Detail of Brooch

Potty Time for Dubya in Ye Olde Europe

… And with their new democracy the Portuguese have have just given their Socialist party a clear majority to govern the land. Their Spanish neighbours (who only recently returned their own Socialist party to power) have just endorsed the new EU constitution in a referendum. Add to this a victory struck for good old-fashioned class war with the ban on fox hunting coming into force today in Britain, and what have you got?

A deliciously red-dye welcome to you Mr President! … oh and while you’re over here ‘Dubya’, please help yourself to as many pot noodles as you want.

Lisbon Panorama

Downtown Lisbon is dominated by Castelo de Sao Jorge (Castle of St George). Like most of the castles in neighbouring Andalucia, this one was largly built by the moors during their 400+ years rule in Portugal. But it was reconquered in 1147 so the moorish influence is a lot less obvious.

It takes a 20 to 30 minute walk up some steepish, cobbled streets to get to the old castle but once there you’re rewarded with some stunning views of Lisbon.

Hanging out in Lisbon

Alfama District, Lisbon