Porto, the Portuguese story
We arrived in Porto, the city where you get lost on the streets that invite you to discover their stories. If you dare to climb dozens of steps that guide your efforts to nowhere, you wake up that you already are so excited that you don't know if it's from fatigue or the magnitude of places you can experience.
A walk through Ribeira, the oldest district, reveals old buildings gnawed by the weather, clean and dirty, overlooking the Douro.
You continue on your way, and you find houses abandoned and discoloured by the rains that tried to wash them away. Most are covered in mould, like a plague that spreads rapidly everywhere. This does not scare you; it intrigues you. The old Porto breathed through the fresh laundry back and stretched to dry. An unlimited amount of freshly washed undergarments hang nonchalantly in front of everyone. The locals cling to them tactfully, without bothering to show their intimacy to any passer-by who looks up.
A tight-eyed cat follows you on the cobbled streets and counts your steps to the next stop. A glass of Porto wine stands in the way of a stopover.
The stop is short because you have no time to waste. The colourful houses and orange roofs make you want to start a session of parkour.
Happy children who are just gathering to start playing, remind you of the past, and make you nostalgic in an instant. You admire and listen to them.
In front of the houses, a natural botanical garden is revealed to you; because the Portuguese are great nature lovers. The flag flutters proudly everywhere, a sign that they love their country as well. Further on, your steps stop in front of closed doors, guarded by two seagulls. You can open them but in vain. You abandon the idea, with regret and the thought that you could have penetrated inside, of knowing the bird's speech.
You return to Ribeira, on the quays, because it's time to relax. Next to each other, the terraces make room for everyone. Locals and tourists sip their coffee with the famous cream cake or enjoy local dishes because the Portuguese food is really delicious. I advise you to choose less crowded places, where you can quietly enjoy everything you want, at much lower prices and authentic tastes.
If you want to get away from the city's hustle and bustle, take a walk on the Douro or cross the bridge and go to the park. The view over the city is terrific. Dizzying blue peacocks walk their tails proudly, like a bride carrying her train. Play with the camera among the city's letters and capture the moments as you would say PORTO.
Don't miss the Bento train station where you can admire the famous azulejos, and you can sweeten yourself with delicious traditional cakes! The locals come especially to enjoy them. I didn't get to take pictures, because I finished them too quickly, but take my word for it!
If you dare to leave Porto for a new destination, compromise only to reach the heart of the country! Take the train, and in only 1 hour and 15 minutes, you will be in Guimaraes! This medieval city is considered the birthplace of Portugal because this is where the first king, Afonso Henriques, was born.
Not at all crowded, the historic centre has been included in the Unesco Heritage due to the highly well-preserved Gothic buildings that offer an authentic example of the evolution from medieval to modern. You have the chance to enjoy history at will without taking any money out of your pocket. Lago da Oliveira Square is the ideal place to relax on a terrace. The Palace of the Dukes of Braganca, the Chapel of San Miguel and the Castle of Guimaraes are not to be missed! You can take the cable car for a panorama over the city, so that, later, you can discover it on foot. The streets will take you into a fairytale atmosphere. Stop by to try ginjinha - a Portuguese liqueur served in chocolate candy!
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