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gen4grl · 1 year ago

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timeskip zero crew + written bios below !

with the sv cycle coming to an end, i’d thought i’d share my timeskip zero crew designs! friendship and the impact it can have on an individual has always been a key feature of pokemon - with sv easily executing that theme the best. zero crew has an extremely special place in my heart and think i speak for everyone when i say i'm gonna miss this group a lot ♥︎

˗ˋˏ ♡ ˎˊ˗

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JULIANA

♡ Originally from a small island in the North Paldean Sea. Homeschooled until her family moved to mainland Paldea where she started her public education at Uva Academy.

♡ Socially awkward, clumsy and struggles with organisation. Not the best with words but a fantasic listener. Booksmart and tends to be a people pleaser to a fault.

♡ Despite her awkwardness, is obliviously confident. Confessed her feelings and asked Arven to be her boyfriend after Area Zero, believing it was just a one way crush. Definitely was not and have been dating since.

♡ Was extremely overwhelmed starting school with no clue what direction she wanted her live to go in. After the events of Area Zero and collecting Herba Mystica, realised she wanted to become a pharmaceutical scientist with the goal of making Herba Mystica more wildly available in a medicinal format for people and their pokémon. Cites Director Clavell and Jacq as her biggest inspirations.

♡ Still considers Carmine, Kieran and the former BB League members some of her closest friends. The groups enjoy traveling together between Paldea, Kitakami and Unova together.

♡ Enjoys beers, fried food, karaoke & visiting the night markets in Porto Marinada.

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NEMONA

♡ Graduated with distinctions in all classes but dreams of making a name for herself outside her wealthy family. Currently works fulltime at Uva Acadmeny as a battle studies teacher with the end goal of becoming Champion.

♡ Lives in a high rise apartment in the center of Mesagoza overlooking the battle court. Absolutely loves the lively and fast paced energy of the city.

♡ Despite being extremely outgoing, struggles with making and maintaining friendships. Holds Juliana extremely close to her heart as she believes she was the first person to ever really 'get her'. First came out to Juliana after the groups adventure to Area Zero. Currently crushing on Carmine.

♡ Often mistaken for being a 'tomboy' but has quite alot of interest in typically 'feminine' things but has trouble connecting and expressing this part of her. Particularly likes plushies, collecting perfume and playing piano in which she is extremely gifted.

♡ Detail oriented and enjoys organisation. Wakes up at 5:30 every morning and runs from Mesagoza to Levincia no matter what she did the previous night.

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ARVEN

♡ Only child of the late Professor Turo. Originally withdrawn and standoffish; after learning of his fathers passing, became extremely family & friend focused. Would love to have his own family in the future. Considers Clavell a second father.

♡ Originally specialised in traditional savoury Paldean dishes but developed a love for baking after making Juliana macarons for their first Valentines Day together.

♡ After graduation, worked as a dish hand in a small bar in Porto Marinada. Worked his way up to line cook while occasionally doing pokémon walking and sitting on the side. Currently the manager of the new Mesagoza Patisserie Soapberry location. Spends his income on renovating the lighthouse where he lives with Juliana, Mabosstiff and Miraidon.

♡ Prized possessions include his fathers old lab coat and journals recovered from the Zero Lab. Gifted an oddly familar version of the presumably lost Violet Book by Juliana after her return from stuyding at Blueberry Academy which he keeps in his nightstand.

♡ Due to his unique upbringing and feelings of isolation; is very protective and easily jealous in both platonic and romantic relationships.

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PENNY

♡ Originally from Hulbury, Galar. Daughter of former Galar champion, Peony. Currently lives in an old industrial loft with Atticus and Giacamo in downtown Mesagoza. Loves city life but misses the small beachtown vibes of her hometown. While developing a closer relationship with her dad after gradution, has no intentions of moving back home to Galar.

♡ Prefers to keep her circle small but cares deeply for her friends to a point of getting herself in bad situations to help them. Still learning how to put herself first in certain sitations with help and advice from Arven.

♡ Works full time for the Pokémon League doing admin work. Does occasional hairdressing on the side mostly for friends and mutuals. Specialises in bleaching and alternative cuts and colours. Originally a brunette - wouldn’t be caught dead with grown out roots.

♡ Has a terrible diet consisting mostly of cup ramen, sushi and whatever the cheapest energy drink is. Sleeps around 4 hours each night after spending her after work hours gaming online with Kieran; excluding Wednesdays where she plays Magic the Gathering with Team Star.

♡ Homebody who loves reading + collecting manga and crafts; particularly sewing and knitting after being taught by Attitcus.

