Quote of the day
Posted by CindyLou on March 24, 2008
You can preach a better sermon with your life than with your lips.
Oliver Goldsmith
Bronze statue of King Joao I in Praca da Figueira Square, Lisbon.
Posted by CindyLou on March 23, 2008
This equestrian statue of King Joao I was created by Leopoldo de Almeida and erected in Praca da Figueira on the site of a former hospital and marketplace. King Joao I came to power in 1385 after defeating the Castilians. His position and long rein has been attributed to the alliance he formed with England. This alliance lead to his marriage in 1387 to Philippa of Lancaster, daughter of John of Grant, son of Edward III. King Joao I and his long reign mark the beginning of Portuguese imperialism and the beginning of maritime expeditions which would eventually weaken Portugal.
Quote of the day
Posted by CindyLou on March 21, 2008
The only interesting answers are those which destroy the questions. Â
Susan Sontag, American writer and social criticÂ
Quote of the day
Posted by CindyLou on March 20, 2008
Groan and forget it.Â
Jessamyn West, American writer, 1907-1984Â
Quote of the day
Posted by CindyLou on March 19, 2008
It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees. Â
Dolores Ibarruri  (1895 – 1989) Spanish  political leader
Wine tasting in Portugal is a must do!
Posted by CindyLou on March 17, 2008
If you travel to Portugal be sure to take a tour of the local vineyards. Everyone in our group enjoyed our day outing and the wine is fabulous.
Cindy Lou
MyMidlife Travel Tip: Legally you can only carry 3 bottles of wine back to the United States. Not knowing this I had purchased 6 bottles of wine in Portugal. Lucky for me the man at customs informed me of my wrong doing but let me keep the wine.
Quote of the day
Posted by CindyLou on
I have often wished I had time to cultivate modesty …… but I am too busy thinking about myself. Â
Edith Sitwell (1887 – 1964)  English writer   Â
Quote of the day
Posted by CindyLou on March 16, 2008
Luck is a matter of preparation meeting opportunity. Â
Oprah Winfrey American talk show host and actressÂ
The Wines of Portugal
Posted by CindyLou on
Portuguese winemaking is a craft going back centuries. Small family owned vineyards like the one I toured can be found in all 8 grape growing regions of Portugal. While best known for its port, I tasted several Portuguese table wines that I couldn’t resist bringing home. Â
The wines produced in the family vineyards of Portugal are excellent and include dry reds and whites, sweet Muscat, sparkling roses, and even green wine. The taste of these wines is based on local growing conditions and the specific variety of grapes being grown. The Douro growing region north central Portugal produces port wine. This region also makes robust red table wines with the same grapes they use to make port.Â
 Along the northern coastal region of Portugal you will find the Minho grape growing region. “Vinho verde†or green wine is made in this region. This unique style of wine is slightly fizzy and very dry. After tasting my first glass of green wine, I purchased a bottle of Casal Garcia made from the Alvarinho grape near the Spanish border.Â
 My favorite Portuguese wine comes from the Alentejo region. The Alentejo region produces both red and white wine. My personal preference is a hearty red and I was very happy with the bottle of Monte Velho red table wine I brought home. This wine is bottled by Herdade do Esporao and can be purchased in the US at a very reasonable price.Â
 Many of the Portuguese wines I tasted were complex. They are ready to drink with little aging because the winemakers in Portugal are experts at blending grape varieties to create a rich taste. With the wide variety of wine easily available in Portugal you are sure to find wines to suit everyone’s palette. I also found the wines in Portugal were a real bargain.I enjoyed tasting the wines of Portugal and have continued trying new brands since I returned.
     Cindy Lou
