Portugal 2 - Aveiro and Coimbra

 5-7 September

We trained from Porto to Aveiro - not far at all! But we wanted to see Aveiro - known as Portugal's poor man's Venice. We got bikes and had a look around- rain made us hide in a cute locals cafe for some local treats - Ovos Moles.

Ovos moles are a traditional pastry of the Aveiro region. They trace their origin to the nuns who lived at various convents of the Dominican, Franciscan, and Carmelite orders present in the area until the early 20th century—particularly the Mosteiro de Jesus [pt] (Monastery of Jesus). According to popular legend, the nuns used egg whites to clean their habits, while they used the yolks to make sweets so as not to waste them, and in order to raise money for their religious communities. The are made from an egg yolk and sugar mix wrapped in a communion like wafer.

Salt was a major role in the economy of Aveiro with only a few salt ponds remaining.

We continued by train to Coimbra- the country's former capital of Portugal, a preserved mediaeval old town and home to the oldest university in Portugal (1537)- one of the oldest universities in Europe! We enjoyed an evening serenade of Casa Fado- typical of Coimbra and sung by male university students. The evening entertainment finished nicely with a glass of port with the musicians.

We enjoyed strolling around the old city quarters- just love the cobblestone paths- that are roads too!!