Aveiro, Portugal

Today, I visited Aveiro, which has been called  "Portugal's Venice" . . . after spending the afternoon there, I think the people who dubbed it so are being a wee bit too generous.... hard to make the comparison when there are only two main canals.  On my walk from the train station to the first canal, I was wondering if I was in the right city!  "If this is supposed to be the Portugese Venice, where is the water?" was my recurring thought as I walked along paved roads, and crossed over intersections with nothing but paved roads . . .

But indeed, there are canals and little boats that can take you on the water, you just have to get to the right spot.  Once you get there it is lovely (minus the motorway running parallel to one canal).  And there are some cute little spots tucked away, but I think I had my expectations set too high after a.) seeing Venice in 2008 and being seriously impressed by the fact that a city can exist in the midst of such a maze of canals and b.) seeing Bruge in July, which is dubbed the Venice of the North.  THAT place I do think deserves the title, plus it is overall an incredibly charming, very unique little town. 

Anyhoo, now I know!  I would have wondered what I was missing if I hadn't gone. 

Highlight of the trip: lunch!  =)  I found a place with some spectacular grilled squid, so that was fun and delicious..... and a bit shocking with the presentation, but I am trying new things and expanding my cultural horizons. 

Tomorrow is my last day to explore Porto, and honestly a bit bummed I didn't spend the day here because thus far Porto is absolutely hands down my favorite city in Portugal.  SO AMAZING!!!