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Portugal and Spain Review
Posted on 8/23/17 at 12:01 pm
Posted on 8/23/17 at 12:01 pm
I am super late on my review/trip write up from June, so please excuse that. I’ll try to my best to keep it somewhat brief yet informative and organized. I did a poor job this year of recording names of restaurants I ate in, but will do my best. I’ll post pictures separately and try to label them as best as possible. I’ll try to keep it short and let the pictures do the talking. In regards to my pictures, everything was taken with a cell phone and it will never happen again. I got some great shots, but have since purchased a mirrorless and am putting in a lot of work to get better at being an amateur photographer. This is my first review post like this, so don’t persecute me for bad formatting!
3
Posted on 8/23/17 at 12:01 pm to GEAUXLPOST
My trip this year was to Portugal and Spain. Many people asked me, “What is there to see in Portugal and Spain?” To be honest, I really didn’t know, I just love to travel. I love to observe other cultures, soak up their lifestyle, eat their cuisine, view their art, and appreciate their history. In regards to the history of these two countries, one of the things that struck me as funny was their differing views on the accomplishments of Christopher Columbus.
Many people say that they would never travel with a group, but when done right, it can be amazing. This was my third trip with a group, and although every trip was different, I thoroughly enjoyed each trip. The group I travel with is a university art program, so much of the guided portions have some type of art premise.
I was there in June, and there was a heat wave at the time. Temperatures were 20-25 degrees above average with temperatures topping out at 109 degrees some days. The locals told me it was the hottest June on record in over 90 years. This somewhat altered my experience in certain places, but it also enhanced the personal experience of my trip. It forced me to not always go off on my own and take pictures or to go do exactly what I thought I wanted to do. I can whole heartedly recommend travel to these countries as everything was outstanding and completely underrated. Here’s a brief outline and review of things I did, saw, experienced, and ate!
Many people say that they would never travel with a group, but when done right, it can be amazing. This was my third trip with a group, and although every trip was different, I thoroughly enjoyed each trip. The group I travel with is a university art program, so much of the guided portions have some type of art premise.
I was there in June, and there was a heat wave at the time. Temperatures were 20-25 degrees above average with temperatures topping out at 109 degrees some days. The locals told me it was the hottest June on record in over 90 years. This somewhat altered my experience in certain places, but it also enhanced the personal experience of my trip. It forced me to not always go off on my own and take pictures or to go do exactly what I thought I wanted to do. I can whole heartedly recommend travel to these countries as everything was outstanding and completely underrated. Here’s a brief outline and review of things I did, saw, experienced, and ate!
This post was edited on 8/23/17 at 12:03 pm
Posted on 8/23/17 at 12:02 pm to GEAUXLPOST
Overall the cuisine, and especially the wines were outstanding. I was expecting good Spanish wine, but the Portuguese wine was excellent. Tapas in Spain is just awesome. My family and I would each order a few things and just share them all. Such a sense of community and family during a meal.
Your money goes much farther in Portugal than it does in Spain, however neither are as expensive as Italy or Germany for instance, yet not as cheap as dinning in Greece.
Five days in Portugal were simply amazing. We stayed in Lisbon and branched out to different places from there. In this time I visited Caiscas, Queluz, Lisbon, Nazare, Batalha, Obidos, Tomar, and Fatima. The rest of my time was spent in Spain, with overnights in Merida, Madrid, and Barcelona.
If I go back to this area, I would like to spend a few days in Porto.
Your money goes much farther in Portugal than it does in Spain, however neither are as expensive as Italy or Germany for instance, yet not as cheap as dinning in Greece.
Five days in Portugal were simply amazing. We stayed in Lisbon and branched out to different places from there. In this time I visited Caiscas, Queluz, Lisbon, Nazare, Batalha, Obidos, Tomar, and Fatima. The rest of my time was spent in Spain, with overnights in Merida, Madrid, and Barcelona.
If I go back to this area, I would like to spend a few days in Porto.
This post was edited on 8/23/17 at 12:05 pm
Posted on 8/23/17 at 12:02 pm to GEAUXLPOST
PORTUGAL
Arrival Day – We landed at 0900 and couldn’t check into our hotel until after 1400, so our group organizer had things set up for us to do in that time.
Queluz is the location of the Summer Palace of the Kings. With a guide, this was a really nice introduction into the history and lineage or Portugal. The initial family tree of the royalty of Portugal was more like wreath. The grounds here are beautiful and the tile work was amazing.
