Porto magic

As probably any other country, Portugal is seen as a collection of stereotypes, some of which are very true and some are pure legends. Having been there 3 times already, it’s impossible not to fall in love with this magical country for the simplest of reasons: it makes you feel truly welcomed.

Oporto (or Porto for most of the non-Portuguese-speaking world) is wonderfully contrasting, full of surprises and perfect for a week-end’s relaxed city trip:

• shopping lovers will delight in any of the huge malls (http://www.norteshopping.pt/ could be considered the pick of the lot due to sheer size and diversity) where discounts are at home all year round
• culture buffs have a lot of options as well : Palacio da Bolsa (http://www.palaciodabolsa.pt/) is the Stock Exchange Palace and although it took some 50 years to complete, it definitely was all worth it especially due to its magnificent Arab Hall; Casa da Musica (http://www.casadamusica.com/) is the only concert hall in Portugal and the modern look, the strange angles and the excellent tour guides make for a few challenging and interesting hours; very worth mentioning is also Sé Catedral
• Oporto will conquer you with its magnificent views and a bus tour around the city is the perfect way to admire Boavista (yes, the neighbourhood has the perfect name), the Rio Duoro, the old and the new buildings that together form the mystery of this city.

But, what is definitely most enchanting about Oporto (and Portugal) is the way people interact with you, their kindness, politeness and willingness to help you that is matched by no others. Always helping is the fact that everybody seems to talk (or at least understand) basic English and that they do go by the old saying "customer is king": sometimes it becomes almost embarrassing how helpful and patient they seem to be.

A few "practical" things to wrap this post up : public transport is almost state-of-the-art new, the airport is fast on arrival and departure as well, the funicular (http://www.metrodoporto.pt/pagegen.asp?SYS_PAGE_ID=868297) is a ride not to be missed (for pure adrenaline pleasure) and nothing but good words can be said about this hotel (http://www.maisturismo.pt/acporto) and this restaurant (http://www.okilo.pt/) present in almost all shopping centres.

Feel free to comment, sharing your experiences or asking questions or recommendations.