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Caipirão


Today we travelled from Lisbon to Coimbra! Coimbra is known as the “Oxford” of Portugal as it has the oldest University in the whole country, dating back to 1537.

After some no-show buses, we eventually made to our hostel which is right in the centre of Coimbra, next to the Sé Velha (or “the Old Cathedral”). This lovely church dates back to the year 1146 and has beautiful azulejos decorating the inside. 
Sé Velha

Walking through the church courtyard

Beautiful azulejos on the walls 

More lovely decorations
We then wandered to the San Sebastián Aqueduct and to the Coimbra University Botanical Gardens.
Walking past the aqueduct

Entering into the botanical gardens

The gardens were absolutely stunning! Their main purpose is to serve the student population and supplement in the learning of biology and botany. There are various plaques throughout providing information and interesting facts about the plants and their history in the garden. 
Little paths through the garden

For instance, there is a one hectare bamboo forest here! It’s been part of the gardens since 1890 when it was planted by a botanist from the university.
Bamboo forest

After a late lunch of Portuguese sardines, we explored the historic market street of Coimbra. Strolling in and out of the many cute shops, I was stuck by how peaceful this small town is compared to Lisbon. It will be a nice break from big cities to have two nights before moving on to Porto.
Main Street in Coimbra old town

We got a little treat after being sucked into a bakery with their beautiful display. It was a strawberry brigadeiro! This is a condensed milk-sugar treat which was very dense and very sweet… a good boost for the afternoon.
Strawberry brigadeiro

This evening, we also went to the Café Santa Cruz to listen to some fado music. This café is built inside an old church and has free fado shows every night! So for the price of a drink we got to listen to this hauntingly beautiful music. Our drink of choice was a caipirão, which is a cocktail made from Portuguese herbal liqueur, limes, and ice.
The Café Santa Cruz

Cheers with caipirão

Fado music originated in Lisbon in the 1900s and essentially expresses the sorrows and joys of the Portuguese people. It’s usually played with a fado guitar and has a singer to express the melancholy tones.
The fado performers
We both really enjoyed the performance, it was quite mesmerizing.

Afterwards we picked up some groceries and walked along the Mondego River, which flows through the city. I’m quite looking forward to exploring this quaint city more tomorrow!
View walking along the Mondego River


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