I'm always so late, perhaps too late, when it comes to getting a piece of memory written down. There's no other excuse apart from the fact that I think my brain just needs lots of warm up/loading time. So here I am, hard drive plugged in, photos from three years ago all dug out, and I began typing again. Reminiscing on my travels always gives me that bittersweet feeling, the nostalgia I feel from flipping through old photos, and the occasional surprise I get from memories I didn't even realise were there. I crave to be back again one day.
Time: April, 2019
Location: Portal, Portugal
I forgot what exact reason brought me to Porto, perhaps the one thought that "I love Port wine" (was instantly addicted when I discovered it first time in Europe) led to another thought of traveling to where the wine itself originated. Pretty solid reason I think.
olá, Porto first impressions
Clearly remember having this gut feeling that I was going to fall in love with the city even before I landed, not to my surprise, I was right. The moment I exited the subway station I felt nothing but a wave of joy that rushed through me unexpectedly without a reason, just happiness.
The floor was still wet after a few days of rain, but after my arrival the sun came out. For the next two days it remained bright and clear all throughout my trip, all hail the weather god. I had to drag my not-so-light luggage up these rocky roads, so grateful it wasn't raining.
Made a friend at the hostel and since she didn't have a plan, we decided to roam around and explore freely. Porto's a gorgeous city one could get to anywhere conveniently by foot, just a friendly reminder that it's VERY hilly.
One thing on my to-do list was undoubtedly to go for the famous Pastéis de Nata, egg custard tarts, sounds mouthwatering enough? These little sweet treats have always been one of my favourite desserts and getting to savour them in its place of origin was an opportunity I couldn't miss. We went to Natas D'Ouro by the river, and clinked our glasses.
 |
| my first egg tart and Port combo in Porto (and many more to come) |
Then there were more walking (more accurately climbing up and down the hills), one of my favourite things to do when I'm in a foreign city is to walk around town and tour by foot.
The roads were steep but the view from the top was incredible, sneakers would be a smart choice of shoes.
 |
| first evening sunset in Porto |
 |
| meat, mushroom and truffle Rissol |
This must be one of their must-order starters, fried mushroom croquette covered in truffle, how yummy does that sound already? My mouth waters as I'm remembering this unique delicacy.
 |
steak and cheese sauce, and Francesinha |
The main point of coming to this restaurant was for their famous Francesinha, a special traditional dish which one could never miss when in Porto. With so much flavour to dig in, who's to not love a warm steak and ham sandwich covered in gravy and melted cheese AND a fried egg to top off? Scrumptious.
 |
| woke up to a sunny city the next morning, view from my hostel window |
|
| nata (eggtart) included in my breakfast, what more to say |
When travelling alone I don't usually plan a detailed or solid schedule, basically I'd go wherever my heart or legs desired, very slowly. Many of the historical buildings, architectures, and houses are covered in beautifully painted blue and white tiles, Azulejos, spotting them is a fun activity to do in Portugal. Getting a single tile makes a cute souvenir as well.
 |
| Igreja do Carmo
 | the city hall
 | Praça da Liberdade (Liberty Square) with monument to Pedro IV
|
|
|
 |
| São Bento train station |
How could I miss said one of the most beautiful train stations in the world? It was super busy, couldn't really tell whether the crowds were people rushing to work or travellers busy hopping from one sight to another. Nonetheless I was in awe of the extraordinarily painted tiles, Porto and its shades of blue.
After the city tour it was time to climb up the bridge, it is double decked so different views could be enjoyed on both the lower and upper level.kept seeing these cute graffitis while climbing up the hill to the bridge
 |
clever advertisement
 | | up the Ponte de Dom Luís I |
It is beyond words to describe the view up there when it unfolded before my eyes, I could barely blink. All I wanted to do was to take in the scenery for as long as I could, and as far as my eyes could possibly reach. Could a city possibly hold so much beauty in itself?
|
Crossed to the other side of the river bank over the bridge, where all the wineries are located, I sat down by the riverside and enjoyed a little wine tasting and sunbathing session. Not to be dramatic, but my life was basically completed at that point. Literally had that written down in my journal.
 |
Rua da Galeria de Paris
|
Wandered onto a lovely street in Porto that is said to feel like Paris, I found it charming not because of the resemblance but simply cause of the slow living vibe. With bars and exquisite select shops along the way, it's a perfect place to take a stroll on a sunny afternoon.
Just before sunset I spontaneously hopped on a bus, that was either road 500 or 501, to one of the beaches right outside of Porto, Praia de Matosinhos. Lazily spent the rest of the afternoon until it was time to go home.
My final meal in Porto was at a family restaurant called Taberna Santo António, apparently it's loved by the locals as well. Located on the corner of a street on top of the hill, I remember panting while trying to haul my starving self up there. There was already a line when I arrived so I was glad I already booked a table the day before. Luckily got seated by the window where I could people watch, as well as let people watch me eat.
 |
| Pernil Assado (I assume is the correct dish name) and fried cod, with a glass of Port |
Most importantly THE FOOD. I could guarantee it is so worth the walk and the wait, still be sure to make a reservation beforehand. Although the restaurant was packed the entire time, I had a pleasant dinner experience. Since I was dining alone, the waiter was sweet enough to offer me small portions of their menus that I wanted to try, even with the desserts. Beyond five star customer service I'd say.
 |
| must try their mousse de chocolate, ordered another crème brûlée after devouring both in seconds |
To sum up, I had eight egg tarts and at least four glasses of Port during my two-day-stay. Took in plenty of vitamin D and lots of exercising. A truly satisfying and heavenly experience.
Does Porto sound too good to be true? If sweet dessert wine and custard tarts are your kind of thing, I strongly recommend paying a visit to this beautiful harbour city north of Portugal. There's no single reason I'd say no to going back again and I'm looking forward to that day. As always, have a great day and stay healthy.
