Stone Houses of Chrissiesmeer

 one the original Stone houses of Chrissiesmeer, with a newer addition 

(note brickwork) and other detail below ...

these are mostly abandoned - at the time I visited I was unable to ascertain 

what is intended with these old homes, which surely 

qualify for heritage status.  It would be wonderful to see them restored and used.

 I have soft spot of old homes, buildings, structures - so am inclined to want to a 

capture their beauty, even though they look worse for wear - it's as if feel I need to

record a memory in their honour!?    These just spoke volumes, still standing 

proud and steadfast, with their weathered detail and colours - 

amidst wild grasses and solid large oak trees ...

An Outdoor Wednesday Post

Image(s) All Rights Reserved 

Copyright 2010 Gena D Images and {Gena D Photography} for thinking aloud

The Horses of Florence Farm

 The beautiful horses of Florence Guest Farm ... captured during our trip to 

the region in May this year... the first three images, were captured early morning, 

whilst the "gent" below was trying to work himself free of the paddock 

(and he did too!!) 

The last 2 images were taken in late afternoon.  

See more images of the horses in Monday's post, as well as other images 

of the gorgeous Florence guest farm and Chrissiesmeer

 a Natures Notes Blog post

Image(s) All Rights Reserved 

Copyright 2010 Gena D Images for thinking aloud

A New Allegiance

A Sunset view of the Castle in Penela, Central Portugal, where my parents come from.
OK, so I'm back home, for a week already and still battling to get down to the normal (mundane) things... Horror of horrors I've not even finished unpacking!!!!!!!! My absence is attributed to the fact that I spent a number of weeks in Portugal visiting family and getting to grips with financial and legal stuff that needing attending to. In between we took drives into the country, we visited castles, the coast, and a myriad of other interesting places, granting me ample opportunities to take pictures .....
By my very nature, I am a multi cultural person, of dual nationality - being Portuguese, but born and raised in South Africa, I therefore have always considered myself 100% South African. And yet I found myself loving, no, adoring, Portugal - the scenery, the old buildings, the development that has taken place, my wonderful extended family, the lifestyle, the more relaxed atmosphere, the great food.... and just like that, I now have an allegiance to that country like never before, to the point that I can see myself living there - something which never really occurred to me before......

Ah well, time will tell, but in the meantime, I am definitely making plans to go back soon, to see more sights, to enjoy the people and the great food. And I'll read blogs about people who have made the switch, like Emma of emmashousinportugal.com an Australian lady who took the plunge in a big way!

For now I'll sort through the thousands (literally) of photos and post them on facebook and here so those interested, can enjoy them. Okay, so back to reality and unpacking the suitcase ...

For more pictures on Portugal, see posts on Vintage Rose Studio: click here
For those interested, herwith links to my photo albums on Portugal posted on facebook: Album 1 Album 2 and Album 3
Photo Credit: Gena D Photography

The Alfama in Lisbon

I have a soft spot for old places... old cities, old homes, and even old people!!! They really have nothing to prove, do they? They just are, glorious in their space, as is - warts and all!

I came across the photography of Erik Gauger ... beautiful stuff!! and then found this article and pictures of the old part of Lisbon called Alfama. I love it, have been before and found it evocative - so much so, that I hope to go there again this year.

Enjoy the link and Eric's photos and wonderful stories.

The Alfama in Lisbon

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Picture Credit : Gena D Photography