porto, also last summer (ii)

I found it really intriguing that Porto reminded me of Lisbon so much, since they're not at all the same. Despite some locations having the exact same name, the other obvious similarity I found was the fact that these are both riverside cities. 

We went from São Bento's station and walked around all day, visiting the Palácio de Cristal (where a bookfair was taking place) and enjoying the wonderful view we could get of the city. Then we descended to the Ribeira before going back again. 

porto, also last summer (i)

We took an hour-long train trip to Porto, the second largest city in Portugal (or Oporto, as English-speaking fellows usually say). I hadn't been there for almost 10 years, and I couldn't quite remember how it was like. Not surprisingly, I loved it.
The colourful streets resembling Lisbon and the gloomy look to it were a wonderful surprise. 

aveiro, last summer.

Almost a year ago, I went to Aveiro to visist my friend Carolina. For some reason, I never got round to publishing the photographs, until now. 

We went for a boat ride around the city, which allowed us to get a view of some curious locations and a brief history lesson on the city and its inhabitants. Afterwards, we strolled around and visited a park, the university campus and crossed the most beautiful bridge I've ever had the chance to cross. 

Aveiro is a beautiful city - by the sea and river, it has wonderful spots and the architecture is just dashing. I must say that I have no trouble picturing myself living here, since it seems to be such a dynamic place despite not even being one of the 'main' Portuguese cities. Can't wait to go back.

lavender, lavender.

pins.

It seems that lately all I seem to post about are things that I own. Oh well. Since apparently the 90's are coming back in full force, everyone seems to be loving scrunchies, crop tops and... pins. Being a 90's girl, I don't think I would ever be able to resist this trend (didn't even try to fight it - sorry not sorry!). And look at how cute these are! I think they're the most perfect complement to summer outfits and have been wearing them to death. 

Although many people don't seem to like them very much (the trend, not the pins specifically), I think they serve as a reminder to just have fun with whatever you're wearing - good to remember it sometimes!

*The pins were bought as a set on Stradivarius. Sadly, they don't seem to be available any longer. 

costa nova and the beach blues.

Oh, Costa Nova. Where the houses are stripy and deliciously close to the sea. One of the most iconic places in the country, it has a real (also stripy!), almost comic-like giant lighthouse - unfortunately, I couldn't get a decent photograph, since it was so dark when I had a glimpse of it. But I was beyond impressed, surely. 

I'm definitely not a beach-person. But for the stripy houses, I wouldn't mind moving there. 

belated birthday mini-haul.

It's almost been a month! Here are some presents that I got:

• A Mr. Wonderful cute keyring shared by me and one of my best friends;
• Fangirl, by Rainbow Rowell;
• A mysteriously covered book (1984 by George Orwell) - one of the most original ones I've seen;
• A beautiful set of necklaces from Pull&Bear - no longer available on the website, sorry!