Continuing with our week in Hua Hin, today we set off for the wetlands in a nearby national park. We had missed out on the abundant lotus flowers blooming but were hoping to see some birdlife.
This national park is surrounded by towering majestic limestone mountains. There is also a kilometre long boardwalk to view the surroundings or you can hire a boatman and his boat, which we did.
Viewing Tower
The first thing I noticed was the complete silence with maybe the occasional bird call. You are immediately struck by the serenity and peace here.
Boats for HireOur happy captain
The birds were there of course, hidden by the long grasses so it was difficult for me to take any decent shots.
It was a hard job for our tiller man to navigate through the reeds. Going slow or fast or stopping completely to untangle the propellor. He did need to get out a few times to push us through!
The photos below are the best of the bunch. It was tricky trying to focus, especially when Mr. Tiller only briefly slowed down.
Gliding through the reedy waters and looking out for the birds was a great way to spend an afternoon. We were on the boat for around 45 minutes and our backsides were getting quite numb.
One of the boats on a tour
A pagoda to sit and relax and watch for wildlife
This is a tour well worth taking, reasonably priced and well organised.
After this we stopped at a small place for iced coffee. Although try as I might I find iced coffee too bitter for my liking.
Behind the kiosk there was a large cactus display showing some very quirky and colourful blooms.
A Gallery of Cacti
If you’re ever in Hua Hin, I highly recommend setting aside a day for this amazing outing. It’s a wonderful escape from a day at the beach.
Kung Hei Fat Choi everyone, Happy New Year of the Fire Horse. Although the Chinese New Year Calandar cycle is every 12 years, the year of the Fire Horse is only once every 60 years. After shedding the year of the snake in 2025, 2026 is meant to be an abundant year for all. This is something I am hoping for anyway, after a somewhat stressful 2025.
Having recently been in Hong Kong I took the opportunity of snapping a few shots of some of the decorations I saw.
Hong Kong can always be relied upon for ornate decorations whatever the event.
The lotus blossom is a powerful, auspicious symbol for Chinese New Year representing purity, harmony and abundance.
We stayed in Wanchai on Hong Kong Island and below are photos I took at different times of the day from our window.
Above is a video playing of different images of horses.
In case you are wondering what animal you are I have added a photo of a Chinese New Year Calandar. I am a dog, faithful and loyal. Which one are you?
How did these particular animals get chosen to represent the Chinese Calandar? For your information I looked this up!
According to legend, the 12 Chinese New Year animals were chosen by the Jade Emperor or Buddha to compete in a great race across a river. This was to determine their place in the zodiac. The first 12 animals to finish secured their spots, resulting in the order: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig.
1. Rat: Won by hitching a ride on the Ox and jumping ahead at the end. 2.Ox: Diligent, but outsmarted by the Rat. 3. Tiger: Strong, powered through the current. 4. Rabbit: Nimble, hopped across stones and rode a log. 5.Dragon: Strong, but stopped to help others. 6. Snake: Hid on the Horse’s hoof. 7. Horse: Spooked by the snake. 8. Sheep; 9. Monkey; 10. Rooster: Worked together to cross. 11. Dog: Delayed by bathing in the river. 12. Pig: Stopped to eat and nap.
🔥 Wishing everyone a Happy Year of the Fire Horse 🔥
We recently spent a week in Hua Hin with Anthony’s brother and wife in their beautiful apartment. On our first night I managed to capture the bright orange moon from their verandah.
Daytime photos
Our first morning was spent walking around Khao Tao Lake. It is a serene and tranquil man-made reservoir. There is a running track and cycle path. We met plenty of other walkers on our way.
The lake is surrounded by ornate gold lamp posts topped with turtles. Luckily for us the water lilies were still blooming.
A fresh fruit juice bar to quench your thirst after your walk sits on one side of the lake.
A traditional fishing village is located just by the lake.
Brothers in Arms
A quick stop at the beach for breakfast
After a lovely morning walk we headed to a local shopping mall where I could get a pedicure.
We decided to get a tuk tuk back instead of waiting for a taxi. Such fun weaving through the traffic with the wind in our hair. Our tuk tuk was a “Hello Kitty” style, decked out with small toys and painted pink.