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enjoythesilentworld · 6 months ago

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Simon's Month - Travel

day 10! @youngroyals-events <3 tack för allt

Simon and Wille take on a new city, and a new tour, and Simon neglects to read the fine print (again).

Or, FoodTour!Wilmon part 2

read below or on ao3 (M, 2.5k) (cw: implied sexual content)

As it turns out, Wille’s embarking on a solo travel trip had been even more spontaneous than Simon. He’d told Simon, that next morning over breakfast, that he’d spent his whole life having every trip planned out for him down to the second — fancy hotels and yacht tours and five-star restaurants — so he felt it was necessary to try zero planning for once. So, allegedly, he’d just bought the first plane ticket he found and left, and has been living night to night in hostels for a few weeks now. All for the sake of freedom, or choices, or something like that.

Wille cites this reasoning when Simon asks what he wants to do, and he simply says, “Whatever you want to do. Really, Simon. I just like spending time with you.”

Simon isn’t totally certain if he’s being truthful. Surely there are other things Wille would rather do than follow Simon around the city all day. But, he’s so flattered by Wille’s adoring gaze and entertained by his jokes that Simon decides to keep him around, anyway.

They spend a few more days wandering around Barcelona. It’d become obvious that booking romantic food tours, as fun as it had been, wasn’t the most economical activity. So, instead, they hit all the popular spots. They climb to the top of church towers for windy-swept selfies, stealing kisses in the tight stairwells. They get wine-tipsy over lunch then stumble through museums, muffling their giggles into each other’s skin. At the end of each day, they end up on the beach, lounging in chairs and soaking up the sun, or tackling each other into the water and reveling in the coolness of it.

One of said evenings, still a few hours before sunset, he turns to Wille over their makeshift beach-picnic dinner.

“Tonight’s my last night here.”

Wille looks at him with guarded eyes. “Where are you off to next?” he asks, casually.

Simon smiles softly. Clearly, the man is bracing for a goodbye.

“Porto, Portugal.”

“I hear it’s beautiful.”

Simon hums. “Yeah, I’ve heard the same.”

Because Simon’s a bit of a shit and he’s learned enough about Wille in the past few days that he knows he can get away with it, he lets the man squirm for a bit. He watches as Wille tears the label off his soda bottle and begins to shred it into tiny pieces.

“Where are you going next?”

Wille shrugs. He looks a bit dejected, but is hiding it well, and Simon cracks.

“Do you want to come to Porto with me?” Simon asks, then reaches out, grabbing Wille’s hand and stopping his attack on the damp paper label.

A sunny, hopeful smile grows on Wille’s face, and he squeezes Simon’s hand.

“Can I?”

Simon nods. “I’d really like it if you did. I hear it’s beautiful.”

Wille laughs brightly and jumps over the food to tackle Simon back into the sand. Their lips meet in a sloppy kiss, half lips and half teeth because they’re both laughing now. He tastes like soda and strawberries and the warmth of him against Simon feels just as electric as it did earlier today, and the day before that, and on that first day on the pier.

Through no small feat of luck, they book incredibly cheap flights for the next morning and grow even closer as they navigate the chaos of airports and budget airlines. In less than 24 hours after that short conversation on the beach in Barcelona, they’re standing, shoulder to shoulder, at the front desk of a hostel in Porto.

“Private room? Or bunks in a dorm?”

“Uh—” Simon stutters, glancing over at Wille.

Somehow, during the hours they’d spent the night before, huddled around Simon’s phone in the hostel bar, looking up places to visit in this new city, this part had not come up. There was definitely a growing tension between them. There was only so much making out one could do before it got to be too much, and slipping into a bunk with eight other people in the room wasn’t exactly mood-setting. Maybe when he was 16, he would’ve let Wille ravish him in the hallway, stumbling down to their shared dorm room, without caring if they might be seen. Unfortunately, now that he’s an adult, he’s not too keen about the idea of stripping down for a quick one in a hostel bunk. Still, Simon would most definitely like to have a private room, so he could finally put his hands on Wille for real, but he didn’t want to presume—

“Private,” Wille says slowly, almost a question, meeting Simon’s eye. Simon bites back his grin and gives a single nod. Wille nods, too, then, more sure this time, repeats, “Private. Please.”

Out of the corner of his eye, Simon sees the small smirk on the face of the front desk person.

