Porto

I have the most glorious view of the Porto skyline from the two big windows in my room at Sandeman. Directly opposite is the jumble of orange-roofed houses going steeply uphill to the Cathedral. Eiffel’s iron bridge is to my right and downstream towards the sea to my left.

I arrived on a hot Saturday afternoon and the waterfront area was packed with people. The cafes were overflowing with tourists and locals, all enjoying a drink and listening to street musicians. Later in the evening, as I came back from Lello’s, there was another photo to be taken of the sunset.

There was dinner at a long table served in the hostel (pumpkin soup, turkey w. rice and salad, melon for dessert, all for €7.50).  I happened to be sitting next to 3 students of architecture, two boys from Japan and one girl from Argentina.

Sunday morning dawned cold and foggy. No more blue skies! The riverbank was practically deserted; merrymakers were now replaced by joggers, cyclists and rowers. After a plentiful breakfast, I set off to visit the Cathedral: across the iron bridge and up the funicular. I was greeted by this notice:

Pest!  Just what I needed on my tight schedule.

There was a door open for people going on the Caminho to get their Credencial, so I was able to peep in and take a couple of photos:

I decided to go for a bus ride instead, taking the hop on hop off red bus out to the sea and the lighthouse and back along the river. I didn’t hop off at all, as I knew if would be a long wait in the cold for the next bus to come along!

I think he is setting off on the Caminho.

Back in town , I found myself near to Da Terra Restaurant. It was time for another plate full of veggies. Next door is a famous tee shirt shop, Typographia, so I couldn’t resist buying one. The designs are so clever and one based on the Porto skyline caught my eye. I haven’t bought a tee shirt in 10 years!