
Duke and Duchess in Portugal
It has all been rather last minute, but somehow McBee and I have assembled a delightful touring adventure. We have ten tremendous days ahead of us in Portugal, starting in Lisbon, then to Porto, and ending up in Sintra.
Ever since I was a young man, I’ve been enchanted by Portugal — I used to marvel over Sacheverell Sitwell’s legendary 1970s book, The Great Houses of Europe, with Palacio Quelez on the cover and the many unusual palaces celebrated within its pages. Going to Portugal now really is a dream come true. For the past few months I’ve been doing some quite in depth research on the place, and look forward to sharing our finds!
Incidentally the Duke and Duchess of Windsor’s visit to Portugal provided me with inspiration for my traveling wardrobe—so stay tuned for what is sure to be one of the most spectacular WIJW seasons yet!
This is so spooky! It really is! I , of course , had no knowledge of your research……nor the Duchess…..I sent you those recommendations; and now I feel silly!
HOWEVER…not so silly!
I have a recommendation:
PLEASE WRITE A BOOK ABOUT PORTUGAL! It is underrepresented!!!
end of my “bossy-pants”; one more thing. Take a horse drawn carriage…from the Palicio de Setais to somewhere! I wept at the beauty and calm and different worldliness of it. Honestly. Do it please if you have time.
I cannot wait to hear what you think!
Penny
ps a funny chair story when you return!
pps I somehow did not know until I opened the Parish Hadley book today that you worked there! Gosh!!!
pps cannot wait to see the wardrobe! God Save the King!!!!
James,
I hear Portugal still has fabulous bargains to be had!
Dean
Dear James,
While in Lisbon, try to visit and stay at http://palaciobelmonte.com/ and its “special” owners! The lady of the house will meet you at 4 in the afternoon!!! with “Goodmorning” (cigarette and banana in hand) …
Also ask them for restaurant recommendations.
Enjoy your stay,
Frank.
My Darling Penelope Bianchi,
We are just back from our extravaganza a la Portugaise and it was all you said it would be and more!
J’adored our time there – Sintra was an absolute dream- other worldly fantasy fairyland.
Stay tuned – blog posts begin tomorrow!
Portugal will not remain under rated for long – wait till people see my blog posts – I may be snatched up by the Portuguese board of turism!
The PH book is something I am very honored to be a part of – stay tuned – more good news about that as well.
Much Love
JA
Darling Dean,
Portugal certainly is VERY well priced – a real value!
Run to the airport!
Cheers
JA
Dear Frank Etienne,
Portugal was beyond amazing and I sense I will return in the very near future!
Thanks and ALL Best
Stay tuned for my upcoming blog posts!
Cheers
JA