We have done so well. Almost a week of travelling and no McDonalds at all so far! We have been enjoying the freshly cooked seafood here. This has been so, so much better – healthy & yummy!
“Mum, I am going to have a Double Sausage McMuffin for breakfast when we are home on Sun,” David says. Grrrrr….
We woke up yesterday to torrential rain at Viseu – exactly like the London we left behind. The drive through the mountains this time was very different, especially when a dense fog descended and visibility was truly poor. We had a big fright when an enormous truck suddenly emerged through the fog in front our car, travelling at a much slower speed. We applied the brakes quickly to avoid crashing into the truck and felt that it has been a very close call. Thank God we were driving cautiously.
The rain soon eased off and the driving conditions improved. As we drove along the mountain roads, we were treated with the beautiful sight of a rainbow over a village. It gladdens the soul to see this after the dismal fog and grey skies.
By the time we arrived at Porto, it was dusk and we stopped by the famous Dom Luis bridge to wander round and have our dinner at a small little restaurant serving Portuguese tapas.
We returned there this morning to take a ride on the cable car to the top of the bridge so we can walk across the bridge. The view from the top was absolutely fantastic – especially when the day is back to its beautiful sunny day with blue skies.
Aveiro is also known as Little Venice with its canals and colourful gondolas. This little town is very pretty with its unique and beautiful architecture. The buildings here are very unusual as the external walls are covered with porcelain tiles to protect the walls from the salt in the seaside air. I love the sight of the palm trees lining the side of the canal.
The water in these canals are half salty sea water and half fresh water.
We have driven close to 1,500 kms and have spent Euro 160 on tolls! The landscape has been varied from mountainous to flat salt marshes and we had our scary moments in the fog. Viseu had the most roundabouts to get through to get out of town – just over a dozen!
As this is not peak holiday season, we were able to park in the centre of town and visit everywhere in peace and quiet, without any queues. Such bliss! The only downside is not being able to enjoy the beach and the seas. The next time we come, we will just chill out and be beach bums as we have already seen all the sights.
Every eating establishment here has a humongous variety of desserts, no matter how humble or small the place is. I have overdosed on egg tarts which I absolutely adore. I am returning home with jeans feeling a tad tighter….
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