A Look at the Portuguese World

 

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Yvette Vieira

Yvette Vieira

Monday, 31 December 2012 19:48

My object of desire is a keybag

John Sabino is a designer who does not drop your arms and let them know the world their personal interpretation of the objects that populate our daily lives.

How did the idea of KeyBag? It was created specifically for the advertising of Optimus?

The case arose long before the announcement of optimus. I was an idea that I developed specifically for the project area, on the ESAD, the first option was quite square and had developed the very concept of keys, the second was a major work in process and in the end, the third version would I've change the form, as I created a smaller bag that fits the shape of the hand and not to use the shoulder strap, forcing people to take her in hand and see her as an object type.

What type of material that was used?

ABS has always been th choice, is a plastic, so it was done on purpose for the project. It is very versatile and economical.

When the bag of keys appeared on the ad in the U.S. were you waiting for that success, or you had that feedback before?

Advertising in the U.S. came from a call of AT & T, they wanted that the KeyBag was part of a company announcement, because somehow the bag of keys referred to the idea of ​​the brand and It was there that I realized the success of my concept.

But he had many orders after the advertising?

Yes, I have had many requests have come out after the advertising, sales skyrocketed and there was another opportunity that enabled the creation of a handbag with silver buttons.

Always seek bet materials such as silver or plastic?

Thus, I do not think it has a tendency to a certain type of material. The KeyBag was made of plastic because there was no possibility of other material. There are more expensive and time consuming process as was the case of silver. But, I have a ilimited esprecto materials.

Monday, 31 December 2012 19:46

Make of your wall a dispoable message

A surprise for anyone who you love the most, a sentence that marked your life, or just more color in to your lives. Above all change the look of your home in an easy, economical and original way.

The Lovewalls is a brand of vinylwallpaper, which revolutionized the way we look at our inner world. A communication concept of interior design, economic, and easy to execute an idea that resulted from the agency's FEP Design, which according to one of its founding partners, Fedra Pinto stemmed from a simple observation: "In 3 year or so there was a burst to redecorate the walls with wallpaper in large scale. They just have a shortcoming, it is expensive and not easy to apply and the paper shall be there for about ten years. So we began to realize that, vinyl is an extremely versatile material, economic and easy to implement and begin to think that this material that we worked every day had an untapped potential. However, this was not an unique and innovative idea, there were some companies around the world who have made timely identical things. We decided to work better this material, never for a whole wall, just like spot, the customer can place it today and then past two or three weeks you can remove it and put something else. "

An innovative concept that has gained a greater impact and a high number of orders, becouse they can only be ordered exclusively through the site. A simplified option to sell the product since, "initially as we had no value to invest, the creative team prepare the design only when people ordered, then we had the money to guarantee the printing of the paperwall. It was also a way to optimize the process". The fact of the agency has his headquartered on the island of Madeira, was never an obstacle, because the Internet was essential in this process, according to the creative, "we can reach everywhere. And quotes as an example "I always get that reference of Valentine's day, when last year the brand was on television, the report had an enormous impact and we sold to the whole country, since Feixe Espada à Cinta, down to the Algarve, from North to South, because the brand has chosen an option that was selling online.

Monday, 31 December 2012 17:53

The golden island

Porto Santo has the best sand beach in the countrie. Follow me on a trip to this small corner of paradise.

