A bit of Portuguese summer in February

It was that time again. Half - term holidays, my parents were visiting and they always dreamed of sunny Portugal. Us as well of course, but this time I felt they gave me a push to realize this dream. So I started  - hotels, plane tickets, places to see and visit, transport traveling around, packing - exactly in this kind of order. And off we went. Six days by the ocean and sunshine in abundance. Lets not forget it was mid February, England was dark and misty. But I knew it will be a fantastic holiday when the plane door opened and that warm ocean breeze welcomed me. It was 28 degrees Celsius. Quick, friendly and very professional border control ( very important for our family) and we were out.  Took metro/train to centre of Porto. And immediately after first steps on Portuguese soil it felt magical. People were so friendly and helpful which is so important when one arrives in the country one has never been.  We found our apartment, it was welcoming us with a goodie basket and incredible host we felt we knew forever. Endless bridges (most famous Luis I Bridge), do not miss Bolsa Palace and breathtaking Sao Bento railway station, forts, trams and short ride to the Atlantic ocean ( dream of my parents finally came true and my oldest daughter still colours most things in blue cos of the ocean water ), custard tarts or Pastel de Nata (our recommendation Fabrica de Nata Cafe in Lisbon, never seen custard tarts on ceiling, making their way to oven). WOOOOW. Two days later journey to Lisbon by train. 2 hours 50 min. I know - crazy - but not. Honestly it felt like a second. Train run through pine tree forest, along ocean shore and traditional architecture was stunning.  So 3 hour journey went in a blink.  I have to say it was not cheap, but am all for trains when it comes to traveling around country. Had enough of blue sky around and door to door service. Explore, it is all about exploring.  Lisbon, what can I say about Lisbon. Million words and it will not be enough. Better to see it once than to hear about it 100 times. Praca do Comercio and tiled streets.  The atmosphere, the food, historic sights, it is a must see.  But Porto is where my heart belongs, so when we came back I felt home. We all decided Porto is ours. We never wanted to leave and we all agreed that it was not the last time we visited Portugal. Wait for us. We are coming back cos WE LOVE YOU.