The Bear and I landed in Portugal on Monday to sunny skies and warmth; not that we weren't having gorgeous weather back in England, but it's a different type of warmth when the sun has practically set and you're still sitting outside in a tank-top and capri's.
We made our way by Metro to the centre of the city to find our accommodation for the next 3 nights. This required walking uphill (quite a ways) which was delayed by my constant admiring of the tiled buildings (on the exterior!) and cobbled mosaics of the streets and footpaths on the way. This was my first trip to Portugal, so there was lots to see.
After checking in and ditching the heavy backpacks, we ventured back downhill for a bite to eat. We found a lovely bakery/diner where we had "beef in butcher style" which came with fries, rice, vegetables and salad. It was amazingly delicious and only €15 for the two of us!
The next morning we took a walk through town, enjoying a bakery breakfast - pastries for breakfast? Yes please! I have fallen in love with Portuguese desserts - in the old hospital square with palm trees and a fountain to keep us company. Afterward we attended part of a mass at the church nearby (this on a Tuesday, apparently mass isn't just on Sunday's here). This church was amazing outside and in; outside there was beautiful tiles depicting various biblical scenes, inside everything was gilt. Luckily, despite the fact mass was in Portuguese, we were able to follow along.
After mass we walked some more. ... And more. It was a beautiful city and I found the best way to see it was on foot. We walked along the waterfront, through some parks and back up through the shopping district. So many tiled homes, churches and shops to see! Such an interesting way to decorate!
In the evening we were picked up by C's cousin to enjoy a home cooked Portuguese meal. It was so delicious, I could go on about it forever; and don't forget the freshly picked (small) crate of strawberries her aunt got! Such fabulous food. I could easily get fat there if I stayed any longer!
C's cousin and his girlfriend took us for an excellent night-time tour of the city by car afterwards. The city lights up and transforms the buildings; additionally, there were so many architecturally interesting buildings to see.
C and I saw so much, yet it was only our first day in Porto!
Next time: the last member of our team joins us, a bus top tour and Port!
Boa noite!
~Crown
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