Caiscas is a beautiful sea town. I didn’t spend much time here, but the vibe, view, and the food were all an amazing. I don’t know if there are any “attractions” in Caiscas, but it was a beautiful place to stop. Had a beautiful lunch overlooking the sea at Baia do Peixe. Wine was very good, and the food was delicious and plentiful! Our table each had the RODÍZIO DE FISH, which was composed of Fish Soup, Turbo, Golden, Grouper, Salmon, Squids, and Dessert for 15 euro. The table white wine was exceptional, and at only 9 euro/bottle, you couldn’t ask for better.
Lisbon
Lisbon is a very unique city with interesting topography. I was lucky enough to be there for the celebration of Saint Anthony, for which the entire town shut down. There were parades and festivals throughout the city. In regards to the city itself, some places aren’t very far to walk, however that short walk may be quite treacherous. There are “elevators” and trams that can get you from the lower city to the higher city and like in most European cities, the public transit is very good. Nightlife here is really good and the weather, although warmer than normal was really nice.
Checked out the Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery on the first day. The tower is just there, nothing really to do, just see it and move on. There is also the Discoveries Monument nearby, which is actually pretty impressive. This Monument may not be as impressive without a guide telling the whole story, but I really enjoyed the story and history that this monument tells. Jeronimos Monastery on the other hand was beautiful. Not much to say other than it is beautiful.
Against my initial choice, I visited the Tile Museum one morning and was actually really impressed. Portugal in known for their tile work and production and when you understand the process of creation, it’s incredible. Our group leader specializes in ceramics, so having her there to explain processes was a treat. One of the highlights for me here was actually the chapel at the tile museum. It alone was worth the entry fee.
A must visit in my opinion is Time Out Market. It not only has some incredible food, but has an awesome vibe and atmosphere.
A visit outside of Lisbon to Obidos was a step back in time. This very small town is highlighted by its castle and medieval walls. You are allowed to climb up and walk atop the city walls, which gives great views of the city and the neighboring scenery. This place is just a joy to stroll around on it very narrow drivable streets. The cherry liquor Jinginja is made here and is quite good as they serve it in a delicate chocolate cup.
From Obidos, I travelled to the extremely beautiful coast of Nazare. Nazare is a small fishing village on the Atlantic Coast and the view here was outstanding. Had a very long lunch at on the terrace at Restaurante São Miguel. The specialty of Nazare is seafood stew, which was one of my favorite dishes bar none. It was far too much food for one and was almost too much for two people. Nazare hosts the world surfing championships and an American surfed the highest wave ever recorded at 114’. There is a picture and video of this online and it is unbelievable.
I visited Maria de Vitoria Monastery. This place is a must visit in my opinion. Incredible Gothic Architecture, and the stone work is so delicate that it almost looks like a fine lattice. I’ll let my pictures do the talking here, but as you can see it is amazing. There is a tomb of the Unknown Soldier here and we got to watch the changing of the guard. Not on par with Athens, Greece or any of the others, but it was a neat touch.
The biggest disappointment of my trip was probably the time spent going to see Fatima. The group stopped at a place that was like a K-Mart of cheap religious stuff and every step you take in Fatima was a shop selling the same stuff as the one before. The commercialization seems to have robbed this place of its true meaning, and that disappointed me. Many people in our group loved it, but maybe my expectations were too far from reality here.
Arrival Day – We landed at 0900 and couldn’t check into our hotel until after 1400, so our group organizer had things set up for us to do in that time.
Queluz is the location of the Summer Palace of the Kings. With a guide, this was a really nice introduction into the history and lineage or Portugal. The initial family tree of the royalty of Portugal was more like wreath. The grounds here are beautiful and the tile work was amazing.
Caiscas is a beautiful sea town. I didn’t spend much time here, but the vibe, view, and the food were all an amazing. I don’t know if there are any “attractions” in Caiscas, but it was a beautiful place to stop. Had a beautiful lunch overlooking the sea at Baia do Peixe. Wine was very good, and the food was delicious and plentiful! Our table each had the RODÍZIO DE FISH, which was composed of Fish Soup, Turbo, Golden, Grouper, Salmon, Squids, and Dessert for 15 euro. The table white wine was exceptional, and at only 9 euro/bottle, you couldn’t ask for better.
Lisbon
Lisbon is a very unique city with interesting topography. I was lucky enough to be there for the celebration of Saint Anthony, for which the entire town shut down. There were parades and festivals throughout the city. In regards to the city itself, some places aren’t very far to walk, however that short walk may be quite treacherous. There are “elevators” and trams that can get you from the lower city to the higher city and like in most European cities, the public transit is very good. Nightlife here is really good and the weather, although warmer than normal was really nice.
