,
bird’s-eye view,
of the Douro.
Spring buds bloom,
while sipping port,
in the peaceful town,
of Porto.
Cheers to you from Portugal~
Pretty as a picture!
A wading gull in an azure pool,
bird’s-eye view,
of the Douro.
Spring buds bloom,
while sipping port,
in the peaceful town,
of Porto.
Cheers to you from Portugal~
What a lovely picture of Porto that you paint, Cindy. Sweeping views, folks and flora and fauna too. Thank you and cheers!
Thank you my friend. It is a beautiful town and the Douro Wine Region is stunning.
These are lovely shots, Cindy. 🙂
So happy you enjoyed Ranu & cheers to you!
Reblogged this on Truth Troubles: Why people hate the truths' of the real world.
You are very kind and most appreciated too!
Beautiful photos, as usual. I am particularly intrigued by the one with the woman , child, parrot & box – is that box some sort of antique musical device?
Maybe someone will tell us the proper name-origins. My husband found this link to a similar but much smaller item:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/201001942/queen-we-are-the-champions-music-box?ref=related-0
It is basically a hand cranked music box that plays sheet music. I see that some were made in Latvia.
I’ve never seen anything like it and thought it was fascinating… the portrait of people was very well done, too.
I love those little music boxes! Intend to order the “Imagine” one for Ms. Munchkin’s birthday – it’s her favorite song. Thank you so much for that link!
Lovely! So much color!!!!
Yes, beige houses may not apply!! 🙂
I love all your pictures Cindy! Crisp, clear, beautiful! But the vignette of the lady playing the music box with the little girl tells a lovely story.♡
They radiated inner beauty didn’t they. I was taken by them. So happy you see this too~
The did. Totally!♡
Wonderful photos.
Awww, thanks!
Very beautiful photos Cindy, it seems like you enjoyed Porto a lot 😀
I have to admit the port assisted the process and now I have developed a taste for it! 🙂
enjoy portugal – and this post was fun – but the pink flowers are my fav
Aren’t they gorgeous! I loved the contrast~
🙂
I agree with Jet. Such a beautiful city via your lens ! 😍
As a true fan on your photography Amy, I know you would love to point your camera on Porto~
Looks so lovely there, Cindy.
Leslie
It is picturesque and warm, hence quite delightful~
Portugal is on our list for sure!
Leslie
Porto is a beautiful city!
It really is quite lovely rising up from the Douro~
Cheers! Beautiful…
Back at you Bette and congratulations on your new book!
Beautiful photos.
Honored, thank you~
A beautiful place with beautiful people, birds, flowers and river. I wish we could have heard the beautiful lady and pretty child playing the punched card music machine.
They radiated beauty didn’t they! I know you see the beauty of the Roma, their culture, and their music, and I love you for it my friend~
Bird’s Eye View – how awesome is that shot?
Lucky birdies see it all the time. I wonder what we look like to them~
Now that would make a great post!
You are right – pretty as a picture. Enjoy your port! Cheers!
Porto aged port is a lovely thing indeed! Just the city it comes from~
Don’t spare yourself, Cindy. Promise me to explore everything there is
worth seeing. Lovely pictures <3
I promise with pleasure and cheers to you Hanna!
Just amazing! I want to go there!
I want you to, and post about it!
Yay! Be blessed Cindy.
Lovely photos, as always, Cindy.
Wonderful to hear from you and hope you are well! <3
Glimpses of the beautiful city through your lens… stunning pictures… 🙂
Awww, so kind & so appreciated~
When I was there, it was stilled billed as “Oporto” and the natives were having many heated discussions about that. Now the “Porto” faction has won. But the port wine is heavenly….
Yes, people still refet to it as Oporto. Mu husband does. The wine is delicious and The Douro Wine region is so beautiful. I can well understand why you fell in love with the country.
Thanks for sending us the colors of Portugal!
Thank you more for appreciating them!
Such a beautiful variety of photos, Cindy! The flowers look like fireworks in progress. The colors are gorgeous!
Porto is so elegant in spring bloom, before the heat of the summer. The flowers in combination with all the hand painted tile work is just breathtaking.
Lovely, lovely images, Cindy!
Awww, so kind and so appreciated!
Lovely city. I like the close up gull!
I love seagulls. I know many people don’t, but I find them so intelligent and I loved these ones with the red eyeliner! They are always looking at you.
Wow! Looks very lovely! You take the best pictures Cindy. We are thinking of a vacation to the Azores Islands, have you ever been?
