THE COLORS AND PATTERNS OF PORTUGAL

One of the first things you are sure to notice upon your arrival in Portugal is the Calçada Portuguesa -- the black and white limestone mosaics covering the sidewalks and plazas. Each one unique, yet unifying.

Beautiful, but dangerous. For one thing, they can be very slippery when wet, and we had more than a few drizzly days. Also, there are so very many of these in Portugal that they just can't keep up with the repairs, and you are liable to twist an ankle stepping into a hole, if you don't pay attention. How women manage to traverse these in stilettos, I will never know.

Then there is all the beautiful tile work gracing many of their buildings, much of it dating back to the times when Portugal was occupied by the Moors.

Pieces Found For Sale At The Thieves Market

My very favorite colors and patterns, however, were found in the bits and pieces of Art Nouveau architecture that were sprinkled about.

All in all, a most beautiful country!