on the banks of the Douro River

near Freixo de Espada à Cinta, Portugal

between Spain and Portugal

near Freixo de Espada à Cinta, Portugal

rio Douro

Douro River, near Freixo de Espada à Cinta, Portugal

joy

near Freixo de Espada à Cinta, Portugal

"Do anything, but let it produce joy."

-Walt Whitman (Leaves of Grass)

 

on the border

Salto de Saucelle (Salamanca - Castilla y León), Spain

If my memory doesn't fail me, I believe this picture was taken on the Spanish side of the Duero River (Douro in Portuguese).  No matter what side you're on, Spain or Portugal, it's equally beautiful to see how this river forms the natural border between the two countries.

regional dress

Miranda do Douro (Norte Region), Portugal

Miranda do Douro is located on the border with Spain, with the Douro River separating the two countries, forming part of the International Douro Natural Park, one of thirteen national parks in Portugal.  These peculiar bronze statues (José Antonio Nobre, 2006) can be found in the João III Square in the middle of this town, representing the traditional regional dress of the rural people of this area.