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These are Portugal’s must-see historic sites

Calling all history buffs! From castles to cathedrals to roman ruins, Portugal has a wide array of historic sites and cities that still remain beautifully intact. 

Located atop a hill in the Sintra mountains lies the Pena National Palace. For centuries, the site was a monastery for monks to meditate. In 1838, King Ferdinand decided to transform the monastery into a palace that would serve the Portuguese royal family. Today, the castle’s vividly painted terraces and vault arches transport visitors back to the Romantic era in the 19th century.

The Cathedral of Évora is a Roman Catholic church perched atop the highest point in the city of Évora. The building was first constructed in 1204 by Christian rulers who dedicated the structure to the Virgin Mary. The Gothic-style cathedral is one of the largest medieval churches in Portugal and welcomes over 10,000 guests a year.

The Church of Santa Engrácia, also known as Portugal’s National Pantheon, is located in the Alfama district of Lisbon. Around 1568, Maria of Portugal initiated the construction of the church dedicated to Saint Engrácia. Today, the church serves as the national pantheon of Portugal and the final burial location for Portuguese rulers.

Situated in the highest point of Porto, the Porto Cathedral is considered the most important religious building in the city. The cathedral was constructed in the 12th century, but underwent numerous renovations throughout the centuries, resulting in a mix of architectural styles. The cathedral now sits on a square alongside the Douro River that offers charming views over the city.

The various historical sites scattered around the country are very reminiscent of the medieval times and remain enchanting even in their current form. To learn more about Portugal’s rich history, click on this link!

The following pictures were taken by Lily Laserna.

Pena National Palace in Sintra, 2018. The palace has over 40 staterooms, and guests are given access to 15 of them.

Cathedral of Évora, 2018. Tourists are not able to enter the cathedral but are given roof access for a scenic view of the city.

Church of Santa Engrácia in Lisbon, 2018. Tourists are only able to see a section of the church by entering the back of the building.

Porto Cathedral’s Interior, 2018. The inside of the cathedral is almost entirely furnished with gold.

“History of Portugal.” Portugal.Com. portugal.com, https://portugal.com/portugal/information/history. Accessed 11 June 2020.    

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These are the best outdoor activities to experience in Portugal

With its mesmerizing natural views, perfect climate, and vibrant culture, Portugal has easily become one of the most sought-after destinations around the world. Take a break from your busy life to experience a new and exciting adventure in the heart of Europe. 

If you like reading romance novels while sipping a glass of Rosé, Douro Valley is the destination for you. A 2 hour drive inland from Porto lies Douro Valley, an alluring wine region that spans over 950 square miles. Overlook vividly green vineyard landscapes while indulging in Portugal’s renowned Port wine, all in the breathtaking region of Douro Valley.

Along with its sensational wine region, the valley is also known for its serene river cruises through the Douro River. The river cruises typically run in the summer months (May to July) and pass through the cities of Porto and Pinhao. The region’s all-year warm climate makes it easy to just sit back, relax, and enjoy the stunning views of the Portuguese countryside.

Located in the southernmost region of Portugal, the city of Algarve is a must-visit! Within this region lies the coastal town of Lagos, home to the Portuguese natural wonder Ponta da Piedade. This headland consists of golden cliff rocks that soar up to 20 meters high. 

The cluster of rock formations create beautiful arches, caves, and grottoes. The only way to get to Ponta da Piedade is via boat or kayaking. Many tourists opt to kayak in large groups so that they are able to stop at various points along the coastline and take pictures of the scenery.

For an Italian experience like no other, head over to the west coast to explore the city of Aveiro. Known as the “Portuguese Venice,” the city is centered around a channel of connecting waterways. Brightly colored small boats known as moliceiros have become a hallmark of the city, as they appear much like the gondolas that are found in Venice, Italy. 

From the crystal blue waters in Algarve to the vast grassy landscapes in the Porto countryside, Portugal is the place to be. The country is truly blessed with an endless amount of outdoor activities that are able to fit anyone’s needs!

The following two pictures were taken by Lily Laserna.

Vineyard landscape in the Douro Valley, 2018. The Douro River can be seen down below.

