Bordallo Pinheiro Garden

April 20, 2018April 20, 2018 | Design & Culture by Ed

It’s a small garden, or rather a well-hidden oasis in the heart of Lisbon, where the amazing giant porcelain creations of the 19th-century artist Rafael Bordallo Pinheiro bask in the sun. Scattered amongst the trees, bushes and live peacocks, you will be surprised to find the oversized snakes, lizards, bees, frogs, lobsters, mushrooms and cats all over the jardin. Honestly, I was quite shocked that nobody really knows about the existence of this place (I’m more than grateful to this Purple Travel post that I’ve found few weeks ago!). At least, you can walk around the garden all alone, in silence. It was the last point of my spring holidays, but one of the most magical.

Campo Grande 245 / Lisbon

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Alhambra

April 19, 2018 | Design & Culture by Ed

If you’re staying in Seville for a few days, you can’t miss the opportunity to visit the Alhambra (by car, if possible). The Alhambra is a palace and fortress complex located in Granada, one of the biggest cities of the Andalusia region in Spain. It was originally constructed as a small fortress in AD 889 and many years later converted into a royal palace by the Sultan of Granada. Until today, the heritage place delights its visitors with the arabesque-style architecture, filled with meticulously carved ornaments and thousands of tiles. One can’t get enough of the orange tree scent present all over the local gardens and indoor patios. And if you pretend for a moment that you don’t see those crowds of tourists, you might suddenly feel like a majesty yourself…

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All photos by Edward Kanarecki.

Seville

April 18, 2018April 18, 2018 | Design & Culture by Ed

In case of Seville, you really need a day for the ‘tourist’ part and a day (or two) for absorbing the local spirit. Not that the ‘tourist’ part is somehow tedious or exhausting. Quite opposite – the Seville Cathedral is a jaw-dropper in every aspect, from its monumentality (it’s the biggest gothic cathedral in the world) to opulent ornaments. Meanwhile Real Alcázar, a royal palace that’s a preeminent example of Mudéjar architecture, is renowned as one of the most beautiful spots in the entire city. Those gardens are a dream, I tell you! To capture the essence of these two, be prepared for hours of walking. But the visual treats here are worth it!

In case of a less ‘tourist’ experience in Seville, the city is known for impressive vintage stores (Buhoneras Vintage, Cigarrera, for intance) and tapas. There are, however, two camps with tapas – the first is more traditional, while the other is willing to experiment. Casa Ricardo is a crowdy place, where you will try various Spanish tastes and see how the locals dine – slowly, loudly, with friends, family. Eslava is a more contemporary tapas bar, which is equally busy in the evening (you might even wait in a queue to get a place). Here, you will find small plates with fried sardines, tuna tataki, sea anenomes (!) or classical ham. Whatever you take – it’s going to be delightful.

But most of all, enjoy Seville in a relaxed pace – observe the streets, enter the stores with hats for flamenco dancers, sit in the sun.

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All photos by Edward Kanarecki.

Portimão

April 16, 2018April 16, 2018 | Design & Culture by Ed

Portimão is perfect in terms of visiting the Portuguese sea-side. Not only the local market is rich in freshly caught fish and fruits coming from the nearest orchards, but the beach here is… a dream. Just as the restaurants, villas and pretty much everything. I can actually see myself living here, picking oranges and shells for days.

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All photos by Edward Kanarecki.

Claus Porto

April 15, 2018April 15, 2018 | Design & Culture by Ed

The Chiado district of Lisbon is a treasure chest of the best goods coming from all over Portugal. At the roots of Claus Porto are its German founders and a beautiful, historic city of Porto. The label built its name on hand-crafted soaps infused with fine fragrances, which draw on ingredients from the country’s rich and lush countryside. These products are imbued with an artisan’s heart and soul, and are wrapped by hand in packaging illustrated with retro-inspired and vintage graphic designs, which give a sense of being transported to the glamourous decadence of Belle Époque Europe. Not only soaps tempt you at Claus Porto, but as well creams and perfumes. Still, it’s the signature soap that everyone has to bring back home, whether you’re deciding between Classico, Deco, Agua de Colonia or Musgo Real.

Rua da Misericórdia 135 / Lisbon