Cork, the city in Ireland, is on my bucket list. They say it sits on an island in the middle of a river (Dee River). It's the second largest city of Ireland and it is highly cosmopolitan. Moreover, it is the starting point of a trip to the port of call for the famous Titanic ship before it left for its tragic end.
How cool is that?!
Cork - the irish colorful city (Web picture)
The cork tree (oak tree Queros Suber) is a predominant tree species in Portugal. (There are some fascinating pictures of these trees on the Web worth viewing!).
When I visited Portugal, many years ago, I knew almost nothing about the tree and its end product. I don't even recall touristic information on cork as important income source for this country.
cork tree (web picture)
I've got some small cork items at home (coasters, stoppers, pot bottom plates, lids, and even shoes- the inner sole). I want some more, but... there are only few shops that deal with cork in my area, and they are not nearby. Looking on their online sites, I've got put off by the prices. Cork , both the material and the finished items are imported, and thus, not cheap.
set of ceramics for tea/coffee/sugar with cork lids
cork coasters
the tin side of the above coasters
three cork trivets
two cork lids and two cork wine bottle stoppers
tiny former honey jar and its cork lid
We succomb to plastic in the end .
One should do something about that, so that we choose the right options for both us and the planet.
Anyway, if and when I go to Portugal again, I know what I'll fill my suitcase with.
Wow, I didn't know this information about cork either. I think the only cork I have is the one I've taken out of wine bottles. I've been saving them to do an art project. It's a beautiful little city, are you planning a trip to Cork as well?
ReplyDeleteIf you're interested, there are some beautiful projects based on cork in general, wine bottle stoppers in particular. I suppose in your area cork availability and price are better than in my area.
DeleteI've seen cork wallboards and coasters before but didn't really know where it came from. Interesting.
ReplyDeleteUsually, it's items like the doll and the plant pots that draw attention, and rightly so. The other things (coasters, plates...) are kind of taken for granted,and people know very little about the process behind these little useful cork products.
DeleteOh what beautiful items I especially love the coffee/tea jars. I love cork We have a cork floor in part of the house. That cork city looks absolutely beautiful A nice place to go and Portugal is beautiful as well.
ReplyDeleteWhat's not to love about cork? It's natural and friendly. If I ever go again to Portugal, I would like to see those marvellous cork trees.
DeleteI like the lightness and usefulness of a natural cork material.
ReplyDeleteTo 'light' and ' useful', I would add the term ' attractive'. At least, in my eyes, cork is attractive stuff.
DeleteWe don't get cork in our wine bottles any more - just screw caps. Cork city looks delightful. Ireland was on my bucket list but I think I have left it too late. Can't face the long haul.
ReplyDeleteUntil 20 years ago, natural cork was the almost the only option for quality wine - it was said to seal a wine's age.
DeleteNowadays, natural cork caps have been replaced by synthetic caps for better control of the oxygen that gets into the wine (so they say).
I don't think I have any cork in my house except maybe a bottle stopper or a two! I did see that they use it to make soles on women's sandals, those big ones with platforms, I guess because it is so light! I love the foamy materials that they've been using in new sneakers and flip flops for making soles, they feel like walking on air. I've noticed that I tire about 30% less when walking in sneakers with those soft foamy soles inside them.
ReplyDeleteYour comment has reminded me of summer shoes/sandals on cork platforms. Quite a wonderful feeling; they offered me both height and easiness in walking. One doesn't see them around anymore in my surroundings.
DeleteI still have a pair of spanish- made sandals, but with an inner cork sole.
Like you, Duta, we have some similar cork products in our home...cork trivets and bottle stoppers, also a couple of bulletin boards. And, like Alicia, we have lots of wine corks saved for a someday project. But, many wines these days have screw caps.
ReplyDeleteThe best way to learn good english is from blogs and blog comments. From your comment above I've learnt the word 'trivets' and bulletin board. Thanks. I'm going to correct the captions.
DeleteI've learned quite a bit here, and never heard of Cork in Ireland. I've never noticed lots of cork items except for the stoppers in wine bottles, and these are quite popular with crafters. How cool to see some of the amazing creations created with cork. Hugs and hope your day is amazing! RO
ReplyDeleteThanks, Ro. I'm glad you feel you've learnt something from my humble post.
DeleteBlessings and hugs to you, too!
I forget the details but I read somewhere that cork trees are regaining their native state given that cork is no longer used as much for wine bottles, and that other natural features have recovered with it.
ReplyDeleteCould be, and it sounds marvelous this regaining of the original state.
