NIKOLE.ver[s].THE.PLACE: Portugal

Day 160 : Porto

I spent most of today 'on the farm' with Gabriela, but this afternoon I made it in to Porto for a stroll along the river before this evenings Sao Joao festivities began.

Quaint community gardens along the Douro River.

So this eve is the Porto holiday celebrating Sao Joao. Pretty much the craziest thing I have seen in a long time. Around dinner time people begin accumulating in the streets of Porto, finding their way to the nearest barbeque to catch a batch of fresh grilled sardines. After dinner the streets become more and more congested, filled with people eating, drinking, dancing, and just plain old having a good time. Midnight brings a series of firework displays which more or less marks the start of the evening.

Gabriela enjoying some Sao Joao Cotton Candy while an envious onlooker passes by...

My attempt to document dancing in the street. The camera went into hiding soon there after...

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Day 159 : Porto

Today Gabriela kidnapped me and whisked me away to her home in the countryside just outside of Porto. She insisted that I eat her proper home cooked meals and swim in her pool. I wish I was kidnapped more often...

Thank you Gabriela! New York City misses you!

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Day 158 : Porto

Quirky Cool Elevations and Casa de Musica...

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Day 157 : Porto

I arrived in Porto later this afternoon, so I didn't get to see too much of the city. I decided to save my energy for the next few days...

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Day 156 : Lisbon

I spent today roaming around Lisbon - Mostly in the Alfama neighborhood. I found several small, intimate plazas sprinkled throughout the hillside neighborhoods, reminiscent of those in Chefchaouen, Morocco.

Portuguese tile work

I have come across several buildings much like the one below - Completely gutted with only the exterior walls remaining. I'm not quite sure what the story is behind these projects. They're pretty fascinating though...