Porto, I will remember you for being the first Portuguese city I’ve landed in, a country which I’ve been longing to visit.

I will remember you for the cold and windy first day of the trip, making me feel like I misjudged you for a nice warm city to be in, in May. But then again, I will also remember you for the incredible weather we experienced throughout the rest of our stay, proving that you truly are the queen of sunny days.

I will remember you for the big headache I got due to sitting in the sun for too long. But I will also remember you for the amazing shots I took just because I was sitting in that sunny spot.

I will remember you for those damned uphills, leaving me breathless and my heart pounding every time. But then again, I will remember you for the mesmerising views I got to take in every time I got to the top.

I will remember you for the smell of fish coming out of almost each and every restaurant. But I will also remember you for the smell of the heavenly Pastel de Nata and all the bakeries in every corner baking fresh ones in the morning.

I will remember you for the shabby and abandoned buildings alongside the river. But I will also remember you for the colourful buildings along that same river, the incredible architecture and those tiled buildings gracing every corner of the city.

I will remember you for those barges of Port merchandise all over the river, which kind of gave that stunning sunset a Porto twist…

But I will also remember you for the sweet variety of Port, and the incredible cocktails that variety can offer.

I will also remember that sweet Cat cafe, O Porto dos Gatos, the first cat cafe in Porto. I will remember that chilled backyard, with cats and hoomans hanging out peacefully, having the sweetest afternoon. Bonus points for this cafe: Any tips you leave when paying the bill here, will go towards a cat sanctuary. 

Aveiro, yes I will also remember you. Just an hour away from Porto, I will remember the sweet canal ride, the food, and just the wholesome vibe of walking around this cute little town. 

But most of all, Porto, I will remember you as my way back into travelling, amidst the pandemic. Thank you for making me feel alive again.