My dad, Pedro Laserna, kayaking in the waters of Ponta da Piedade, 2018.

The bow of a moliceiro in the Aveiro Lagoon, 2019. The boats are designed with brightly-colored drawings to match the aesthetic of the city. 

Photo Credit-

Flickr Handle: Fabian Kron

https://www.flickr.com/photos/mrdoctor/

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The Douro Valley | Www.Visitportugal.Com. https://www.visitportugal.com/en/content/douro-valley. Accessed 11 June 2020.  

Ponta Da Piedade, Lagos Portugal. https://www.lagosportugalguide.com/lagos-algarve/ponta-da-piedade-lagos.html. Accessed 11 June 2020.  

Moliceiro Tours in the Aveiro Lagoon – Center of Portugal. https://www.centerofportugal.com/tour/moliceiro-tours-in-the-ria/. Accessed 11 June 2020.    

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What to eat in Portugal: 5 must-try dishes

Attention all foodies! If you have a strong craving for meat and seafood, Portugal is the place to be. From tangy cod fish, to palatable soups, to succulent meat sandwiches, we will explore the top five foods to try in Portugal. 

Coming in at #1 we have Caldo Verde. Known as one of the country’s most savory dishes, Caldo Verde combines rich flavors to produce the perfect blend of sweet and sour. The foundation of this soup dish is garlic, potatoes, and smoked sausage, which is then topped with collard greens, salt, pepper, and olive oil. 

Close-up of Caldo Verde, 2009. The dish is often topped with a crispy Mafra bread.

Photo Credit-

Flickr handle: Sandro Vilar

https://www.flickr.com/photos/sandrovilar/

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Mastering the art of spice, Frango no Churrasco is next on our list. This Portuguese BBQ chicken dish is seared with a Piri-Piri hot sauce and served with white rice and crispy corn chips. The star of this dish is actually the sauce, as it was created from chili peppers solely found in Mozambique, Africa. 

Large pan of Frango no Churrasco served with corn chips on the side, 2008.

Photo Credit-

Flickr handle: Lili Vanili

https://www.flickr.com/photos/lilivanili/

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Next on the food palate is Bacalhau, also known as Portuguese cod fish. Only found in the cold waters of Norway, this cod fish has quickly become a staple in the country of Portugal. While there are hundreds of Bacalhau recipes, the most popular is Bacalhau à Gomes de Sá, which is a potato casserole mixed with shredded fish, caramelized onions, black olives, and eggs. 

Bacalhau à Gomes de Sá, 2009. Eggs are either mixed into the casserole or used as a garnish, as shown above.

Photo Credit-

Flickr handle: Sandro Vilar

https://www.flickr.com/photos/sandrovilar/

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Playing with both taste and texture, Lisbon-style Bifanas are sure to leave you wanting more. Bifana is a traditional Portuguese sandwich with thinly-sliced pork cutlets. The pork is first marinated with white wine, lemon juice, garlic, and paprika, then sandwiched between a Portuguese bread roll called papo seco. 

A traditional Bifana, 2014. The pork cutlet is topped with caramelized onions.

Photo Credit-

Flickr handle: Matt Ferraz

https://www.flickr.com/photos/mathieuferraz/

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Saving the best for last, we have Carne de Porco Alentejana, otherwise known as pork and clams. The pork is marinated with garlic, paprika, white wine, coriander, lemon juice, and a red bell pepper paste that is found in the Alentejo region of Portugal. This dish is often served with baked potatoes and paired with an Alentejo wine.

Carne de Porco Alentejana, 2013. The dish is garnished with lemon wedges, potato slices, and coriander.

Photo Credit-

Flickr handle: Rochelle Ramos

https://www.flickr.com/photos/anamnesiss/

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These dishes are merely just a glimpse of the many mouth-watering meals catered in Portugal. To view more Portuguese dishes, feel free to visit this website!

Valente, Simão. “The Top Portuguese Dishes You Need To Try.” Culture Trip. theculturetrip.com, https://theculturetrip.com/europe/portugal/articles/top-10-portuguese-dishes-you-need-to-try-now/. Accessed 13 June 2020.  

