Friends and travel

Porto, Portugal what a magnificent night time sight!

Several months ago I had the good fortune of befriending a gentleman who hails from the charming and picturesque city of Porto (as in Port wine), Portugal. Again to my good fortune this gentleman, Jose, in his never ending generosity has shared with me many fascinating tales of his youth and has even been kind enough to dot those stories with breathtaking photographs.

Porto is the second largest city in Portugal. It boasts six vast bridges and the Douro River (river of gold) where golden wine grapes grow abundantly making a river ride on a port wine boat a romantic and scenic adventure. Additionally, one would have to indulge in some of the freshest and tastiest seafood around.

As it turns out, Jose has a pretty vast knowledge of his family's history which he has written a number of essays on and allowed me to read. I for one can't wait for them to be properly published since they tell the story of a family who struggled to make a better life for their children and who even went so far as to ship off their youngest child (Jose's grandfather) to another country so he could grow up with more privileges and (hopefully) carry the family on to more affluence, or at the very least, less struggles and poverty. Reading those stories reminded me of the books (Angela's Ashes and 'Tis) written by Frank McCourt, and Irish immigrant who grew up in a very similar situation where food and privileges were few but the family love was deep and the bonds were strong.

Jose also happens to be quite well traveled and well versed on European travel which happens to be a deep passion of mine, so conversations with him are sort of a mini vacation for me. The one thing, good or bad, that I've noticed is that all this talk about Europe, it's foods, art, architecture, music, cultures has reawakened several passions in me that I had allowed to go dormant for some time now. Once again I am dreaming of returning to Italy to continue (and complete) my country tour, and then to move on to neighboring countries. To meet the people, (attempt to) speak the language, eat the food, soak up the cultures and to broaden my knowledge and passion for these places. I'm also writing more (again). And thinking about writing more. So wouldn't it be wonderful if I could somehow combine the two? Oh to dream a little dream... Per chance to return to traveling and start a travel blog? Who knows, maybe a travel news letter, a city guide? Well, I have my work cut out for me and I'm happy for that.

I can't wait for our next conversational adventure. I dream of the characters I'll meet in these stories and the streets my eyes will wander down... until I can "go" and see Portugal for myself, what a wonderful way to visit!


Do you have a travel adventure to share? I want to hear from you.

This is:
What Now?... With Paula