Day 23: Porto Part 2
Around 8:45 am, a white van picked us for our full day tour at Douro Valley. Our multilingual tour guide from Cooltours Porto was very entertaining and informative throughout the trip. She drives this route several times a week and knows the ins and outs of the region. Thank god we left just in time before rush hour. We zoomed down the highway while the hundreds of cars on the other side of traffic waited in agony.
Our group was comprised of two other couples and a solo traveler. There were the young Australians who have been venturing all over the world for nearly 2 years. The second couple was from London, on a work trip but extended their stay to see the Douro Valley. The gentlemen exploring Portugal alone was from Quebec City. His primary language is French but he was making a huge effort to practice English while on vacation. We agreed his English was far superior than our French.
The buildings and stores were quickly replaced with valleys and hills. The landscape was reminiscent of Champagne region of France or Tuscany in Italy. We instantly noticed the difference in temperature after stepping out of the van for our bathroom, rest break in Pinhão. It was easily 10 to 15 degrees hotter in this city east of Porto. While our guide was refueling on coffee, we took some time to admire the blue azulejo tiles at the train station. There was an olive tree low enough to pick, although they were no where near being ripe. It was not even 20 minutes and we were ready to return in the comfortable air conditioned van. It was going to be a hot afternoon.
All their wines were excellent. And what was even more wonderful was the view that accompanied the wine. The winery was situated on top of hill where you can marvel at the endless vines and valleys. We learned in Douro valley, olive trees separated the different owner's land and vineyards. When you have olives available, naturally you make olive oil. We got a sample of the vineyard's own oil, which was perfect with some sliced bread. As much as we wanted to stay, we had a cruise to catch on the Douro river. Although they don't serve alcohol, they don't mind you bringing your own wine on the boat. We ended up splitting a bottle of white wine with the couple from Australia.
Don't expect to see much on the Douro valley cruise. Let's just say you are on the boat to relax and admire the beautiful water and hillsides. We admit, it was a nice change from the typical busy schedule of attractions and sites. All we did was sip on our white wine in small plastic dixie cups and take in the magnificent landscape that was in front of us. From time to time, we would exchange translations of French to English or English to French with our French Canadian acquaintance Robert, with a silent T. And just like that, the hour cruise was over in a blink of an eye.
Lunch at Té was unexpectedly good. Every country has some type of dumpling and the ones ready to be eaten on the table were mighty tasty. The veal was cooked very well and tender. Sad to say but the sea bass cooked whole was more flavorful than the one at Esplanada A Antigua from Day 22. As we ate, we continued our conversation with Robert from Quebec City. One of the top questions we are asked as Americans is how we felt about Donald Trump. Yes we do inform others of our dislike of the President, but we attempt to keep it as neutral as we can. We avoid politics at all costs. Though our guide also made it clear she did not agree with his character and policies, she did mention how smart and manipulative he is. "Like Hitler or Mussolini," chimed Robert.
We were completely wiped out after the second wine tour and the inevitable long drive back to Porto. We somehow mustered up energy to eat at Cafe Santiago before the dinner rush. It was at this restaurant we experienced the most fatty sandwich we have tasted...the francesinha. And it most definitely lived up to the hype. Every possible meat you think of is stuffed between two pieces of white bread, covered in cheese, drizzled with a delicious sauce and topped with a fried egg. Cut the sandwich in half and you won't believe your eyes the layers of meat and cheese. The runny egg oozing over the stack is a sight of beauty. And just like that, we slowly drifted into a food coma; dreaming of our warm, comfy bed waiting for us back at our airbnb.