The best way to get to Porto Santo is on boat and preferably leaving Madeira, why? Let me tell you. The golden isle, which ows it nickname to the nine miles of sand beach that look likes gold powder, is 37 km northeast of Madeira, 500 km from Africa and 900 km from the capital, Lisbon. The best way to get there is by boat, preferably from Porto Santo Line, departing from Funchal. Three hours worth crossing the scenic beauty that is observed on the port side, because the journey follows the coastline of Madeira and then we are privileged spectators of the urban landscape of various localities south of the island. We see the buildings swarming like mushrooms along the slopes and admired the sea front of some of the most iconic cities in the island. The starboard side, if the weather is good, we are confronted with the beauty of the barren desert islands, respectively, the small island, and the great and the plain. It is a natural reservoir of wildlife, having been designated as a park since 1971. When the boat reaches the eastern of the island, Caniçal, specifically the tip of St. Lawrence, in this is the isthmus of volcanic rock begins the Sea of ​​Lane. It is a strip of the Atlantic Ocean, which is located between Madeira and Porto Santo and famous for its strong waves and currents. Here the journey can become more undulating as it were, but no major cause for concern as we are going downstream, on the opposite direction I cannot say the same, so prepare to get sick. Here, at this single point in the crossing, we are wrapped over an hour by the blue sea, until we spot our destination, Porto Santo. And once again the ferry follows the coastline of this island, which in such case implies a glimpse at the nine miles of beautiful sandy beach. The port is situated in Vila Baleira, which owes its name to whaling, and is the capital of Porto Santo. The island is 42.40 km2 of territory and could not be more opposite in terms of landscape with Madeira. It is flat and with a single parish since it has only about 5,500 inhabitants. It is more arid and dry, there is just the lack of lush greenery that is the hallmark of the pearl of the Atlantic. The first impression is of calm and serenity. Life here goes along the wind. The first thing to do after leaving the ferry is swim in the crystal clear emerald green waters, around 22 degrees centigrade. It is paradise on earth. The ripple is low which further strengthens baths recurring. The beach has to be traversed on foot. Relax, is a pleasant walk and should be accompanied by a good conversation. The island is small but it deserves a bicycle tour of preference. You can get around the island on two wheels, it takes a day, with stops in Pico Facho for a good picnic, the worst is the shadow, better the lack of it. Take an umbrella will be worth it. Visit one of the many mills that still exist in Porto Santo. Ana Ferreira Peak, is another highlight of this visit, for its geological importance, and indeed some of the rocky islet of Porto Santo, are authentic living natural museum, show the evolution of a volcano that was extinction. Argh, it's time to get back to civilization, but before leaving, a last look at.

Monday, 31 December 2012 17:41

The promise

This chronic is intended to "travel" by the monument of Our Lady of Victory, better known as the Batalha Monastery. One of the best architectural examples of the Gothic style in our country.

In the year of our Lord 1385 after 14 nights of August, the day before the Assumption of Our Lady the Spanish and the Portuguese prepared for a battle to decide who would stay with the Portuguese throne, in a moment of profound religious insight, Dom John, the master of Avis, made a vow to the virgin, if we win this battle, he would build a monument in her honor here. And that's how it all started ... This is the prelude of my guided tour of one of the most important monuments of the history of Portugal and one of the most emblematic of Gothic architecture in our country. Perhaps the world. Come on.
There are about 130 miles that separate the Lisbon form the Town of Battle, where the monastery is located. The first impression one gets upon arrival is that although there is a town around the monument it dominates the landscape, not by its greatness in terms of scale, imposes itself by its aesthetic beauty. It is richly decorated with a kind of lacework that enrich the set and in the end there's a warning, the gargoyles, the guardians of this temple.
It is a monument that seems to rise towards infinity. When we enter through the main entrance, are dominated by three vertical naves that are coverage in a vaulted ending the radiantly white and light central nave is decorated with stained glass windows that tell the story of the Crusades and with a curious detail, stars! The warheads are lavishly decorated with stylized plant motifs, sea creatures and an amyl sphere, symbol of the kingdom.
The founder's chapel, located on the right, has the tomb of the King, who caused the battle, John I, master of Avis, bastard son of D. Pedro I, in this eternal sleep accompanied by his consort, Dona Philipa of Lencastre, Queen of Portugal. Flanking the royal tombs in the south are the graves of their children. There's one in particular I want to highlight, the stone coffin of the infant, Henry the navigator. It was this royal prince who undertook the Portuguese maritime discoveries. As we go through more divisions, behold, they end up in the cloisters, though the origin of its construction is a battle, this temple was inhabited by Dominican friars. It is indeed ironic. In this inner space we are confronted with various monastic dependencies. But the most curious of our visit is yet to come. The entrance is through an exuberant richly carved stone door, remembers the Mudejar-inspired Arab, with 15 meters high, the so-called Manueline, referring to the brother of the navigator, El-Rei Dom Manuel, to the so called imperfect chapels. The monastery although built in the reign of King John I, was never truly done for centuries. The seven tops are one of those examples, octagonal, are connected by a smaller building that served to the monks as a sacristy. In fact, the temple is a confluence of various architectural styles, derived from the likes of the kings that were buried in this monument. It is above all a legacy of so-called generation of Avis, one of the most brilliant that ruled the kingdom of Portugal and for that alone deserves a visit.

