Well even with no tent you’re bringing your longjohns so it will feel a little like camping! Can’t wait to hear what you think! It’s-18 here right now (feels like -31) so I am envious no matter what the weather! Have fun!
We are shying away from the Algarve mostly for climate reasons. It's already pretty warm for us there in the summer and we're concerned that having sufficient drinking water will become an issue in that region before too long. If we'd actually visited the area, perhaps it would have stolen our hearts as well.
We are not Roman Catholic, no. Were we, though, we would still need an English-speaking church, at least for the foreseeable future. Those are less easy to come by. We attended a non-denominational church in St. Louis and attend Riverside Lisbon (https://www.riversidelisbon.com/), which is also non-denominational, now.
Good luck with the search! And remember, H&M online has a nice selection of functional wearing under the sports tab that’s never in the shops. And they do have the nice and cozy long johns and “underwear shirts” to keep warm. For the ladies, Intimissimi offers very nice “ultralight cachemire” shirts that are the nicest invention as they keep comfy and warm all in style
In Coimbra, please visit Livraria Joanina in the uni. I think it was €10 per adult to enter? Also, I stayed at JR Studios and Suites, so accessible, just at the end of the bridge. Very affordable, easy check-in process, and they have AC and heat. For food, if you want Korean, I recommend Seoul Chicken at Praça do Comércio. If you get to chat with younger owner, tell them a solo traveling American woman who sat at the bar on Christmas Eve while watching BTS and IU videos and interviewed him why he picked Coimbra out of the other Portuguese cities sent you. Anyway, they have great KFC! Korean Fried Chicken, haha.
In Braga, the Bom Jesus do Monte is a must see. View from the top is amazing!
Coimbra is lovely but 2 things you should know...the first is hills.I found it steeper than Alfama! The second you won’t experience but should ask a local...there is a week every year that the students celebrate (to excess). If your apartment is in that area you will need to move out for the week if you want to sleep. Coimbra’s version of VRSA’s Feira da Praia https://expatinportugal.substack.com/p/feria-da-praia
Can I recommend two places to eat? Fangas Mercearia Bar and Chocalateria Equador (just down the street). https://expatinportugal.substack.com/p/those-crazy-funny-americans-part
Thank you so much, Nancy!
Well even with no tent you’re bringing your longjohns so it will feel a little like camping! Can’t wait to hear what you think! It’s-18 here right now (feels like -31) so I am envious no matter what the weather! Have fun!
Coimbra is lovely. Enjoy your trip.
The important question: Does Josie accompany you on thus trip? Dogs on busses? ( Sounds like a title for a preK book!)
Happy hunting!
We have the bestest dog sitter ever! She is a veterinary student and the sweetest!
Must admit I'm disappointed. I has such wonderful pictures on my mind!
Can't wait to hear how it goes! And definitely hoping you have heat, as I stare out the window at six inches of new snow here in Maine!
May I ask why you didn’t consider the Algarve? Tavira, specifically. It truly stole our hearts.
We are shying away from the Algarve mostly for climate reasons. It's already pretty warm for us there in the summer and we're concerned that having sufficient drinking water will become an issue in that region before too long. If we'd actually visited the area, perhaps it would have stolen our hearts as well.
I’m curious - what kind of church are you looking for. There are RC churches everywhere so I assume you’re not RC.
We are not Roman Catholic, no. Were we, though, we would still need an English-speaking church, at least for the foreseeable future. Those are less easy to come by. We attended a non-denominational church in St. Louis and attend Riverside Lisbon (https://www.riversidelisbon.com/), which is also non-denominational, now.
Good luck with the search! And remember, H&M online has a nice selection of functional wearing under the sports tab that’s never in the shops. And they do have the nice and cozy long johns and “underwear shirts” to keep warm. For the ladies, Intimissimi offers very nice “ultralight cachemire” shirts that are the nicest invention as they keep comfy and warm all in style
In Coimbra, please visit Livraria Joanina in the uni. I think it was €10 per adult to enter? Also, I stayed at JR Studios and Suites, so accessible, just at the end of the bridge. Very affordable, easy check-in process, and they have AC and heat. For food, if you want Korean, I recommend Seoul Chicken at Praça do Comércio. If you get to chat with younger owner, tell them a solo traveling American woman who sat at the bar on Christmas Eve while watching BTS and IU videos and interviewed him why he picked Coimbra out of the other Portuguese cities sent you. Anyway, they have great KFC! Korean Fried Chicken, haha.
In Braga, the Bom Jesus do Monte is a must see. View from the top is amazing!
Coimbra is lovely but 2 things you should know...the first is hills.I found it steeper than Alfama! The second you won’t experience but should ask a local...there is a week every year that the students celebrate (to excess). If your apartment is in that area you will need to move out for the week if you want to sleep. Coimbra’s version of VRSA’s Feira da Praia https://expatinportugal.substack.com/p/feria-da-praia
I was figuring that as long as they aren't too loud outside of that week, it makes a great week to go away, like you suggest.