Checked out the Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery on the first day. The tower is just there, nothing really to do, just see it and move on. There is also the Discoveries Monument nearby, which is actually pretty impressive. This Monument may not be as impressive without a guide telling the whole story, but I really enjoyed the story and history that this monument tells. Jeronimos Monastery on the other hand was beautiful. Not much to say other than it is beautiful.
Against my initial choice, I visited the Tile Museum one morning and was actually really impressed. Portugal in known for their tile work and production and when you understand the process of creation, it’s incredible. Our group leader specializes in ceramics, so having her there to explain processes was a treat. One of the highlights for me here was actually the chapel at the tile museum. It alone was worth the entry fee.
A must visit in my opinion is Time Out Market. It not only has some incredible food, but has an awesome vibe and atmosphere.
A visit outside of Lisbon to Obidos was a step back in time. This very small town is highlighted by its castle and medieval walls. You are allowed to climb up and walk atop the city walls, which gives great views of the city and the neighboring scenery. This place is just a joy to stroll around on it very narrow drivable streets. The cherry liquor Jinginja is made here and is quite good as they serve it in a delicate chocolate cup.
From Obidos, I travelled to the extremely beautiful coast of Nazare. Nazare is a small fishing village on the Atlantic Coast and the view here was outstanding. Had a very long lunch at on the terrace at Restaurante São Miguel. The specialty of Nazare is seafood stew, which was one of my favorite dishes bar none. It was far too much food for one and was almost too much for two people. Nazare hosts the world surfing championships and an American surfed the highest wave ever recorded at 114’. There is a picture and video of this online and it is unbelievable.
I visited Maria de Vitoria Monastery. This place is a must visit in my opinion. Incredible Gothic Architecture, and the stone work is so delicate that it almost looks like a fine lattice. I’ll let my pictures do the talking here, but as you can see it is amazing. There is a tomb of the Unknown Soldier here and we got to watch the changing of the guard. Not on par with Athens, Greece or any of the others, but it was a neat touch.
The biggest disappointment of my trip was probably the time spent going to see Fatima. The group stopped at a place that was like a K-Mart of cheap religious stuff and every step you take in Fatima was a shop selling the same stuff as the one before. The commercialization seems to have robbed this place of its true meaning, and that disappointed me. Many people in our group loved it, but maybe my expectations were too far from reality here.
This post was edited on 8/23/17 at 12:08 pm
Posted on 8/23/17 at 12:03 pm to GEAUXLPOST
SPAIN
The first stop in transiting from Lisbon to Madrid was the UNESCO world heritage city of Evora. Evora is like a living Museum, there are things to see no matter where you look, including Roman ruins. The Cathedral of Evora contains some incredible artwork and a bones chapel. The bones chapel was constructed as a place of reverence for the thousands of Moors that were killed. The motto here was, “Here are our bones, and we wait for yours”. The construction was done with limited spaces because, “In the end, we all end up the same with no space between us for our irrelevant earthly treasures”. Had Tapas and lots of wine at a place called Cartuxa. Cartuxa own their own vineyard and the red wine was simply excellent.
Merida, also a UNESCO world heritage site, was an incredible preservation of Roman ruins including aqueducts, temples, and the best preserved and oldest theater that I’ve seen. As with everywhere in Spain, great tapas and great wine.
From Merida came the big city, Madrid! Madrid was amazing, point blank. Our hotel was right off of Gran Via, and that’s where you want to be! Royal Palace, Nightlife, and Ham were all incredible. Nighttime in Madrid, even though it doesn’t get dark until 2200 is absolutely incredible. Sitting in Plaza Major enjoying pitchers of sangria sit high among the list of things I enjoy. The Mercado de San Miguel, while different than Time Out in Lisbon, was an incredible stop to eat. I had seen Flemenco prior to this trip, but someone recommended a place called Casa Patas to us, and it FAR exceeded what I thought it was going to be. If in Madrid, don’t go to just any show, go to Casa Pastas. Their performers are professionals and this is their life. A nice bonus is that the restaurant at Casa Patas was amazing. I had oxtail for the first time and it was delicious. (added) I am not the biggest museum person, but a guide took me through the Prado Museum for a few hours and I thought it was worth it. There were so many Spanish artists that I have seen in books and online, but seeing these works in person is incredible.
