It has been over a year since we traveled abroad, and it was a very busy year at that. Jeannie is putting together a summary of the past five years of adventures, including what we have been up to when not overseas.
This adventure marks the beginning of our sixth year of slow travel, and it took us a while to decide where we would set up our home-away-from-home this time. After a good deal of research and a session of “Eenie, Meenie, Miney, Moe”, we decided on Portugal. Besides, we had never been there, and good reports abounded on the friendly people, the beautiful country, and of course, the food and wine.
So, with a developing plan we began our preparations. Nothing was difficult, but not having spent three months away in a while meant we needed to revisit and adjust our previous strategies. Also, as we were departing the first part of August, and would arrive in Portugal in 1) the middle of summer, and 2) at the height of tourist season.
The historical weather data for Portugal, and specifically Porto in the north, and Lisbon in the south, gave us hope that the cool Atlantic waters would help us avoid the blistering heat that was plaguing much of the rest of Europe. However, since we would be there until the end of October the temperatures by then could be cooler than we are prepared for; the bright side of that being the autumn colors of the vineyards on the slopes along the Douro River, famous for its Port wines.
Then too, we should be there long enough to outlast the tourist hoards.
Anyway, we departed Florida, and after a short layover in Boston, we flew direct to Lisbon where we arrived early in the morning the next day. We retrieved our two checked bags, and took the Metro to the Lisbon Oriente train station.
The Lisbon Oriente station was designed by the famous Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava who also designed, among other beautiful buildings, the exceptional Milwaukee Art Museum (MAM). We visited the MAM this past summer while staying with family in Wisconsin.
It should go without saying that we both felt a bit jet-lagged, and as we didn’t sleep too well on the flight, the 3-hour train ride to Porto provided an opportunity for a solid nap. We were rocked by the motion of the train as we sped along at 180-230 kph (111-143 mph). Fortunately Porto was the end-point of the train so we really didn’t have to worry about passing our stop as we slept.
Once we arrived in Porto, it was still too early to check in to our apartment, as it was still being cleaned, but the owner allowed us to leave our luggage as we went out to wander.
The first order of business was to find something to eat.
We came across the small, charming Confeitaria Belo Mundo, a coffee shop, tapas bar & restaurant. It was packed with mostly locals having their mid-day meal. There were no tables available, but there were two empty stools at the counter, which turned out to be a perfect spot to watch the ballet of waiters and cooks as they dashed and spun around each other in the tiny space carrying hot food in one direction and empty dishes in the other.
We each ordered a plate of the day, Jeannie had the pork, with rice and fried potatoes, while Chris had hamburger patty on rice, topped with a fried egg. Very inexpensive and entertaining, and we got to watch the meals being prepared, especially a couple of rather famous (and decidedly decadent) franeschina sandwiches (the franeschina would have to wait for another day).
After lunch we were then able to march on in search of the Mercado do Bolhão. This market was opened to the public in 1914 and specializes in meat, fish, fruit, flowers, vegetables and many other colorful products. Google maps took us right there, but the bad news was that it was closed in spring 2018 for a major renovation project. The good news was that most of the vendors relocated to a temporary location just a few hundred meters away in the basement of a shopping mall – the Mercado Temporário do Bolhão. No fixed date has been given for its reopening, and to us it still seems several years away. Nevertheless, it is close to home and filled with everything we might need, and more.
When the time finally arrived to settle in to the apartment, we unpacked, showered, and crashed for a couple of hours. By then it was time to find a place for dinner. Beher-Porto, nearby, turned out to be a great place. We shared a plate of fine Presunto (ham), each ordered a salad (next time we’ll share), and Pimentos Padrón? Oh and wine, inexpensive and very good! We were seated in a location to be able to watch as all food came out of the kitchen, before being delivered to the tables. Yumm.
We strolled back to our apartment where we fell into the deep slumber of jet-lag addled travelers.
The next day we awoke at about 07h00, a rather normal time for us. But even after coffee we were still a little foggy, so we took off for more coffee and a traditional Portuguese breakfast – a Pasteis de Nata for Chris, and a croissant for Jeannie, and a meia-de-leite (coffee with milk) for each of us.
Adequately fortified, we wandered. Lots. And before heading back to the apartment, we walked to a small, nearby grocery store, Pingo Doce, for a few basics like cereal, tea, yogurt, and of course wine.
After returning to the apartment with our groceries, we booked a Tapas and Wine tour with Porto Walkers for the next day, Friday. We have done this in other places to help orient us to the local food scene.
