“Portugal has a tradition of fado, the idea that one’s fate or destiny cannot be escaped, and it’s the name given to a form of traditional Portuguese singing that’s been given UNESCO World Intangible Cultural Heritage status. You’ll often hear fado in bars, cafes and restaurants – melancholic songs of love, loss, hopefulness and resignation – accompanied by soulful guitars, mandolins and violins.”
The very reasonably priced IBIS hotel was not as grand as the Conde de Ferreira Palace in Tomar but was in a perfect central location situated on the River Mondego with the historical centre of Coimbra rising up in dramatic style behind it like a sheer mountain face and perfectly placed for a short walk to an attractive and vibrant square busy with restaurants and bars basking in the sunshine.
From there we made our way to the old town and the University district and quickly discovered that Lisbon isn’t the only hilly city in Portugal. Coimbra is built on the top of a hill, not all of it of course, because it is the third largest city in the country but the bit that we wanted to see was certainly on the top of the mountain.
It was hot again and the climb was a bit of a chore but as well as getting our bearings and seeing some of the sites we needed to find somewhere suitable to eat later and after our successes in Lisbon and Tomar there was a lot to live up to. We found one or two likely looking places but none really stood out and then we tired of examining menus and made our way to the very top.
Kim wasn’t terribly enthusiastic about visiting the inside of the University today so we concentrated instead on the exterior and agreed that we might come back tomorrow (a certainty for me but doubtful for Kim). There were some wonderful views from the top and we strolled around the ornate courtyards and admired the Palaces and the churches and the two cathedrals and it occurred to me that Coimbra could easily be tagged the Florence of Portugal.
There was a lot of activity at the University because this was first week of new term – ‘Freshers Week’. I remember ‘Freshers Week’ when I pitched up at Cardiff University in September 1975. With hormones raging in overdrive I thought this was going to be opportunity to meet new girls but I quickly realised that this is the week when second and third year students turn up in force and get all the girls before a new student gets a look in and it looked very much like it was exactly the same procedure here in Coimbra.
University students in Coimbra wear a black uniform complete with a cape, they are known locally as ‘the cloaks’ and if I hadn’t known it was a University I might have mistaken it for a convention of Vampires.
We weren’t going to visit anything today that had an entrance fee so we made our way back to the river and I became interested in a sign outside a small building that was advertising a Fado show, traditional music of Portugal. I was keen to go along but I couldn’t persuade Kim to join me so I bought a single ticket and would return later alone.
On the way back to the IBIS I spotted a small restaurant that looked traditional and welcoming and had a reasonable menu so I suggested that we try this one. Kim agreed and I worried then that my bad luck with recommendations might strike again and I would come to regret ever having mentioned it. As I have said before I prefer to leave restaurant selection decisions to Kim and then no blame can be attributed to me in the case of a bad one.
Later I returned to the centre for the five o’clock Fado show and after only five minutes or so I realised that Kim had made an absolutely brilliant decision in declining to accompany me. I didn’t enjoy it at all, it was terrible; if had had the sense to consult Wikipedia before impetuously buying the ticket I am certain that I too would have rejected the idea…
“Fado is a form of music characterized by mournful tunes and lyrics, often about the sea or the life of the poor, and infused with a sentiment of resignation, fatefulness and melancholia”
… this, let me tell you is music to get seriously depressed to. There was zero chance that I would buy one of the CDs on sale at the entrance. If I could have sneaked out then I would have left there and then but I was in the middle of a row quite near the front and it would have been impossible to leave without drawing a lot of attention to myself. I had no alternative but to stick it out, thankfully it only lasted for an hour and there was the consolation of a complimentary glass of port wine when it finally came to an end.
Now it came to restaurant time and I worried that my poor judgment might continue but it turned out to and it turned out to be excellent, so good in fact that we agreed that we would return there again the following night. Once we find a place we like we don’t like taking unnecessary risks!
Here’s the procedure for next time . . . fake intestinal distress combined with a demonstrative show of being on the verge or vomiting. You’ll be able to leave without feeling self-conscious and can rest assured everyone will be happy to see you go, especially those seated near you.