It’s still too early to get into their room, so they drop their bags and head out onto the streets, slowly meandering their way towards the river that flows through the city. Though it’d been a bit of a joke before, Porto really is beautiful with its colorful buildings, charming squares, and unreal views of terracotta roofs by the water. That, along with the low hum of people and Wille’s hand in his, brings a certain comfort to Simon. They have nowhere to be, nothing to do, except be with each other and walk down these stone streets, smiling at street vendors and pointing out pretty architecture.

After some time of chatting and leisurely strolling along the river, they settle down for a late lunch, at a beautiful little cafe near the river, and Wille says, “We should do another tour of some sort.”

“You’re just flush for cash, aren’t you?” Simon teases.

He blushes lightly. “I just meant— You took me on a tour date, even if it had been a sort of accident, it feels only right that I get to take you on one now.”

“Oh, was that a date?”

Wille sticks out his tongue and steals a bite off Simon’s plate. They get distracted for a moment, taking food from each other and laughing. Simon accidentally dips his forearm in a bit of sauce in the process and Wille licks it off sloppily. In order to not think too hard about that, Simon scrunches his face in mock disgust and pushes Wille away, giggling.

Once they are back seated mostly in their own chairs, though they’ve shifted to sit a bit closer to each other now, Simon asks, “What kind of tour were you thinking?”

“Well,” Wille starts slowly, “I was thinking we could just do one of those sightseeing tours. You know, where you hire someone to drive you around and you see all the big attractions?”

Simon nods, then tilts his head in confusion when Wille chews on his lip for a moment, nervous eyes flickering over Simon’s face, before continuing, “Maybe that way we get all those done in one day and we’ll have more time to spend,” he leans forward slightly, “in that private room of ours.”

“I see,” Simon muses, leaning forward as well, until there’s only an inch or two separating them.

“I just wish I could have one minute alone with you,” Wille breathes, gaze flitting between Simon’s eyes and lips, “without a dozen other people around.”

“We’ll just have to make that happen,” Simon whispers and moves the rest of the way to close the gap between them. It is a soft, rather quick kiss, but it holds a promise, for later.

Though Wille refuses to let Simon pay anything, they scroll through websites together, deciding on a car tour around Porto. Simon does the booking, claiming that Portuguese is much closer to Spanish, and he’ll have an easier time making sure everything is booked correctly. That being said, he is a little distracted by thoughts of their previous conversation, and thoughts of finally having Wille alone tonight. Somehow, he successfully books their tour, handing the phone to Wille to complete the payment, and then they abandon their meal to chase each other back to the hostel.

Simon thought he’d learned his lesson last time. Apparently he had not. (Although, with how last time had gone, with what — who — he’d found as a result of his lack of reading, there hadn’t been much of a lesson to learn. Except, maybe, don’t read the fine print and you might just find the potential love of your life.)

The next afternoon, after many hours spent in bed but very little sleep, they show up to the agreed upon meeting place and find the small, retro car parked along the street. A small, older woman hops out of the car and greets them with a wide smile.

She introduces herself as Leonora and they go through a whole bout of pleasantries and explanations of things to come on the tour. Then, just as Wille and Simon slide into the backseat, she asks, “So, how is the honeymoon so far?”

A small laugh bubbles up from Simon’s chest. “I’m sorry?”

“Oh,” Leonora glances at them in the rearview, eyebrows knitted, as she drives off towards their first destination, “Did I read the reservation wrong? You booked the honeymoon package, did you not?”

Simon tries to think back to the booking website, all the English mixed in with Portuguese and the not-built-for-mobile website. But, all his mind returns are flashes of Wille’s tongue and eyes and hands and the things he whispered in Simon’s ear.

Floundering for how to respond, Simon turns to look at Wille, who’s grinning at him with bright, amused eyes.

“That’s right,” Wille says cheerily, keeping his eyes locked on Simon. “The honeymoon is going great, thank you.”

He gives Simon a tiny shrug, as if to say, Why not?

And, well, they’d seemingly successfully convinced everyone on that food tour that they were together, when really they’d just met. It wasn’t too far of a jump to pretend they’d just gotten married, even though they’d only known each other for a few days.

It really has only been a few days, but Simon feels like it’s been longer, like he’s known Wille for years. It’s simply so easy for Simon, being with Wille. Spending time with him and listening to him ramble about art and architecture. Kissing him and running hands over his skin, trying to pull as many desperate sounds as possible.

“Yes, I’d say it’s going very well.” Simon smiles back at him and slides across the seat to tuck into Wille’s side, placing a warm hand on his thigh.

Leonora coos at them from the front, but thankfully doesn’t ask any questions about their non-existent wedding. Instead, she points out buildings as they pass, explaining the history and adding little personal anecdotes.

