Vanessa and I met in Porto during the week of Thanksgiving. She was returning from a yoga retreat in the Azores and I had been working in Amsterdam. The sun was shining in the crisp cool air as I took the metro into the city from the airport. As I emerged from the Sao Bento metro station, I was pleasantly surprised to see a local art gallery assembled inside that station. Some really interesting ideas presented visually, which set the right tone of open minded exploration for the beginning of the trip.

We had a comfy hotel in a happening area not too far from the Douro River. We strolled that evening after dropping our bags and soaked in the city’s vibrant street energy. Buskers were playing Eagle Eye Cherry – “Save Tonight” and Red Hot Chili Peppers for the restaurant terraces and small stalls selling jewelry and other hand made crafts dotted the small cobblestone streets. The next few days, we visited some tourist spots around the city and cruised along the river bank. Highlights include crossing the Dom Luis Bridge, with the street cars breezing by as if gentle two-ton elephants on rollerskates, the hilly side streets filled with small shops, and the beautiful Livraria Lello bookstore, complete with iconic staircase and stained glass ceiling.

Mid-week, we saddled up our rental car and headed out to the Douro Valley for a long weekend in wine country. We rented a small cabin at an eco resort called Lavandeira Douro. Located on about 8 acres of vineyard vines, farmland, and swooping river access, the property had a rustic yet refined charm typical of an establishment catering to relaxation but built with the callused hands of hard labor. Our cabin was perfect for the two of us, small patio with a single bedroom and bathroom. Two sides of the small wood structure were completely glass, letting in abundant and much-needed sunshine.

We hiked around the area, enjoying the bubbling river eddies and the hilly forested terrain. For Thanksgiving, we enjoyed a nice meal at the resort restaurant, all locally sourced meats, vegetables, and yes but of course, wines. Highlights of our time here include a tour of the resort owner’s vintage car collection, visiting a local winery for a tasting high on a Douro valley hillside, and hiking along a scenic trail parallel to the Douro River, stopping at one driveway after being swarmed by a stampede of small puppies yipping for attention.

Thankful for some good sun and fresh air! The Portuguese were very friendly and welcoming. Back to fall in the Netherlands.