Europan 12 | Almada - Porto Brandão
Porto Novo
“ I walked down from the University to Porto Brandao, going through the vineyards. The delicate aroma of Fernao Pires grapes assuaged me with its notes of exotic fruit. Mixed to the sea breeze, it elated me. Looking up, the Tejo river met the ocean.
I arrived to the old Lazareto, where the cellars of the well know white wine Lazareto, genuine and organic, are located. Here, thanks to the new dedicated spaces of biology faculty, accurated selections and controls are been done for one of the most beloved Portuguese product. I went down to the road that twisted and turned from west hill to the village and I was surrounded by the colors of vegetable gardens of ancient houses. Northbound, at the other side of the street I was accompanied by the blue of Tejo river. The church square in front of me was crowded of children, pedestrians and bikes.
I followed the water cutting crossed from the church to Rua Capitao Ribeiro da Cruz to rejoin the Tejo river. I moved through the palm tree gardens that seeps the clear light of the sky and the river water. The arbor framed the see and Lisbon view. Finally I sat on this terrace’s harbour by the bay. There’s a warm light and once can feel the sea breeze and the summer which is almost here. Along the dock sides there were several moored boats and people that enjoyed the summer breeze. At the left side voices and clamors came from new fish market. There was a pleasant mood in the air.
I look towards Lisbon and saw, through the palm gardens, the ferry-boat docked and there my foreigner friends, who were fascinated by this place. The new building received them. From here I could see the bridge that, imposing, connect Almada to Lisbon. The students’ voices came from their residences mingled with just now arrived tourist voices”. I will carry them out with bicycles along the waterfront, I will let them visit the Azinhaga dos Fornozhinos vineyard and I will order that white wine which they like so much. Then we will go to the restaurant located inside the new fish market’s building and I will order the wonderful claims and we will not leave the restaurant without testing the fresh grilled fish. At night I will bring them to the concert at the amphitheater on the est hill. The urban rhythms of Porto Brandao accompanied us until the first light of the new day ”.
