HurricaneMaine

Douro valley day 2… More wine and cathedrals

We had a great night at the house we were staying in. So beautiful here and listening to the birds in the morning…

If you come to the Douro valley, staying at Douroparadise owned by Pedro Ribeiro and using Daniel as a tour guide you cannot go wrong. Daniel owns Terra d’alma a personal tour company and he is also a budding Sommelier.

Quinta de Pacheco

We started off at a wine tasting at Quinta de Pacheco. It is a commercial operation which seemed a bit more impersonal. Not one of my favorite places so far but the landscape was beautiful.

You can actually stay in these wine barrel houses.

Sandeman is a well-known producer of wines in the world. It is know for its port wines, particularly its iconic Don (or Don Quixote) logo, which is recognized worldwide. The company was founded in 1790 and has a long history of producing high-quality port wines, including Tawny, Ruby, Vintage, and Late Bottled Vintage ports, among others. Sandeman also offers guided tours of its cellars in Porto, Portugal, providing visitors with an insight into the port wine-making process and the company’s rich heritage.

We also stopped at another church but as we approached the front door we realized that a funeral was taking place and did not go inside.

Santuario Nossa Senhora dos Remedi

The Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios is an important pilgrimage site in Portugal, located in Lamego. This sanctuary features an impressive Baroque staircase with 686 steps leading up to the church, offering beautiful views of the city and the surrounding landscape. Devotion to Nossa Senhora dos Remédios dates back to the 14th century, and the sanctuary is a significant destination for both believers and tourists visiting the region.

Tile work inside the cathedral can be seen all around the perimeter. The azulejo tile here in Portugal is beautiful.

Azulejo tiles are a type of ceramic tile that is commonly found in Portugal and Spain, particularly in decorative art and architecture. These tiles are known for their intricate designs and vibrant colors, often featuring geometric patterns, floral motifs, or historical scenes. Azulejos were introduced to Portugal by the Moors in the 15th century and have since become an integral part of Portuguese culture and architecture. They are commonly used to decorate walls, floors, and even ceilings in buildings such as churches, palaces, and public squares. The word “azulejo” itself comes from the Arabic word “al-zuleycha,” which means “polished stone.” Today, azulejo tiles are celebrated for their beauty and craftsmanship and are often considered a symbol of Portuguese and Spanish cultural identity.

The Santuario Nossa Senhora dos Remedios is perched on a hill above the town of Lamego. To reach the Church you climb up sets of zigzag stairs from the wide avenue at the edge of the town. The view is worth the climb. Due to the rain we were dropped off at the top and viewed the inside of the church first. I then started at the top of the stairs and went down instead.

At every level in the stairs there was tile work that is simply beautiful.

Down at the bottom in the square of the town.

Lamego Cathedral

Lamego Cathedral, also known as Sé de Lamego, is a beautiful cathedral located in the city of Lamego, Portugal. It’s known for its stunning Romanesque and Gothic architecture and is a significant landmark in the region. The cathedral dates back to the 12th century and is definitely worth a visit for anyone interested in history and architecture. It is the oldest cathedral in Portugal.

Views around the center of the town.

Pastelería da sé is a bread and pastry shop near the cathedral which is known for its pastries and bread with meat. I ordered some snacks and also the bread with salted cod.

Bread made with salted cod. They also have ones with ham and other meats.

Gueda winery is a small winery that goes back 30 generations. Currently a brother and sister run the winery and their passion or evident in how they manage and explain their process. A great end to the day. We had started the day with a commercial winery and ended the day with a small family winery.

The winery cat was so friendly. You know how much I love holding and petting animals.

One more night here in the Douro valley and then we are off to Lisbon for the last two nights.

Of course we had plenty of wine for the night.

Douro Valley

The rain finally stopped for a little bit to snap good pictures of where we are staying. It is really beautiful here.

The Douro Valley, located in northern Portugal, is renowned for its stunning landscapes, terraced vineyards, and rich history of winemaking, particularly for Port wine. The villages are amazing with many historic quintas (wine estates). The Douro River winds through the valley and even in the rain is beautiful.

