Monday, January 11, 2021

Lockdown and Attractions

 


Third lockdown . Alarming numbers; the virus with its south- african, british,  indian , brazilian mutations,  seems to be mocking  the experts.

One has to  learn to read between the lines if one wishes to know things. They ( the politicians) play with the numbers, with the info on vaccine mutations,  in fact with any kind of info regarding the pandemic. 

We should keep in mind that the vaccines are approved by the FDA on Emergency basis mainly, as regular vaccine takes several years to get developed. By end of January, we could know if things are going well, but I'm afraid we won't. There's no transparency in these matters - too much is involved here; politics, money, medical reputation .


The latest : by end of March our entire population , starting from age 16,
will  be vaccinated.  It  has even been suggested that vaccination starts at an earlier age as schools, when open, are great spreaders of  the virus.

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At home,   as during the first two lockdowns, among other things, I 'm browsing through  old, analog photos, trying to improve them and  enjoying pleasant memories of various places. This time from Portugal and Spain.

One of Lisbon's (Portugal) main attraction is Estufa Fria (cold greenhouse) located in the big park Eduardo7, in the heart of the city. It is kind of a plant museum with species from all over the world. It also has statues, creeks, ponds, birds, all scattered around.

 
statue:  girl putting on a stocking

stork behind me

The statue and the stork are  spots of light in the darkness created by  the thick vegetation.

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Another main attraction in the city is the 'Monument of the Discoveries' on the edge of the Tagus river , point of departure of ships to expeditions. The monument celebrates the period of explorations and discoveries during the 15th-16th centuries.

Its top gives a panoramic view of the river Tagus,, of the Belem area, and of the monastery of Jeronimo which dated from that period .  

                                                      monument of the Discoveries

Belem Tower
 
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Cabo da Roca (Cape Roca) - not to be missed  when visiting Portugal! It's the westernmost point of Europe, "where the land ends and the sea begins".
 
Cabo da Roca (Cape Roca)

 

This rugged cliff standing out of the Atlantic Ocean, has a lighthouse; there's also a coffee shop at the top, where I even got a nice certificate marking my visit on the rock.

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The Genera-life Gardens in Granada (Spain) have a well-deserved reputation for their beauty and symmetry of shapes.
Generalife gardens (Granada, Spain)
 
The above gardens with their flower beds, bushes, pastures, orchards and a clever water running system, have served as the retreat for the Moorish Kings of Granada.

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And to Cordoba (Spain) to see landmarks of two religions:
The Alcazar, fortress-castle of Christian kings - with three towers and delightful gardens - and the monument of Maimonides in the courtyard of a modest, little synagogue, in the jewish quarter of the city.
 
the Alcazar fortress


monument of Maimonides

Maimonides (Harambam, in Hebrew) was a prominent rabbi, physician, philosopher who lived in the 12th century.
 

49 comments:

  1. The second wave (I am not even sure one can delineate one wave from another) is having far greater impact in Canada than the first, and the number of infected people rises every day. The vaccine is being administered but, it seems, painfully slowly, and the duration of its efficacy is still unknown. It is great to have old photographs of your journeys to foreign lands to keep you company during your enforced confinement, Duta. Thanks for taking us along with you.

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    1. Vaccination is part of our PM's campaign to get reelected in the upcoming general elections in March; so, the supply of vaccines and rhythm of vaccination are quite satisfactory.

      Yes, the browsing through the old photos gives me some pleasure in these gloomy days. I have more old photos to be improved and enjoyed, yet I hope - no fourth lockdown.

      Delete
  2. I think I said it before but interesting places you have visited! Thank you for sharing the pictures with us and a little bit about the areas. I don't know about the numbers of the virus any more. We in Arizona are the hot spot in the country and the world. Yet by the grace of God, and only by His grace, has my family been spared and for that I'm so grateful. I'm not getting the vaccine when/if my turn comes around. I rather wait a bit and see long term effects from it.

    On a side note, I'm not really blogging on my usual blog these days and its private. Its not because I'm keeping people from reading it, I'm just not posting on it, haven't since November, and I made it private to avoid getting the scam comments to deal with. All is well, I'm doing social media a different way these days :)

    betty

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    1. Well, the world has many interesting places. I'm glad to share with you the few ones I've visited.

      You're doing the right thing about the vaccine - wait a bit to see its effect on people.
      As for scam comments. you could use Blogger moderation.

