Most people assume that my life of nearly-constant travel is luxurious. While most of the time it’s the exact opposite, more smelly laundry and ramen noodles than anything else, there is the occasional spot of luxury.
One particular night was at Pousada Monte de Santa Luzia in Viana do Castelo, Portugal. It was one of the last nights of the press trip in Northern Portugal and I was captivated by the hotel’s view of the surrounding valley.
Nearly every room of the property offers a view of the Basilica of Santa Luzia, pictured above. It reminded me of Paris’ Sacre Coeur. It’s just as beautiful on the inside as it is on the outside. And the city has another Paris connection: it is home to a bridge designed by Gustav Eiffel, creator of the famous Eiffel Tower.
We were greeted with a glass of vinho verde, my favorite variety that I discovered on my trip. Once I reached my room I immediately opened the windows to watch the sun set over the horizon. I had enough time for a quick nap before an adventurous meal at El Camelo Restaurante.
I wouldn’t call feasting on chicken livers and pig blood rice “luxury,” at least not in my definition, but it was definitely one of the more unusual meals of my life. The company wasn’t too bad either, complete with new travel blogging friends.
As I settled into one of the most comfortable beds I’ve ever slept in, I watched a documentary on 9/11 as this night marked the 11th anniversary of the tragedy. In the mind of a thirteen year old, I never could have guessed that this many years later I would be traveling on my own.
The next morning I awoke early to sample the breakfast buffet, one of the last free breakfasts I would receive on my trip. As I piled toast and eggs onto my plate, I couldn’t help but think how fortunate I am.
I even made myself a mimosa to celebrate the last day of this terrific trip. I walked out to the terrace where some of my colleagues were sitting to soak up one last view of the Basilica of Santa Luzia.
SPLAT. As I dragged my feet out the door I missed the door frame and spilled my mimosa all over the floor and myself. Whoops. Guess I don’t have a shred of luxury in me after all.
Cheers to Viana do Castelo and the Porto e Norte Tourism Board for arranging this trip.
Leave a Reply