Northern Portugal

The west coast of Portugal was beautiful in the summer of 2000. We stayed in a brand new youth hostel in Viana do Castelo. It had an ensuite and was almost empty mid summer. Internet connection was available and meals were great. For only 6,000$ per night. Beware when ordering food at restaurants in Portugal! Little nibbles appear on the table, whether or not you ordered it, but then they appear on the bill. Refuse anything you didn/t specifically order or ask how much it will cost before consuming it. It could add 50% ... (more)

Viana do Castelo
the Cathederal of St Lucia

Viana do Castelo
The village square

Manueline influence

the old church at Coimbra

hillside houses at Coimbra

article published 6/12/2001

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Meals
You did mention "nibbles" , we call it "aperitives" and is sort of pre-meal. Certanly it is not that expensive or you had a bad experience. But , from my experience of looking at foreigners at table , in Portugal , you seldom try those "nibbles" . You look at , from various angles , like a cat looking at a new food , some times smell it , finally discard the dish , with a suspicious look , sort of "..what nasty food those people engorge ".Next time try it and you´ll not say it is very, very expensive or bad and not fair restaurant policy.If you try to eat at London- if I can use the word "eat"- ...think of cost-quality-service and tell me about value for money, regardless of the "nibbles". Sorry , but you ask for this...(my mail is engvasconcelos@clix.pt to give you the reply right)
— Jorge Vasconcelos, June 28, 2001

Beautiful
Great photos, makes me want to get up and go, thank you for sharing them with us Terry.
— Terry Gottschalk, June 12, 2001