From Braga's Embrace to Porto's Pulse

Hello from Porto! After a lovely, final morning of coffee and farewells to my new family at the Hotel Bracara Augusta, it was time to say a fond goodbye to Braga and Uber south.

My first impressions of Porto were an immediate, vibrant contrast to Braga's intimate charm. I'm staying at a lovely large American hotel chain that, unlike my week in Braga where I met just one American couple, seems to be packed with fellow U.S. travelers! The energy here is undeniably different—bustling and full of life, but with a less intimate feel.

A Travel Expert's Perspective

This isn't a knock on this lovely hotel; I even used my loyalty number to rack up some points! It's simply not my style. I'm here to scout unique, authentic experiences for my clients, and this stay is already providing valuable perspective. Over the last week, I've been diligently taking notes on tour guides, separating the truly superb from the simply "average." My new "rolodex" (or as we call it now, my curated list of contacts) is already growing.

My evening was a quiet one at the hotel bar. It was a peaceful night, and I'm off to bed early. Tomorrow promises a full-day tour of the magnificent Douro Valley, and I need all the rest I can get.

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