Goodbye Porto, Hello Coimbra
We were sad to say goodbye to Porto. Loved our time there which very much included the special place where we had the chance to stay. I developed a relationship with my skeleton key and will miss cool mornings on the patio and the bathroom with an astounding view. But on we go.
We have three weeks to explore Coimbra and one key decision has really deepened our connection here. Trevor joined a facebook group for English-speaking expats and learned of weekly “walk and talks”. After five weeks relying mostly on each other for conversation, it has been nice to interact with others and also learn their stories of how they happen to be here. As it happens, while open to everyone it is typically women that come. They seem to have liked Trev joining in regardless of that.
Some have made the move completely, others are here for a year or two but may not stay, and yet others have moved for a job. Joining the walks has led to things we could have never envisioned – making a deep connection with a couple that I think will be long time friends, touring a castle on the west side of the city, participating in a music video as extras (yep,no joke), scheduling a personal port tasting that included a fascinating history lesson and 7 ports, and dinner at a restaurant run by Americans with exceptional food and charm.
In addition to those activities, we’ve done our own exploring including one of the oldest Universities in the world (established in 1290), its famed library with bats as pest control, one of two botanical gardens (the 2nd one is next week), the Roman-built Cryptoporticus of Aeminium (circa 1st or 2nd century AD), an art and antiquity museum, and roamed the remnants of the Mosteiro de Santa Clara-a-Velha built in 1283.
I’ve connected with a local weaver to learn more about a traditional style of Portuguese weaving on traditional looms from Almalaguês. Trev is going to meet up with a guy from Madeira we met at a bar and also some of the other halves of the walking group ladies that get together for coffee. All this while still maintaining a work schedule and chores like laundry and groceries.
Funny, I now realize why I’ve not had much time to write or paint and why today is a welcome lazy day. Trev immediately liked Coimbra and it has now grown on me. It has a special energy unlike Lisbon or Porto. We are looking forward to our last week here and the next stops on our trip.
All these activities translate into lots of photos I’m going to spread over several posts and photo galleries.