Yes. It is one of my most favorite places in the world. I would like to live there. Go! You will be floored by the beauty. Portugal doesn’t promote The Azores too actively. I’ve heard they are well aware of the island’s biological uniqueness and fragility. I couldn’t possibly urge you more to go and I so hope you post about your impressions. I did some posts on The Azores. If you want to see the photos, google my name and The Azores and you’ll see them.
Great! Thanks Cindy.
Once again, I discover a superior photographer at WordPress, the best place in the world to find like-minded friends. Writing and reading are my first passions, as I’m limited in getting to places to photograph, but I thoroughly enjoy the blogs, here, like this one that express beauty and imagination! Happy to meet you!
You do see why I so love blogging. I get to meet people like you! Thank you for such lovely comments.
You’re welcome, and like-wise!
🙂
We didn’t make it to Porto, so it seems bigger than I imagined …. but to sit sipping port with that view … WOW!
That is exactly what we said as we were sipping. It is one of the most incredible views.
Your photos are almost as good as being there… almost! 🙂 Wish I was!
I wish you were too. We would go on an unending photo safari together!
I could totally get behind that!
What a great sampling of what Portugal has to offer! I think you’ve captured every beautiful aspect of Portugal here Cindy – the cityscape, the avian cuties and their human companions, and the beautiful blossoms. Cheers Cindy! <3
Ahhhh, so wonderful to hear from you Lynne! I told you about the ring necked parakeets and monk parrots I found in Spain & Portugal. Got some clicks. We just went to the Tagus Estuary, one of the most important bird refuges in Europe and saw so many species including flamingos resting on their way to France! Heaven!
Yeah, that sounds like the very definition of heaven to me Cindy! How wonderful! I’ll look up the Tagus Estuary online now. Thanks for mentioning that. Enjoy yourself! 🙂
Looks so peaceful….such a beautiful sight!!
That is exactly what we said when we first laid eyes on Porto. My husband checked in to our hotel room while I was out taking photos. His face was funny when I knocked on the door. I said, “Oh, is the room bad?”
He said, “Not exactly, look…”
It is the view you see in the photos off the porch. Just stunning…..
Wow, I would never come home…
<3
Maravilhoso!
Obrigada!
Wonderful, so inspiring… 🙂
I’m honored! Thank you~
What a lovely setting for port drinking! I’ll join you.
I would love you to, around 5pm!
Sounds perfect.
Beautiful pictures, Cindy. I dont remember much of the city from the time I was there, but certainly there was a little beach where we went. We went to every beach haha. Have more of the good time on your trip.Chao.
You can rent bikes and peddle to the beach!
Is that not a Rhododendron, just opening the bud? Our’s is at this stage, too right now…
It is and we can’t grow them at The Holler so I appreciate them more!
So many happy memories come flooding back, Cindy. I loved that city! 🙂 That shot with the ‘printer’ is captivating.
So pleased to have triggered these happy memories and glad you have experienced wonderful Porto!
Stunning pictures. The gull made me gasp
I love seagulls. They are so smart. Lots of people dislike them so I am pleased you liked him!
Cindy, absolutely delightful photos from Porto; it’s architectural beauty shines through, the clarity of light wondrous. So alluring I’d never want to leave! 😀
Ahh, thank you! It is a captivating city, perched like a painting overlooking the river.
Absolutely! I’ve been there once and as with everywhere in Portugal the light was amazing, enriching the colours, so warm and mellow.
I hope you are sampling some good port while there.
Oh yes indeedy and my husband is buying and shipping too!
Nicely sharp pictures. 🙂
Port is a favourite of mine. And as a used to say – Not so much any port in a storm but any Port in a bottle. 🙂 🙂
Laughing. Port is wonderful isn’t it! The two primary port wine growers in Porto are English and we stayed in a hotel owned by one of them. Lucky people!
Quite right. It is my patriotic duty to drink as a much as possible. 🙂
It is a noble thing for you to do!
Such beautiful colors in these pictures. You’re a good photographer, Cindy. Lovely. 🙂 — Suzanne
Awww, than you! Very thoughtufl~
What lovely colours!
I love the creative use of colors, lots of yellow and blue which look wonderful together.
Portugal is on my bucket list… someday!!!
Good for you! You will be glad when you visit.
I love the contrasting photos and how you have brought Porto to life! Thanks Cindy!
Cheers🍷
So pleased you enjoyed and cheers back to you!
Beautiful!!
Obrigada!
Beauty happens while sipping port. What more can we ask for Cindy? 😉 –Curt
Exactly! The camera performs better under the influence! 😉
GLORIOUS! Every photo is more vivid and stunning than the last.