Spent a whole day in the city of Toledo on the feast of Corpus Christi. Toldeo was amazing. The Cathedral is one of the most impressive I’ve ever been in. The artwork in this cathedral is outstanding including many of el Greco’s work.
From Madrid, I travelled via Bullet Train to the Beautiful City of Barcelona. Barcelona is tops on the list of places to visit, it offers so much. Our hotel was a block away from the recent attack. I would go back to Barcelona tomorrow. I never felt unsafe on this trip, but I always remained alert when in big crowds. Beautiful city, beautiful beaches, great restaurants, great attractions, and so much history. Barcelona Cathedral, Casa Mila, Parc Guelle, Las Ramblas :(, and of course Sagrada Familia are all must see places while in Barcelona. The beaches are beautiful with a lot of activity on them.
Hotels: Hotel Zenit Lisboa, Hotel Regente Marid, Hotel Velada Merida, Hotel Montblanc Barcelona. These are not 5-star luxurious hotels, but all of them were very nice 4-star hotels with plenty amenities. Would stay in all of them again.
Flights: American Airlines is terrible.
The first stop in transiting from Lisbon to Madrid was the UNESCO world heritage city of Evora. Evora is like a living Museum, there are things to see no matter where you look, including Roman ruins. The Cathedral of Evora contains some incredible artwork and a bones chapel. The bones chapel was constructed as a place of reverence for the thousands of Moors that were killed. The motto here was, “Here are our bones, and we wait for yours”. The construction was done with limited spaces because, “In the end, we all end up the same with no space between us for our irrelevant earthly treasures”. Had Tapas and lots of wine at a place called Cartuxa. Cartuxa own their own vineyard and the red wine was simply excellent.
Merida, also a UNESCO world heritage site, was an incredible preservation of Roman ruins including aqueducts, temples, and the best preserved and oldest theater that I’ve seen. As with everywhere in Spain, great tapas and great wine.
From Merida came the big city, Madrid! Madrid was amazing, point blank. Our hotel was right off of Gran Via, and that’s where you want to be! Royal Palace, Nightlife, and Ham were all incredible. Nighttime in Madrid, even though it doesn’t get dark until 2200 is absolutely incredible. Sitting in Plaza Major enjoying pitchers of sangria sit high among the list of things I enjoy. The Mercado de San Miguel, while different than Time Out in Lisbon, was an incredible stop to eat. I had seen Flemenco prior to this trip, but someone recommended a place called Casa Patas to us, and it FAR exceeded what I thought it was going to be. If in Madrid, don’t go to just any show, go to Casa Pastas. Their performers are professionals and this is their life. A nice bonus is that the restaurant at Casa Patas was amazing. I had oxtail for the first time and it was delicious. (added) I am not the biggest museum person, but a guide took me through the Prado Museum for a few hours and I thought it was worth it. There were so many Spanish artists that I have seen in books and online, but seeing these works in person is incredible.
Spent a whole day in the city of Toledo on the feast of Corpus Christi. Toldeo was amazing. The Cathedral is one of the most impressive I’ve ever been in. The artwork in this cathedral is outstanding including many of el Greco’s work.
From Madrid, I travelled via Bullet Train to the Beautiful City of Barcelona. Barcelona is tops on the list of places to visit, it offers so much. Our hotel was a block away from the recent attack. I would go back to Barcelona tomorrow. I never felt unsafe on this trip, but I always remained alert when in big crowds. Beautiful city, beautiful beaches, great restaurants, great attractions, and so much history. Barcelona Cathedral, Casa Mila, Parc Guelle, Las Ramblas :(, and of course Sagrada Familia are all must see places while in Barcelona. The beaches are beautiful with a lot of activity on them.
Hotels: Hotel Zenit Lisboa, Hotel Regente Marid, Hotel Velada Merida, Hotel Montblanc Barcelona. These are not 5-star luxurious hotels, but all of them were very nice 4-star hotels with plenty amenities. Would stay in all of them again.
Flights: American Airlines is terrible.
This post was edited on 8/24/17 at 8:49 am
Posted on 8/23/17 at 12:05 pm to GEAUXLPOST
I'm trying to figure out how to embed photos. I'm a little slow.
