Trees of Lisbon - a photo post

There weren't a lot of trees in Lisbon. The ones I did see fascinated me...

Jacaranda trees fascinated me.  If you look at the first picture carefully you can see the Jacaranda on the grounds of the castle.  It is on the right close to the pole seen in the foreground. The second picture was taken at the castle. I didn't notice that I had captured the Jacaranda in the first picture until I was looking at the pictures when we got home:

I saw cork oak trees for the first time.

There were beautiful old olive trees at the castle but I don't seem to have taken a picture of them.

This old tree was on the walk up through the Alfama neighborhood on the way to the castle.

Hidden behind it was this graffiti: 

Black cats on either side of the door way. I would have gotten closer but the smell of urine was so strong behind the tree, I couldn't stay. 

Trees of Lisbon, you may be few but you are amazing and spectacular!

Obsessed with Cherries

My apologies for not writing again sooner. I've had to let the trip to Portugal seep in and mix with other experiences and impressions and sensations from life. Experiences don't stand alone.




Cherries. There were vendors selling cherries everywhere in Lisbon. The first night there - upon my return from the hospital - Diane had already purchased the local liquor, ginjinha. It is made from cherries and in fact, has whole, alcohol soaked cherries in the bottom of the bottle. It is so good. It tastes of summer and cherry pie and sitting outside in the twilight. I have already looked up recipes - I just need to find the right cherries... Pie cherries are needed...




On our second day, we bought cherries from a vendor just outside the Castle of St. George. I bought cherries later from a vendor in the large square. I had a little glass of ginjinha at bedtime practically every night.


When we got home to Seattle, cherries were everywhere. I have been buying them every week at the mini farmer's market close to where I work.


Last week I painted an icon, and because life is mysterious and synchronous and full of serendipity, Mary's robe in the icon is bing cherry red - dark, rich, and vibrant. I was so taken with the color, I may have put on at least a layer more of paint than everyone else.


And because memory is what it is, I started thinking about Mary and other places where she is linked to cherries. Which brought me round to the Cherry Tree Carol and the beautiful, magical crankie from Revels two years ago. It was breathtaking!


So, as long as cherries are in season this year, I plan on enjoying them. You will find me over there in the shade with red stained fingers, spitting pits, and remembering.