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Important travel tips before visiting Portugal

Before traveling, it is imperative to conduct research on the intended destination in order to be well-prepared throughout the trip. The following are a few travel tips to better ensure a gratified stay in Portugal!

The ideal time to visit Portugal is in the fall (Late August to October) or spring (March to late May) since temperatures are warm and prices are lower. Crowds are also a lot smaller as opposed to the summer months where prices increase by 40%, accommodations are fully booked, and historical sites are overcrowded.

A crowded Praça de Comércio in Lisbon during the summer month of June in 2016.

Photo Credit-

Flickr handle: Gerhard Pregapuca

https://www.flickr.com/people/161844454@N04/

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The currency of Portugal is the Euro, which you can obtain by exchanging money at currency exchange centers in any airport and most hotels. Even though many Portuguese shops accept credit cards, it is recommended to keep a little set of cash on you for any incidentals you may incur. Luckily, there are multiple ATMs in Portugal that can be found in most shopping centers, train stations, banks, and hotels.

The official language of Portugal is Portuguese. You do not have to speak the language in order to get by, as many of the locals from the major cities speak fluent English. If you are planning to venture out into the more rural areas, however, you will encounter some difficulty throughout your travels as there will be a greater percentage of people who do not speak English. 

Unfortunately, Portugal does not have the most diverse range of transportation. Only the cities Lisbon and Porto have a metro system that run regularly. Therefore, it is important to keep in mind that a lot of walking will be involved when traveling to various sites within the city. 

If you plan on exploring rural areas or the entire country on your own, then the most practical solution would be to rent a car. There are several car rental locations in Portugal, and the rental itself would cost about $33 a day. 

I hope these travel tips are helpful and are put to good use! For more information about the car rentals in Portugal, check out this link.

“Car Rentals in Portugal - Search for Cars on KAYAK.” KAYAK. www.kayak.com, https://www.kayak.com/Portugal-Car-Rentals.197.crc.html. Accessed 11 June 2020.  

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Where it all started: How Portugal captured my heart

Ever since I was little, I started traveling with my parents to various places across the U.S. My mom grew up with a passion for traveling and eventually this led her to her current job as a travel agent. She then made it her mission to instill her love for travel on my sister and I by taking us on trips as soon as we could walk.  

Coming from a family of adventure junkies, our trips largely consisted of thrill seeking activities, from skiing in Utah, to white-water rafting in Tennessee, to parasailing in Hawaii. Once I started high school my parents started planning trips abroad, which was quite the change from our usual trips.

Traveling to foreign countries introduced me to an entirely new lifestyle. I fell in love with the diversity of cultures and traditions in each country. Traveling quickly became a huge passion of mine, and I hope to continue exploring new countries as I grow older. 

My most recent trip was to Portugal and Spain, and it was by far one of my best trips. I was particularly captivated by Portugal, which is what spawned the idea to choose this country as the topic for this blog. 

To me, what makes Portugal so unique is its amalgamation of food, landscapes, and culture. These three factors blend together harmoniously to create an ambience like no other. 

Getting exposed to new environments over the years has truly been a one-of-a-kind  experience that I hope to share with you all through this blog. With an open mind, immerse yourself on this journey with me as we explore everything there is to know about Portugal!

Me in the University of Coimbra, 2018. The University is located in Almedina, a municipality in Coimbra, Portugal.

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Coronavirus - Miami Lakes

The following pictures were taken on Friday, June 5th, during the mid-afternoon.

Located in 6843 Main Street, Miami Lakes, FL, Main Street is a long narrow street with multiple stores on both sides. This outdoor plaza consists of restaurants, retail stores, apartments, and offices. Currently, Miami-Dade County is in Phase 1 of reopening. This permits designated businesses to reopen, but only of their own volition. Over 50% of the shops along Main Street have opted not to reopen due to health concerns stemming from the coronavirus. Victoria’s Secret, Keyes Company, Anacapri, BurgerFi, and Sureel Photography are among several stores in Main Street that have shut down because of COVID-19. Of the stores that have chosen to reopen, guests are required to wear masks and abide by social distancing guidelines. This involves standing and sitting at least 6 feet away from other people and avoiding large groups.