Hello people and pinmapplers!
We can discover new places in an expected way just we want to go further to unknown cities, areas or countries. So we can change our plans because the border is really close, and then let's cross from Spain to Portugal and there where can we go?
In Portugal there is a lot to see, many interesting places and this time it has been a random decision, these times when we just point out with the finger on the map... so now let's visit Viana do Castelo.
This town is in the north area of Portugal, first we need to cross the river border of the Miño or Minho river (in Spanish or Portuguese language) and go to the South... until we find another river, the Lima or Limia river, and there a very nice Portuguese town. Some houses can be already seen on the other side but also the boats sealing with birds around, nice way to arrive.
And upon arrival we find a market, with typical things and many colorful items to buy but we want to go downtown.
Oh! There are many decorations in the streets, in the center everything looks very festive, colorful and happy on a very nice and sunny day. The decorations are traditional but original and cute, and even the shop windows are also festive, colorful and cheerful. Everything around has a very positive energy, so it invites us to walk around and see and enjoy the town.
And finally we came across the cathedral, robust and with a medieval air, without so many decorations but imposing and an important point to pass through without a doubt. Although when we pass by almost any place we cannot stop admiring the walls, yes, the walls because they are decorated with the famous typical blue and white tiles that we see not only here but in so many cities in Portugal, we also saw them in some post about Lisbon... tradition that beautifies the environment in a unique way, and many of the beautiful architectural points that we see: walls, corners, façades, columns, arcaded porches, squares and more...
And it's lunch time and we are hungry... It is time to eat and we must opt for something typical and traditional as well. Well, it is clear that in Portugal you have to eat cod (bacalhau), because it is cooked in a thousand different ways, all good, tasty and at a very good price, simple, nutritious, delicious food that makes us feel very good accompanied by a Portuguese wine that has little to envy of its other neighbors. And in the end, a bica, is the way they call a strong black short coffee, really an espresso, the Portuguese also love coffee.
And while we are realizing that some Portuguese traditions are very similar to the Spanish ones, the same aesthetics, past and a part of the culture that they share although sometimes it seems that they are behind each other's backs.
There is more, even when we are not looking for more. On the top of the mountain we see a big monument, it looks like a big charming church... and this is a sanctuary named Santuario de Santa Luzia and it is very elegant, decorated and beautiful.
But we pay attention again to our surroundings, to** life in the streets**, full of life, color, and in some we find fruits and quiet people talking. And of course more beautiful tile walls.
In another area, an esplanade with flags that is a castle, always more things to discover... and a nearby and simple building, is that a church? The most minimalist ever seen. It is certainly simple, white without ornaments but it is clear that it is a church and perhaps what is important is its history, origin and the heritage and spiritual value for its people.
And an open area, the area of the river fishing port, at the mouth of the Limia River, full of activity and with beautiful views, again if we look up we will see the Sanctuary of Santa Luzia, always present and vigilant.
The seafaring tradition is reflected in the tile tradition, and we see the decorations and also other signs.
And once again, before leaving more boats on the river, more calm nice views and then after a very pleasant day in a beautiful festive Portuguese town named Viana do Castelo. The trip is over, well more less, for now just let's go back to Spain and later we will see where we go...
