Note: Garden Hostel did not sponsor this post in any way, we just loved it that much. So there.

Porto was probably the most fun trip of my entire life. I can't explain why. I can't even explain why we went to Porto in the first place. Well, that I can explain: none of us had ever been, it fit our work schedule, and we could fly cheap on RyanAir out of Karlsruhe. Basically it was convenient and warmer than here, our only requirements.

Anyway, our group had an unequaled chemistry and dynamic that made the trip perfect. I honestly do not think it would have mattered where we were, but Porto (Oporto) served as a pretty darn good setting for a fabulous time. The sun was shining and the sky was clear blue and the temperature was, well, warmer than Karlsruhe anyway. We did walk around for about 10 whole minutes without jackets, so that was cool.
First, I think it is important to note that Porto should not be compared to Lisbon. Yes, they are both beautiful bigger cities characterized by their bridges on the water in Portugal, but that's where it ends. The two cities have a rivalry relating to each city's stigma and citizens. The northerner Porto is a poorer, hardworking, more hipster city, while Lisbon boasts much more wealth and "class".

Day 1 We arrived via flight from FKB at OPO late Thursday night, took a 30 minute light rail, checked in at the hostel, and made a stroll throughout the city before returning and tasting some of the country's famous Port wine with the night manager at our awesome accommodations, Garden House Hostel, before hitting the hay for a big day.

Day 2  The next morning, we woke up bright and early for the free Pancho Walking Tour. I always like to do some sort of tour immediately upon arrival in a city to gain orientation, insight and understanding of the place and people, particularly of places I know ZERO about like Portugal. The tour just started a month ago, but our tour guide, Iris?, did an amazing job. If you have never been on a free walking tour before, they are usually pretty good. They aren't free though. I mean, they are, but I hope none of you are assholes that would skip out on the tip.

Porto, the second largest city in Portugal, is home to under 250,000 people (smaller than Karlsruhe!) It is characterized by these blue and white tiles that paint pictures on old building, particularly church, facades all across town. We stopped at the São Bento train station, which was covered in more of the tiles. This train station also served as a large inspiration for the Harry Potter King's Cross Station. J.K. Rowling lived in Porto for 3 years and the city influenced the book series in many ways beyond the train station, including a breathtaking library and the cloaks worn by the university students in Porto. We explored all over the city and the tour culminated with a walk down to the Douro River that runs through the city and has six bridges crossing over that characterize the city.


After the tour, we made our way to Cafe Santiago for Porto's famous sandwich dish, The Francesinha. It is made with ham, some sort of roast beef thing and is then smothered in melted cheese, spicy sauce, topped with a fried egg and served with a side of fries. We were starving and this totally hit the spot. After our food hangover, we went on a blind search for the beach. Literally, got on a tram and got off when we thought we were close to the beach. It took us a couple attempts, but once we found it we were in for a gorgeous site. We arrived right in time to watch a beautiful sunset. Since it was chilly out (45 F), we were the only ones on the beach and Lauren and Marcus were the only ones who wore swimsuits and jumped straight in the ocean. They also didn't catch hypothermia, which we were pleased about.


After the beach journey, we headed back to the hostel and prepared ourselves (read: pregamed) for the Pub Crawl, which was also hosted by Pancho. I'd go into detail, but it was a pub crawl - obviously a successful night. Milk/water throwing war in the kitchen ensued.


Day 3 The next afternoon we slept until about noon and slept in. After making bird's nests breakfast-for-lunch style, we had our own Port wine tasting and then further explored walked through the city and down to the river for a one hour boat tour (10€). The ride was nice, uncrowded and fun. We went under each of the city's six bridges and sipped some more Port. After debating pub crawl round 2, we had a fun night in at the hostel complete with charades, king's cup (circle of death, ring of fire, whatever you like to call it) and pretending we could play guitar.