In a sly attempt to figure out exactly what they’ve signed up for with the ‘honeymoon package’, Simon asks what the difference is between their tour and a normal tour. Apparently, along with stopping by some of the more romantic churches and gardens and lookouts in Porto, they’ll finish the tour along the coast, with a pre-organized dinner on the beach.

It’s all rather nice, and Leonora gives a wonderful tour, but no matter what he does, Simon can’t really make himself pay attention. He tells himself it’s to convince their tour guide that they’re actually on their honeymoon, but, really, Simon just can’t keep his hands off Wille. He’s nearly sitting in the man’s lap by their third stop in the city, whispering jokes in his ear and doing everything he can to steal kisses whenever possible. Wille doesn’t seem too upset about it, giggling ceaselessly at Simon’s comments about the silly American tourists and every phallic-shaped sculpture they pass, one hand around Simon’s waist and the other holding his hand.

Presumably because this is how every honeymoon package tour goes, Leonora doesn’t seem too plussed about it, either, continuing to spout facts about the sights even when Simon and Wille get a little too lost in each other. They do break apart occasionally for Wille to ask a question about some art installation or for both of them to hop out of the car to grab a sweet drink from a street vendor.

Eventually, they make it to the coast, and they roll the windows down and turn the music up loud, and Simon realizes he’s missed most of the tour, too busy ‘pretending’ to be drunk in love on his honeymoon, which doesn’t feel too much like pretending anymore. Wille’s hair is whipped wild by the wind and his smile is so wide. He reaches out with both hands towards Simon, cupping his face and bringing him in for a giggly kiss.

“Today has been really fun,” he murmurs into Simon’s ear, nipping lightly as he does so.

Simon gulps down a breath of the fresh, salty air and tucks his face into the space between Wille’s collar and his jawline. Pure joy and heat spreads across his body.

“Yes, it has.”

Leonora pulls the car up to a parking lot, and guides them down the beach a ways, which is surprisingly uncrowded. They are led into a small cove, a spot of sand hidden away from view of the rest of the beach, tucked into the rocks. Inside the cove, there’s a small table set up with a grazing display for dinner, scattered rose petals, and a pile of pillows and blankets off to the side.

Their tour guide bids them goodbye for now, saying she’ll be back with the car in two hours.

Officially alone, Simon laughs at the ridiculousness as Wille takes his hand and leads him closer to the table. The food spread is a fancier version of the lunch picnic they’d been having when Simon invited Wille to join him here in Porto, all the way down to the bottles of chilled champagne and sparkling grape juice for them to sip on.

“How did we not notice the price of this? There’s no way all this was cheap,” Simon asks, looking around at everything with wide eyes.

Wille chuckles and wraps himself around Simon from behind. “We were a little distracted when we booked it, if I remember correctly.”

Simon hums, “I suppose we were,” and tilts his head back to rest onto Wille’s shoulder, exposing his neck to the man and enjoying the warmth of his hands on Simon’s hips.

Wille takes the invitation in stride, attaching his lips to a spot of skin under Simon’s jaw, then nipping and sucking lightly.

“Do you think we should eat first,” A kiss to his jaw, fingerprints pressing into skin, “or take advantage of this private spot of beach first?”

Hands roving now, Simon bites back the low sound crawling up his throat. He pretends to consider, but quickly loses his train of thought when a finger dips into the waistband of his pants.

“We did the food tour thing already,” Simon breathes, and Wille’s giggle vibrates across his skin.

They nearly fall over into the sand as they stumble, laughing, unwilling to let go of each other, over to the makeshift beach bed and fall into the pillows together.

#this one got very long #but i feel like i dont need to be sorry about it #it wouldve been even longer if id kept... certain scenes #anyway #enjoy!!!💜💜💜#simonmonth2024 #simon eriksson #yr fic #wilmon #wille eriksson #intothelight #all our words were worth it #yr fanfic

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allthebrazilianpolitics · 8 months ago

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Brazil's Lula delays state visit to Chile over historic floods

Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Monday put off a state visit to Chile to focus on the historic floods in the south of the country that have left 147 dead.

The presidency said that the trip would no longer take place as scheduled on May 17 and 18, due to the "need to monitor the situation linked to flooding in Rio Grande do Sul and coordinate aid to the affected population and reconstruction efforts."

Torrential rains since the beginning of the month in the southern state have caused rivers to burst their banks, leaving towns and parts of the bustling state capital Porto Alegre under water.

