Porto, Lisbon

Iberia. I missed a sweet breeze so much. There were a few places on my mind that I would like to go. However, I decided on the Iberian peninsula in the end. I had an idea about what it was like. I was in Lisbon a few months ago and this time I would like to visit Spain too. I’ve never mentioned it before, but I travelled solo until this trip. I was going with myself. I like to go places on my own. But this time is different. One of my close friend asked me to go to Europe with me, and I said if you let me decide the places to go, yeah I’ll go with you.

I started comprehensive research… nope, I’m joking I’m not doing extensive research on purpose. Being spontaneous is my motto on trips. I follow my gut feeling. That’s the way I do.

Porto was so hot! We couldn’t do anything after arriving in Porto! We were only drinking water, and it was just not enough! I thought I missed the hot weather but (at least on the first day) I regret that I went there. It’s confirmed that I am used to the Irish weather.

We arrived to the city centre via metro. It was confusing, but we handled it somehow. The first hours in a different country will be so different. You have to give yourself time to adapt. Even the easiest things will be confusing. We were a little sleepy, and the hot weather made things not easy for us.

We arrived at the Câmara Municipal do Porto. There is a huge PORTO sign. Tourists were taking selfies, but I didn’t. I’m not a tourist. Don’t even question me. We started walking. Walk through the south side. Then we lost. We lost on purpose.

We crossed on the Ponte Luís I bridge. It was cool, I guess. Porto is famous for their wine port. So, we walked through the old port. There were wine-tasting places that looked like tourist scams, so I didn’t go inside any of them. Later, We decided to take the cable car to see the view from the top of the Ponte Luís I. What a beautiful view of the city. I stayed there a bit to perceive the moment.

There were lots of art on the streets. Especially the blue tiles were perfect. Arts were mostly contained Christian motifs.

We met with new people in the hostel. I like to talk with the travellers. Finding them wasn’t easy, but I reckon I have the talent to find them. I met someone who was not sure about her photography skills. The bird photos could easily be in a National Geographic Magazine! It was a pleasure to talk with her. She recommended the Praia de Matosinhos beach to us. So, like her, I met many people there, and sadly, I can’t mention all of them here. I’m glad that I met with them.

We went to Praia de Matosinhos on the second day. The beach was perfect. It was huge, and the sea was so clean. It wasn’t deep as well. It was a bit cold, but the sand was burning, so it balanced.

We went to Lisbon on the very next day. We had only one day because I was there last May. I knew Lisbon well and guided my friend to the most important places.

In addition to the last blog, I went to Santuário de Cristo Rei. The view was fabulous. I could see from the Lisbon Cathedral to Belem Tower.

We started walking up and down in the streets of Lisbon. While walking, you question your decision about Lisbon, like “Was it necessary to come Lisbon?” Or “Why I am here?” You will love the cobblestone streets of Lisbon. If it’s not enough, try it in wet weather. You’re gonna love it! Also, it’s a challenge to walk with a heavy backpack. Not for everyone, on the bright side, taxis are cheap. Compared to Dublin, it was free. Yeah, Dublin is very expensive. I could write something about Dublin later.

I went to Miradouro da Graça again. When the last time I was there, I was thinking I’m never gonna come here again. Three months later, Here I am. That’s life, I guess.

Spain was completely different from Portugal. It was still hot, but I mean it in another sense. So, Spain post soon.

4 October 2023

Osman Kerem

Porto, Lisbon

Thougths-II

Thoughts