Coimbra is a very old university city. It used to be the hub of learning for Portugal with very strict guideli es for its students. Even now the students wear a cape over their clothing to obscure the wealth or poverty of any given student.Andy took us on a self guided walking tour through the old city and we bought tickets to enter the university library which holds an enormous collection of old books. The ticket also got us entry to some of the other rooms in the university.Later in the day we went to see a Fado show. This is a unique style of music to Coimbra although Fado is also sung in other Portugese towns. Here it is only sung or played by male students or teachers. Traditionally they were love songs sung to young ladies. There is also a unique stringed instrument somewhere.between a guitar and a sitar that is played by the musicians. I enjoyed the show because the songs and history were explained both in Portugese and English.Delicious lunch in a sidewalk cafe. Beautiful day in the old city.