Awwww, so kind and so appreciated Dor!
What a gorgeous place to visit! And, Cindy, I so love the detail you’ve captured in these photos, especially the close-up of the gull. I find myself wanting to stroke his beautiful feathers!!
I am so pleased you like the gull! I grew up with them and love them, but most people dislike them, unfairly, I think, like ravens.
We’ve just planted some of those flowers in our garden that are in your last picture. Ours are yellow and red. They’re brilliant. I first saw some of them growing on our local seafront and thought, I’ll have some of those! We have a bit of a micro-climate here, so can grow all sorts of things that you’d expect in warmer climes.
By next spring you will be very happy! Their spring bloom is phenomonal. I would plant them too but they require too much water for The Holler habitat.
We’re on chalk, so quite a bit of watering required here, but the sun never gets as hot as where you live. Perhaps you could have it as a pot plant indoors. I think you can grow them like that.
Can I be nosy and ask what type of camera you used? Excellent, excellent shots…but that is only possible with a good photographer first and foremost!
Not nosy at all! I use a Sony HX400 with an adjustable zoom up to 1200mm equivalent and thanks for asking! 🙂
You’re the second person who’s images I admire using that camera…thanks for sharing!
It is not an expensive camera, but the zoom function makes it special.
I have the HX-300, but I find that it “eats” it’s way through batteries. Do you have that issue?
I forgot to ask if you’re happy with the image stabilization…it’s not good on mine.
I have never had an issue with the battery. I have both a 300 and 400. The image stablization is much better, it is one of the refinements, with the 400.
I feel I was there with you. You capture the heart of a city!! Lovely.
I wish you were Rebecca! We could share some port~ <3
💛💛🎉💛💛
Thank you for portraying my country so beautifully 🙂
Turtle Hugs
Your country is wonderful so it comes quite naturally! Hugs back to you~
I like the eyeliner on the gull 🙂 Thank you for the beautiful pictures!
I love gull eyes and these eyelined ones are pretty spectacular aren’t they!
Beautiful post, photos and city, dear Cindy <3
Happy post birthday Monica! <3
Thank you very much, dear Cindy <3
A beautiful gallery of memories Cindy. The sun always shines on you.
I wish that were true!!! I hope the sun is shining on you too Pauline~ <3 <3
Sun is shining we have an endless summer this year, but the garden needs rain.
Ditto for The Holler!
Exquisite! ( ˘ ³˘)～♡
You are a wonderful friend! ( ˘ ³˘)～♡
Wow that last picture is spectacular! And thank you for the follow, Cindy, nice to meet you!
Visa versa 2UX2! Love your blog~
Thank you:)
<3
You’ve been featured:
https://gapawa.com/2016/05/30/a-z-pe-challenge-day-3-c/
Please let me know if you’d like to join the challenge:)
Thank you. 🙂
Well deserved~
These city shots are gorgeous. Love Portugal.
Thank you and I know you do!
Gorgeous. I’ve never been to Portugal so I especially appreciate you sharing your views.
Happy to have you traveling with me Lori!
Cindy — you are really getting around!! Have you been having some wonderful meals along the way? Enjoying all your travels as you go… thanks!
Oh yes, fabulous food. We always say the same thing when we are in Europe, “Why can’t American food taste this good?”
It is because people shop daily at fresh food markets that feature local growers and bakers. The difference in the taste is significant as you well know.
So fun to hear from you in the middle of all your busy travels!! Loving taking the trip second hand through your incredible photos!! thanks Cindy!
Gorgeous pictures, as always.
Any idea what the instrument is in picture #4? I assume it’s playing music like a player piano.
Thank you! I haven’t been able to find the proper name for it, but it is essentially a hand cranked music box that plays sheet music.
Sehr schön Aufnahmen. Ich wünsche dir, meine Freundin eine gute Zeit. Ernst
Vielen Dank fur Ihre Freundlichkeit. Ich hoffe, Sie sind mein Freund Ernst, ein wunderschones Wochenende mit .
As always, your pictures are amazing. Love the little girl kissing the bird.
She was beautiful, like something out of Dickens!
I love the photo of the child kissing the bird on the woman’s shoulder. The music box rounds the picture out perfectly.
Yes, was adorable, both of them were beautiful!
