June 8th

Today was special day because Abel took us to see much of Aveiro, Portugal. In the morning we first visited the Vista Allegre Porcelain factory and were able to view an exhibit detailing the history of the brand from its beginnings in the mid 1700’s to present. It was really interesting to see how the work and the brand has evolved over the past 300 years. The exhibit showed how much of the technological advances and artistic styles of the past several centuries were simultaneously integrated into making crockery and décor pieces. It was also quite interesting to see how control of the brand has remained very much a family affair from Vista Allegre himself to now his great-great-great-great-great grandsons. That’s a lot of greats!

After spending much of the morning there, Abel then decided to take us to see some old Portuguese houses constructed in the olden style. These houses date back some 300 years and have a characteristic colored striped appearance. By then we were getting a bit hungry so Abel took us to a nice seaside restaurant. There we decided to sample some of the local favorites such as fried mackerel with olive oil and garlic, a s simple olive oil salad and traditional rice. The food was delicious and we supplemented it with some vinho verde (sparkling wine which goes very well with fish). For dessert I decided to try a traditional Portuguese dessert called “cream of the sky” which was quite good.

After chatting a bit we then decided to get a taste of downtown Aveiro. Abel took us to an area where sea inlet cut through the town and boats routinely make their way. Many of the older Portuguese houses and shops of Aveiro are located there. There were also able to see an interesting circular bridge that was recently constructed. Walking through town we were also able to see Aveiro’s “Se Cathedral”. Finally after walking quite a bit, Abel took us to a shopping forum (open air mall) where we were able to see all the modern shops. Finally we spent the rest of the day walking through Aveiro's waterlined streets. The town is very unique in that it has water streets much like Venice where fishermen can navigate their boats.

June 6th-7th

I am writing you from Aveiro, Portugal. First I will give you a recap of how we got here. From Torreviaja, Spain we took a train to Madrid. Unfortunately we could not see Madrid due to a lack of time. From Madrid we then took a train to Salamanca, Spain and had to spend about 4 hours there waiting for next train. While there we met a french waitress who was so nice and gave a lot of advice about what to see in Portugal as well as served us some of the best coffee I have ever drunk. Finally at about 5 in morning we caught the train which took us into the heartland of Portugal. I probably slept 1 hour during the night becuase I was admiring the natural beauty of the land. Portugal is a small country, but it seems like so much of the country is untouched or used purely for farming and thus maintains its natural beauty. By the time we finally arrived in Aveiro it was about 9 a.m. and we were greeted by Bella and her husband Abel. They took us to their home and mum, dad, and myself just feel asleep as soon as our heads touched the pillow.
However, the next day was special, because we visited the city of Porto which is about an hour away by train. We got there quite early and as soon as we exited the train station I was struck with the immense beauty and history of the city. We first took time to walk through the main "ramblass". Then we moved on to the "Se Cathedral" and saw many of the other local churches. The "Se cathedrals" look magnificent from the outside, but once I entered I was taken with the amazing gold and woodwork. I think it is just amazing how people of the olden times devoted their life to creating masterpieces for the glorification of God. From the Se Cathedral we then moved onto the inner streets of the city and since it was around lunch time we stopped at a local snack shop. There we tried some portugeuse croquettes, samosas, bacalau (cod), and potato chops. My mum and I also tried a glass of Port wine which has its origins in Porto. The snacks were tasty and Port was amazing and strong. After finishing up we then headed toward the "Rio Douro" river. There one can find some of the most beautiful scenes in all of Porto, with majestic bridges hanging over the water, houses nestled in the cliffs and hills that drop directly into the river water below, as well as boats and gondolas elegantly gliding back and forth across the surface. I have included some pictures. There we crossed the bridge and saw the many wine caves and shops lining the river. We came there a bit late but were still able to the Sandeman Port museum and see how the world famous brand is made and stored. Normally if you come earlier in the day many of the wineries have guided tours and end with a wine tasting. Well that is a good enough reason for me to come back to Porto!
After seeing all these amazing sights we then decided to head back to "ramblass" and take in the BIG GAME. Portugal was playing France in the semis of the World Cup for the chance to play Italy in the final. I bought a nice Portugal futball jersey and took in the game with thousands of Portuguese fans in the ramblass as they watched the game on big screen TVs. The fans really supported their team and many wrapped themselves in Portugal banners, flags, and even had their faces painted. The game ended with France winning on a controversial penalty kick but it was fun to take in the game with enthused fan shouting Portuuugaaaal, Portuuugaaaal...

June 30 - July 3

These past few days have been amazing. The south of Spain is absolutely beautiful and the weather is fantastic. We are staying at a place called the La Dorada Club in a district of Torreviaja called Plaje Los Locos (Place of the crazies!), but there is nothing crazy about this place. The place is built like a Spanish villa with beautifully plastered arches and wooden beams. All the beds and shelves are essentially built into the villa which is something I have never seen before. It certainly has a wonderful charm to it. The beaches are also amazing and quite different from the states. Here women regularly prance around topless and the men wear the infamous "Speedo" which I can't seem to get use to. However, the water is wonderfully luke warm and I try to take advantage of it. We have spent many of our days either swimming at the beach or in this spectacular pool at the La Dorada Club. The pool is amazing with bridges built in, a bar, and is surrounded by palm trees and beautiful Spanish style villas.
A few days ago on friday we went to the local friday bazaar and saw all the crafts, clothes, and things that are sold locally. The bazaar held in Torreviaja is the largest in Spain and I picked up a FC Barcelona hat for like 10 euros. At night we take a stroll near the coastline (As many of the locals like to do) and saw many similar vendors selling their wares. This traditional walk is done in the evening and called "the promenade" usually with their dogs. It is not unusual to see people eating dinner outside late into the evening. The coast is absolutely beautiful at night and is well lit with all the coastal restaurants, bars, and "heladerias" (ice cream stores). We even saw some live pan flutists playing many songs. Last night, on one of of our walks we sampled some Spanish pastries. Spain is famous for its chorizo (spicy sausage) and one pastry containing sausage and cheese inside a bun was particularly tasty.
Unfortunately this week saw the end to Argentina's campaign in the world cup, but on the bright side Portugal won. It will be exciting to visit Portugal next week as they take on France for the chance to be in the world cup finals. As a side note, I bought some "Futball" jerseys and another cap since we don't get them in the states. I picked up a FC Barcelona and Manchester United jersey as well as a Argentina cap. Enjoy the photo that was taken from the coast of Torreviaja. Today we leave for Portugal via Madrid, Spain. More to follow...