Carly's Ramblings Blog - Style

Day 25 & 26 - Lisbon and Porto, Portugal

Blogging Circle of Friends: Day 3509 - Virtual Tripping

The gang is going from Georgetown, Guyana to Buenos Aires, Argentina. Even with a virtual trip... I was feeling overwhelmed with the flying so I decided to stay another day in Lisbon and take in the literary scene. Not that I have read any writers from Portugal, but I wanted to soak of the atmosphere in the part of the city they frequented during their life here. To get the full experience, I checked out of my room at the Juniper Lisboa Hotel and moved to the district of Chiado. It is considered 'The Bohemian Heart of Lisbon'.

Chiado is located in the historic center of Lisbon. It has long been associated with the city's intellectual and artistic life. This neighbourhood has been the meeting point for writers and poets, including the celebrated Fernando Pessoa. I decided I needed to know more about this part of Portugal.

I managed to find a sweet little rental place in the area with a kitchen and eating area, a couch area, a bathroom, King size bed. A studio apartment.

I ventured into a grocery shop and picked out a few things to make a home cooked meal which I enjoyed with some lovely Portuguese white wine. And more tarts, of course.

https://www.cheese-wine.com/lisbon-is-a-haven-for-literary-enthusiasts#:~:text=C...
I even managed a bit of beach time before taking a train the next day.

I took a train to Porto, Portugal. It's about 2 1/2 to 3 hours north on the coast. I had heard good things.

And since I am a Harry Potter fan and had heard J.K. Rowling started writing her first book of the series here I was excited to take the Porto Harry Potter Private City tour.
I got to see Clerigos Tower, Lello Bookstore, Majestic Cafe, and other major monuments and must-sees are among the sights to behold. The Cafe is where she wrote some of her book so I made sure to return later to write and enjoy a bit more to eat. The Lello Bookstore is thought to be the place that inspired Hogwart's library - it isn't, but it is considered one of the most beautiful of bookshops - so I had to go. I even splurged on a book. The Clerigos Tower was a fabulous way to view the whole city. Just beautiful.

Our local guide took us to the most important sights in town so you can get a complete picture of what makes Porto so special. We were shown treasures hidden in plain sight that only the locals know about along the trip.

We learned about the city from a different perspective, the perspective of a native, and uncovered places and tales that few tourists got to see. Every monument and stop had a story to tell - and you know how I like stories. We got to go to our guides favorite cafes for a bite to eat and a refreshing drink.

Read more about Harry Potter and Lello Bookshop Tour : Highlights and Hidden Gems - https://www.viator.com/tours/Porto/Porto-Harry-Potter-Tour-Wizardous-with-Lello-...

https://www.awellreadwanderer.com/worlds-most-beautiful-bookstore-livreria-lello...)%3B%20and

I stayed at the Torrel 1884 Suites. It was lovely. Right in the heart of things.
https://www.booking.com/hotel/pt/torel-1884-suites-amp-apartments.en-us.html?aid...

I hope you are are enjoying Argentina.