By then it was time to decide where to eat. Our first choice was not available so we decided to go to small place down the street that we had seen earlier. Thinking it might book up we decided to go out early. Arriving before 6:30, there was only one other couple seated but within 30 minutes all tables were full and more people kept coming in to try for a seating. So glad we arrived early.
To begin we shared a rather large, mixed starter plate of cheeses, hams, sausages, olives, bread, and a glass of wine for each of us. Next we ordered two tapas and two more glasses of wine. The total bill was remarkably reasonable, including four glasses of wine. Portugal is very economical.
After the very short walk home, we crashed early, around 10h00.
We slept soundly, and late, which is rather unusual for us. But we didn’t have to join the Tapas and Wine tour at the nearby market until 11h45 so we didn’t have to hurry too much.
There we met Lukas from Porto Walkers, and two young couples from Germany. Our first food stop was in the market at one of the prepared food booths. We all sat at a table where Lukas brought “tremoços” (lupine beans traditionally eaten as a pickled snack food), olives, trays with bread and cheese, chorizo, ham, more cheeses and dark heavy bread, plus a day-old sweet bread, and a bottle of white wine. And this is only the first of several stops! There was a lot of good conversation, sharing information about ourselves, and Lukas telling us more about Porto and its food.
The next tour stop (2) was Manteigaria for Pasteis de Nata. Watched the lining of the cups with pastry, another person filled them with the custard and put trays into the oven. We each ate one, yum. These were even better than the one Chris had yesterday!
Stop 3 was brief as Lukas dashed into a crowded shop and picked up some “snacks” and then took us into a classic Portuguese cafe/restaurant Flor do Parque. We were taken upstairs where the waiter brought a bottle of white wine, iscas de Bacalhau (cod fritters), a kale soup, and then Lukas opened the “snack” bag to reveal several meat and fish filled cakes. Oh my, so much food!
Stop 4 was a bar/pub/tavern. We had a choice between beer and rose wine to go along with the roast pork sandwiches, and octopus salad. It was impossible to finish all the food. One curious thing about this tasca or tavern was that whenever someone orders water, a bell is loudly rung as a “public shaming”.
Our last stop was a café where we sat outside for espresso and a small sweet. There was still more conversation, tips on where else to go, and then we all said our goodbyes.
Roaming down toward the river we discovered many fascinating sights. However, we were stuffed and tired, so we began to head home. Along the way we made a brief stop at the grocery store for salad ingredients and a bottle of wine. Think we’ve done enough today.
Back in the apartment we considered a concert we had seen advertised but realized we would probably fall asleep during the performance. So, we will try again next week. We did however book a free walking tour, again with Porto Walkers, for tomorrow morning (Saturday). Then we fell into bed and dreamt of the adventures yet to come.
NB – for the first three days the weather was rainy. The high temperatures are around 21-24C (70-75F) and lows 14-20C (58-68F), though with the sea breeze it feels much cooler especially in the shade, and yet much warmer in the sun.
Keith Harvey
14 Aug 2019Great Entry, loved it!
Linda Pina
12 Aug 2019Thank you for wonderful photography and interesting commentary
Jeannie
13 Aug 2019We’re glad you enjoy our stories!
Shirley
12 Aug 2019Calatrava also did Florida Polytechnic in Lakeland. Enjoy your trip.
Chris
13 Aug 2019Shirley, You’re right! I remember seeing the building from the interstate. We haven’t visited it yet, but hope to soon. This building along with the Frank Lloyd Wright designed campus of Florida Southern College is putting Lakeland on the architectural map. C
Helen
12 Aug 2019Love your blog! You travel like we do- independently and finding the best local food and wine possible!
Jeannie
13 Aug 2019Yes, independent travel is best for us. It can be challenging at times, but mostly all good. And why else travel except for the food and wine (and people…)
richard danner
12 Aug 2019Great photos! Porto looks a lot better than I remember but that was in 1987, Nothing like an improving economy to spruce up the city. The one thing i do remember are the bright pastel colors. They also paint their small fishing boats in these colors so their harbors and fishing villages are even more appealing than their counterparts in Spain.
We took your advice this year and did air B&Bs in the UK in May. we spent 3 weeks in Ireland, 12 days in Cornwall and 15 days in Scotland. We will never use a hotel again for our travels!
