Blogs from Portugal, Europe - page 151

At this point, I must compliment my wife on her excellent planning. When we left our Tia Fernanda (hopefully allowing her to regain some semblance of calm and order after our invasion), we landed in Lisboa proper and into the waiting arms of the "This is Lisbon" hostel. I had wondered what Maria had been doing all those days before we left, hunched over in front of the computer and printing off pages to be inserted into the The Pink Book. Well, the Book became a light in the darkness, let me tell you. Me and the kids would be staring into the distance, likely whimpering or arguing, whilst Maria would be coordinating a) a solution to some unforseen problem or b) a delight to enjoy of which we could scarcely imagine. The "This is Lisbon" ... read more

Oporto Ah, Porto, where the utterly confusing conglomeration of narrow, cobblestone roads network together, somehow, to make up this stunning city connected to (yet somehow removed from) the rest of the world. I discovered it is substantially cheaper to take several small bus/train trips from Santiago de Compostela to Oporto, meeting the same bus in Vigo, Spain that had left from Santiago de Compostela for the last leg of the journey. First impression seemed much like Basque country, but on closer examining discovered the sun is a bit hotter, the gulls are excruciatingly louder/larger/stupider, and the language is relatively different, though much of it is understandable. Also worked on toning my musculature by lugging my rucksack and always walking uphill, it seemed. LOVE the buildings in Portugal covered in Azulejos, hand-painted tiles ... read more

Michael Franz Whitby would like to open dialogue and get feedback on TOMAR PORTUGAL Tomar, Portugal… …one’ of the prettiest most under the radar! For the trip of your dreams Visit Tomar! The slower ones’ space becomes, much better the enjoyment mode Nothing taboo in this place…since every location on Plant Earth has individualized history Location of surprises Citizens there are on a mission to rescue all visitors bringing them back to normalcy By letting all slow down even on a short excursion… …visitors are talking-Positively! For all to take the Tomar short stay challenge To see if at the end If challengers’ wish not to stay a touch longer… …feedback-most do! A place that will forever be inscribed to ones’ holiday hot list As you add your flavor with comfortable clothing You will on your ... read more

Thursday 3rd March 2011 One of the reasons we had chosen this particular route out of Portugal and into Spain was because we had fond memories of the drive through the Duoro Valley on a previous trip to the area. As is often the case with such return visits, we were concerned that this experience would not live up to our memories, but we needn’t have worried. Whichever way you travel through this region it is truly breathtaking. I had already discussed the most scenic route through the area with a man at the tourist information office in Porto, and it wasn’t long before the rolling hills gave way to steep, terraced vineyards producing the wine for the port houses of Vilanova de Gaia. Stopping briefly for lunch along the river bank, we noticed the large ... read more

Monday 28th February 2011 Time to move on to Figuera da Foz, a convenient stopping point about half-way to our next planned destination, Porto. The site itself was very well placed, next to a pine woodland and with its own private access to the beach. After the usual settling-in chores and a bout of schoolwork, the call of the sand dunes proved too strong. Ben and Jack tired themselves out running to the tops and back down again in a Star Wars Tattooine- inspired game of chase and dare. The day ended with some internetting in the TV/ recreation room on site. Tuesday 1st March 2011 Another long drive up to Porto. Once again, the proximity of the site to the beach allowed the boys to let off some steam after the journey – this time ... read more