The simple shelves held ceramic pieces painted in the style of Azulejo tiles, along with a few framed designs that looked like the tiles themselves, all tucked beside a narrow cobblestoned road in Óbidos, Portugal.

The arched main entry to the town of Óbidos, Portugal forms a crooked passageway—at first we thought it was L-shaped, though it’s really more like a backward Z. The passage turns right, bringing us face to face with the Azulejo-tiled Porta da Vila, then bends left onto a long, narrow cobblestone road that leads toward the center of town.

Ceramics and pottery from local artisans and gift shops were among the most sought-after items along the narrow, cobblestoned lane.

Photographs of our travels. Memories found and captured.