Thursday, April 13, 2023
Today was somewhat relaxing. We slept in, checked out at noon and headed for Porto, Portugal. But first, I decided to wash my hair which meant blow drying and curling iron right? Although we purchased the adaptor/converters for the electrical plugs, my blow dryer was not cooperating. It was making a click, click, click sound which I found interesting but Kevin quickly pulled the plug. So I’m not sure if my new travel blow dryer is fried or just NOT compatible over here. Luckily, the hotel had a European compatible blow dryer so all was good. Then I plugged in my curling iron because it worked yesterday but unfortunately not today 🙁 I know there’s a lot worse things going on in the world so I should just get over it. And I will!
The drive to Porto was pleasant. Very little traffic and beautiful lush, green scenery. We stopped to have a bite to eat and were delighted to see the pastry case. Portugal loves their pastries and they are everywhere. I am trying to refrain but Kevin is loving the macaroons, coconut bread and raspberry tarts.
Portugal has a couple of funny historical food traditions. First there is the custard cup (upper right pic) that they are in constant turmoil over. I’m not sure of the entire story but somewhere in some government vault is the recipe for the perfect custard cup that very few know about. The rest of the country is vigilant in trying to duplicate it, but none have been successful. On my tour yesterday I was given a custard cup to try that was supposed to be very close to the original recipe. I’m not a custard lover but I will admit it was pretty good. When we arrived at our hotel today, we were given custard cups and a bottle of porto wine.
The other strange tradition is their love of cod. They serve it at every restaurant, it is considered an important part of their identity. But the funny thing about it is that it cannot be found off their own coast. Fishermen have to travel for months into the Atlantic to catch the cod, salt and dry it for months and bring it back to Portugal to serve in many different dishes. The process of salting and drying it gives it a different name, it is then called bacalhau. Interesting? I thought so.
Lisbon and Porto have an ongoing rivalry for being the best city in Portugal. Although I loved Lisbon with it’s traditional architecture and history, Porto has the ocean, and that always wins me over. I always thought Portugal was on the Mediterranean Sea but it is actually on the Atlantic Ocean. The Mediterranean is under Spain. Hmm, still learning. So today, Kevin and I took a walk around Porto and along the banks of the Atlantic Ocean. It was about 60 degrees and beautiful!
Another good day! Just wish I would have bought one of those chocolate muffins 🙂
Mmmm. You had me at pastries! ☺️
What an adventure! I love that I get to read about it!
Have a great time exploring! I know you will ❤️❤️
Hey Nancy, are you getting the emails?
Sounds fun! Glad you had a more leisurely day. I seem to recall my appliances not working in most of the places we stayed even though we had the converters. Must overload, like using an improper extension cord can.
Uggh! So frustrating!
This is wonderful, keep it up!
Thanks for following us!
Wow, the history is fascinating! Rick and l got a good laugh with your last paragraph!
So much history!
So glad you have the opportunity to take this great trip! Know you will have a delightful time.
We have thoroughly enjoyed our European trips but we have never been to Portugal as well as some others. So love hearing about new places/ countries. Yum to the pastries AND love seeing
Kevin’s well groomed beard. 😊 , happy days, pat.
Glad you are enjoying it!
Yummo!
🙂
Your posts are so fun to read, Denise. It sounds like there was a lot less stress today. It’s good to mix it up :). I feel for you with the hair blower and curling iron. I’d be lost without my hair blower. About those desserts… I sure wouldn’t pass those up. They look and sound divine!
Happy exploring!
Love, Margie & Bill
Yes, my hair looks bad! I need figure something out 🙁
I just got your email with the info for this site. I’m so glad you included me. I love your comments. Regarding the pastries, I would grab the maple pecan rolls, all the custard cups and more. They all look so good.
I know nothing about Portugal so this is a real education for me. It sounds beautiful.
Thanks,
Kate
I’m glad you got the email. I sent you texts also. Do I not have the right contact info for you?
OK, it appears I’m being censored. Can’t find my comment from earlier.
No you aren’t being censored. I have to go in and approve the comments and I just did a bunch today. Sorry Amy!
Another great day. Would love doing this type of trip. I most likely would have indulged in the pastries and taken several to go 😂
I wanted to!!