Hot, hot and did I mention hot?

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You know I have to apologize a bit, I've been so busy out exploring, driving, learning all about Portugal than I'm behind in my blogging. I have 5 days half done, sitting on my iPad but they are in notes so not 'blog worthy' but know I am making an effort! My clothes are starting to smell like I've been away for 2 weeks, despite me trying to wash everything to avoid 'that travel smell' and I'm running out of perfume to cover it! Good thing I have a room to myself:-)


Portugal is hot, hot and then hot again! Wine, amazing Be My Guest experience, UNESCO sites, 9th century Roman walled cities, great coffee, great chocolate, 100% hand painted tiled churches, churches filled with bones to name a few things I've enjoyed. Portugal is a country rich in heritage, culture, history and shockingly different landscape for such a small square footage ( by Canadian standards at least). We have gone from bustling cities, to spectacular breath taking coastal scenes, to granite, limestone, dry barren land, to rich, lush green vineyards located on hills with a 45 degree angle and then some. Diversity without question!

The people are patient with my destruction of their language, my constantly speaking Spanish by mistake (because I know some), my body/sign language attempts with a smile don't get me wrong, English is relatively well spoken here, but I always attempt the local language, to which they laugh and answer me in English:-) I have spare time on the coaches, when Pedro is not telling us wonderful stories and history, but can't read/type while driving as it makes me nauseous but trust me dear readers I have 'written' heaps of blogs in my head!

The Portuguese love to cook with salt, but having salt and pepper on a table is unheard of. Since I like both on my boiled egg I find that unfortunate but am learning to enjoy a plain one. I miss peanut butter but that is something I deal with every trip! Fresh bread is amazing, the veg meals have been surprisingly good, especially at the BMG yesterday and the 17th century mansion wine pairing meal 2 nights ago! Better do lots of walking today.....

Little funny for you all: last night I had a shower and the water pressure in this hotel is unbelievably strong. So much so that it sent the shower faucet up in my face once which needless to say startled me, I initially thought it was ghosts! Once I realized what it was I had a good laugh, and kept on doing my thing. Second time I was rinsing my hair and it shot up with such vehemence that I ducked and it shot all over the back wall, which is attached to the counter, the sink, and if you know European bathrooms the towel rack with all the towels. By the time I got it under control the back of the bathroom looked like it had been caught in a flash flood, and all I could do was laugh (and dry off with the bath mat) I love traveling.

Today is our city tour of Porto, followed by an afternoon to explore on our own, and then a dinner cruise on the Duoro river. And best part? We start at 09:00 today, makes me think of our At Leisure itineraries. The trip is quickly coming to an end, but suffice to say I hope to catch up on the details of the day by day on the flight home, as I'm far too busy having fun!

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Photos

Hair dryer
Not to kick a gift horse in the mouth, but definitely the strangest hair dryer I've seen. Ever.

Shower Power
Never, ever take your eyes off the shower head.

Vineyards
Duomo Valley, unreal landscape

Comments

[Wolf]

Europe is hot this summer!
I was in Rome and Florence at the end of July, and daily temperatures were above 40C! Hard to sightsee on foot - however I found the way to control my body temperature. one can buy a bottle of beer at the corner store for Euro 1.25 (vs. 5-7) at the cafes, so I was reaching out for Birra Moretti quite often :). I your case Ned, go for ice cold Vinho Verde (and add some sparkling water to it when ultra thirsty).