Around two million people have been affected, more than 600,000 of whom were forced from their homes due to the disaster, which experts attribute to climate change and the El Nino weather phenomenon.

#brazil #brazilian politics #politics #chile #environmental justice #rio grande do sul floods 2024 #luiz inacio lula da silva #foreign policy #mod nise da silveira #image description in alt

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roomchailimited · 1 month ago

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Salvador to Morro de São Paulo: Brazil’s Best Kept Beach Secrets

When it comes to beach paradises, Brazil never disappoints. From the bustling coastline of Rio to the tranquil sands of Florianópolis, the options are endless. But if you're looking for a hidden gem, the journey from Salvador to Morro de São Paulo offers an enchanting blend of history, culture, and serene beaches. This trip takes you through Brazil's northeastern treasures, giving you a taste of its vibrant charm and breathtaking natural beauty.

Starting in Salvador: A Historic Prelude

Your journey begins in Salvador, the cultural heart of Bahia. Known for its Afro-Brazilian heritage, colonial architecture, and lively energy, this city is the perfect starting point.

Pelourinho Wander through the cobblestone streets of Pelourinho, Salvador’s historic center, where colorful colonial buildings and stunning churches like São Francisco da Bahia await.

Local Flavors Indulge in Bahian delicacies such as acarajé (deep-fried bean fritters) and moqueca (a rich seafood stew) at one of the city’s authentic eateries.

Beaches of Salvador Relax at Praia do Porto da Barra, one of the city’s most iconic beaches, and soak in its lively atmosphere before heading to quieter shores.

The Journey to Morro de São Paulo

From Salvador, a scenic adventure awaits as you travel to Morro de São Paulo, located on the island of Tinharé. Options include:

Catamaran Ferry A direct two-hour ride across the Bahia de Todos os Santos offers stunning ocean views.

Alternative Routes Combine a car, boat, and bus ride for a more budget-friendly and scenic option through Valença.

Discovering Morro de São Paulo’s Beaches

Morro de São Paulo greets you with crystal-clear waters, lush vegetation, and a laid-back vibe. The island’s beaches, conveniently numbered for easy navigation, cater to every kind of traveler.

Primeira Praia (First Beach) Ideal for thrill-seekers, this beach is known for water sports like snorkeling, ziplining, and surfing.

Segunda Praia (Second Beach) The liveliest of the lot, Segunda Praia is lined with vibrant bars, restaurants, and nightlife. Perfect for mingling and dancing to Brazilian beats.

Terceira Praia (Third Beach) A quieter escape, offering charming guesthouses and calm waters ideal for swimming or paddleboarding.

Quarta Praia (Fourth Beach) Known for its serene natural pools, this beach is a haven for relaxation and tranquility.

Activities and Adventures

Beyond the beaches, Morro de São Paulo has a host of activities to keep you engaged.

Boat Tours Hop on a boat tour to explore nearby islands, including Boipeba, another pristine destination.

Hiking Trails Trek to the island’s lighthouse for panoramic views or explore the lush trails through tropical forests.

Marine Life Snorkeling and diving reveal a vibrant underwater world, teeming with marine life.

Where to Stay and Eat

Morro de São Paulo offers accommodations ranging from luxury resorts to cozy pousadas.

Dining: Savor fresh seafood dishes, tropical fruit cocktails, and local specialties such as tapioca pancakes.

Tip: Opt for beachfront stays to enjoy stunning sunrises and easy access to the ocean.

Practical Travel Tips

Best Time to Visit: From September to March for warm weather and fewer crowds.

Packing Essentials: Swimwear, sunscreen, insect repellent, and comfortable footwear.

Getting Around: The island is car-free, so prepare to walk or take a traditional wheelbarrow taxi for your luggage.

Travel Assistance: Tour operators, including Roomchai Limited, can organize seamless travel itineraries, ensuring you make the most of your trip.

Conclusion

From the colonial charm of Salvador to the idyllic shores of Morro de São Paulo, this journey is a true celebration of Brazil’s diverse beauty. Whether you're seeking adventure, culture, or simply a place to unwind, this route promises an unforgettable experience. So, pack your bags and let Brazil’s hidden coastal treasures captivate your heart.

#Morro de São Paulo #Brazil #Salvador #roomchailimited #travel #traveltips #dhakatravel #bangladeshitravelers #travelagencies

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momo-de-avis · 1 year ago

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hi! I hope you're having a lovely day :) feel free to ignore this if you don't want to do more work on tumblr lol, but you seem very knowledgeable about all sorts of historical and touristy things in Portugal, so I figured I'd ask anyway!

