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Oops, forgot to take a pic before we got greedy!
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Beautiful Douro Valley, Portugal
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So, I travel to connect with food, culture and people, but the wine here, better yet ports and specifically tawny, in Portugal took first place for the beginning of our trip in Pinhao, Douro Valley. From the moment we arrived and received the 'welcome' port at the Vintage House Hotel to the constant, 'would you like port' opening, 'what can I say, I was totally distracted! All the wineries food and landscape constantly took my breath away. We visited in April, which is not the high season for Douro Valley, but very relaxing and tourism at it's low. My sister Pat and I meandered through the streets, relaxed at neighborhood cafes and took in all the sites of Douro Valley, from people to food to ports. What more could a woman want? And, oh the FOOD! Did I mention the food? The local delicacies of sausages, fish and pastries were beyond belief. After rooming the waterfront, we landed in a cute café called Xtreme Douro. This quaint little bar is locally owned and we were showered with homemade sausages, ports and sweets. Just what a lady needs after a year of 'crazy' just to relax, laugh and frankly, get drunk! Only a stones throw from our hotel, we laughed and recanted about all the things we thought were important in life, realizing that family, friends and good food are the core. Who knew two sisters in Portugal would be experiencing life's most gifted moments, sisterhood and bonding in God's country, Portugal.
Throughout the Valley in the coming days, we enjoyed glasses of Portuguese wines, plates of local sausages, potatoes (potatoes are plentiful & with every meal in some form or fashion), cheese and snails. The small local vineyards up and down the valley were tucked away between larger wineries, were a nice treat, although only the local 'mom & pop' establishments carried their brands.
Douro Valley is a must for everyone, friends, lovers, haters alike. I can only imagine the aromas in the late fall during harvest season. I'LL BE BACK!
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View from the Vintage House Hotel
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Pinhao Train Station
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| Me and my BEST friend! |
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