      Delete
  3. Some lovely places you have traveled!

    Well, you'd think nobody was on lockdown here with all happening in DC. Our gov. wouldn't say we are on lockdown, but mandates for mask are in place and lots of places are barely open for takeout. Much of the classes are back online, too. I work at the library and it is open but we do much of the programing online too. And limited time in the computer lab. It has been quiet, but I see more coming in and some getting new memberships too.

    Our state has been slow to start the vaccine too.

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    1. Thank you, Ellie.
      I consider masks and distancing even more effective than vaccines. We'll see.
      Online is the name of the game now.
      I sometimes ask myself whether schools will go back to their conventional format anytime soon. It doesn't look so.

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  4. Yes, this whole COVID thing is just unfathomable! Just when you think we're at the end of the tunnel we have these mutations. In California where I live we're not expected to get our vaccines until late April or May. The 2nd phase starts today with essential workers, prison employees and maybe even prisoners...I didn't think about that. Prisoners may get their vaccines before my precious mom does! Again...unfathomable!

    But there are always the photos you share of beautiful places in the world. Oh, to be as well travelled as you dear DUTA. One place I would truly love to visit is Spain, so it was doubly nice to see those photos!

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    1. True. "Just when you think...."
      Sometimes, I come upon the phrase:"when all this is over..". Well, I'm beginning to have doubts about this covid thing being over.

      Spain should be on your list of 'to see places', especially that you know the language, and probably have spanish (the same as mexican, I suppose) temperament.

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    2. My ancestors are actually from Spain. I've always wanted to go and see the Castle of Alarcon in Cuenca Spain. Alarcon is my maiden last name, definitely on my list of places to see..."when all this is over...

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    3. I suppose you're right; south American countries were once colonies of Spain.
      I wish you to fulfill your dream of visiting Castle of Alarcon, and Spain in general.You deserve it.

      Delete
  5. Replies
    1. Indeed. Besides, I was young and thin and enjoyed every moment. Well, gone are those days. Now we have to face a messy reality dominated by a deadly virus.

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  6. i hope this corona shit will soon come to end... Everyone is upset now and those kinds of memories are so good for our mental health! Follow:) hope U follow back:)

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    1. Welcome Kathy,
      We all hope the pandemic will soon end.
      You're right about the kind of memories displayed in my post - they are good for mental health.

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    2. i love watching photos from trips :) they always cheer me up:)

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    3. Me, too. Cheering up - that's a good purpose, especially during a pandemic.

      Delete
  7. Duta, you seem to have a healthy dose of skepticism. It's a good thing to see. Too many people seem to be walking around without it.

    Belem Tower is amazing!

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    1. Sandi dear, at my age I tend to see things as they are, not as I wish them to be.
      As For the Belem Tower, my then small, simple camera couldn't capture the whole of it, but part of the facade which shows indeed its beauty.

      Delete
  8. Your travel posts take me back to when my husband and I used to take an annual cruise to fascinating places. Your phoptos take me to other places I have never been. I look forward to your posts because they are a repreive from lock down reality.

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    1. Glad my travel posts remind you of your annual cruise to amazing places.
      Memories of travel to places, help us now cope with the gloomy reality of lockdowns. It's called 'escapism'.

      Delete
  9. Still in lockdown here outside of Chicago and wearing masks. But it's so cold and windy outside, the mask helped. Don't know who to believe about any of it. One source just said it will take 2 years to vaccinate everyone in the U.S. Another said by June everyone could be vaccinated. I will wait and see how it goes before getting it.
    All your photos are very interesting, I enjoyed reading about the various areas, and I'd love to visit Portugal. Take care

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    1. There's confusion everywhere with regards to covid-19 and vaccines.
      In the meantime, masks are a good, helpful measure.
      Glad you've enjoyed reading about the places in my post.
      Stay well and healthy!

      Delete
  10. I wish we'd have a nationwide lockdown. We can't even stop an insurrection of the capitol so a lockdown's not going to happen. In the States we think of Israel as the shining example of handling Covid and the vaccine. Our vaccine distribution is a train wreck. So glad you are being vaccinated.

    Love seeing the photos and hearing of your past travels. You truly are a citizen of the world!

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    1. I think this new year, 2021, is still going to be the year of the virus, - and masks - the ultimate weapon against it.

      I'll always be grateful to you for the tip to improve pictures. It provided me with a pleasant occupation during the lockdown.

