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-   -   Varsity Sisters visiting Portugal (https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/varsity-sisters-visiting-portugal-1721594/)

uppsala30 Apr 23rd, 2024 01:05 PM

I need to keep working on this report - but I want to go back and tag it as a Trip report. I can’t seem to figure out how to do that. Can anyone guide me

Melnq8 Apr 24th, 2024 05:00 AM

You'll probably need to contact a moderator and ask them to do it for you.

nyse Apr 24th, 2024 11:18 AM


Originally Posted by Melnq8 (Post 17556609)
You'll probably need to contact a moderator and ask them to do it for you.

Right, If you click the little ⚠️ triangle next to the post -- that opens a dialog box where you can send a message to the moderators. They’re very responsive.
Glad you’ll be continuing- good report!

maitaitom Apr 24th, 2024 01:45 PM

We also thoroughly enjoyed Taberna Moderna, probably our favorite restaurant of the trip. Elton seated us. Love your report! As a matter of fact, I will celebrate your report with a gin and tonic this evening.
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...071e502a42.jpg

Moderator1 Apr 25th, 2024 06:32 AM

Trip Report flag and Czech Republic tag added

uppsala30 Apr 25th, 2024 01:39 PM

Gin and Tonics
 
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...d0a99c059.jpeg
Pineapple Gin and Tonic at The Door
Thanks Mai Tai Tom- sharing a photo of my sister’s Gin and Tonic from The Door restaurant in Porto

maitaitom Apr 25th, 2024 02:35 PM

Pineapple G&T - Be still my heart!

Maribel Apr 25th, 2024 09:55 PM

Wow, what a gin tonic!
Now folks, what brand of gin? Hendricks, Bulldog, Nordés (from Galicia) or my current favorite, Monkey 47 (Black Forest)?

Melnq8 Apr 26th, 2024 05:54 AM

Enjoying your report uppsala.

Maribel - I'm a Bombay girl myself, but I'm flexible. I just happen to have some pineapple juice and pineapple in the house in preparation for French Martinis with a friend next week...I may have to give the pineapple G&T a go.

PS - that G&T is the pineapple version of the extra lime I like. Here's a photo from my extra lime G&T in Barcelona a few years back.

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...257971d815.jpg

Maribel Apr 27th, 2024 08:10 AM

I used to be a Bombay girl until I met the Monkey 47, but it's even pricier so I have to watch myself. We just bought new Riedel GT glasses at the El Corte Inglés. Must have the proper balloon glasses just like your photo.

Melnq8 Apr 27th, 2024 10:22 AM

Oooo....Riedel. I do love a nice glass, but don't trust myself with those; I'm like a bull in a china shop.

Maribel Apr 27th, 2024 11:33 AM

I know, mel. We make sure not to attempt to wash our Riedel crystal at night after our wine. We make sure to wash them in the morning and in a plastic bucket, with great care.

uppsala30 Apr 29th, 2024 02:09 PM

I seem to have missed a travel day here. We took a train from Lisbon- Santa Apolónia station to Porto. What started out as a 3 hr train ride turned into 5 hrs. Evidently the train switching equipment was broken all up and down that line. We left Lisbon 40 minutes late, and then had to slow
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...dc1e9e47b.jpeg
I think I had the Prawns and Octopus skewer
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...f5080c417.jpeg
The guys next to us were ordering these Francesinha sandwiches. We decided against trying them - I believe they are not recommended by the American medical society.

down to a crawl at every station so as not to run into other trains. Well better safe than in a train wreck. Luckily we made it to our apartment in Porto just in time to change and get to our dinner reservation at Covina Dos Loios. What a fun night - again good thing we had reservations- the restaurant was packed. I’ll attach some photos. The food was super yummy, and the atmosphere was fun.
After dinner we were wandering around the Rua das Flores and ran into what we thought might be a Bachlor party. A bunch of drunk guys dressed up in Santa suits. I tried to link my video - but no luck. Evidently Fodors doesn’t like videos

uppsala30 Apr 29th, 2024 02:29 PM

On our last day in Porto I signed us up for a free walking tour.- I used Hi Porto walking tours. Had a great guide and learned a lot about the history of Porto. Lots of connection to Harry Potter books because JK Rowling had lived in Porto for a couple of years. She outlined and developed ideas for her books while living in Porto. We went by the famous Livraria Lello bookstore. During a short break in our tour to enjoy the view over the Douro River- a young couple got engaged. Yup he got down on one knee and proposed. It was very romantic - sort of restored my faith in humanity. Photos attached
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...a1530896a.jpeg
Sao Bento train station
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...afd55a711.jpeg
More tiles
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...3be7b6264.jpeg
Torre dos Clerigos
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...794e92d79.jpeg
The lines to get into Livrario Lello bookstore
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...1647fc65d.jpeg
Beautiful day in park up by the University
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...6c3d1db2d.jpeg
Newly engaged couple
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...85ca36353.jpeg
Last stop - Majestic Cafe