A selfie of me and the driver!
Looking forward to seeing what the rest of the week brings.
I have to admit that I looked up triptych – the theme chosen this week by Elke. I also had a look at a few others for inspiration. Whether I’m on the right track or not, who knows! I’ve learnt something new anyway.
Cheeky cockatoos that I took on a walk around Lake Claremont on Saturday. They are quite a nuisance with their raucous squawking and incessant pecking but they are cute to look at.
Black Swans are native to Australia and you can always be guaranteed to see them swimming in the lakes and rivers. The photo of the white swans is from the River Crouch, Essex.
I took these photos recently on a walk along the river beach. An Ibis and Cormorants.
I think this type of photography needs more research from me. It’s not quite right so I’m determined now to work out image splitting.
It’s been a while since I contributed to this challenge hosted by Debbie @ Deb’s World, so with the new year just started I am once again joining in.
If you read Debbie’s post and I urge you to do so for some great recommendations, you will realise what a prolific reader she is. I like to think of myself as an avid reader and try to read two or three a month.
I have four to share this month, but I’ll come clean as some are from December also.
I was trying to clean up the virtual bookshelf on my iPad and either delete some old samples or get on with reading them.
So it was with this book, a fairly old one by Lisa Jewell that I hadn’t realised was unread. “Melville Heights is one of the nicest neighbourhoods in Bristol, England. It’s not the sort of place where people are brutally murdered in their own kitchens. But it is the sort of place where everyone has a secret. And everyone is watching you. Tom Fitzwilliam, the local headmaster is beloved by one and all, including Joey Mullen, his new neighbour. Joey and her new husband have just moved in with her brother and his wife. Her obsession is taking over her life.” – Taken from Goodreads. I read this in about two days and couldn’t put it down. Another great book from Lisa Jewell.
This author is fairly new to me and this is the second book by Liz Moore I’ve read. It’s hard to believe this book was written in 2016 as it deals with what is now ChatGPT and AI. Starting in 1980 and ending up in 2009 with flashbacks to 1920, 1940 and 1950. The story focuses on David and Ada Sibelius. David is a single father to Ada. He works in a computer science lab and Ada is “home-schooled”. He teaches her what he thinks is necessary. Years later when David is diagnosed with Alzheimers, his secrets come to light. This was a fantastic read, such a beautiful story and kept me guessing until the end. Highly recommend.
Michael Connelly is a favourite author of mine and this is his latest offering. Mickey Haller leaves criminal court behind for his first civil lawsuit. Coincidentally this book is also about AI and the moral and ethical dilemmas that go with it. Jack McEvoy is also a key player in this book. I like it when Michael Connolly brings characters together. This is still a gripping court room drama as he goes head to head with the powerful tech companies.
An excellent if harrowing read – not for the faint hearted. The story starts in 1987 with Cora and her small daughter, Maia, walking to register the new baby’s name. “Seven years later, her son is Bear, a name chosen by his sister, and one that will prove as cataclysmic as the storm from which it emerged. Or he is Julian, the name his mother set her heart on, believing it will enable him to become his own person. Or he is Gordon, named after his father and raised in his cruel image – but is there still a chance to break the mould?“Amazon Quite stressful to read in parts but I still loved it and gave it 5/5 on Goodreads. Does Bear/Julian/Gordon try to live up to their name or escape from it? I enjoyed reading the different storylines. It is my book choice for book club this month and it will invoke much discussion.
A footnote here about What’s Been on My Screen.
The Night Manager – Series Two.
I’ve only watched two episodes so far. Maybe not as good as the first series and a tad overdramatic. But I will keep on watching, as Olivia Colman is in it.
HiJack – Series Two
One episode in and I’m already confused! But anything with Idris Elba in it I will watch. This series involves an underground train in Berlin. Hoping for clarification in the next episode!
Song, Sung, Blue – Cinema
Not technically on my screen but at the local cinema. I just loved this film. Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson deserve oscars, as does the screenplay and music. I had a vague idea before seeing it, I knew it wasn’t about Neil Diamond himself, just the music. A truly wonderful uplifting film.
