The Iconic Architecture Of Tavira, Portugal

Tavira is an adorable town, a small gem down in the Algarve area of Portugal. The place has a laid back, traditional vibe, still holding on to its fishing heritage. The visual highlight is, of course, the classic blue tile work on many houses, that lovely Azulejo design.

A typical block of apartments, covered in Azulejo tile work. Fancy.

Buildings that aren't slathered in tiles are usually finished with a whitewash and bright color accents. If you're going all tile don't be afraid to cover your place.

Don't forget the back! Don't forget everything!

A closer look, starting to reveal the specific design of the Azulejo tile that was chosen. Repair job. The designs are endless, beyond the color restriction. Matching can be tricky.

A little break from the march of blue tile. Older parts of Tavira are more humble. Smaller in scale, no tile, Spanish tile roofs that have been aged hundreds of years.

Alcoutim Cemetery In Algarve, Portugal

The tiny town of Alcoutim, right across the boundary river from Spain, has a classic, iconic Catholic cemetery. The place is full of tombs, oozing patina and theatricality. A nice show.

A typical section, a wall of tombs, each with unique icons, objects.

Religious details. A statue of a thorned Jesus, maybe some sort of snow-globe relic, perhaps a curved Virgin Mary.

The cemetery is full of rows, each filled with tombs. Pick your neighborhood.

Portraits and plastic flowers, meant to last forever. Another Virgin Mary sculpture, looking a little small and lonely.

Some folks get a little more real estate, an actual burial and small fence. 

Two Churches In Tavira

Tavira, Portugal has a couple of lovely Catholic churches, each with its own distinct style. Plain, fancy, tiled, themed, the churches cover a lot of holy ground.

Here's the interior of the baroque yet understated Igreja de N. Sra. das Ondas. Whitewashed walls and gold touches, a nice pairing.

The altar gets extra bling and a maritime theme. All the work is carved wood, no marble to be had in the area. Why stop at one frame? And throw in some small icons.

Next up, Igreja da Misericórdia. It's famous for the horror vavui of Azulejo blue wall tile. When in doubt, keep covering.

A corner detail. Be careful, stare too long and you'll fall over. In comparison, the elaborately carved and colored icon figures look Amish.

The gold altar. Jesus in a clear coffin box, an army of baby angels bursting from the every surface. Topped with a crown. Did they forget to gild anything?

Shopping At The Mercado In Tavira, Portugal

Sure, you could head to the big supermarket at the mall. Why? Instead, patronize the traditional, local folks at the downtown shopping market.

You've come to the right place.

Folks scanning the dried foods aisle. Fruit, nuts, you got it.

The day's catch, fresh, dumped and on ice.

Mondays are a little slow. Scarecrow-like head guarding a closed stall. A section, sleeping.

The Mercado is more than a shopping destination. The center area is a place to hold down a bench for awhile and catch up with the community.

Highlights Of Tavira

If you're wandering the streets of Taviria, Portugal, make sure not to miss some of the iconic spaces and landmarks around town.

Here's the Monumento aos Combatentes da Grande Guerra em Tavira, in one of the main plazas, squares.

A typical street, all cobblestones, curves and blue tile buildings. Stone wall detail of the 11th century castle, perched up the hill a bit.

A former convent, now a fancy hotel. Stay and pray.

Igreja de Santa Maria do Castelo Catholic church. You can't pretend you don't know it's time for services.

The Ponte antiga de Tavira, crossing the Gilão river. It's been there since Roman times.

 

Taking In The Saken Seifullin Museum

Saken Seifullin was a Kazakh writer and political activist, born in 1894. He supported the Bolshevik revolution and he headed the Kazakh delegation at Lenin's funeral. No matter, the Soviets under Stalin turned on him and he was shot and killed in 1938. It doesn't pay to be an educated intellectual, even one supporting the cause.

The museum is located in a period log cabin, originally built for a merchant.

A couple of rooms in the house continue the period theme, re-creating Seifullin's study and his family bedroom.

Super friends. The front room contains large, life-like statues of Seifullen's contemporary writers. Nice robes, make sure you always have at least one hand on it.

(Getting) Personal effects. Various writings and a sample suit.

Next to the museum, a statue of our suave, relaxed hero was erected in 1994, marking the centenary of his birth. The babushka is not impressed.

Details Of Astana, Part Two

More walking around Astana and seeing what's interesting. Or just is.

Banners set up in front of the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation. The big boulevard is used for military parade reviews.

Khan boot. In a diorama at the National Museum. Olympic rings.

The Kazakh steppe, in miniature.

Fantasy and terror at a bounce attraction. Street vendor cart, camouflaged. Not well.

General, as witness. In a diorama at the Military Historical Museum.

Visiting The Military Historical Museum of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Kazakhstan

Make sure you are completey clear with your museum name and you don't leave anything out. So goes the military museum in Astana.

Exterior view of the museum. Don't worry, there is plenty of room for you to park your tank. Arrive in style.

Oh, you came by fighter jet? Good for you, avoid the road traffic. Still, plenty of parking. Military review parade mural, all meta with the included video board showing the passing car.

One of the museum highlights is this diorama, depicting the signing on May 7, 1992 of Defender of the Fatherland Day, marking the establishment of the armed forces for newly independent Kazakhstan. Never has a leader about to sign something seemed so action packed.

Most of the galleries are filled with the usual mix of equipment, uniforms and photographs. Joining the space race.

The main lobby atrium has an impressive, triumphal sculpture. Give a general a map and a Village People-like gaggle of men in various uniforms and he can take over the world. Or play a disco.