Quinta de Popa

The first winery for the day was a short drive away.

After the winery we stopped at a little church that had the most beautiful view of the valley.

São Leonardo de Galafura is a viewpoint located in the Douro region of Portugal. It offers breathtaking views of the Douro River and the terraced vineyards typical of the area. This spot is renowned for its panoramic vistas, especially at sunset, and is frequently referenced in Portuguese literature, notably by Miguel Torga, a prominent Portuguese writer.

We stopped for a bite to eat and then on to the last winery at Quinta de Tato. Here I tried only port wines. They are amazing here.

Despite the threat of rain, which it definitely did, it was a beautiful day in the countryside with friends and wine.

Amarante and the Douro Valley

We headed to the Douro valley. The first stop was in a town called Amarante.

Amarante is a charming town in northern Portugal, known for its rich history, picturesque setting, and cultural heritage. It is on the banks of the Tâmega River and very picturesque. One of most iconic landmarks is the São Gonçalo Church, dedicated to the town’s patron saint, which overlooks the river and features a stunning baroque facade.

The town is also known for its pastries.

Afterwards we went wine tasting at Aveleda, the local winery. Such long family history and beautiful gardens. The wines were fantastic.

We then headed to the Douro valley where we would be staying and also bought some food for the evening.

Yes I did go in the pool and it was very cold.

More Porto: train station, cemetery, and egg tarts

São Bento Railway Station (Estação de São Bento), is gorgeous with it’s azulejo tilework. It shows scenes from Portuguese history, culture, and transportation. It is still used as a transportation hub since the early 20th century.

One of the most notable cemeteries in Porto is the Cemitério do Prado do Repouso, or simply Prado do Repouso Cemetery. Established in the 19th century, this historic cemetery is located in the heart of Porto and is renowned for its architectural beauty, serene atmosphere, and historical significance. Many prominent people are buried here.

Located in the heart of Porto’s historic center, the Majestic Café has served as a gathering place for intellectuals, artists, and writers over the years, earning its reputation as a cultural landmark. JK Rowling wrote the first Harry Potter here.

And of course we had to have Portuguese egg tarts k own as pastéis de nata, are a delicious and iconic pastry originating from here. These breakfast treats consist of a flaky, buttery pastry crust filled with a creamy custard made from egg yolks, sugar, milk, and a hint of vanilla. What sets Portuguese egg tarts apart is their unique texture – a crispy exterior with the smooth, rich custard filling then dusted with cinnamon.

And this was an interesting way to get street donations.

Porto

Porto is so beautiful! After arriving, we took a boat tour along the Douro River. The history of the port dates back centuries. Its location made it a hub for trade and commerce. It’s history as a port dates back to the 15th and 16th centuries, when Portuguese explorers created trade routes. Of course wine, olive oil, and textiles were traded with other European ports.

Walking around porto was amazing as well. Many shops and great places to eat. Popular here is codfish. Many of the buildings have very pretty and ornate tiles on the front.

At Calem we took a tour of the winery that makes port, Porto’s and mainly the Douro valley’s specialty.

We did ride the hop on hop off bus and also rode the teleferico along one side of the river. But first a fish soup with puff pastry on the top. Octopus is also a favorite here and very well prepared.

From the teleferico.

This bunny was created on the corner of a building from scrap parts. Happy Easter!

Casa del Alabado Pre-Columbian Art Museum

I went with a friend to a museum with summer of the oldest artifacts in Ecuador.

It is dedicated to pre-Columbian art and artifacts and has a diverse collection of objects from various indigenous cultures from this region before the arrival of the Spanish. Its displays showcase authentic artifacts that depict the beliefs, rituals, and daily life of the ancient peoples. the exhibits were of pottery, sculptures, jewelry, and others.

These symbols seem to assist in other cultures on other continents as well

This vessel was used for making morocho, a corn based drink.

These were carried with people as good luck.

