Wish You Were Here: A trek through Portugal
In recent months, our readers have been circling the globe, museum hopping in the Netherlands, exploring Uganda’s Impenetrable Forest and sightseeing in Croatia. And they’ve been sharing charming photos and practical tips along the way.
Today, a San Jose dad and his daughter are sharing their experiences in Portugal and the Azores.
Wish You Were Here
PORTUGAL: M. R. Pamidi of San José and his daughter, Meera, of San Leandro recently spent 10 days exploring Portugal and the Azores and visiting sites in Lisbon, including the Torre de Belem (pictured), as well as Sintra, Coimbra and Porto.
“Compared to France, Germany, Spain and other EU countries, Portugal seems to be a well-kept secret and one of the most inexpensive countries in the European Union,” M.R. says. “It’s a beautiful country rich in history going back to the pre-Roman times with numerous castles, churches, and palaces — many built and inspired by the Moors.
“Coimbra is home to the University of Coimbra, one of the oldest in Europe, founded in 1209. Both Lisbon and Porto, home of Port wine, with their many hills, steep roads and sidewalks with steps, reminded us of San Francisco.”
TRAVEL TIPS: “Food, wine and Port are inexpensive and you have a wide variety of cuisine choices, even for vegetarians. Don’t miss the beautiful, lush, hills of Saó Miguel Island (in the Azores), and the wine country and a boat trip on the River Douro in the Douro Valley.”
Share your travels with us! Send a photo of yourself on your latest adventures to jburrell@bayareanewsgroup.com. Tell us where you are, who everyone is and where they’re from, and share a travel tip or two to help fellow travelers.