O'Porto, Portugal

10th-14th of March. This visit to Porto was with Cassie and Carlos. The city is located in the estuary of the Douro river, in northern Portugal. I can't put a finger on it, but upon exiting the metro station, there was this inimitable scent in the fresh air that instantly tells you "a great time awaits". With the great sunny weather for the 4 days there, it was pleasant to walk through the whole city. As tiring as it is, the sights are worth it (though, personally, I'd take the metro cos walking is simply not my thing).

The historic center of Porto was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The old crumbly buildings, mostly abandoned, added some kind of eccentric charisma to the city. Noteworthy, are the many different tiles that colour the buildings in all sorts of colours - some more intricate, and some more aesthetically pleasing than others. The view from the bridge was so breathtaking, i wish my camera could capture what my eyes were seeing. Unfortunately, you have to make do with these. :) We went for a tour in a winery, did some shopping, consumed the beauty every minute we were out of the house, stayed up till 5am each night, and hung out with some awesome people.

I met a bunch of cool, extremely sociable and warm people, all of whom were on the Erasmus programme in Porto. There were the Spaniards, the Italians, the Romanians and an African from Cape Verde. Amazingly hospitable and joyous people.

Of course, i had to have the authentic Portuguese egg tarts. ohhh their bakeries are to die for. so tempting, it's painful to walk past without buying something.

All in all, i'd say 4 days is sufficient to see what the city has to offer!