Category: Travel

Final day in Portugal and back in the capital to pick up my flight back to France. Yes, I’m going back to the frogs, but more on that later. While here, I was able to catchup with my cousin from Brussels, who I haven’t seen since Easter 2011, when I visited from Edinburgh. We went…

One last day trip this weekend was to Sintra, emblematic of a fairy-tale, with a massive castle on a hill and everything! If you haven’t been, it is well worth the trek, but fair warning, it will cost you! A cheap day-out in the country, this isn’t. The bus ticket alone (roundtrip from Cascais and…

Still by the sea, this time have wandered farther west and slightly north. The town of Cascais is a 30 minute train ride from Lisbon, but feels a world away. It is the quintessential beach town, with a very nice, compact center that has been well kept up, with heaps of restaurants, shops and a…

It was a wonderfully relaxing day here in Carcavelos. I had a bit of a lie-in today, guess I was knackered after my big epiphany last evening! Had a healthy breakfast, then after a few tasks, headed out for 5km trundle to and along the beach. I could get used to going for a walk/run…

Thank you Universe, for hearing my pleas and sending me salad! This is the first healthy meal I’ve had in weeks. Mind you, there’s only one place in town that serves this kind of food, so I’ll be paying them a daily visit while here. I discovered Caldas de Rainha quite accidentally, but I’m happy to…

It was a nice, relaxed weekend, after moving accommodation once again on Friday. This state of affairs isn’t only a challenge to visitors to Porto. There was a young Portuguese couple staying at the same place, who was up from the center of the country looking for a flat; they’re moving here because the husband…

Have now moved across the river, which is infinitely quieter. I don’t mind it and the flat is perfectly located near all of the port lodges, and just a 5 minute walk to the river. Coincidentally, I’m right behind the only one that is owner by a Scot! Will have to pay a visit. In…

Spent the morning trying to find a longer-term place to rent in Porto, to no avail. Apparently the city is having a moment and is overrun with tourists. I’ve managed to sort myself two different Airbnbs until Monday, by then I will have to come up with plan B. I did have 1 really bright…

Had a brilliant day in Belem, despite the droves of tour groups taking over the place. Belem is a suburb of Lisbon, all of a 10 minute ride on the tram. For you history buffs, this is where Vasco de Gama set sail for India and the town chockfull of monuments to the Portugese martime…

I know that I haven’t mentioned food much so far, but that’s not because I haven’t been indulging! Because I have…there is so much fantastic food in southern Europe! My epic food journey began in Provence, where I enjoyed the freshest fruits and veg from local the farmers markets, that travel from town to town…