It’s difficult at times to get a handle on the concept of time…to my very genuine surprise it has already been 3 years that I ventured to Portugal-a treat for my then 60th birthday and the 30th one for my daughter…it had long been heavy in my heart, struggling as a single parent, that vacationing and travel was not something we indulged in, past the occasional camping trip, coast trip or to visit family-it has been my desire to share experiences with and invite my now adult kids to join me on world exploration-and these birthday celebrations seemed appropriate as any time to invite Jenna to Portugal with me-at least the first week of it. Here are a few posts that popped up as memories this week of my May 3 years ago! Just what I refere to as my FB travel posts so very informal-
The Douro Valley is famed for being one of the largest and oldest wine growing areas on the planet, and is on the UNESCO World Heritage list …it was the destination our journey today, and the goal some port and wine tasting as well as history lesson…every corner, turn was a wonderous surprise, amazement-beautiful scenery, lush grapes and wonderful wine! It is difficult to describe the magnitude and scope of the many, many, terraced slopes and the steep grade of these rolling hills…
Wine production in the Douro Valley dates back to Roman times and owes much to the monks who revived the practice and cultivated vineyards in the 12th century…a few ruins of monasteries still grace the landscapes…as our guide pointed out on our river cruise after a tasting at one vineyard or also called “Quinto” (FARM also means “5” as they gave a fifth of what they made to the King) and before lunch…followed by another tasting at another quinto…
I learned so many fascinating facts and history about grape growing today…like how planting roses in a vineyard actually acts as an early warning system of disease for the vines…I won’t bore you with the particulars but if you need a tour guide for YOUR Portugal trip would gladly offer my services as a personal guide😉😁or ask me out for a glass of port and I will regale you with all I learned…
Porto Portugal…what an amazing time…the excitement and good energy of a tour, history, culture, food and drink interwoven and brought together by a superb guide and 6-8 personalities of others also interested in adventure and experiencing the country … gathered together from other countries, walks of life, sharing also their languages, culture and other travel experiences…the chemistry of our small tour groups exceptional…friends across a table breaking bread and sharing laughter become friends across a globe, sharing pictures, and contact information…connecting as humans on many levels and discovering similarities more than differences…
Bon dia…good day…the greeting shared with a smile and a nod throughout the day while walking and navigating Porto
…a delight all around…small restaurants and bars overflow to sidewalks as people occupy small tables or find a curb, a patch of lawn under an olive tree on the “living rooftop of our neighborhood” or lean against a building…drink in hand, often a cigarette…the tables ALWAYS set in a formal and welcoming manner with wine glasses beckoning the passerby to “come sit a spell, drink, eat, be merry for life goes fast so take it slow” as do the meals…do not expect our American way of “fast food and fast service” please go with the intention of an experience…the magic begins with dinner hours often 1930-2000 and can extend until midnight…the light of day fading as strings of lights on buildings and hanging overhead from one area to another begin to twinkle, lending a warm glow to festivities…Jenna and I thought just a weekend occurrence the crowds never really wane no matter the day, we came to realize the Portuguese do this EVERY night throughout the week…feeling nothing but safe wandering the neighborhoods at these later hours…it is also a VERY clean city…so many restaurants with cuisine of any sort and the ever popular local favorites…four legged friends welcome most places but only if very well behaved…Porto attire? Casual, relaxed and unpretentious, comfortable and practical footwear a MUST and rarely saw other than a good pair of walking/running shoes…
Our bags packed a last visit to a famed book store and we, with some reluctance leave our “home” the last five days and catch a cab to the train station…next stop Lisboa 🥰
So with a small tug of my heart…
Adeus, meu amigo Porto, obrigado… até nos encontrarmos novamente
(My Portuguese improved greatly 😉😁)
Rumored to be the inspiration of JK Rollins, library in the Harry Potter series, as she was a teacher at the university across the street, this little unique bookstore has become a “Mecca” for fans (though I had this on my list BEFORE I knew of the intrigue)😉😁 worth seeing despite the crowds as I LOVE a bookstore ❤️
Just Life With Denise 
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