by Tom Coonelly

Have you ever been to Portugal? You can experience wine country from the grape level through the eyes of two cyclo-tourists.

What’s it like to camp in a vineyard? What are the growers and vintners like?

What’s the difference between green grapes, white grapes and red grapes – or is there a difference? Where does Port come from, anyway?

What’s it like to spend your days wandering around a foreign land on a bicycle, to meet and live among the people, to interact with them on a personal level?

What’s it like to travel by bicycle instead of bus or train?

And if you do choose to wander, what sights will you see beyond the usual tourist attractions: museums, churches, fountains and cities? What will you experience?

What are the people like? Are they different from us? If they are — how so? And if not — how are we similar? What do they eat? Drink? How do they dress? Do they watch TV? Listen to MP3 players, talk constantly on cell phones? What is their life like? Are they friendly?

Got your attention?

If these questions piqued your interest, come to the Traveler’s Journal presentation by Willie Weir on April 7 and see what it’s like to tour the world at ground level as he shares his experiences cycling and camping in Portugal. You won’t be disappointed.

About the presenter:

Willie Weir is a columnist for Adventure Cyclist magazine, a frequent contributor to public radio station KUOW in Seattle and author of “Travels with Willie” and “Spokesongs: Bicycle Adventures on Three Continents.” His two-wheel adventures have taken him all over the globe — from the horse tracks of the highlands of Lesotho, to the war-torn roads of Bosnia, to the back roads of Colombia. He is the recipient of gold and bronze Lowell Thomas Awards from the Society of American Travel Writers. Each year he speaks to thousands of students and adults, inspiring new adventurers and advocates.

Note:

This is the last Traveler’s Journal presentation for 2011. It’s been a great season filled with amazing adventures and interesting experiences. Now it’s up to you! Get off that couch. Turn off the TV. Get out the maps and guide books, polish your language skills, tune up your bicycle, kayak or whatever mode of transport you prefer and get out there. Experience life. Take pictures and then share your experiences with us as part of the 21st annual Traveler’s Journal series in 2012. We’ll be waiting …