Ahhh!!! Qué bonito paseo por Oporto. Portugal tiene un encanto especial. Espero que hayas disfrutado mucho, mucho en este viaje a la Península Ibérica. Un abrazo amiga. <3 <3
El Pennisula Iberica es precioso. Tengo mas fotos a la publicacion de Espana! Tener un maravilloso fin de semana mi amiga y abrazos ~ <3
Really amazing shots, Cindy. I especially love the opening bud and the gull. 🙂
Awww, thanks. I like macro shots too because you can see so much detail lost to the human eye.
Liebe Cindy da hast du aber super Landschaftsfoto gemacht sieht ganz toll aus und dann die ah Aufnahme von der Möwe einfach spitze wünsche dir eine gute Nacht und schönen Sonntag Klaus in Freundschaft
Sie sind ein sehr guter Freund Klaus. Vielen Dank und haben eine wunderbare Woche!
You’ve captured the heart of Porto with these photos ~ an idyllic city, almost as if it was from a fairytale from the looks of this 🙂 I would imagine you doing quite well in this city, beautiful views of quaint buildings and houses sipping port while overlooking the water…sigh… Wish you the best this Sunday 🙂
You describe Porto so perfectly. Maybe you visited here in a dream! Be well Randall~
Your adventures make me so HAPPY! <3 YOU!
So incredibly kind!
Stunning! I love the bird and the flowers most.
I like macro shots too. We get to see what we normally can’t!
Great photos but my favorites have to be the seagull and the purple bud.
So pleased you like the macros. I love macro photos because they show us the unseen world all around us!
Impressive photographs… Porto is so beautiful… thanks so much for sharing, dear Cindy … best wishes and happy week. Aquileana 🙂
Wonderful to hear from and thank you for your thoughtfulness. Abrazos mi amiga~ <3
I love how you inspire me to focus on what I love. I revel in your kind heart and talented vision.
Awww, such lovely thoughts made my day! Thank you my friend~ <3
Dear Cindy, my goodness this is so so so so beautiful what a pleasure to see all the awesome gorgeous finding.. love itl
hugs to a sweet friend
Sherri
Reblogged this on and commented:
beautiful gorgeous and love it
People like you are why I love blogging my friend! Cheers to you and blessings too~ <3
I love the co-hesiveness of the city, being that most of the roof-tops are red tile or perhaps brick. It makes for beautiful scenery. I also fancy the floral arrangement, so spare but the beauty of each Calla can be admired. Really, anything might look fantastic facing the hall of columns like that. What a gorgeous place. How do you decide where to stay when you travel? You must have a great agent 😀
oh, I meant to add…..Is that a music box on the lap of the gal with the parrot? So interesting. x B
Yes it is a hand cranked music box that plays sheet music. Kinda amazing huh! I love planning trips and don’t use an agent. I read tripadvisor customer reviews and pay attention to formal ratings, location, and traveler photographs. I look for deals on prices through second parties like booking.com and hotels.com. Planning a trip for me is half the fun.
Yes, it is! You can find her playing at Rua de Cedofeita.
What beautiful, vivid colors! The gull’s eyes are startling. It looks like your having a wonderful trip. Have a glass of wine for me. 🙂
Thank you Patti and cheers to you!
Picture postcards! Beautiful photos and a lovely country!
Thank you! Just was over at your blog seeing the subway photos. Awesomeness~
Reblogged this on Random Ramblings; Myriad Musings and commented:
Beautiful photographs…looks like a lovely place to visit!
🙂
Stunning!
Abrigada!
Once again, your photos are beautiful. Thank you for the lovely visit to Porto.
Thank you more for traveling with me! <3
Cindy, I really liked the sensitive elements in the post and your trip has such unique sights. I also liked the same parts which others mentioned, the delicate flower bud, the waterfront with closely placed charming houses (villas) and the music playing woman with child, so precious! <3
Ahhhh, you are such a thoughtful person Robin. Porto is a special place and will remain in my memories, as will you Robin. Be well my friend~ <3
What a stunning city – love all the red roof tops and the river running through the city!
It was truly visual candy and so pleased you enjoyed!
Truly breathtaking! Wishing you a great week ahead!😄
Visa versa 2 U X 2!
Woooow
Nice shots Cindy 😉
Planning on working on my own self hosted blog soon. Would be needing support from wonderful bloggers around the community very soon.
I would really appreciate 😉
Great work on your blog as always hun
Your photography is stunning and your poetry is lovely. You have my support and friendship too. Be well~
Thank you very much Lady Cindy.. would let you when I am all set
#Bless 😉
<3
Outstanding photos, congratulations. Hope you enjoyed Porto.
Loved it, gorgeous place and country, and thank you! <3