I may have set myself up for disappointment with Lisbon: I was expecting a mixture of Paris with some Latin American city (Buenos Aires?) but it felt more like downtown Amsterdam crossed with the charred bits of Croydon. I did love the castle, the trams, the views and the gorgeous houses (even the falling apart ones). Maybe I just got fed up with being offered hash!
Aveiro is worth half your day. It's very small and you quickly see all you need to see.
What a great trip! I have to agree with you on Lisbon. I found Porto to be much more beautiful and fun. I liked your cool street art photo.
Like the little pictures. I have to say however that most Americans I know have absolutely no desire to go to the UK because we do not feel a strong historical bound and because our ancestry is a mix of European cultures. It depends a bit on where your grandparents are from. (many will want to go back and trace their "roots") Most Americans I know would prefer Paris over London.
Next time you go I hope it will be away from the coast (although I did love traveling the coast) to D'oro valley. Delightful.
That's an interesting point about Americans - I sort of assumed it was the same as Brasil since Brasilians are also a people with a very mixed ancestry tied to the same colonial rule (i.e. Portugal for us, England for you.)
The connection to Portugal is really one that has come through our schools, with a curriculum which is pretty much the same across the country, plus the diffusion of Portugal as our once-upon-a-time colonial masters in our popular culture (jokes, songs, soap operas, etc.)
Brasilians love to travel everywhere but I think Portugal remains a stronger connection because of the language and the strong cultural links to Brasil.
Thank you for the D'oro valley tip - will definitely check it out next time! :-)
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yes, i've always wanted to visit england, but I generally haven't much interest in cliched touristy bs.
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Is Aveiro worth visiting?
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Aveiro is worth half your day. It's very small and you quickly see all you need to see.
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Like the little pictures. I have to say however that most Americans I know have absolutely no desire to go to the UK because we do not feel a strong historical bound and because our ancestry is a mix of European cultures. It depends a bit on where your grandparents are from. (many will want to go back and trace their "roots") Most Americans I know would prefer Paris over London.
Next time you go I hope it will be away from the coast (although I did love traveling the coast) to D'oro valley. Delightful.
Reply
The connection to Portugal is really one that has come through our schools, with a curriculum which is pretty much the same across the country, plus the diffusion of Portugal as our once-upon-a-time colonial masters in our popular culture (jokes, songs, soap operas, etc.)
Brasilians love to travel everywhere but I think Portugal remains a stronger connection because of the language and the strong cultural links to Brasil.
Thank you for the D'oro valley tip - will definitely check it out next time! :-)
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