I'm going to north Portugal in September on my honeymoon, we're spending 5 days in Porto, then a couple of days near the Douro valley, and then a few days near Manteigas in the Serra da Estrela national park.

me and my husband are both very into museums/art galleries and historic buildings - is there anything in Porto that we absolutely shouldn't miss whilst we're there? is there any particular food we should try? do you have any recommendations for cafes or restaurants to visit?

Hi! Very glad to answer!

Porto is beautiful and I promise you are going to love it, and I admit I'm excited about you going to Serra da Estrela. It's so quiet at that time of the year, all you hear is nature, it's just so peaceful. Also, please try the cheese. Serra da Estrela cheese is a sin, it's so good, and you can go straight to the source there.

In Porto, there is a lot to see, especially if you enjoy museums, monuments and galleries, so I'll list a few things:

Palácio da Bolsa is a must, in my opinion. I believe they have guided tours, if you are interested in that.

Clérigos Church, Hospital and Tower. The view from up there is amazing, but the whole building is rich with history and super interesting, and the church is beautiful.

Porto's Cathedral, which includes the Chapter House and has some amazing artworks inside.

The entire area of the old Borrough of Porto, which is the hill where the Cathedral sits on. That is where the oldest house in Porto is (in Beco dos Redemoinhos, it's about 700 years old), or where the "stairs of the queen" also are, said to have been the stairs taken Countess Teresa on her way to the church that would later become the Cathedral, and the watch tower in front of it.

There are points of interest you might come across as must-sees in Porto but you're better off standing there looking at it cause they're either expensive or they're a McDonalds. The McDonalds building is beautiful, yes. Majestic café is a unique art nouveau building, but it's SO expensive.

On that note, Lello. Lello is interesting and super beautiful, I am not one to discourage people from visiting it. But expect a long line. (it's right next to Clérigos and you can see it from there...). However, you can buy the tickets online (I think they're 5€) and that allows you to skip the line, and if you buy a book, the price of the ticket is deducted from your purchase.

For museums, Soares dos Reis has a lot of art, from painting to sculpture to decorative arts, and it's rich with some of the most important portuguese artists, focused mostly on the circle of Porto, especially from the 19th century.

Porto is known ofr being a vast sea of blue and white tiles. You don't have to look for them, you will just find them. However, Capelinha das Almas and Church of Santo Ildefonso are a good example (Ildefonso stares at Clérigos directly... they were once rivals).

And on THAT note... São Bento Train Station. It is worth it just standing there admiring the architecture and the tiles (keep in mind a lot of these things are stuff you can just include on a long walk)

Some streets... Rua das Flores, or famously Rua de Santa Catarina (where you'll find Majestic and Capelinha das Almas) they're all just very nice walks. Same for Ribeira (the riverside). No plans, just a walk while enjoying the view.

If you are interested in Contemporary Art, Fundação Serralves. At the very least, the gardens are wonderful and they're just a great place to rest and enjoy the afternoon (I think they have cafés there too, but I haven't been there in years, now).

Go on a Douro Valley tour. I cannot emphasise how great these are. You get to visit a handful of cellars, try several wines and enjoy a ride across the Douro. In Porto itself, they also have boat rides across the Douro, some might have wine, I'm not sure, but I find it so much more enriching to do a Douro Valley tour and be able to visit the cellars.

As for food and where to eat, I am not going to give you any restaurant names because I KNOW I have people from Porto who follow me and they can answer that better than I can, but there's 2 things I usually tell people to try in Porto.

One, of course, is Francesinha. It's going to feel like it's a lot. I call it a tower of bread with fibre for days. But try it, because nowhere else in Portugal can they make them as well as they make them in Porto. Besides it's one of the most important hallmarks of Porto culture, and I find that it's a fundamental experience in your journey to try Francesinha. It's like going to Valencia and trying Paella, you just HAVE to.

The other one is a personal opinion and choice of mine because, well, Portugal is known for codfish dishes and my all time favourite codfish dish was born in Porto and it's Bacalhau à Gomes Sá. If I'm not mistaken, it was born on a restaurant that was nearby Ribeira, somewhere in that area, and they actually put up a goddamn plaque celebrating this

Ribeira is the easiest place to find this dish, but it's going to be above average in price (I can guarantee you someone will come into this post to scream that it's a complete theft how expensive it is, but we're just poor and cheapskates, and the restaurants aren't bad. Again, they're going to be above average but not all are ridiculously overprices).

On a final note, if you're interested in doing a walk tour of Porto, there are several companies that do so, but I happen to know a guide who is currently living and working in Porto and I can ask her availability and you guys can agree on something if you're interested. Just let me know!

