15/09/2015
I’m not really very good at reading. Yet I love books
It seems like we will have rainy weather all the way to Porto today. Good weather for a book or two. Or perhaps 250 000 of them?
The oldest reference to the Library of the University of Coimbra is in 1513 about some reparation work required for some leaks, which implies that this Study Library, as it was then called, was already in existence for some time. In the 18th Century, King João V sponsored the construction of a new building to house the library. Today, it houses 250 000 books. Very old books, that is. Bats are kept in the library to eat any stray moths that might have their sight on some of the books.
After attempting the narrow streets of Coimbra to find the library, we eventually parked next to the river, and walked up the rather steep hill. Access to the library is strictly controlled. You simply don’t just pop in for a quick look. A ticket is required, which gives you a time slot. Until then, you are welcome to see some of the palace, where the university was first housed, and even have a meal along with some of the local students in the canteen.
The library is stunning, and we were bitterly disappointed that we were not allowed to take photo’s.
By the time we got back down the hill to our car, we were soaked from the rain, and decided to abandon all other plans we had to stop along the way to Porto, and rather just drive directly there. Apparently, the rain caused quite a bit of havoc in Porto today, and we chose to spend the rest of our day to find, and settle into our accommodation.
I would have to recommend Miss’Opo, a very charming restaurant where we had a great meal, The restaurant has no signage outside, and when Niel suggested politely to the owner that they should put some form of sign up, he simply shrugged, and rambled something that I suspect meant “we don’t need it”. They don’t. If you did not make a reservation, chances are, you’ll end up sharing a large table with all the other lucky people who happened to just wonder into this charming restaurant. One of the items on the menu is simply called “Deal with it”. You get a can of sardines, which you have to open yourself, and some other ingredients – you have to just deal with it yourself.
I suspect we will enjoy Porto.