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  11. I try to find out the truth by listening the News on BBC, Germany ARD,ZDF, Belgium and Italy. Indeed there are little differences especially in the statistics ! and the rules ! Here the schools were considered as not dangerous, but hairdressers and restaurants. We are in our second lockdown. You do the same as I do, digging out old travel pictures ! Morocco is a well liked destination since a long time especially for the French speaking people. The first time I was there was in 1997.

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    1. The risk with schools is that school children are considered asymptomatic and thus easy transmitters of the virus.
      I'm "digging out" mainly non-digital photos which are mostly blurry, and could be improved.

      Delete
  12. In a country where each state is doing their own thing, some taking more care than others, but then people travel freely from state to state, this virus has the upper hand. Also where some feel that wearing a mask intrudes on their freedom, being vulnerable with age and health concerns, I just stay at home. Fortunately, I live in the country and even more fortunate, I don't mind being here alone. With dogs.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Staying home, wearing a mask - saves lives (as said in the slogan).
      Younger people find this more difficult; they wish to travel and feel free of any restriction. Well, in this case, I'm afraid that even the vaccine might not help.

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  13. Very fine photos ;) Have a nice day :)

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    1. Hi Martina,

      Thank you. I'm glad you like them.
      Have a wonderful time, you too!

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  14. Looking back on happier times when we could travel is a good way to re-live those adventures. Thanks for sharing some of your own, Duta. Glad to read the encouraging news about vaccinations and that by March possibly the entire population older than 16 will receive the vaccine.

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    1. Yes, it does help a bit to look back at happier times.
      Good news about vaccination, and yet I believe we shouldn't abandon the mask and social distancing for quite a while.

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  15. So many different things we hear about the vaccine it cam be confusing at times. We are very fortunate here in Tasmania, Australia there are no cases at present.
    Not sure the vaccine comes to us, I expect before our winter.
    What a lovely collection of photos you have show us, it's such a pleasure to see them when we all could roam around this world if we wished.

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    1. Right; confusing it is.
      You are indeed fortunate to live in a free-covid Tasmania. May it go on being like that!
      Thanks for liking my photos.

      Delete
  16. I would like to visit that place in Portugal, "where the land ends and the sea begins".
    As for Covid and its vaccine, I am just taking one day at a time, and like you said, it is always good to read inbetween the lines.

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    1. Cape Roca - go for it! The visit there is quite an experience.
      As for your attitude to Covid and vaccine - one day at a time sounds wise.

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  17. The mutations are so scary! I heard you are all doing great with vaccines in your country, meaning a lot of people received it already. Hope this year will be the last one with the virus. I enjoyed looking at your photos, very interesting!

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    1. 'Hope' is the most recurrent word heard around. Perhaps, during the next weeks, positive changes will be noticed. So, far the numbers are not encouraging.
      I'm glad you've enjoyed looking at my photos.

      Delete
  18. Your posts are always so interesting, DUTA...thank you for sharing with the rest of us.

    Take good care...stay safe. :)

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    1. You've made my day with this comment of yours, Lee.
      Well, I try. I do my best to write about things that would interest my readers.

      Delete
  19. "One has to learn to read between the lines if one wishes to know things."

    Yes, reading between the lines and doing our own research, as well as listening to 'experts'!

    Eddie and I are taking things one day at a time, keeping busy, enjoying walks (as allowed with lockdown rules) and keeping in touch with loved ones using technology for which we are truly thankful.

    I enjoyed seeing your photographs.
    Take care, my good wishes.

    All the best Jan

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    1. You and Eddie are doing just the right thing. Technology is very helpful, indeed.
      Glad you've enjoyed my photos, and wish you both ,Jan and Eddie,the very Best.

      Delete
  20. Great pic and article. I hope this year Will better. Stay and healthy

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    1. Thank you, Vicky, for your kind words.
      Hopefully, 2021 will be a better year for all of us.
      Stay well and safe!

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  21. Wow! The article is really interesting Thank you very much for your sharing )

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    1. You're welcome, Victoria.
      I'm glad you find my post interesting.

      Delete
  22. Love to see these photos. You're so pretty, Duta.
    My friend, Brandy, crazy about flamingo. I believe she will love the pink flamingo behind you.

    Happy Sunday!

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    1. Thank you, Evi.
      The photos were taken many years ago. Anyway,Your kind words made me blush.

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