Sunshine inspired a trip to the beach. We caught the bus to the coast, watching as Porto morphed into promenades and pebbled beaches. After the bus veered inland we opted to stop at the first sandy beach. I paddled in the clear, freezing ocean. Deciding a swim was a tad optimistic so early in the day, we opted to amble back instead. It was an interesting long walk, more industrial, than we imagined, the concrete radiating heat. Parched, we lunched in a tiny café on the cobbled streets overlooking the Douro, with a great view of the double bridge and the row of restaurants and the market we explored the day before.
Later, after purchasing souvenirs from the market stalls on the opposite bank, watching locals tombstone from the bridge, the river becconed! We took an enjoyable ride on a wooden Rabelo, traditionally used to transport barrels down the Douro before the river was dammed, between the famous bridges. Interesting hearing the commentary in various languages, surprisingly my schoolgirl French won out; Spanish was too rapid!
Abandoning our search for our free glass of port, we detoured braving the vertiginous walk up to sample the view looking back towards historic Porto from the Jardim de Moro. Enjoying the sunshine in a café bar at the top of the gondola, (I was in trouble for wanting to walk again) watching Porto and river go about its business, we decided we should enjoy the sunset and stay and eat. Early closing found us in the garden watching the cloudy dusk slowly descend, my hopes of sunset dashed, revealing twinkling twilight. Too much wine! I even agreed to walk the scary upper level back.
Photos - just my snaps!
Porto
Our ramblings through Porto
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