Also, you could carry a fake pager (phones work almost as well) and feign having received an urgent message. Act annoyed and immediately upon looking at the device, put on an air of distress. Quickly gather your stuff and literally run out of the place. People will then feel sorry for you and send you their hope that everything will be OK. Don’t forget to still grab the glass of wine on the way out.
Also, very nice photos.
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Some great tips there – thanks!
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I check Wikipedia and Google every day to find out if it’s safe and okay to arise from my bed
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Good advice!
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Great post. I had a similar experience as you in Córdoba with awful flamenco. The British aversion to bringing attention to ourselves! Your freshers story made me laugh. I never went to Uni but worked at the one in Exeter for 5 years and saw what you described happening all the time! You have convinced me to go back to Portugal. I need to do it without Lisbon & Porto though…..
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I liked Lisbon, it was my first time but I could happily have missed out Porto this trip. So much more to see beyond the two big cities!
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They can’t be vampires because it’s daylight…a simple rule of thumb for spotting members of the blood sucking community.
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I failed to factor that in!
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You’re not keeping up with the lore; they can be in the daylight, it’s just that they sparkle . . . hence, the robes.
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oh no on the Fado, you obviously struck out. We’ve been to some amazing performances.
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Just wasn’t my cup of tea. I enjoyed the glass of port though!
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I have to disagree re: Fado….I have heard some great stuff….
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Just not my cup of tea I’m afraid
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À chacun son goût
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exactement
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Those cloaks are very dramatic and impressive. I’m with you on the Fado, I was keen to go in Lisbon, my husband had a CD of Fado music (given to him by a client I hasten to add), he suggested I listen to it before being too hasty and booking anything. He was right…. each to their own maybe.
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I won’t rush back to Portugal for Fado that’s for sure!
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I admire fact that you go on your own to check out things, even if your travelling partner doesn’t wish to. I tend to explore on my own often too when we travel. And if it isn’t worth attending or visiting, at least you only paid for one!! I can’t believe the university students still wear those long clocks. They do look like vampires!
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I’ve liked this but more for your honesty than anything else. I do think Fado is an acquired taste. A bit like olives 🙂 🙂 And it isn’t all miserable- depends what and where. But I might be after your restaurant recommendation.
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We had some fabulous meals in Portugal Jo. You will know this of course but only eat where the local people eat and always avoid the swanky places!
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I cooked tonight, Andrew. 😦 😦
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English or Portuguese?
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Sort of a mish mash 🙂 🙂 Like me!
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M&S should add ‘mish mash’ to their dine in for 2 options!
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I wish I’d gone to a university where everyone was required to wear black cloaks. Then I wouldn’t have looked as odd as I did amongst all the cut off jeans and tube tops.
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Should have gone to Coimbra then!
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Harry Potter’s friends!
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Could well be! Thanks for stopping by.
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I was wondering if those were a couple of attractive freshman co-eds surrounded by lurking upper classmen, ‘Sharks that swim on the land,” according to Jimmy Buffet. They may indeed have been vampires. 🙂 Glad your restaurant choice turned out, Andrew! Peggy and I normally agree together. That way, no blame can ever be assessed. –Curt
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Kim has an uncanny knack of making good selections so I generally leave it to her!
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In that case, I’d add wisdom to not wanting to get in the doghouse. 🙂
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Always good to consult with Google on most anything. Fado certainly isn’t an upbeat jig that is for certain. Glad you stayed clear of the vampire look alikes.
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I prefer the Irish pub music Sue, much more lively and entertaining!
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Andrew the Irish pub music is fantastic. One night we were out till 2am! Usually I’m a pumpkin by 11pm. 🙂
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One of many good reasons for going to Ireland Sue. How did you rate your trip overall?
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It was absolutely fantastic! Ireland will now be at the top of our recommendation list. Loved the people, the quaint villages, the authentic charm, the beauty and of course the pubs!
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So glad! I am making plans to go again next June.
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I can totally understand that Andrew. We will definitely go back to Ireland. Can’t think of a friendlier place and so much beauty.
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