Monday, 31 December 2012 17:38

By the trails of madera

Take a walk through the mountains of Madera and discover the true island, the least known. Experience its natural beauty.

Browsing the mountains is a feat that is only accessible to some. The paths and trails in the island of Madeira is one of those challenges in terms of physical and mental capacity. I mention this chronicle, the route that encompasses the peak of Areeiro, with 1817 meters to the tallest mountain in the archipelago, the Red, with 1861 meters of altitude. It is unusual ride that connect the two highest mountains of Madeira. It is above all a journey that cannot be undertaken by people with vertigo and heart problems. I'm going to tell you why.

Our journey begins very early in the morning; the sun is covered by the morning mist over the mountain in the Pico Areeiro inn. The rail is made of stones that guide us to our first stop the lookout, the nest of the manta. From this point on the mountain swallows us and put us to the test. Several miles of rugged landscape, with almost no vegetation that we are graced by the constantly merciless win. It should be taken extra care, as any misstep can end in a fatal fall in the cliffs that surround us along the path. The great central mountain range is overwhelming; we are merely points in a landscape that involve us. The mountain is the protagonist. The rock breaks through the cliffs that intersect the slopes. The undergrowth paints of green the scene and we get going with the clear sense of our insignificance, at this temple of imposing nature. It makes us even believe in a divine intervention, such is the beauty that around us.

The valley of Faja da Nogueira is ideal for a stop. At this latitude, we could see some of the rarest birds on the island, the famous patarras and the nuns of Madeira, but they must should themselves only to a privileged few, namely, the author of our guide, Raimundo Quintal, because we did not have such luck! Not even a manta, the largest bird of prey in the archipelago. The harsh test is ahead.  The stairs carved into the mountain by the hundreds, it is necessary to go down. It requires a great physical effort redoubled in the leg muscles. It is not easy, believe me. And no, I did not count the steps. But the pain does not end here. We are now approaching the climb to Pico Ruivo. And at this point the narrative, I was complaining all the time because I off the pain. A walker is a masochist. Must be. There is no other explanation for all the suffering in a conscious and deliberate manner.
The climb to the highest peak on the island is one of the hardest tracks of the route for one reason only, we're tired and climb is quite hard, but the end is worth it. You must struggle to truly appreciate the beauty that surrounds you. You literally have the feeling of being at the top of the world, where we only hear the hiss of the wind, our breathing and the wild nature. It is the mountain greenery that involves us on all sides. We sat down and savor the moment in silence. Then we laugh for the simple fact that we have achieved it. In this momentary fit of madness, foreigners who have finished the course also watched with wide smiles. Words for what!

Monday, 31 December 2012 17:22

On the set of bullets and cookies

It is a chronicle different from the others because it addresses my personal experience during an afternoon of shootings of a camp scene.

I'll be honest when I received the invitation from the production of "bullets and cookies" I was very excited. I always wanted to live this experience because I just like movies. I must admit I had a somewhat romantic notion of ​​what would be been on set, surrounded by actors, technicians and director. But let us stop rambling and let's get to it...
My story begins in Porto's cultural CACE in a sunny afternoon, a meeting place for all fans of the saga of this four rascals. The production decided to give an opportunity to the fans so they could participate in a casting for this last chapter. Adherence was huge, particularly males and of various ages. New departure for Gondomar, the outdoor set for the day. A rural nature plot is the basis of this very important action-packed scene. On the arrival I see a great frenzy of people who are finalizing the gypsy camp. Nothing was left to chance and that's it. I will not describe the scene, because I gave my word to the production that I wouldn't reveal too much so it won't ruin the surprise. And it will be a great one! Let's go straight to the point.

Monday, 31 December 2012 17:16

The most romantica place in the world

It is one of the most beautiful of Portugal and deserved for its architectural beauty and landscape. Come to do a tour on this Portuguese village.

