Porto, Portugal
The humility that comes from modest beginnings is bedrock, upon which enduring civilizations are built. Commonality of suffering binds people and increases their compassion for others; unified they become strong.
People born of hardship remember and celebrate their common adversity. We spent a full day in Porto living among such people.
Porto harbour and the port wine trading district on the Douro River.
During the Age of Discovery, the people of Portugal were called upon to supply ships and armies with provisions, often to the detriment of the civilian population. The vast resources required to outfit exploratory expeditions drained coastal Portugal’s resources.
On one particular excursion, Prince Henry the Navigator, the king’s eldest son, was embarking on a mission to conquer the port of Ceuta in North Africa. The people of Porto were compelled to supply Henry’s boats with provisions, including all of their fresh beef and pork. The only meat available in the city was animal innards.
Driven by hunger, Porto chefs concocted a dish using beef or pork tripe, combined with cabbage, carrots, and beans.
Tripas à moda do Porto became a staple dish, a testament to Porto’s resilience.
Their sacrifice earned the people of Porto the demonym “tripe eaters”. The nickname, a reminder of their suffering, has endured for more than 600 years. To this day, residents of Porto proudly call themselves …
…Tripeiros.
Bear and I visited Monumento Aos Tripeiros, near Porto harbour. We were able to get a sense of what it is to be a Tripe Eater.
A special Thank You to Celia, our tour guide today, and a proud Tripeiro!
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Gg
Just in time for breakfast 🍳
Russ Paton
Innards, but no peanut butter 🤩