uppsala30 May 6th, 2024 10:28 AM

Onward to Prague
 
Wednesday April 17th we were up bright and early for our quick flight from Porto to Prague. Yes, it’s a strange combination of travel destinations. We had a few thousand dollars leftover from selling our parents estate so each of us got to choose where we wanted to go. My sister wanted to see Prague so off we went.
Our apartment was a complete winner, just across the street from the Maiselova Synagogue. I’ll attach photos. It had two bedrooms, bath, beautiful living room and kitchen with small balcony. But- it was up one flight of stairs- I thought my sister was going to kill me when she saw that.the first day, after a short delay w driver from the airport, we had a quick lunch then spent the afternoon on a walking tour - from the astronomical clock to Charles bridge. In the evening we went to the Hemingway
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...2e78eab60.jpeg
Living room in Prague apartment
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...f939fd5ad.jpeg
Kitchen, with small balcony on the left
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...7d2cc3fa6.jpeg
Bath- very Las Vegas style
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...12e63a677.jpeg
Two bedrooms
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...842f23a86.jpeg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...09566fbb8.jpeg
2nd bedroom
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...560436c38.jpeg
Astronomical clock
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...36d5b265b.jpeg
Charles bridge- always crowded
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...3e9a9b9e9.jpeg
Charles bridge- did I note that it was really cold in Prague. In the 40’s most days

KarenWoo May 6th, 2024 01:55 PM

Uppsala30, I don't know why I didn't see your report until today. Anyways, I have thoroughly enjoyed reading about your adventures in Portugal and Prague. And love all the photos! Actually, I bet it's interesting combining two very different countries. Love that pineapple gin and tonic! And what a difference in weather, from the 80's to the 40's. Hope you had warm enough clothing for Prague!

uppsala30 May 7th, 2024 05:51 AM

Hi Karen, I’ve been slowly updating this trip report. As for clothing, I didn’t I pack enough warm clothes. I wish I had thrown in a beanie, and more warm socks. I had to buy a few things in Prague. But my down coat worked great. I bought one a few years ago that packs into a little bag and it works great for traveling. I don’t need it much at home, I live in Southern California.

uppsala30 May 7th, 2024 05:53 AM

Editing
 
Also, for some reason, Fodors broke up this report. I tried to add that we went to the Hemingway bar and a champagne bar for dinner.

uppsala30 May 8th, 2024 05:41 AM

Guided tour day
 
On Thursday April 18 we had the pleasure of having a guided tour of the with Personal Prague Guide tours. I had reserved this several months in advance with Jana, we moved the tour date up one day due to potential rainy weather on Friday. Boy did we luck out - we had Marek Kramer as our guide. He was so knowledgeable and interesting. Marek had studied as a lawyer, but then went into the IT business. He met us at our apartment and we walked across the river and grabbed a tram up to Prague Castle and Cathedral.
One quick note - all public transportation is FREE - for seniors or “ varsity”. We were instructed to keep our passports with us. And we were checked twice while riding the trams so do take your passport with you.
The Castle
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...60f91c761.jpeg
St. Vitus Cathedral
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...d575fc101.jpeg
Marek
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...4c4491103.jpeg
It was cold- I never lost my sister in a crowd with her white puffy coat
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...6ed19b654.jpeg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...fb1f38d83.jpeg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...2db24fe49.jpeg
Lunchtime
and Cathedral grounds were not crowded, but we did note a lot of student groups touring through Prague while we were there. After our tour of the castle and grounds we walked down the hill to a small restaurant and had a quick bite with Marek. I kept his card- after referring him to my daughter and son-in-law (university professors). He was such a great guide and historian- if ever I get back to Prague I will certainly use him again.
in the afternoon we took the FREE tram again up around the area above Mala Stan and then walked back home. Photos attached.

uppsala30 May 8th, 2024 05:44 AM

Marionettes
 
On the walk down from the castle area we happened upon this wonderful puppet store. All handmade
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...9200ac963.jpeg
So cute
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...0eaf59106.jpeg
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...65bc968c3.jpeg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...c28b4bf3d.jpeg
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...f23c6e6de.jpeg


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