The town of Óbidos is located in the central region, in the municipality of Leiria, and is one of the most beautiful fortified towns of Portugal. In fact owes its name for being surrounded by walls. In the past these walls served as a defense mechanism of the population, are now currently a tender embrace of the beauty that hides within it, like a womb that preserves the history, its architecture and its location. Some of these unusual retreats arise through the narrow streets, backed by the imposing buildings of stone and whitewashed. On the right street we can find traces of a past inextricably linked to the sovereigns of Portugal. In the ancient days, Óbidos was the preferred site for the rest of kings and Moors before being conquered by Dom Afonso Henriques, first king of Portugal. It is also thought the village owes its origins to the Romans, responsible for building the wall surrounding the village. The castle is a must-visit for its architectural grandeur, since it rises 79 meters above the mean level of sea water. It is a mixture of Romanesque, Gothic and Manueline to name a few, due to numerous invasions that has undergone over the centuries.
Queens Village
It is a village dominated by women. For centuries, the village belonged to the house of the Queens of Portugal, a status that benefited this town with the construction of an aqueduct and fountains built by Dona Catarina and urban renewal that has undergone over time by other soverneign. Visible is also the influence of the painter Josefa de Óbidos, although having been born in Seville, was in this village that she developed her art during the sixteenth century and which still can be appreciated in the Church of St. James.
Love is another tonic of this citadel fortified. Having been such a favorite of kings, queens and their courts, as we might be expected, the wild passion walked through the narrow streets of this village. Legend has it that shortly before Óbidos be taken by Afonso Henriques, a young soldier dreamed of a beautiful young woman opening one of the city gates allowing entry of the troops of the sovereign of Portugal, as the king did not dare to thwart the designs the master, decided to attack at the dead of night, through this portal that mysteriously opened and allowed the taking of the village. The beautiful young woman disappeared. Even today this entry is known as the Gate of Betrayal. Good trip!

Monday, 31 December 2012 17:12

From alentejo with love

Land of strong Moorish influence, the Alentejo is the dream that we do not want to wake up, that is, if you do not decided to undertake the journey I choose.

I remember the first time I visited the Alentejo. I decided to do it backpacking with three friends, was an odyssey. Ulysses would be jealous of my trip, if he was in troubled; mine was even more challenging when traveling with very tight budget. And when I say tight, is almost nonexistent. Starting with the means of transport, which is the cheapest way to go to the Alentejo Coast out of Lisbon? Bus of course, after having crossed the river that looks like the sea in the tugboat, guess?
Once in Setubal, land of sweet wines and wonderful seafood at the time I could not pay, we enter the wonderful world of a trucking center graced by toxic fumes from the exhaust pipe and constant black powder. We caught the so call bus, was more a jalopy in need of immediate reform that simply stopped at all stops and when I say all, is all about every hundred feet away, a nightmare of stops and starts, and back to stop it only ended when we arrived at Porto Covo. After arriving to the paradise of choice, what happens? Our bed or the campsite in the center was full. It was too good to be true!
We had to walk a trail in the direction of another park that was nicely appointed, but because of the hallucinations caused by the sun, (the only plausible cause is found that for such idiocy), one of my friends decided we should cut through the seemingly harmless Alentejo hills. An epic journey that took twice as long and during which we were "attacked" by thistles dry mercilessly, spurts of blood from Mel Gibson movies, are nothing compare to our bloody legs.
One bad luck event is never single and after we arrived, tired and sunburned to our destination we had to wait for a vacancy. And at this point of the story, I have to make a small parenthesis, for us there was nothing more important at that moment than a tent in the shade and a bath. None. Now notice the allusion to the voyage of Ulysses? The tent was set up in the sun because all the trees (were few) were occupied and water for bathing was available only in the late afternoon.

Monday, 31 December 2012 16:53

A paradisade called Madera

Zarco and Tristan Vaz Teixeira discovered Madeira in the XV century. I 'discovered it' many centuries later.

