Melissa Tait checks in weekly from her study abroad semester in Rome; catch up with her every Wednesday on Trazee Travel.
© Melissa Tait
After a rough week of midterms, I was ready to be off from classes for 10 days. A friend and I planned to use this time to explore Spain and Portugal. We spent our first weekend in Barcelona, walking through the Gothic quarters and eating tapas while mesmerized by Gaudi’s architecture. I had visited Barcelona before, but am completely in love with the city’s energy and feel at home each time I’m there.
Our next stop was Porto, Portugal, located along the Rio Doro River near the west coast. The pattern-tiled houses and six architectural bridges make the city truly breathtaking. We learned about the city’s second largest export: wine. It can be made with up to four different types of grapes, giving it a sweet taste. Because of the strong sweetness, drinking it before or after your meal is the best way to enjoy it.
© Melissa Tait
Aside from wine, the Portuguese also know how to make a hearty meal. My favorite, suggested by one of our walking tour guides, was the francesinha sandwich. It had three different types of meat in between two thick and crispy pieces of toast, drowned in melted cheese and topped with an over-easy egg.
The rest of our trip will include Lisbon and Madrid and I’m sure each city will be as beautiful as the previous.
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