Took a couple of days to explore Lisbon. Highlights Pena and Geronimoes cathedral

Ticked of my list Sintra Palace, Pena, Geronimoes cathedral, and Belém. Streets are lined with tiled buildings. Highlight was getting into Pena and seeing the high level dining rooms. Ferdinando II had some resolve to see his buildings to completion.

Lovely city, romantic and lively. Met friends at Praca do commerciale, scene of regal assassination in early 1900s. Dined in Pink area. Tomorrow Sintra Palace.

Long day on the beach. Got a decent tan, swam 20 mins for a cave named Benagil. Choppy waters. Did boulevard walk at night. Went to market had a cherry shot in a chocolate cup. Tomorrow Lisbon.

Two hours in the centre. I’m intrigued by the bone churches. Chilling yet perhaps important reminders of goulish colonial past. Ulster Folk and transport anyone?

Where to start. Home of Star Wars and fun in the sun beach hotels. The Raddison Blu has a great seaside location with private security and a health spa.

The flight from Sidi Bou Said was short and if not a little bumpy on landing but wild flamingoes on the drive in made the trip worthwhile instantly. Keep posted.

A little tender from the morning hill run but enjoyed the Souk known as the Medina. We bought a tablecloth and a leather bag for mother. The main mosque in Tunis is the fourth holiest site in the Islamic world. It was closed but was nice to see from the outside including minaret.

Brilliant mosaics were the highlight of this day with birds and peacocks showing on the ground. Backdrop of fabulous mountains range and out towards Sicily.

The Tunisian Flag is bright and prominent in most sites. The Romans left a rich legacy 2000 years ago with baths, shops and a theatre. Potentially more untouched than European counterparts and certainly raw in terms of display.

Welcome to Sidi Bou Said, the Santorini of Tunisia. Among the blue doors and white roofs are 500 year old houses full of wares and ornately decorated with Islamic inscription. I stop for a mint tea, buy a Chechia, hand made rug and an olive tree decoration.

I’ve been welcomed by many, not too pressured though I’m well used to the bargining game. The views to Carthage are great. Potentially steer clear of the cheap jewellery but the ceramics are well renowned. It is already only day one and I’ve been tempted by leather bags. Temperatures of 20oC is not too warm though hot enough to be out in shorts and nylon shirt.

Carthage, Bardo Museum and Djerba are all to play for.

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Took a visit on a Monday morning to Downpatrick. Failed attempt to get to the new Athlos store though the Quoile River proved a remedy to intense work patterns.

Highlights included St Patrick’s grave overlooking the Mourne Mountains, Quoile Castle ruins and a male-female duck pair. Work being completed on Jane’s launch meant I had to reroute towards Downpatrick Mound.