This fascinating island green won me over forever. The days are sunny. The freshness of the sea. Exotic fruits. The majestic mountains. And lifelong friendships. There is always a reason to return.
"Gentlemen passengers within moments we land on Funchal. Please fasten your seatbelts and straighten the seats. Thank you.
These words awaken me from the world of Hypnos (Greek god of sleep). Still bewildered, I peek through the thin window of the airplane. My gaze 'sinks' in blue surroundings. The sea - above, below, everywhere. An infinite sheet of water to unfold in the distance. With a mixture of fear and expectation, I contemplate the almost non-existent airport runway. I've never seen anything like it. Did we land on the sea? I look around. Panic is general. Some passengers close their eyes with emotion, others quietly sing the words of calm. The TAP plane finally embraces the soil of Madeira. After landing, the feeling of relief is visible on the faces of my fellow travelers. Here are the palms of the custom. And the smiles shared.
They are more than 20 degrees. The island is devoid of clouds and wind. The sun is generous in this joyous day of December. The mild climate encourages the desire to know new places. Determined, I go to the Botanical Gardens. Situated about three miles from the center of Funchal, opened in 1960 and contains endless surprises. The numerous plants, for example. Sublime color palette, they form a lush picture that still dwells in my memory. As I go around the different areas of the site to find indigenous and endemic plants. The Himalayas. South American tropical fruit trees. As the papaya. Coffee. Sugar cane. Profuse invigorated by the scent, I just go to the park Blonde. Australian parakeets, parrots, dwarves, cockatoos - find here all kinds of exotic birds.
After walking so much, it feels good gain energy. While we contemplate the incomparable blue of the Atlantic (as does the color of the ocean is always more expressive on an island?), Sip a passion fruit juice. No exaggeration to note that it is the best drink in my life.

The magic of the holiday season
The day awoke laughing. Without delay, I go to Porto Moniz on the north coast. From a car window, dazzled by the landscape that unwraps in space before my eyes. Truly amazing.
Arrival in Porto Moniz, I refresh myself on the diaphanous water pools. 'Trapped' by lava rocks, exude charm and grace. An unquestionable example of how some of the vagaries of nature adorn the globe. Despite being in December, the temperature of the sea is inviting. Relaxed, let the sun disguises the pallor of my skin.
The morning strides. Just as my appetite. Encouraged by the fragrance of sea water, I give myself unreservedly to a sublime black scabbard fish and bananas.
Comforted with the stomach, proceed to the other side of the island. I am in the 'Monte', Funchal. Curious but frightened, waiting impatiently for my turn. I'll run two miles in ten minutes in a wicker basket on wooden skids. The target is the 'Deliverance'. Pulled by the feet of two men (the 'paths'), can reach 80 kilometers. Three, two, one ... is now! As I walk down the 'Road Train', dozens of people the feeling my soul. Fascination. Seizure. Adrenaline. At times, I think I'll have an arrhythmia. Fortunately (or unfortunately?) The 'paths' decide to make use of the boot (as brakes work). Still dazed, I realize now the popularity of this mode of transport. It is no coincidence that has existed since 1850 and is one of the main attractions of Madeira.
December 31. Preparations for the holiday season begin at dawn. Smell the party, the sun - the joy is spread through the air. It is time to laugh, dance, and singing. The day flies on the wings of time and let the night be queen.
Dressed to perfection, delivery toward one of the many restaurants that celebrate the New Year. After enjoying a heavenly meal, let the dance take care of my body. But the best is reserved for last: The fireworks. True 'hallucination' of meaning, is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. Effects fascinating colors and brush the sky and sea. For several minutes, the island is united by their brightness. By wonder. By magnetism. By happiness.
The festival ends at sunrise. Still intoxicated by the magic he feels in the air, I turn to the airport. Sitting on the plane to Porto, Pedras Rubras, behold Madeira for the last time. Already missing it. This small island can be an eternally great surprise. There is always a reason to return. Take a walk. Review the charm of orchids. Visit the Nun's Valley. Up to Pico Ruivo. Taste the so famous wine. Above all, relive great friendships. Those those are resistant to weather. In the distance. And the sea water.

