As a consequence of a severe Atlantic storm we woke to a hissing wind and dark scowling clouds that the mountains of Portugal had failed to detain storming in from the west. It was mean and moody but there was no rain so that was a bonus. From the hotel balcony it was possible to appreciate just what a land of contrasts Spain really is.
Posted in Europe, History, Hotels, Literature, Spain, Travel
Tagged Castilla y Leon, Ciudad Rodrigo, Peninsular War, Richard Sharpe, River Agueda, Spain
When we had been on the river we had seen a military procession on the Porto side of the river with a lot of men and women in Napoleonic military uniforms parading through the streets, demonstrating drill and letting off canons and now that the parade was over they were spilling over the river and into the cafés and bars in Vila Nova De Gaia. We were surprised to discover that these were all English eccentrics who enjoy dressing up in nineteenth century uniforms, re-enacting Peninsular War battles, letting off guns and getting drunk.
Posted in Europe, History, Portugal, Travel
Tagged Military Uniforms, Napoleonic Wars, Peninsular War, Porto, Portugal, Vila do Conde