I hope you have an amazing time!!!!

Anything else, let me know!!

#also try green wine #it's not from Porto it's from Minho but you're close enough to get the good stuff

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acommonloon · 11 months ago

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Not every trip can or need be a beercation but I look at most every trip as an opportunity to find interesting places to drink beer…and other things.

My kiddo, now 33, also caught on to the beer drinking hobby while living in Europe so I left it to him to find us a few places drink while in Porto.

When he said we’d head to a place called “Cask Beer” it’s a sure thing I felt some excitement. Upon entering the place, I was doubly thrilled at its macabre theme. I was totally disappointed they didn’t have any “cask beer.” We did drink a couple of tasty dark beers and while we were doing it, the power went out in the area so…dark and memorable.

Saturday, gods willing and the creek don’t rise, I’ll get to drink cask beer! Broad Ripple Brewpub in Indy always have two on hand pull. A pint of bitter please!

Saturday and Sunday will be partially a beery trip. We were invited to meet up there to witness D’s great nephew compete in a solo instrumental state contest. I understand he plays trombone. So drinking in Indy was offered to me, ostensibly as an early birthday present and … to get me to go. lol

A late lunch at The Rathskeller for German food, BBP for a pint or two of “best” as the old timers say and then a couple of breweries, new since my last visit. We’ll end up near Fishers in a hotel and will likely Lyft to a place for dinner and drinks…maybe… probably…definitely beer. Ooh maybe Chatham Tap!

Sunday we’ll wander through IKEA, because D likes to and I’m not a selfish twat. Then it’s on to my fave Indiana brewery, Taxman!!! Muscles and frites and Belgian…beer.

We may stop in Columbus on the way home for some ZwanZigs pizza and beer.

This has been a post about…

#not a teenager playing trombone #beer

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doulayogimama · 11 months ago

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Considering that we didn’t get on a plane for 3 years (July 2020 was our last flight before I got pregnant - June 2023) I kinda cannot believe the amount of trips we’ve taken since we sold our condo.

Miami - NYC (Oct 2023)

NYC - Mexico (end of Oct 2023 for 3 weeks)

Mexico - Miami (Nov)

Miami - NYC (end of Nov)

NYC - London (December 12)

London - Amsterdam (Dec 13)

Amsterdam - Brussels (Dec 24)

Brussels - Porto (Dec 28)

Porto - Lisbon (Took a train early Jan)

Lisbon - Malaga (early Jan)

On Monday, we take a train to Barcelona

Then 1 month from Monday, we fly to Miami to stay with my family for 1 month

Kevin has been talking about the full eclipse for almost a year, and his cousins live in Cleveland (one of the only places that will have a full view) so from Miami we fly to Cleveland to stay with them for 1 week to catch the eclipse on 4/8). They’ve been asking us to visit them for years, so this worked out perfectly.

After Cleveland, back to NY. We plan to rent a place upstate for a couple weeks to skip Pesach (with all due respect, I will always try to skip that holiday; it’s so effing difficult and my husband will not listen to the stuff about Egypt so we just always skip out awkwardly and go to bed while people pray into the night).

During those couple weeks, we will drive around to scope out more plots of land for our Meditation Center.

It is INSANE to me that we’ve managed to do all of this. Grateful for the privilege but also to my rockstar of a 2yo. With any other kid, I’m sure this would’ve been nearly impossible. I can’t imagine getting this lucky next time with such a resilient + easygoing toddler. This is not to say we haven’t had our days of frustration (we def have) but for a 2yo???? She’s simply incredible. The best travel buddy ever 🤍

#we still pinch ourselves that we got out of Bradenton #away from that community and the drama #no sense of security or comfort is worth the emotional hell they put us through #nomad family #traveling family

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supersabbatical2024 · 7 months ago

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5/23/24: Ferry to Almada, Big walking day, walked from Ferry through town, my watch logged 5+ mile #LetsEat

Ate lunch at A Nau, and happened upon a nail place called “Aqui de Gjato” or something like that, “A Cat Is Here.” I picked COBALT BLLUE of course, and Ana was so adorable, chatting with us in fine English, even though she had never been to America. Though her dream is to travel to New York City, “my bank account does not agree…” In honor of my Mom, we got her whole life’s story: She found her husband on Tinder, and they got married a year ago. No kids yet because they live in a 5th floor walk-up, but she is only 30 so she has time. Another gal came in while I was getting my nails done, and she had just moved from “Detroit” 3 months ago, just because…*

*Claude was sitting close by, and he said later that he did NOT believe the whole “Detroit” story from the other gal. When contacted for comment, Claude exclaimed, “NO ONE comes from DETROIT…she’s a spy or something…!” #ClaudelockHolmes

We ended up chatting with Ana, and exchanging numbers. She sent us a bunch of recommendations as we travel north to Porto, including what to eat. She also insisted we could not leave Almada without visiting the CristoRei, the 90 foot tall Jesus monument, modeled after the one in Rio (Portugal officials love to copy stuff they like and build it). So I came to Jesus. And then I left.*

*Seriously, Claude was so dizzy at top of the Jesus, we had to leave!!

