∞

We found this very hidden Gelato shop today. What a gem it is. The owner trained in Italy and now makes his own. Delicious. Repeat visit assured.

A black and white photo of the sign on a Gelato Store. The word Gulato with two clouds all on a white wall

∞

Highways in the sky.

Parallel Contrails against blue sky with the edge of roof tops on both sides of the image

∞

One thing that I forgot to mention in my last post about running is the amount of walking that I have been doing since setting off to Europe over a month ago. I have done a lot of walking. For one the built environment makes it easier to just walk where we need to go. Second, I like exploring on foot. I believe that I get to know a place better by pounding the streets.

So while I might not have kept the running up, I’d like to think that I have been keeping the exercise going. …At least that’s the story that I am telling myself!

∞

I haven’t written an update on my progress with the Watch to 5K program for over a month now. After being bitten by exhaustion from pushing too hard on Week 4, I had not felt like continuing. Or maybe I should say that I wanted to continue, but the motivation had taken a bruising. Knowing that I was headed back to Britain at the beginning of April for my mother’s 90th birthday, I thought that being abroad might spur enthusiasm, especially as my mother has a huge park on her doorstep.

No such luck.

I now find myself in Portugal. My wife was starting with a fitness coach here on Tuesday and I decided to use that happening to put my running shoes back on. I went back to the start of Week 3 of the program. Not a complete restart, but I also did not want to dive back into that difficult Week 4.

Running felt easier here. I don’t know why? Had I learnt from my earlier lessons? Was it running in less familiar surroundings, and not feeling as though I had to prove anything? Certainly before I had been working on the unstated rule that each run had to be a faster and/or further run. I was racing against myself. This time I did not push myself. I just ran at what felt like a smooth, consistent pace.

The result of that?

I felt better at the end. I was not exhausted, but felt as though I had got some running practice in. The distance that I covered was less than when I was running back home, but I was good with that. I am trying to telling myself quality over quantity.

The challenge now?

To keep this up with the hay fever season upon us. Time outside can quickly turn difficult at best, managing itchy eyes and tickling nose. If I am running this can be over quickly, or if I’m lucky, little happens.

I’ll be watching this space!

∞

Church bell towers at dusk, complete with nesting storks.

Two illuminated church bell towers at dusk with the silhouette of two storks on a nest on one of the towers.

∞

🤧 Hayfever is no fun, even if I do try and put on a brave face when the attacks come.

We have just been to the supermarket and I was considering moving in permanently. The air conditioning filtered everything irritable out of the air, and for a few minutes I felt as though I was back to my normal self.

∞

⚽ I think that the local, favourite football (soccer) team won last night? Just as I was about to go to sleep, normally a very quiet time here, car horns and fireworks started going off.

∞

Over the rooftops.

A rooftop scene in Lisbon

∞

Taken in Sintra about a week ago. In the grounds of Biester Palace, a gem to visit to escape the crowds.

Steps coming down to the photographer, trees and shrubs all around, sunlight flickering through the trees

∞

😮‍💨 I’m exhausted and am not entirely sure why? There was a lot of walking around Lisbon over the last couple of days for sure, and I slept well last night.

Yes, but that was sleeping off yesterday’s walking. Tonight will be an early night.

∞

🚶‍♂️ It was as a joy walking through the streets of Lisbon early this morning as the world woke up. Few people around. A new day starting.

∞

Late afternoon Lisbon light.

Sunlight coming in through an open door, with pink and red flowers outside, and rooftops of a pink building behind that.

∞

April Photoblogging Challenge, Bonus Day 2: Unputdownable suggested by @jimmitchell

A black and brindle French Bulldog pulling on a frisbee being held by a human

∞

An old church near to Comporta, Portugal.

A black and white photograph of the end of an old church, with a bell on top and a stalk’s nest on top of that.

∞

☔ Where did that come from? It’s raining. The sun was out a few minutes ago.

∞

Keeping an eye on you…or not.

A small street drawing showing three faces intertwined with some eyes closed and some shut

∞

We watched The Deliquents last night on Apple TV. A three hour Argentinian film about a bank employee who steals from his bank and enrolls the help of a fellow employee in his plans. The film explores the narrow thinking of the two men and how they handle the unfolding situations that they create.

I found it compelling enough to watch it all, but am unsure where to place it? One reviewer said that he felt that it would become a cult classic. An art film is another category that I would place it in. Perhaps watch it if you are interested in budding cult classics, or are simply curious? 🍿

∞

April Photoblogging Challenge, Bonus Prompt 1: Bubble suggested by @paulrobertlloyd

A blue bottle of sparkling water alongside a glass of sparkling water. In the background is a restaurant kitchen

∞

😬 Those times when you need a gas (petrol) station, but just cannot find one.