Sarah from Travel with Me has challenged us this week on Monochrome Madness with the theme markets.
Markets have been around for thousands of year. Amazing when you think the concept has not changed much. People visit markets for a bargain, cheaper produce and fresh food. The oldest market still operating is The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul dating back to 1455. We have visited this market but I found it quite hot and claustrophobic.
I loved a market when I was younger and visited many London markets when I was working. Petticoat Lane, Camden Market and Roman Road to name a few. I was very much into vintage clothing back in the day and these were wonderful places to find antique items. Of course my mum was horrified when I came home with a black bin liner of old clothes.
Nowadays many of the stalls found at a lot of markets have items made overseas, as locally made goods cost so much more. Although you do come across some artisan markets but you won’t be finding a bargain there.
Girokaster, Albania – Perusing old army items He did buy one of the white hats and wore it throughout our time in Albania.
Kruje, Albania
Sihanoukville, Cambodia – A lady sorting shellfish
Hong Kong – Dried Vegetable Stall
Hong Kong – Flower Market
Wanchai Street Market, Hong Kong
Central, Hong Kong – Looking for another hat!
Covent Garden, London
Night Market, George Town Penang, Malaysia Anthony skipping right to the head of the queue and requesting a special order from the chef!
I realise I have the same title as Sarah, but I had already finished this post and thought it was quite original. Great minds as they say.
Tina from Travels and Trifles has asked us to post our favourites of 2025 for Lens Artist Challenge this week. It took me a while to look back and select just 12, one for each month.
January
A wonderful start to 2025 with my son Laurence marrying his fiancee Maddy. Such a happy day.
February
I took this in my garden, these little birds are usually hard to capture.
March
Also taken from my garden, most probably relaxing with a glass of wine watching the sky change colour.
April
Another from the garden! I did leave the house, I promise.
May
Somewhere in England
June
Cottesloe Beach, Western Australia
July
Zac on the pier, Nedlands, Western Australia
August
Cheeky Galah, Perth, Western Australia
September
The Munchkins, Kings Park, Perth, Western Australia
October
Comporta, Portugal
November
Leaving Portugal and returning to England
December
Sensory overload! Father Christmas arrived much to the delight of the munchkins.
Thanks for the memories Tina, this was a difficult challenge but happy I took part.
Our flight back to the UK wasn’t until much later that day, so on checking out we drove to a village on the way to Faro. It was the pretty village of Alto. Before we arrived there Graham had a bee in his bonnet about wanting to swim by a waterfall.
We stopped at Queda do Vigario after seeing some beautiful photos. It was a fair walk down and also the photos were nothing like what appeared at the bottom. Anyway with the bit in his mouth off Graham trotted down the stairs. The water was murky and brown, with food floating in the pond. Not to be thwarted he jumped in. He didn’t stay in for long.
Views from the carpark at the top. I didn’t realise that the painted hillside was of the Portuguese Flag.
Satisfied he had achieved his goal, we drove onto Alte. We found a cute and scenic cafe where we had a delicious lunch. We came just in time as a few bus loads of tourists arrived shortly after.
Grilled cod with roasted garlic. The last fish dish I will be eating for a while.
Cobblestoned Streets of Alte
I could have bought many items from these artsy shops, but with my luggage limit on Ryan Air it was impossible.
There was a definite musical theme running through the village. The murals depicting instruments, players and dancers. Loving murals I was in my element.
As I was climbing up the stairs, these ladies were walking down. One of them stopped me and said I know you. She did look vaguely familiar, it was then it clicked. These were the lovely ladies who sat with me in a wine bar in Cascais watching the rain pour down. Miles from there we just happen to be in the same tiny village at the same time, spooky.
We couldn’t have asked for a better day to end this wonderful trip to Portugal. I will definitely be back to explore the towns, villages and beaches of this beautiful country.
On another note, a week after I returned to Perth my brother Graham fell seriously ill. He contracted a nasty virus in his arm muscle and apparently was close to losing his arm. Maybe it was the waterfall swim but they couldn’t find out what caused the infection. Happy to say he is on the mend now and he said the care was second to none in a Lisbon hospital.
