Viking cruises Archives - Spoon & Suitcase

There’s a place, deep in a river valley in northern Portugal, that is rich in natural resources and tended to by humble, dedicated people. It is called the Douro River Valley and is romantic, intoxicating, and magnetic. Its fertility, along with a temperate climate, stirs up the perfect recipe for growing grapes. Steep, terraced vineyards rise up from the river, grazing the clouds of mist that hang above. Quintas, or wineries, splash the landscape, announcing their names on painted rocks, like the sign in the Hollywood hills. Dignified and enduring, the terroir has been producing wine since 2000 BC.

I am exploring this river on a Viking Cruise, where an outside deck becomes my viewing station for the spectacular scenery I experience. As our ship gently glides along the glassy Douro, the trees and small buildings reflect perfectly, like twins, along the river bank. I feel cozy and tucked in. Ducks emerge from the water ahead and flee upward to escape our approach. Is this the Tunnel of Love?

This fertile valley breathes freely without the clutter of freeways, big hotels or Starbucks to distract from its playground. Alluring villages cluster tightly together as if in solidarity to keep their heritage alive. The Douro valley communities share their unique gifts with each other offering specialities of pork, wine, cheese, bread, and olive oil.

White-washed quintas, olive groves, orange and persimmon trees deliver bursts of color amidst the wintery, avocado-green landscape. The tranquility is profound and meditative. Only the lullaby of a soft breeze occupies the air. Clouds hang so low in an airbrushed effect that I feel like I’m part of a painting, a collage of all things artistic and beautiful. One cannot help but feel connected to Mother Earth, part of her roots, reaching into her soul.

Terraced vineyard leading to their quintas.

Lazy dogs fall under her spell and sleep alongside the vines. They must feel the peaceful energy, too. Yes, life here in the Douro Valley seems idyllic, although I’m sure the locals feel the same daily pressures we do. It’s just at a slower pace, in an environment that fosters the use of its nature-provided ingredients to serve up exquisite wine and port alongside other things good that present on a tapas plate. I long to return. It’s a love story not yet finished.

“What I do, and what I dream include thee, as the wine must taste of its own grapes.”
― Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Sonnets from the Portuguese and Other Poems

Ciao for now!

Mary

This story was ready to hit the press on Christmas Eve but because of wifi issues onboard our river cruise, the photos could not be uploaded.

It’s Christmas Eve in Passau, Germany. My mom and I are breaking tradition to enjoy a European holiday via a river cruise that stops everyday in charming towns along the Danube. This is a special time of year because the Christmas Markets, or Christkindlmarkt, light up and give warmth to the cold, bringing family and friends together to celebrate the season.

A spectacular backdrop for these festive markets.

Huddled together sharing good food, good drink and good times.

All you need to keep warm is a mug of Glühwein, a hot spiced red wine and brandy concoction with the optional spike of rum. Everything is really happy after just one of these!

These stands dominate the markets. I loved their display of mugs.

The Christmas markets date back to as early as 1294, the first markets taking place in Germany and Austria. The medieval markets provided the warmth of fires, supplies such as hats, gloves and coats, pots of hot soup and I’m sure plenty of warm drink. This was a gathering place for camaraderie and merriment.

Bratwurst is the king of Bavaria. Three skinny grilled sausages are served in a rye bread bun, slathered with local spicy mustard and a heaping of sauerkraut. It's delicious! — Bratwurst is the king of Bavaria. Three skinny grilled sausages are served in a rye bread bun, slathered with local spicy mustard and a heaping of sauerkraut. It’s delicious!

These two guys are serious about their brats!

Nuremburg all dressed up for the holidays.

These traditional Bavarian figures made of walnuts and prunes date have their origins in the 17th century. — These traditional Bavarian figures made of walnuts and prunes have their origins in the 17th century.

The artisans that display their work here all unite to recreate the feel of the Middle Ages and what may have been the handcrafts of the time. Decorated stalls of handmade ornaments of straw and wood, beeswax candles, all forms of angels, toys, intricate wooden silhouettes, traditional cookies and strudel line the streets.