Summer in Porto

Hello from Porto!

Summer is in full swing here in Portugal, and the comfortable weather makes it all the more enjoyable! Porto has nice seasonal temperatures (in the low 70's), usually sunny with a few cloudy or rainy days mixed in - and the only drawback for me has been a little sneezing from some allergies 🤧. Otherwise, it's a wonderful place to be in the summertime!

Covid is still happening here, unlike the U.S. where it seems to be over. Life in Porto is pretty much back to normal, with most businesses and restaurants open. There are still not as many tourists as usual (which is okay with me.) But masks are required indoors at stores and restaurants - and outdoors where you can't socially distance.

Portugal has had a hard time getting enough supply of vaccines, and keep in mind the entire country is the size of Los Angeles. The case numbers are going back up at the moment, and Lisbon (thankfully not Porto) is back to closing down at 3:30pm on Saturday and Sundays. The country is vaccinating as many people as quickly as possible to avoid more restrictions. The projections are that the numbers should drastically reduce as the months go on. We'll see.

I don't think Portugal will go back into a full lockdown like last winter. But one thing I've learned since I started my travels is that you never know what the future holds - so you just have to roll with it...

The Most Beautiful McDonald's

Someone told me that Porto had one of the most beautifully decorated McDonald's in the world. I thought he was kidding, but a quick Google search proved that this is actually true. I rarely eat at McDonalds, but I had to make a visit. What do you think? Is this the most beautiful McDonald's you've ever seen?

Livraria Lello

Every time I walk past this bookstore, there is a line of people waiting to get in. At first I thought maybe there was a book signing with some famous author. But upon further investigation, I found that Livraria Lello is one of the oldest bookstores in Portugal and rated amongst the top bookstores in the world! There's a Harry Potter connection too! Click here to see the full video! Oh, "Livraria" means "bookstore" in English - and there are lots of Livrarias around Porto.

Porto Legends: The Underground Experience

This was a really fun way to learn about the history of Porto, and Portugal in general. The presentation and special effects were awesome! It's a lot of information to absorb in just under an hour, but you leave with a much better understanding of the origins of the country. If you like wine, this is the place to be!

Finally...

I'm really enjoying my summer here in Porto, and it's hard to believe that I only have another four weeks left. I'll be a bit sad to leave because I've met some really nice people and made friends. So on August 1st, it's back to Lisbon for a month!

I can't wait to see some of my filmmaking friends again, and am planning to be involved in a couple film projects as well. Super fun times ahead. But for now, I'm just relishing my time in beautiful Porto.

Thanks for following along!

ACTOR // CREATIVE // VOICE TALENT

TAPP

Bob Tapper

tapp@bobtapper

www.bobtapper.com

Outside US: +01 9494846275

Inside US: (949) 484-6275

Welcome to Porto

Hello from Porto!

Well, I made it to Porto! I'm really excited to explore another part of Portugal. People in Lisbon told me Porto has beautiful buildings and landscape, with cooler temperatures, more rain, and an overall different weather climate. I've found all of these things to be true. Most homes and apartments don't have air conditioning, so the cooler temperatures should be welcome this summer!

My Airbnb is super modern and nice, and really conveniently located. As soon as I walk out of my building, there are amazing restaurants and shops everywhere. The University of Porto is nearby, so there's a youthful feel to the area as well. I'm sure that if the usual amount of tourists were around, it would be really popping! But right now, there is just enough activity for me, and I am loving it!

The Douro River

Since I'd been here before, I knew I'd be spending much of my time near the Douro River and marveling at the six beautiful bridges that cross it! The Douro flows throughout Spain, and empties to the Atlantic Ocean here in Porto. The restaurants and atmosphere along the walkway next to the river is so electric! The people are friendly, and buskers provide the music vibe. The area is also full of history. More on that next month.

Porto (and Portugal in general) is known for their amazing wines, and the Douro provides access for the wine boats to transport it - as shown in the first photo below. You also see the Dom Luís I Bridge in the background. This double-deck bridge connects Porto (left side of the photo) to the city and municipality of Vila Nova de Gaia - also known as just "Gaia" (which is the hub for port wine.)

Along the river bank is The Ribeira (meaning riverside), Porto's riverside quarter. It's one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city, and known for the tall, colorful building terraces which make up the main part of the river bank.