Monday, 31 December 2012 15:54

Port wine, the eden of maturity

Join me on a tryp thru the aromas and palat of an unic wine. The nectar of the gods produce by man

Longevity works miracles in Port. Sharpen her style. It frees  new scents. Reveals its splendor. Discover with me the fantastic world of the one of the most prestigious and generous wines. A journey  of tempered divine and majestic  flavers. Only.
It's 11 am. The Oporto sees me across the River Douro. His look of granite, surrounded by a thick curtain of fog, always makes me emotional. I'm in Vila Nova de Gaia, in front  of Port  Wine Cellars.
"Welcome to Taylor's." The voice of the friendly guide fills the room in a good mood. The smell of dampness permeates the air.
"In mid-September harvest begins in the Alto Douro. Initially takes place along the river, once the ground is warmer. After three weeks one reaches the highest vineyard (located 1,000 feet). The grapes are then transported to the winery. At Taylor's, most of the grapes are still trodden with your feet in mills, "she explains. She continues: "Fortified with brandy 77 degrees before it is fully fermented, the Port has twice the alcohol content of table wine: 19 to 22 degrees. It is naturally sweet, natural sugar that has not completely transformed into alcohol. During aging, the range is created complex and unique that makes this one of the most popular beverage worldwide. "
While I hear the wise words  I stare, fascinated to the large vats. Are used to produce wine styles like fuller Late Bottled Vintage (LBV), Premium Reserve and Ruby. The 'small casks' - known as kites - Tawny produce. Stored in oak casks, the Port Wine 'hibernate' during the winter in the cellar where he was born. Years later, in spring, the hulls are transported to the cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia.
The dark and mystical atmosphere stimulates the desire to decipher more secrets about this nectar of the gods. The explanations are continuing. There are different periods and methods of aging. Through them, it created a number of different styles of Port: White Dry. White Sweet. Tawny. Ruby. Harvest. Reserve. Late Bottled Vintage (LBV). Vintage. The latter is the result of a unique collection of top quality. Bottled still young and rebellious, can be enjoyed straightaway. However, perhaps the souls patients are rewarded so they say. Ready to age for years or decades to mature Vintage Port is an exaltation of the sublime.
In paradise
The tour ends after a fantastic tasting some examples of Porto. With the intense flavor of Tanwy to explode in my mouth, I turn to the outside. After eating a cod with a divine bread in a modest restaurant near the river, gain new strength to continue my 'route' of Port
The sun broke through the curtain of fog and the joy of his early afternoon. In the distance, I spot the Ribeira with its single cascade of houses (not by accident that bears the title of World Heritage). And the River Douro, sprinkled with natural rabelos. This typical Portuguese vessel is replaced by identity since 1792. Nordic Construction (overlapping planks, cracked board), carrying the old casks of port from the Alto Douro, where the vineyards are located, to the cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia. Today it is used only as river transport, to the delight of many passengers with them 'dance' in the calm waters.
The unique characteristics of the Port wine is not just a figment of his winemaking. Like the other great wines worldwide, are also dependent on an unusual combination of factors: soil, climate and grape variety. As I contemplate the river that stretches over the horizon, the image of the birthplace of Port - the Douro region - appears inside. The enchanted valley. The theatrical landscape. The soil of shale. The breathtaking terraces made by human hand on the steep slopes. The moist winds blowing in the Atlantic. The harsh winters. The sunny, dry summers. The fertile vineyards with its multiplicity of castes. First demarcated region of the world, is considered World Heritage. Undoubtedly, a fair epithet.
The blowing of the wind sweeps suddenly my memories. With determination, strode by Invicta City. Through the paths of romantic, I arrived at Crystal Palace and its lovely green spaces. Going forward, I am faced with Quinta da Macieirinha, where is the Romantic Museum - the magnificent garden and the beautiful home of the nineteenth century. On the back, after the rose garden, lies the Solar do Vinho do Porto. The fresh aroma of flowers permeates this breathtaking place of magic. Moved, I contemplate the view over the Port and Douro, framed by the bridge Arrábida.
The later ages slowly. Without delay, I sit in the comfortable sofas in the bar and look carefully at the menu. The possibilities are endless - there are hundreds of types and brands of Port Wine. Although the price is higher than my usual standards, accepted the suggestion of the friendly staff: One of Graham's Vintage mature. The upper elegant aroma takes me to a new sensory dimension. When I discover its distinctive taste, I leave for a moment, life on earth. A piece of heaven takes hold of my mouth. And from my soul. This wine is a masterpiece. Nature created it. Maturity has revealed it. Our great Fernando Pessoa once noted: "It is a good life, but the better the wine." I would add: The Port. Preferably, Vintage.

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