After reading about Sortelha’s “great charms” in a guide book, I was keen to see if it would live up to the hype. It does. So much, in fact, that of the Historical Villages of Portugal I’ve visited so far, Sortelha and Monsanto are my favourites. I’ve already told you what’sRead More →
It’s no secret that I have a soft spot for Portuguese manor houses and stately homes, especially ones you can stay in and pretend you own (or perhaps that’s just my little fantasy). Casa da Ínsua is one such place and I jumped at the chance to check it outRead More →
Update: I no longer teach English or work as a freelance writer and translator. I now dedicate myself full time to my blog and providing Portugal travel consultations and itineraries. I’ve left this article as it was when I wrote it back in 2013 as a reflection. Some of youRead More →
It’s been a while since I interviewed a fellow traveller about their experience of travelling in Portugal but my latest guest has lots to share with us. Having hired a car she managed to pack a lot into a short time, and cope with a heatwave! Read on to discoverRead More →
Actually, it’s not that bad but I did find the pace of the interactive Lisbon Story Centre frustrating at times. Unlike a static museum where you can stop to look and read as and when it suits you, this recent addition to the city’s attractions takes a full hour ifRead More →
Lisbon National Pantheon was not on my original list of things to see and do while in Lisbon, although it is now. I visited this monument simply because I was practically on its doorstep after visiting the São Vicente da Fora Monastery (another pleasant surprise) and thought I might as well popRead More →
This lovely old barber shop in Lisbon’s Largo do Chiado almost makes me want to be a man. I can just imagine leaning back in one of the old leather chairs to be lathered up with a horse hair shaving brush then scraped clean of whiskers with a well-sharpened cut-throatRead More →
I’ve never been a great fan of sparkling wines, not even champagne, but I’ve always wondered how they get their bubbles. When I had the opportunity to visit the Murganheira wine cellars to find out how Portuguese espumante (sparkling wine) is made I gladly took it. There are several ways ofRead More →
Before I go any further, I’d like to stress that the receptionists at my local health centre are usually very patient with my inadequate Portuguese and do their best to understand and help me. This is a welcome change from my first experience of the Portuguese health care system inRead More →
