Porto, Portugal
Once in a while something happens that reassures you that you're on the right path in life. When it happens it's a really happy day, a day you draw inspiration from anytime doubts decide to come lurking. I had that kind of a day when I arrived in Porto for a lunch date with two very talented women Vanessa and Joana of dua2por3, a creative design firm. Their company does illustration, pattern design, graphic design, info-graphics and packaging design. I first discovered their work by coming across a collection of notebooks they've designed depicting scenes of everyday life and culture of Portugal. Each notebook design is a visual story giving you clues about the heart and soul of that region, transforming the blank pages within into an invitation to visit and write down your own discoveries... I knew I wanted to know more about them, their work and of course why they want to share their country, Portugal, with the world.
I traveled to Porto with three of my friends and a long weekend of "ladies at leisure" awaited us. My very first activity in Porto was to meet with Joana and Vanessa. Only in retro spec can my friends and I appreciate just how fortuitous that would be for our Porto experience.
My partners in crime.
• • •
Vanessa suggested we meet in front of Lello Bookstore,
which just so happens to be one of the most beautiful bookstores in the entire world!
Vanessa came to meet me and my friend M, who joined me for my "work stuff." She explained that Joana would be joining us later because she was showcasing her line of minimalist jewelry at a local artisan market and before that if we'd like we could take a walk and see some interesting parts of town. "Of course we would!"...screamed M and I a bit too aggressively. We quickly learned that Vanessa, besides owning a design company, is also an architect. She's a graduate of University of Porto, one of the oldest and prestigious Universities in Europe.
• • •
Which would explain how she knew so much about the beautiful tile clad facades
that made the city look cheerful even on this uncharacteristically dreary day.
As we walked along the pedestrian street Rua de Cedofeita, Vanessa told us how she met her business partner Joana, at a design course. Joana herself comes from a Business and Marketing background but like Vanessa, she's passionate about all things design and out of this shared desire to practice more creativity, the two ladies joined forces in a venture merging their different skill sets to enrich their design practice.
• • •
Shortly after we turned to seemingly nondescript, rather narrow street called Rua de Miguel Bombarda. At first glance it didn't seem to hold much interest and we wondered why Vanessa decided to lead us away from the center towards this area. Then of course she started pointing out delectable little gems such as art galleries featuring local artists, delicious tiny boutiques with locally made goods, a hotel without a sign with a secret garden in the back that hosts performances. This magical street revealed to house many doors to hidden wonders.
As Vanessa continued to tell us about these places we began to understand the spirit of Porto. A city full of inspiration, enthusiasm, creativity and locals who truly love and enjoy their city. It was a refreshing new view. Opposite to the grim news reports of economic decline of southern Europe and how seemingly the only thing to do is abandon ship leaving the region in search of work elsewhere. Porto was revealing itself as a city full of entrepreneurial energetic locals who are not focusing on negative predictions but instead are busy creating, discovering and building. No wonder the Univeristy of Porto's own incubator program UPTEC is a first place winner of Regio Stars award last year for smart growth.
• • •
Just when we thought we've seen it all, we ducked inside a door into a spacious ultra modern space, a stark contrast to the rustic exteriors outside. Vanessa announced that this was Centro Comercial Bombarda, a shopping "mini-mall" with innovative local and international brands, few galleries, and funky cafes and restaurant or two. There is also a courtyard where you can sit and enjoy a long Portuguese lunch.
• • •
But we were not yet sitting down for lunch, we now headed to the market to meet up with Joana. In a modern courtyard at the end of Rua das Flores was a little oasis where artists and creators displayed their treasures. There were edible goods, decor, accessories, organic personal care products, clothes and more. Shopping there you could literally stock the entire house and wardrobe!
Joana and Vanessa OF dua2por3 at Chocolateria das Flores
Joana turned out to also be just as friendly and sunny as Vanessa. Finally, now that I had the two ladies together I asked the question I've been wanting to ask them ever since coming across their Portugal inspired notebooks. Why? Why Portugal and why Porto? The girls glanced at each other before breaking into a chuckle. "Why? Well... because it's so NICE!" They elaborated by telling a story of how the idea was conceived. Upon finishing their course they won top spots in a design competition. To celebrate they went down to the waterside to enjoy some coffee and cake. It was sunny day, the view marvelous, coffee delicious as always sipped from a porcelain cup... and the idea stuck. Porto had something special! Everyone should come and experience it. It isn't about the historical monuments, or the UNESCO protected Ribeira neighborhood. But simply because of this intangible feeling of well being one gets from the simple act of sitting and drinking coffee overlooking the Duoro river... because it's so nice!
{ Wanderlust Notebooks }
Thank you ladies for not only sharing Porto and Portugal with all of us through your inspired notebooks, but also for being true global neighbors and making me and my friends' weekend in Porto so much more meaningful!!
JOANA AND VANESSA'S FAVORITES FOR PORTO:
Shop: Local creative brands along Rua Miguel Bombarda (See O Porto Cool photo reportage)
Lunch Spot: Rota Do Cha' for an Indian/Japanese inspired lunch of Portuguese proportions. Sit in the wonderfully zen garden weather allowing. On your way out do pick up some delicious tea at their downstairs boutique.
Afternoon pick me-up: Chocolateria das Flores for a real Parisian hot chocolate, yes the kind that tastes like a melted chocolate bar in a cup. Also try their artisanal bon bons... trust me.
And there are more... The ladies surprised me with a whole list of places to eat, needless to say we dined like queens! Our culinary discovery of Porto however will be a post of its own!
• • • LESSONS LEARNED • • •
It's good to fall in love with new places,
especially if they inspire you to fall in love with your own town.
Get everyday adventure ideas @LiveLikeYoureTraveling
Photo Credits: Lello Bookstore via Visitporto.travel, Gallery Hostel via Hostel.com, Rua de Cedofeita via Housing Just Landed, Centro Comercial Bombarda Courtyard via Hioporto.com, Art in Centro Comercial Bombarda via Valencia Out.
READ NEXT:
