Coimbra - Christmas

We arrived in Coimbra in the middle of a rain storm, so it took us quite a while to find somewhere to park and to find the apartment. The rain was coming down so hard at one point that we had to pull over and wait for it to ease off because the windscreen wipers could not go quick enough to clear the screen. When we eventually found the apartment we checked in and got the key-code, quickly unloaded what we needed from the van, and parked up in a secure underground carpark, where we would be leaving the van over Christmas. It worked out at about 9 euros per night, but given the location (right next to the apartment) and the low cost of the accommodation itself, we decided that this was perfectly fine, and it allowed us to pop back if we needed anything during the day and also safe in the knowledge that it is locked up at night and perfectly safe.

After dumping the luggage inside we quickly headed out into town in a desperate search to get each other Christmas gifts, nothing major, but just things to unwrap on the day. 

We walked into the town centre and then discovered the effect of the heavy downpour just a short while earlier. Shops were flooded, fountains overflowing, fire service pumping water out of buildings, and water pouring down the steps of a church. The flooded church seemed a little disturbing, not only due to it being Christmas Eve but the fact that only moments earlier I had made the comment that the rain had been of biblical proportions!...

Never the less we set out in search of less soggy shops and a few stocking fillers. 

Christmas Day itself was kept as traditional as we could (to our standards). This involved waking up and listening to Christmas music, whilst opening our gifts, some of which we had brought with us from the UK from family members. Followed by a nice stroll through town before coming back to cook Christmas dinner and watch classic Christmas comedy, and Top of The Pops 2 Christmas specials. Can you get more festive?

Needless to say, this involved lots of cheap wine, beer, and a bottle of port we picked up in Porto.

Boxing Day involved a walk up cobbled streets to the university area, where we were greeted by tourists from all over the world everywhere. This was a huge university square overlooking the city, followed by a short walk to the botanical gardens. Later in the evening we enjoyed a trip to a bar that featured Fado (traditional music). All in all quite a relaxing Christmas in Coimbra. We have stayed at Coimbra Vintage Loft Apartments, and I would highly recommend them based on their location, low price, and all around quality. They are not cheap by backpacking standards but they were low priced enough to make a difference over Christmas, without denting the budget too much.

Next, we are aiming for Nazare for New Year and the free beach party, but not before a couple of quick stop offs...