Set against the stunning blue skies of Portugal, this is a sight that never gets old. A night time boat ride is certainly in the future!

Selina

I've written before about my love of coworking spaces. I missed not joining one in Lisbon. My apartment there was quite spacious, and with the December holidays followed by lockdown, it just didn't make sense. So I worked from home. But I found a wonderful coworking space here and joined right away!

Selina (www.selina.com) provides guests with beautiful places to stay, travel, and work indefinitely. There are a few Selina's in the United States, but they are mainly located in Mexico, Latin American, and the U.K. - with six locations here in Portugal. They offer a great place to network, make friends, have fun, be healthy, and explore the city you are in. They are environmentally and socially conscious, and growing every day with new locations!

As you can see, the facade is decorated with stunning gold tiles and a pattern that really captures the eye. Inside and upstairs is a large, open workspace area with a high ornate white ceiling, modern light fixtures, and wide structural pillars. The large windows open up so you can let in a nice breeze. It's such a comfortable place - and the people are super nice.

The Street He Lives On

I met some great people and hopefully made some lasting friendships from my Filmmaking Lisboa group in Lisbon. One filmmaker, Hussene Keshavjee, cast me in a short film along with Rae Hannah and Fausto Muniz. Rae plays my daughter, and I can certainly see a resemblance. Do you agree? We shot the film in my apartment and I loved being part of the creative team that made this happen. Hope you enjoy it!

Finally...

I'm really looking forward to being in Porto this summer. I feel very productive and in a good groove. I once again joined a gym, and it's within walking distance from my apartment. Having my coworking space so close by is also really convenient. I walk to everything!

I can stay healthy and in shape, get lots of work done, take in gorgeous scenery, and have tons of restaurants nearby to choose from. I was told, and have to agree, the food is Porto is really fresh and tasty. It's going to be a great summer!

Thanks for following along!

ACTOR // CREATIVE // VOICE TALENT

TAPP

Bob Tapper

tapp@bobtapper

www.bobtapper.com

Outside US: +01 9494846275

Inside US: (949) 484-6275

Opening up in Lisbon

Hello from Lisbon!

Oh, what a difference a month makes! We finally began opening up in April, and things are feeling more normal. Life is so good! It's been a time to start checking some sites off my list that I wanted to see and experience here in Lisbon before moving to Porto.

Meet Vincent Van Gogh

I've been waiting so long to see this exhibit! Even during lockdown, I was able to take train rides. One train I rode frequently always went by this big yellow tent-type building in Belém where the Meet Vincent Van Gogh (www.meetvincent.com) exhibit is located. It was closed during lockdown, but finally opened in April - so off I went! I've seen the Van Gogh exhibit in Amsterdam, and this one did not disappoint. It's a magical and multi-sensory journey through his life! What made it especially nice was that I was there with only a handful of people since there are few tourists, with even locals still slow to venture out.

Lunch in Almada

Almada is a city and municipality in Portugal, and only a short boat ride from Lisbon across the Tagus River. It's known for having some of the freshest fish around, so I headed over for lunch! My lunch consisted of fresh sea bass, potatoes, and a glass of wine for only about $10 USD!

Learning About Sound

Being a part of the Filmmaking Lisboa (https://www.filmmakinglisboa.com) group has given me the opportunity to make some friends and learn more aspects of good filmmaking. One day the group gathered for a learning session on "sound" - which is so important. Good sound and lighting are two key ingredients for making films that look professional (like big studio movies), and not amateurish (like a bad student film.)

Finally...

My next blog will come to you from Porto, Portugal! I really have some mixed feelings about the move. I'm excited to see more of Portugal because I do love it here, however I've been told Porto is quite different from Lisbon (think Los Angeles vs. San Francisco). The cooler and wetter climate may be perfect for the summer though!

Lisbon has been wonderful in so many ways, and I never expected to be here this long. I actually feel somewhat grounded here, but at the same time really looking forward to continued travel. There are more places to see, more people to meet, and more experiences to be had. I'll be back to Lisbon for sure!

Thanks for following along! Stay safe and healthy everyone!

ACTOR // CREATIVE // VOICE TALENT

TAPP

Bob Tapper

tapp@bobtapper

www.bobtapper.com

Outside US: +01 9494846275

Inside US: (949) 484-6275