Greetings from my bed where I am currently drinking tea, googling my symptoms (I think I have a sinus infection) and doing a face mask. This past month has been crazy. I have been working a ton, traveling a lot, and rarely have time to sit around and do nothing. I'm really indulging in a night where all I do is sit on my computer because I find that I have little time to do that (which is good!)
Soo some updates from España. This past week we had a "puente" which is a random break where schools, offices and banks close for some virgin or a constitution or something. They call is a puente because the days usually fall close to each other and you get days off in between (hence a bridge). At first, I thought I wasn't going anywhere the break since it was so expensive (hence why I booked Sevilla and Vienna) but turns out we found some cheap flights out to Porto, Portugal (one hour flight) and took the plunge.
I love Portugal. I loved Lisbon when I visited, as well as Lagos. I always have a good time and I find Portugal to be the unpretentious, beautiful, friendly brother of Spain. Porto was no exception. Porto is a beautiful city right on the Duoro River. Its known for its Port Wine (duh), beautiful buildings and fish. Unfortunately, the weekend we went was the rainiest and worst weather they have had in years, but it didn't stop us from finding mischief and being totally silly.
Other highlights from the past week or so include hanging out in Madrid for a few days. One day we headed to Aranjuez, a small town outside of Madrid accessible through free public transport that is known for its large palace. It was the summer/spring palace of the royal family. We also ate out there and had hair in our croquetas. Anyway!! We also did some shopping at one of the new malls out by the river in Madrid. We also went on a very cold and unhappy hike in Cercedilla, another small town outside of Madrid.
Without further ado, a photo dump!
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| Porto is a city along the Duoro river. The river dumps into the ocean so the air is salty and cool. |
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| I searched endlessly for the Fonseca Port Wine sign that my mother has told me about for years. Alas, I was only able to find this little sign. It was still an exciting sight. |
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| The grand train station covered in beautiful tiles. |
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| This is THE traditional sandwich in Porto, 3 meats, 2 cheeses, with melted cheese and a fried egg on top plus extra gravy. I know what you're thinking "gab you ate all that?" Yes, yes I did. (Plus a beer) |
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| A brunch that wasn't a ham and cheese sandwich |
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| The girls and I did a wine tasting and tour at the Calem Port Winery. The guide was a tad nutty, but now I know I love even more kinds of wine! |
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One night, we treated ourselves to a fancy seafood dinner. As the seafood lover of the group, I ordered bacalao with a yummy rice which was DELICIOUS.
 | | Sergio from dinner recommended checking out the Pocas Junior Port winery for a tasting and tour. Jane and I walked quite a bit to find this little, family owned bodega. We got a private english tour and 2 tastings for about 5 euro! |
 | | Then we headed to a quick bite based on the suggestion of an employee at the winery. Casa Guedes had one of the best sandwiches I have ever eaten. I know I always say that but this time I really meant it. |
 | | My favorite pastries ever.. |
Not that this is a travel blog at all, here are some helpful links of the fun and delicious places I visited in Porto :)
Bacalhal: A cozy seafood place right on the river. Great food and ambiance!
Calem Porto: A somewhat overpriced but good introduction to Port Wine and its process. They have a high tech visitor center and a small tasting!
Pocas Winery: An independent and local Port Wine manufacturer in Porto. A good price and delicious wine!
The best pork sandwich you will ever eat
Livraria Lello: The bookshop that apparently inspired JK Rowling while she was writing the first Harry Potter. The bookshop requires a four dollar entry for a crowded and touristy experience.
Good place for Pastels de Nata
Back in Madrid:
 | | Meanwhile, I ate these croquetas. I give these a 4.0 for warmth, crustiness, and flavor. |
 | One of the first few days of puente, the girls and I headed to a local place for a FEAST. We ate some delicious soup, chilis, paella, tortilla and so much more. The place is called Fragua de Volcan or something or other.
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 | | Post meal satisfaction and shame |
 | | Day trip to Aranjuez |
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