The building itself is beautiful and the original structure. New walls and structures were added as necessary to display the objects. The courtyards were equally amazing.

Afterwards we went to find some something to eat.

Basílica del voto nacional

A great day trip to Centro histórico in Quito finally led me to the Basilica. Every Sunday I ride the ciclo paseo and I see the basilica but had yet to step foot inside.

The Basilica del Voto Nacional is one of the largest neo-Gothic basilicas found in the Americas. Its architecture is like medieval European cathedrals.

The construction of the basilica began in the late 19th century and took over 100 years.

There are over 20 gargoyles as decoration on the exterior of the basilica. These depict Ecuadorian animals such as armadillos, iguanas, and Galapagos tortoises.

The basilica has four main towers that represent a different aspect of Christian faith: hope, charity, faith, and Jesus Christ.

The towers have stunning panoramic views of the historic center. Narrow and steep stairs were a little challenging but worth it for the view. Views from the towers:

Even though it is styled after European cathedrals, the basilica has many indigenous elements found in the stonework including animals and symbols.

Inside the basilica features are impressive stained glass windows. The altars are ornate as well as the vaulted ceilings.

Supposedly, the facade remains unfinished. I did not really notice this. It symbolizes that perfection belongs only to God.

Beneath the basilica, there are crypts for the remains of prominent figures. Chapels to saints are found inside.

Afterwards we walked from the basilica to San Francisco square. Here we had something to eat and drink while enjoying the view in the other direction.

As it is right before holy week (Easter also known as Semana Santa), one of the ritual dishes is Fenesca. It is a dish that takes some time to prepare but it’s really delicious.

Meeting of the waters in Manaus

The Meeting of the Waters in Manaus is a natural phenomenon where the dark colored waters of the Rio Negro (looks like tea or coca cola without suspended particles) meets the lighter, sandy-colored waters of the Solimões River (which flows to the Amazon), flowing side by side without immediately mixing for several kilometers, creating a stunning visual contrast. This occurs due to differences in temperature, speed, and density between the two rivers.

Even though we could see it, it helped when a big boat cut through across it. The waters moved in relation to each other but still didn’t mix.

Up close where the boat passed through. Even though the water moved in relation to each other, it still didn’t mix.

A video of the two different waters that don’t mix together.

Other pictures from the Amazon

We did go piranha fishing but alas, as with other fishing, you never know whether you catch anything. We didn’t….

The fish the cook made for me when there was meat on the menu. That was actually very nice, as the rest of the meals were rice, pasta, beans, and watermelon.

Fresh grilled fish and meat. The fish they cook is Tambaqui, a local fish.

On the last day we saw another small village that had a nice stream to relax in.

This mama just had a large number of puppies.

No water near here but soon near the end of the rainy season they will need it to get around.

And in the pool at the resort, a different frog was there the last morning

And of course, this praying mantis loved to be held. I have held him most days. And he loved my phone. When I picked him up, his head turned wherever the phone was. Maybe he is an Instagram influencer? And with that, my time in the Amazon is almost done

Now to have a tour of the meeting of the waters in Manaus where two rivers of different densities meet.

Paricatuba

Paricatuba is a small village located in the Brazilian state of Amazonas, along the Amazon River. It has historical significance as the site of the Paricatuba Cemetery, which was built in the late 19th century during the rubber boom era. The cemetery was designed to accommodate the large number of deaths caused by diseases like malaria and yellow fever among rubber tappers and workers.

The building we visited was originally a hotel for immigrants working during the rubber boom. There is evidence of the thick Italian tile.

Also the system of bricks that are alternated and very strong design came from Marseille France.

When petroleum was replaced in making rubber, that economy fell and the building was used as a jail. Only a couple doors have bars on them still.

Later it was used as an insane asylum and then as a hospital for those who are stricken with diseases as a form of isolation.

Now it is abandoned and the jungle (as all of nature) wins in the end. This reminds me of Angkor Wat but not as old obviously. It is only 120 years old.