Porto

So I've been in Porto for a little over a day, and I think I like it better than Lisbon. Still, I'm a little underwhelmed. Maybe the anticipation robbed something from the experience, or maybe Portugal really isn't as picturesque and exciting as I had imagined.

Nonetheless, Porto is much more laid-back in atmosphere than the other cities I've seen...and somehow less cluttered. I'm not at all sure how this is possible, given the winding alleys and suchforth. But still. And laid-back is certainly nice: not so frenetic and perhaps a little less tourist driven. More of a mercantile feel. I'm fine with that.

The hostel gave me a city map, including a list of restaurants...probably these eateries paid to be included, but sure. I picked a random one (Uma Rosa) for a late lunch today. Pork steak (had some sort of citrusy tang to it...very good) anda rice/sausage mixture (blander than expected). Surprisingly, blood sausage doesn't have a very distinctive flavor...at least not in this particular dish.

So tomorrow, for my last full day, I'll probably wander along the river, maybe take a cruise. Perhaps I can finally succeed in finding non-kitchy linens and other souvenirs. Despite looking in the Mercado and along the main commercial district as suggested, there hasn't been any luck yet. Certain people may have to buy online or actually get around to travelling themselves if they want international goods (ahem).

Coimbra

So I left Lisbon this morning...both good and bad. Lisbon isn't really as neat as I had thought, so I'm glad to move to someplace new. Don't get me wrong; there are some neat sites, tasty foods, and nice people...it's just not as memorable as I anticipated. Oh well. But on the other hand, I got the contact info from some folks from around the world, so that is nice.

But Coimbra: the hostel isn't nearly as awesome as the one in Lisbon, but it's only two nights. The town itself gave me a bad first impression...dirty, trash everywhere, flies, etc. But once I moved away from that district, things got much nicer. Reputation safe. So after wandering around for nigh on 5 hours, I'm bushed. I did find a grocery store and stocked up on some stuff for a dinner and a lunch: I doubt I feel up to going out to findsome sort of cafe. Might even just stay in tomorrow, too, instead of taking a bus to the Roman ruins. We shall see.

That is certainly one big difference between travelling alone vs with friends...friends can encourage one to ignore being tired. It's a thing worth remembering for the next trip...if I go alone again, I ought to plan one or two days of NO sightseeing whatsoever. Days of rest are most certainly required.

Lisbon-bound

So when I was in Europe the first time, I wanted to see Lisbon. Turns out that Spain is pretty big, so I didn't have time. Well, I decided to make the time. Now I'm flying out of Charlotte for 10 days. Hopefully I'll remember to post here from my nifty ipod touch!