We took a Viking River Cruise on the Douro River in Portugal and added three days in Madrid, Spain before we boarded our boat, the Viking Helgrim. My mother came with us, it was so nice to spend time traveling with her again. We have often traveled with my parents, but my dad decided to stay home with the dog this time.
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The Viking Helgrim
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Bridge over the Douro in Porto, Portugal
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Russ on our balcony, Mom behind him from her balcony.
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As we return from a day trip.
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Fishing at the mouth of the Douro River.
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My favorite thing about the trip was being able to use my Spanish. I've been studying the language for about four years now, mostly online with Duolingo and Italki (more recently), and I was thrilled to use it. Even though we spent more time in Portugal, I really improved my conversational Spanish. Even my Spanish tutor on Italki noticed! I feel like I leveled up. I find it easier to watch Spanish language programs now, too. Listening comprehension is my weak area, still.