DeleteIn any case,cork is less used today in the wine bottle industry, so I guess cork harvest is less agressive than in the past.
again a very interesting post. I bet the city of Cork is really a fun place to visit. Now I will put a Cork in It. LOL Could not resist. Peace
ReplyDeleteThank you.
DeleteI've just seen a Cork city painting by Letitia Marion Hamilton - on auction sale next Saturday; great painting!
We lived in Glanmire, a small town outside Cork City. I hope you can go there! Cork is a "jumping off point" for cities along the coast. Great place to rent a house for a week.
ReplyDeleteWe spent time driving through Spain, saw the cork trees in fields. Was amazed how they looked.
I envy you; especially for having the chance of seeing those cork trees in the fields. I can imagine, that was quite an experience!
DeleteI think I have cork in my shoes as well, but never thought about it until I read your blog. You write very interesting blogs, and I always learn something new about the world by reading it. Thanks for posting. Vx
ReplyDeleteOh, dear Vera!
DeleteComments like this one warm my heart and make me want to keep on with blogging.
Thanks for your vey kind words.
I did not know that about Cork, Ireland and the Titanic. Also, that Cork is so colorful. I've been to Ireland once, but just Dublin.
ReplyDeleteYou travel a lot!
Well, now you know:)
DeleteI've never been to Ireland, so no Dublin or Cork. It's on my travel list, but.. it doesn't have a Metro system, and for me it's difficult to get around a foreign city without this cheap and time-saving means of transport.
Ireland is on my bucket list too, don't know why we didn't go there when in that region, but I definitely want to go to Portugal too! I have cork coasters, plates for flower pots, and a wall board too. It's a great product and so is bamboo as you mention. That cork tree is majestic and would be a sight to see. You always have interesting posts, Duta! Have a good week!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you've got travel plans, Pam.
DeleteAs for the cork tree, in the picyures it looks indeed majestic. Worth seeing it in real life!
Have a good week too!
A lot of new informations, I didn't know about Cork, so good to read☺ I don't have many items made from it. Have a lovely day☺
ReplyDeleteWell, the more we read, the more info we get. I learn quite a lot from reading blogs, and that makes me highly appreciate blogging.
DeleteA lovely day to you, too, Natalia!
Another interesting post, DUTA. One doesn't hear much about cork these days. Being a natural product you would think it was brought more to the foreground now with all the "noise" made about plastic products.
ReplyDeleteRight. A lot of talk about plastics, none about echo- friendly substitutes.
DeleteBamboo, for example is a very versatile material; there's fabric made with bamboo fiber. Bags and clothes are made of this kind of fabric.
You have a lot of cork pieces, when you count them!
ReplyDeleteIt's an interesting material, isn't it?
We're not getting much cork in our wine bottles these days.
Well, quite a few, I suppose. Yes,cork is used less in wine bottles these days.
DeleteThey've got some new sort of caps.
P.S. Thank you for your kind comment about Bryony. We haven't seen Bryony in over a year! They live on the west coast, we are in central Canada!
ReplyDeleteOh, Bryony, your grandie, is so, so very cute! Once you've seen her picture, it stays on your mind.
DeleteI save all my wine corks and made a push-pin board once. You have plenty! I just bought a pair of sandstone coaster, lined with cork of course.
ReplyDeleteGood for you!
DeleteEnjoy your newly bought pair of sandstone coater! This is a long lasting and friendly product!
I visited Portugal a few years ago and remember seeing the cork trees growing.
ReplyDeleteI would love to visit Ireland, so many wonderful places there and I think Cork would be on my 'to visit' list.
I enjoyed seeing your cork pieces, thanks for all your photographs.
All the best Jan
Lovely country, Portugal! And it's full of british retirees who enjoy a nice climate and a cost- decent retirement.
DeleteI'm pleased you've enjoyed my photos and my cork pieces. Thanks, Jan.
I like items made out of Cork, I have been to Ireland 3 years ago, a whole tour around, but can't remember Cork. Maybe it was not on our list. Beautiful country and I was lucky with the weather !
ReplyDeleteLucky you! Ireland is said to be very beautiful and interesting.
DeleteI usually don't go on organized tours, so logistics and weather are very important to me.
Hello Duta, yes, Ireland really appeals to me too. I hope you can successfully cross it off your bucket list.
ReplyDeleteIt was interesting reading about cork and seeing all the products you have made of cork. I remember cork platform wedge sandals.
Thanks for the thought-provoking post, cork and bamboo - yes, it is a shame they're not used more in everyday life.
Cheers now, lovely to catch up once more xx
Welcome back, Sue! I've missed you and your posts.
DeleteThanks for your kind comment. It reminds me I wish a new pair of sandals and with cork sole.