We took the ferry back and walked a crazy long way to get back to the cool LX Factory area and shared(!) grilled eggplant appy and some drinks--Caiperiña for Claude and an Aperol spritz for me. Claude was mildly apprehensive because last time he had a Caiperiña in NY, he got really sick. But the waiter was adamant that "it is different here," so Portuguese Caiperiñas do not make you sick. 🤪

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bonickhausen · 8 months ago

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PORTO

last week i went to porto, portugal. this was my first ever trip abroad. i crossed the atlantic ocean in an elongated tin can. wild!

on the first night, i ran into some issues with the reservation for the place i had rented so i almost had nowhere to stay which now seems funny to me. i was freaking the fuck out but at the same time i remember thinking that if i had to sleep outside, at least the sidewalks seemed very clean and that made me chuckle at the moment.

i ate something that did terrible things to my poor south american stomach and i had to go to a pharmacy in the middle of the night to get some meds and a bottle of water. turns out they don't sell bottled water in pharmacies over there.

the bathroom light switches are located outside the bathrooms and their portuguese is not like ours. people say it's just a different accent and a local dialect but it very much felt to me like an entirely different language so i just used english wherever i could.

it seems safe- far safer than anywhere i've seen so far in brazil. it is a very pretty place. there's this particular bridge over a river that was an absolute delight to look at! great vistas. the climate was also a very pleasant surprise to me since i'm not a huge fan of warm places. i tend to sweat a lot.

it felt very sterile, though. a strange calm, most places made me feel uneasy and despite the suggestions by most people that living there is a good thing, i don't think i'd like that. i'd feel cornered and trapped in a place like that- the buildings felt grey and the people felt grey and looked grey and probably talked grey if i could understand them, which i couldn't.

on the other hand, you see, while são paulo is a terrible place, it has all of my favourite colours! and it has so many of them, even the ones i'm not a huge fan of. i like the fact that if i ever grow weary of cyan i can always try orange or phthalo green. everything is here and everyone is here and i am here too. i'm down to visit other places but i'd like to stay here for a (possibly long) while until i get bored of the whole rainbow.

but i didnt make this trip for a place.

and truth to be told, i don't care much for portugal. it's a nice place! just not my kind of place.

i went there for someone.

we talked and we embraced and, for the duration of the trip, we shared a room together. i rode in her car on the passenger seat, just like i wanted to. this one night, she took the scenic route and for a moment i closed my eyes, listening to the music playing on her phone, the car humming as she steered away from incoming traffic. i felt relaxed.

in fact, she made me feel very relaxed the whole time we were together, except for when i was about to leave. then again, it's tricky: how do you remain tranquil when you're moments away from losing the single most important thing you've ever had in your life so far?

at one point she asked me if i cried often and i told her that it was very rare for me to do so (which it is and i wish it wasnt). ironically, i cant remember of any other day in which i cried so much in my life like i did at the airport when leaving for lisbon. i sobbed my way through the customs line and after that i sat at the first bench i could find to rest and try to recover, i could not and instead i just cried more until my head and throat started hurting. eventually i wiped my face and kept walking as if nothing had happened.

i miss her. i miss her and i miss her touch and her singing and i miss looking at her so that i could see how she looks at things and i miss her talking about these things and i miss so many other things about her. i miss having her with me. i miss her reading random shit as we walked on the streets holding each other's hands. i miss being able to hold her close to me and i miss being able to ask her about anything anytime. sometimes i didnt even really know what to say, i just said things so that i could hear her voice in a reply. i miss watching her petting those cats and i miss talking to her about movies because she gets so excited over those. i miss her

she's in a complicated situation. i wish she'd come back to brazil but that's just my optimism. she'll do whatever works best for her. i hope everything works out for her.

i feel sad but i also feel content. i did what i set out to do: i crossed an ocean and i told her all i had to say.

and now, back to living!

#personal #portugal

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