Jeannie
13 Aug 2019I can imagine Porto was quite a different place in the 80s. There is much reconstruction going on, cranes are part of the view, almost anywhere you look! We haven’t been to any of the small fishing villages yet but look forward to more colorful sights. We are so glad you and Susan tried AirBnb, having the basics of home rather than a hotel setting makes a longer stay more comfortable. The downside is that if a city does not manage the conversions, it can be quite disruptive for the locals. But we enjoy the daily living, interaction with neighbors, shopping and occasional cooking as we “live” in a new place. Enjoy your travels, maybe our plans will overlap again!
Alice
12 Aug 2019Thanks for sharing! I’m learning so much!!
Jeannie
13 Aug 2019This is a different place and language for us so we have much to learn. Thanks for encouraging us!
Sandy Allen
12 Aug 2019Have fun! Enjoy reading about your adventures.
Jeannie
13 Aug 2019Glad you are traveling with us!
Niels
12 Aug 2019Enjoyed your first tale from this year’s adventure.
Incidentally, we are just (re-)watching Anthony Bourdain’s episode from Porto – Chris, better watch out for those fish-ladies 😉
All the best – enjoy!
Jette and Niels
Jeannie
13 Aug 2019Now we need to watch that episode, we haven’t encountered any fish-ladies yet. But we did walk through a small craft market where they invite you to dance with them. So much fun here. Wish you could join us this year but we’ll have to better align our travel schedules next year! Enjoy your trips!
Missy Ortega
12 Aug 2019I’m salivating at all the culinary delights that you two are enjoying ! Very beautiful blog. Thank you for sharing this.
Jeannie
13 Aug 2019There are so many wonderful foods and wines to sample. The challenge will be to not bring much back along the waistline, but all the hills here will help us manage! Thanks for encouraging us!
JeanMarie Randall
12 Aug 2019Another wonderful adventure! The food alone is enticing, your description almost makes me feel I am there, thank you! ?
Jeannie
13 Aug 2019Glad you are following along. If we could include aromas and tastes in our stories, we would!
Kevin Carlson
12 Aug 2019There you guys go, off on another great trip somewhere on earth. Have fun!
Jeannie
13 Aug 2019This trip was long overdue, we spent over a year stateside (but we did get to spend time with friends like you). Yes we are having fun, in our element of a new and wonderful place!
Paula
12 Aug 2019Absolutely adding to my bucket list! Love the color and pavers.
Thanks for sharing your adventures.
Jeannie
13 Aug 2019We haven’t tried any of their beer yet, but the wine is great and very inexpensive! It’s gonna be a long list if you’re following us, so many beautiful places to see. Glad you enjoy.
Linda
12 Aug 2019Wow. Looks like you have found another wonderful city and country to explore. Hope the 2 German couples were interesting. They look so young. Heat wave continues here with afternoon rains. Be glad for the cooler temperatures. Love the pictures. I guess I would be “shamed” a lot there since I always order a glass of water with my wine. Enjoy.
Jeannie
13 Aug 2019Yes, this is a great city to explore and we have only just begun. Ha! everyone looks young! We frequently pause, look around, and comment about being the oldest in a group. But that is not a bad thing! In the tavern, we were not “shamed” as my water bottle was hidden in our backpack. And the weather has been a nice break from Florida, but it is odd to occasionally wear a sweater in August (and not while in an air conditioned building!)
Barb
12 Aug 2019What a pleasant surprise to get the first Porto blog entry so quickly! Love living vicariously through your lists.
Jeannie
13 Aug 2019We knew people were eagerly waiting, and it gave us time to rest our feet. There is so much to see and do here, posting may be a challenge!
Lisa Borows
12 Aug 2019Love all the color!
Jeannie
13 Aug 2019Everywhere we look! It can be dangerous walking without bumping into something or someone, no crashes yet!
Cathi
12 Aug 2019YaY! Wonderful-ness!
Jeannie
13 Aug 2019Yes! And sweet to have dear friends following:)
Wayne
12 Aug 2019The street pavers are one of my favorite things in Portugal in addition to the food. That photo of the pastry made my mouth water and made me remember how good they are! I’m looking forward to all of your great photos and travelogue!!!
Jeannie
13 Aug 2019One has to take care when walking – so much to see at foot level, then art on buildings, and shiny yummy things in shop windows! We enjoy it all, and glad you do as well!
Kim Dodd
12 Aug 2019Love the travelog as always!!!
Jeannie
13 Aug 2019It’s nice to share, and to read yours as well!