Travel Lightbulb

I'm a big fan of summer - not only for the lovely weather, but the way the sunshine brings out the colours in everything. This week's photo was taken from the comfort of my sun lounger!  I love all the different colours of the parasols against the blue of the sea and the sky. You can almost feel the heat - what lovely memories. This may be one I look back on on a cold winter's night!

When you're in New York City, it's all about looking up, or looking down. Looking up at the skyscrapers from street level, or looking down on the city from one of its tallest buildings. There's no doubt the views are what make it a special place to visit. I found an incredible place in which to enjoy the city's skyline, where you can look at the Empire State building one way, and the Chrysler Building on the other. Simply stunning, and that's where we're flashing back to this week - my original post,  Stunning views and cocktails in New York  is where you'll find where I'm talking about! Not to be missed if you're in NYC.

This summer, in the middle of Portugal's Alentejo region I found a place that will steal your heart. Herdade da Retorta is a stunning early 19th century manor house on a 61 acre farm just outside the town of Serpa. As you drive up to the house, the first sight of it is quite overwhelming - it's simply stunning. The owners, Gabriella and Carlos, are wonderful people who could not have done more for us. On our arrival they gave us a tour of the house to make sure we knew our way around; then sat us down for a drink - a much welcomed cold beer! They told us the best places to eat; what local delicacies to enjoy, and where to visit in the area. After our little chat, the pool was too irresistible in the Alentejo heat - it can get VERY hot here in the summer months, and was around 38 degrees for my visit in July. On our first night, we were the only guests, therefore the only people using the pool - perfect! It is surrounded by loungers and deck chairs so we had our ...

I stopped the car to take this photo - the dog was lying sleeping in the doorway of the restaurant, and when he heard my car engine, he lifted his head and gave me a regal, lion like pose!  It's as if he's first in the queue waiting for the restaurant to open - either that, or he's security! Happy Friday everyone - if only it was a dog's life!