9am Left Lisbon hotel with driver “Nuno” to drive to Porto, Portugal, (normally about 4 hours’ drive) with stops at Obidos, Fatima, and Aveiro along the way (arrived Porto 6pm). Nuno was fantastic as a driver - safe, kind, helpful, gracious, respectful, offered first-class door to door - literally service at all stops. Went above and beyond to ensure it was a great experience. Explained everything and answered all questions. Porto is in Duoro Valley (Duoro River) and is where true Port wine is made. When we left Porto, Nuno explained that other primary business in region is cork, eucalyptus trees (everywhere) – oil is used in paper manufacturing, and PEARS!!! In Obidos, met 5th generation producer of Ginjinha (pronounced gin-gin-ja) or Ginja, Portuguese liqueur made from infusing ginja berries (sour cherries – Morrello) in alcohol, adding sugar with other ingredients - cloves, cinnamon, etc. He gave me taste of his ginja – fantastic!!! Bought small bottle from him. St Mary’s Church (Our Lady of the the Assumption) probably built in 12th century, below is part of the “Vila de Obidos,” consisting of a public square, a fountain, other buildings. On way to Casetelo (castle) de Obidos. Castelo de Obidos (pronounced CashTAYlow – portuguese pronounce a lot of S sounds as SH), built in medieval times. There is a library in the castle now. Views from top of the castle walls are BEAUTIFUL though scary to climb stone stairs as there are no railings along the stairs. Nuno and I drove on to Fatima. Fatima is where Virgin Mary has appeared to “see-ers.” In Fatima in 1917, she appeared to three small children (ages 8-10 – Jacinta, Francisco & Lucia), who were shepherds for their families, on the 13th of each month from May until October).
Attended outdoor Mass in Fatima with all other pilgrims, lit a candle – they go through many thousands a day, and prayed the rosary in the church. Walked to backside of the shrine, into town for sandwich. Went on to Aveiro, known as the Venice of Portugal due to its canal boats. Walked the city while Nuno got us some “soft eggs.” Paroquia (church) da Vera Cruz – great pipe organ. On the way to Porto…. Costa Nova do Prado, seaside town, former fishing village, now more of a resort town, has beautiful striped houses along the coast. Houses are not painted dark colors in Portugal due to heat – they’re generally cream, peach, white, and tan in color. Arrived in Porto, which is beautiful. A wonderful day and experience at all of the stops on the way. Thank you to Nuno and to Meridian4People, the local tour operator.