My imgur photos just show up as "LINK"
My imgur photos just show up as "LINK"
This post was edited on 8/23/17 at 12:43 pm
Posted on 8/23/17 at 12:05 pm to GEAUXLPOST
Here are a few of my Portugal Photos - Portugal Photos
This post was edited on 8/23/17 at 2:08 pm
Posted on 8/23/17 at 12:13 pm to GEAUXLPOST
Here is an album of some of my Spain Pictures - Spain Pictures
This post was edited on 8/23/17 at 2:17 pm
Posted on 8/23/17 at 12:30 pm to GEAUXLPOST
quote:
Many people asked me, “What is there to see in Portugal and Spain?”
I'd stop associating with those people.
Posted on 8/23/17 at 1:02 pm to GEAUXLPOST
Thanks, going to Madrid in September.
Posted on 8/23/17 at 1:02 pm to GEAUXLPOST
Was your trip around the time of the wildfires near Tomar? We were there around early July and the weather could not have been more pleasant. Luck of the draw I guess.
In regards to Lisbon, one of my big regrets was not being able to see Jeronimos Monastery. We arrived on Monday and it was closed, so we were only able to see it from the outside.
Also, we were originally planning to see Fatima and our guide talked us out of it. Seems like he was right.
In regards to Lisbon, one of my big regrets was not being able to see Jeronimos Monastery. We arrived on Monday and it was closed, so we were only able to see it from the outside.
Also, we were originally planning to see Fatima and our guide talked us out of it. Seems like he was right.
Posted on 8/23/17 at 1:07 pm to Bear-O-Dactyl
Yes, the fires happened after Portugal, while I was in Spain. Just after we went through there. Temps were insane.
Unless you were going to Fatima for missionary purposes or because of deep religious reasons, I would skip it. There are other religiously profound things in Portugal that are much more intimate than Fatima.
Unless you were going to Fatima for missionary purposes or because of deep religious reasons, I would skip it. There are other religiously profound things in Portugal that are much more intimate than Fatima.
Posted on 8/23/17 at 4:57 pm to bleuman
Enjoy Madrid. It's really big, but really compact if that makes any sense.
Posted on 8/23/17 at 5:58 pm to GEAUXLPOST
quote:
A must visit in my opinion is Time Out Market. It not only has some incredible food, but has an awesome vibe and atmosphere.
Wow....its a giant tourist trap like most euro food halls..... Not saying I didn't go ....mainly because it was a 5 minute walk from our apartment, but its not a destination.
Posted on 8/23/17 at 6:56 pm to Zappas Stache
It can be whatever you want to call it, but I had some of the best tartar I have ever eaten there. The vendors must all be judged prior to being allowed to serve there. I preferred San Miguel in Madrid, but I definitely have lunch there again.
Posted on 8/23/17 at 7:40 pm to GEAUXLPOST
Posted on 8/23/17 at 9:14 pm to GEAUXLPOST
quote:
The vendors must all be judged prior to being allowed to serve there
They all have established restaurants elsewhere in the city. better experience to eat at the restaurants in lisbon.....or any city, than go to a food court. .....sorry, the ragweed is blooming and I'm feeling ornery
This post was edited on 8/23/17 at 9:34 pm
Posted on 8/23/17 at 9:25 pm to GEAUXLPOST
quote:
From Merida came the big city, Madrid! Madrid was amazing, point blank. Our hotel was right off of Gran Via, and that’s where you want to be! Royal Palace, Nightlife, and Ham were all incredible. Nighttime in Madrid, even though it doesn’t get dark until 2200 is absolutely incredible. Sitting in Plaza Major enjoying pitchers of sangria sit high among the list of things I enjoy. The Mercado de San Miguel, while different than Time Out in Lisbon, was an incredible stop to eat. I had seen Flemenco prior to this trip, but someone recommended a place called Casa Patas to us, and it FAR exceeded what I thought it was going to be. If in Madrid, don’t go to just any show, go to Casa Pastas. Their performers are professionals and this is their life. A nice bonus is that the restaurant at Casa Patas was amazing. I had oxtail for the first time and it was delicious.
Spent a whole day in the city of Toledo on the feast of Corpus Christi. Toldeo was amazing. The Cathedral is one of the most impressive I’ve ever been in. The artwork in this cathedral is outstanding including many of el Greco’s work.
We loved the Mercado San Miguel. Very good beer and stuff to eat but was packed to high heaven.
Toledo was cool just because it was so damn old. Cathedral was indeed cool. I don't know if it was worth the drive and time though.
Posted on 8/23/17 at 10:16 pm to GEAUXLPOST
Wow the bone chapel has really caught my interest
Posted on 8/24/17 at 8:45 am to tatervol
The bone chapel was really neat.
**added info into Madrid section.
**added info into Madrid section.
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