Thank you for coming along on this glorious excursion to Portugal and wishing everyone all the very best for a healthy 2026.
This week Leya is hosting the Lens Artist Challenge. The theme this time is Holiday Fun. This could be keeping in the spirit of things with Christmas images or just your favourite holiday images. I’ve gone with some recent photos I’ve taken. I have been fairly busy with many different kinds of parties. I’ve been to a bookclub lunch, bridge parties, zumba and have an upcoming street party. It’s been so much fun, I haven’t yet found the time for any shopping.
Taken when I was back in the UK. We had a day out at a winter wonderland Christmas shop. I couldn’t believe the amount of decorations on sale. I’m happy I don’t have a colour scheme or any kind of theme as I wouldn’t know where to start.
I spent far too long on Canva with these frames, but happy to say I have more knowledge on framing now!
I’ve been a good girl, I promise
Our lovely hostess Shirley created this table for our bridge lunch.
Enjoying a glass or two after playing bridge all afternoon. We didn’t do well.
Arriving in Porto Covo around 8 pm we decided to eat in the hotel itself. I had a perfect room overlooking the sea. The restaurant looked to be first class and we weren’t disappointed.
We were staying here for three nights, and would be exploring the villages and towns nearby.
The next morning we had a delicious buffet breakfast together. Before setting off for the day I went for a walk along the cliff top.
I took the above photos sitting on the veranda. A man doing Tai Chi and a family of joggers.
Photos below of my walk along the cliff top. It was a beautiful walk. It went around in a loop to the back of the village. Alternatively, you could keep walking further along the top. There was a warning about the stairs being unstable down to the beach, so gave that a miss.
Top: Having fun posing with the sign – Bottom: Porto Covo Spa Hotel
What a difference a day made! The weather was beautiful on one of the days.
Photos of Porto Covo Village
The village of Porto Covo is picturesque and postcard perfect. I could easily visit here again, preferably in the summer months. We did eat out one night at a fabulous Italian Pizza place. On our third night we opted for the hotel again as the heavens opened as we were about to walk out of the door!
We set off for Faro today to meet up with my sister-in-law and nephew. It was an early start and only a brief promised stop at a service station on the way! At least there would be coffee. The drive from Lisbon Airport to Faro Old Town takes approximately 2 hours 40 minutes. It maybe less with a certain driver. The journey is mostly inland so no nice coastal shots.
Crossing over the Vasco da Gama Bridge I was able to take a few photos, when my brother slowed down!
The bridge spans the Tagus River and is 17.2 kilometers long. It was until a few years ago the longest bridge in Europe. That title now belongs to the Crimean Bridge in Russia. It is a spectacular drive over with excellent road surfaces.
Stopping briefly for a much needed coffee at a service station, we huddled together under the smallest umbrella. The rain seemed to be chasing us from Lisbon.
We arrived in Faro around lunchtime in the middle of a storm. With the roads flooding and trees crashing down in the car park, we sat in the car and waited it out.
Sometime later after picking up Colleen and Greg we headed into Faro Old Town for lunch and a wander.
Arch of Rest
The Old Town features beautiful cobble stone alleyways and lanes. Murals adorn many of the walls and other walls are brightly painted.
We found the perfect spot for lunch, when I asked for the wine list the owner said there is none. He had over 2,500 bottles on display and told me just to describe the type of wine I was after. A tricky one, as who knew there were so many varieties of Alborinho.
by Opus
After lunch we headed over to Faro Cathedral. By this time the weather had cleared and the sun was shining brightly.
There is no fee to enter and look around which was a welcome surprise. It made me wonder how this place is kept looking so nice, inside and out.
The ornate ceilings inside the chapel. Decorated with blue and yellow painted tiles. The “ribs” of the ceiling are carved masonry.
Deciding to go up to the roof, we climbed some very uneven steep stairs. Below is a photo looking through the open window to the sea beyond.
Up on top, raincoat back on as the sun has disappeared once again.
Stunning views over the tiled rooftops of Faro
Steady but slow wins the race
The Chapel of Bones and the Bell Tower
The Chapel of Bones is so called because it is lined with skulls and bones of ordinary people. Gruesome indeed, imagining working and handling these.
