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  • Walking Europe's Edge

  • Reflections on Portugal
  • By: Stephen Powell
  • Narrated by: Stephen Powell
  • Length: 6 hrs and 36 mins
  • 5.0 out of 5 stars (1 rating)

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Walking Europe's Edge

By: Stephen Powell
Narrated by: Stephen Powell
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Summary

Portugal is both a celebrated and an unknown land. Millions come to enjoy its beaches and the fashionable coastal cities of Lisbon and Porto. In this sense it looms large in the minds of many. But its out-of-the-way places, its turbulent history and contemporary challenges are little-known outside of the country's boundaries.

From autumn 2018 to spring 2019, British journalist Stephen Powell traveled the length of Portugal, following a zigzag path of nearly 1,500 kilometers on foot. Away from the mass tourism, he wanted to form his own unhurried impressions of this very distinctive country.

He discovered a very mixed reality. The dark side was the blight of rural exodus that is emptying so many villages. But he also found a profoundly generous, warm-hearted people with time to converse—a gift that is not found everywhere.

©2021 Stephen Powell (P)2023 Stephen Powell
  • Unabridged Audiobook
  • Categories: History

Critic reviews

"Stephen Powell's beautifully written account of his life-changing walk through Portugal enriches the reader with his insights and impressions of the country's history, culture, scenery, and spirit. For me, the book was a fascinating journey of discovery through Portugal's lesser-known provinces...." (Valerie Poore, memoir author)

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Next Best Thing To Going There Yourself!

First time I have ever listened to a travel log as I'm always a war history buff.
So from the battlefields of Falkands, Iraq and Afghanistan I went on a very pleasant journey among a peace loving land and people.

I did however have a vested interest for switching from my normal genre as I would one day like to move to Portugal, away from the tourist regions, so this book was perfect for a spot of friendly reconnaissance.

It was a real delight to travel with Mr Powell, His easy going style and ability to paint a picture made it the next best thing to actually going there yourself. Certainly better than any Lonely Planet guidebook or amateur YouTube upload.

The little titbits of Portugal's history and culture along the way 'broke up the journey'.

The only spoiler in the whole book was the reminder of Covid lockdown near the end (but I'll blame the overreaching political authorities for that not Mr Powell).

The best recommendations I can give this book is that listening has only heightened my aspiration to move to a non'-tourist area of Portugal And secondly, it has opened up a whole new genre of audible books to listen to when wanting a pleasant change from war histories.

Very highly recommended, even if you are not thinking about moving to Portugal.

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