Tourists take in Porto with a
river cruise on the Douro River.
Every vantage point in Porto is remarkable. A Douro River
cruise that boards at the riverfront is worth an hour of your
time. For 15 euros, you ride on an old rabelo boat, which is
the type of boat that once transported the port wine from the
Douro Valley to the cellars in the city. The cruise takes guests
under the six arched bridges that connect the Ribeira and Gaia
sections of the city. This is the best way to see the city before
partaking in a port wine tasting.
It would be unfair to write about Portugal and not mention
the seafood. The gastronomy of this country heavily relies on
the items that come from the sea, and frankly, it was the best
seafood I have ever had. From scarlet shrimp to clams glazed
in a white wine sauce, the freshness was exhibited in every bite.
Cod, a fish maybe not as popular in the Americas, is a main
staple in the cuisine. Bolinhos de Bacalhau, or codfish cakes,
are Portugal’s version of the hushpuppy. The most interesting
of the native Portuguese dishes was Porto’s Francesinha. This
Portuguese sandwich puts a triple-layer burger to shame. The
sandwich is a Jenga-type structure with layers of bread, sausage,
cured ham, steak and melted cheese covered in a tawny port-
based sauce. It was delicious and recommended to be shared.
Porto held a different vibe than Lisbon: it had a more
eclectic feel. The public art found along many of the build-
ings is tucked elegantly into the lines of the architecture so as
to add to the beauty rather than ruin the history. There are
many hidden treasures among the city. One of the most nota-
ble is the Church of St. Francis. The external Gothic structure
looks like any other, but the Baroque-style interior décor is a
dazzling display of woodwork covered in gold leaf.
As my time in this country ended, I knew it would not be
the last time I would visit this wonderful place. Portugal stole
a piece of my heart, and as I left that magical country, I didn’t
experience the same sadness that I will never see it again that I
often feel when my visit to a new place ends. Lisbon is one of
Porto’s Church of St. Francis.
those places I know I will experience repeatedly in my lifetime,
as is the opulent yet humble city of Porto. There was so much
I did not get to do on this trip, like visit the wine-producing
region in the Douro Valley or discover the beaches of the
Algarve coast. An incredibly warm and inviting country,
Portugal has a uniqueness all its own, as well as a charm I
hope can survive its growing tourism.
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