Definitely living life to the fullest! That's wonderful! Thanks for sharing. Coincidentally my birthday is Saturday. I turn 47, so just around the corner from 50. Happy happy birthday to you!
Good read, thanks. I first noticed you when you and a cameraman reported from high up on the Silk Road, I think it was. The people were subsistence farmers and it was a beautiful piece of narrative....and the images were terrific too. It was a contrast to the next time I saw you in Kabul, in among a great stramash. Always appreciated your reporting.
Thanks a lot Annie...there are so many fun stories here in Portugal...not big news stories as such, but amazing history and so many things to learn. Thanks for reading the blog!
Just remember the motto of the football team I have masochistically supported for over 60 years "Audere est Facere". Love your blogs and Happy Birthday from our eyrie on the Silver Coast
Absolutely...it was an obvious one if you know! Such a great city - we're hoping to spend a bit more time there this year all being well. All the best and thanks for reading!
Happy 50th Alastair!!! Thank you for sharing. We feel a kindred spirit with You and Ana - jumping into the deep end, willing to risk the unusual in order not to have to settle for the ordinary. May all your dreams come true! As Helen Keller put it: "Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all" XO Mo & Steve
Great to hear from you guys...we really must set up a chat soon to hear about how you're doing and what's been happening at Lenies Hof and with the accidental bakery. You guys were a huge inspiration for us when we first thought about this madcap plan! And one day we hope to come back to SA to see if for ourselves!
Happy birthday! You have it all - love and a sense of wonder. When your roads are literally and figuratively rough, remember Voltaire’s wise words - Faith consists of believing when it’s beyond the power of reason to believe.
I think Voltaire might have spent a little time in the city halls and town councils of Alentejo...and you know that road's really not so bad these days...!
You may question the risk at times but I’m sure you are the envy of quite a few of your readers. You have done what many were scared to do, keep doing it.
Thanks George...it sometimes a bit of a struggle - especially the stuff beyond our control - it will take a fair share of luck for this to work out, but I always think you make your own luck...
Leaving BBC was ok, but never leave writing. 😍
Thanks for your support Franck - much appreciated!
Definitely living life to the fullest! That's wonderful! Thanks for sharing. Coincidentally my birthday is Saturday. I turn 47, so just around the corner from 50. Happy happy birthday to you!
You youngster! Thanks - and happy birthday to you too!
Good read, thanks. I first noticed you when you and a cameraman reported from high up on the Silk Road, I think it was. The people were subsistence farmers and it was a beautiful piece of narrative....and the images were terrific too. It was a contrast to the next time I saw you in Kabul, in among a great stramash. Always appreciated your reporting.
Happy birthday.
Thanks a lot Annie...there are so many fun stories here in Portugal...not big news stories as such, but amazing history and so many things to learn. Thanks for reading the blog!
Just remember the motto of the football team I have masochistically supported for over 60 years "Audere est Facere". Love your blogs and Happy Birthday from our eyrie on the Silver Coast
Indeed it is! My favourite football fanzine name is "It's the hope I can't stand..." (as in, it's not all that losing!) Thanks a lot!
Oh, and my team and home town is Newcastle United, so I feel your pain...
Now they really do have a mountain to climb to see let alone reach the stars!
Great post Al, will call you Friday while Ana will no doubt be creating a birthday celebration for you like no other!
Thanks Andrew...hope all's well...and hopefully we can get our bar finished by then (the current family project!)
Wow turning 50 - what happened to that little boy over the road!! You have done amazing. Have a great birthday.
Haha! What indeed! Thanks Chris and all the best.
I do believe you might be inside the Christmas tree on Praça do Comércio.
We have spent two amazing Christmases / Christmas’ ? there. Whatever.
Always a pleasure to spend time in Lisboa 🙂
Absolutely...it was an obvious one if you know! Such a great city - we're hoping to spend a bit more time there this year all being well. All the best and thanks for reading!
Happy 50th Alastair!!! Thank you for sharing. We feel a kindred spirit with You and Ana - jumping into the deep end, willing to risk the unusual in order not to have to settle for the ordinary. May all your dreams come true! As Helen Keller put it: "Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all" XO Mo & Steve
Great to hear from you guys...we really must set up a chat soon to hear about how you're doing and what's been happening at Lenies Hof and with the accidental bakery. You guys were a huge inspiration for us when we first thought about this madcap plan! And one day we hope to come back to SA to see if for ourselves!
And Happy Birthday of course. 😜
Happy birthday! You have it all - love and a sense of wonder. When your roads are literally and figuratively rough, remember Voltaire’s wise words - Faith consists of believing when it’s beyond the power of reason to believe.
I think Voltaire might have spent a little time in the city halls and town councils of Alentejo...and you know that road's really not so bad these days...!
You may question the risk at times but I’m sure you are the envy of quite a few of your readers. You have done what many were scared to do, keep doing it.
Thanks George...it sometimes a bit of a struggle - especially the stuff beyond our control - it will take a fair share of luck for this to work out, but I always think you make your own luck...
Portugal !
Happy birthday to you....looking forward to meeting you both hopefully this year....I'm Aela's Aunt from NZ...I'm so glad she introduced me to you!...
Hey Claire! Great to hear from you...and hope you can come and see us at Vale das Estrelas!
Happy Birthday both! Never lose that spirit!
Thanks a lot! Onwards and upwards!
My apologies. My previous comment should have ended with, 21 Janeiro, Parabéns, 50 anos jovem HOJE ! Desculpe!
Spot on...and thanks for reading. Muito obrigado!
Your photo question ...inside the arvore de Natal, Praça de Comercio, Lisboa. Sexta feira 21 de Janeiro, Parabéms, 50 anos jovem home!!