Alex’s first video out of the pipeline. We spent a week in Córdoba the third and last (for now) stop in sunny Andalucía. Despite some rain at the beginning we enjoyed this city full of history, architecture, opportunity for meandering by Guadalquivir River, and mild winter temperatures.
Final notes: Andalucia and Galicia
Storyline: Winter 2025: Portugal and Spain
This is a wrap-up on our Spanish part of the trip and a catch up for topics left out of previous posts. And although we did dash through Madrid, it wasn’t the main focus of our winter travel. Continue reading “Final notes: Andalucia and Galicia”
Vigo, Galicia
Storyline: Winter 2025: Portugal and Spain
Wed, Feb 5
We stand on the top of Castro Mountain, the highest point and right in the centre of Vigo, admiring the spectacular views across the Ria de Vigo, which estuary is sheltered by the Cíes Islands. Its summit is crowned by the Fortaleza de Santa María do Castro, constructed in 1665 and currently an archeological site. Continue reading “Vigo, Galicia”
Madrid then and now
Storyline: Winter 2025: Portugal and Spain
Sat, Feb 1
I’ve been wondering at what time Alex will take his wrong turn. Usually, it happens at least once per trip. (Emphasis on at least. As a kid, we used to call wrong turns ‘dad’s shortcuts’. I think its an inherited trait. I’m kind of proud about it – A.) We had to check out of our accommodation before 11am. Continue reading “Madrid then and now”
Cordoba feels relaxed
Storyline: Winter 2025: Portugal and Spain
Córdoba, our last stop in Andalusia (for now), founded by the Romans in the 2nd century BC, conquered by the Moors in the 8th century, after being in the Visigoths hands, and eventually seized in the 13th century Christian conquest, is known for the highest summer temperatures in Spain and mild winters with frequent showers. Continue reading “Cordoba feels relaxed”
Dramatic Ronda
Storyline: Winter 2025: Portugal and Spain
Ronda, one of the white towns in Andalucia, is beautiful and dramatic. This small, mountaintop, compact town perched on both sides of the deep Guadalevín River Gorge, has a lot going for it. The old town, dating to Moorish rule, with narrow streets and cobble stones, is on the southern side of the gorge. Continue reading “Dramatic Ronda”
Snippets of Vienna
As mentioned if our Vienna blog post the Austrian capital was our hub for this trip. We didn’t stay as long as in other cities, but still had 3 full days to explore just days before the storm Boris hit Central Europe.
Porto, the revolting city
Storyline: Portugal Take 2
In a year Porto has changed. The streets are steeper and the up-hills are longer. We stay with the same people. Loved their studio and the location. That grocery store around the corner is now perched on a steep hill far away. Continue reading “Porto, the revolting city”
Storyline: Portugal Take 2
While sick in bed for over a week, finished the 3 of José Saramago’s (Nobel Prize for Literature, 1998) books, we bought from bookstore Livraria Lello in Porto, Portugal. Can’t decide if Death at Intervals (known also as Death with Interruptions) or Blindness takes the first prize, but leaning towards Blindness. Back to writing.
Coimbra, the old capital of Portugal
Storyline: Portugal Take 2
Life got in the way and we haven’t posted anything for a long time. We are currently in Coimbra, the medieval capital of Portugal, Continue reading “Coimbra, the old capital of Portugal”
Snippets of Lisbon
Alex’s final video from our January trip to Portugal. Although he has a few more recorded and I have few more draft posts it is now May, Continue reading “Snippets of Lisbon”
Porto on foot
Storyline: Portugal by trains
(Yes, 3 months later we still have a few posts and videos to finish)
We loved Porto. It is the second largest city in Portugal, yet very easy to explore on foot. It revealed itself slowly, street by street, with a new scene or scenery every step of the way. Continue reading “Porto on foot”
A day trip to Sintra
Storyline: Portugal by trains
Sintra is a whimsical, fairy tale city with gothic architecture, castles, mansions and villas perched on steep hills. We walked to every place we visited and some more as you know from our previous posts. Continue reading “A day trip to Sintra”
Sintra
A post on our visit to Sintra in January is still to come. Here is Alex’s focus on Quinta da Regaleira with its Initiation Wells, and Pena Palace. We definitely had a good workout hiking up to the Palace. But busses, shuttles and tuk-tuks are readily available.
Lisbon on foot
Storyline: Portugal by trains
Time for exploration of the city known for its renaissance navigators and explorers. We walked everywhere, steep hills and miradouros (viewpoints/lookouts). Continue reading “Lisbon on foot”
