Whilst back in the UK everyone roasted, we awoke to rain! Trusty umbrella to the fore, we queued to see the Liveraria Lello, an exquisitely carved book shop, where we purchased an expensive Spanish copy of Alice in Wonderland. It was definitely a surreal location, no wonder this and the next-door shop became parts of Hogwarts; Diagonal Ally and Ollivanders! We mooched round the impressive cathedral, Sé on the way to cross the river by the lower bridge next; no fun in the rain.
Late morning found us still dodging raindrops climbing the opposite bank wending our way between the Port wine cellars. We took the really interesting self-guided Taylors tour and subsequent tasting. The cooler coastal climate was where the port created from grapes harvested in the Douro valley, was traditionally matured before bottling ready for sale. Entertained by peacocks in the cellar courtyard we tasted Taylor's port during a brief sunny spell. The port went to my head so I saved my can of chip dry white port & tonic for later!
A refusal to climb again, meant we splashed out on the gondola ride up to the top and I was persuaded to cross the high bridge at a pace. We were rushing back to Gravity for our complimentary tea and cake to say hello to our son who was on his way to a music festival on the outskirt of Porto.
Wading through flooded streets the evening found us attending a Fado dinner. The waiting staff serenaded us between courses, with traditional mournful ballads. Low brow Porto fado is sung by men and women. The grandmother, a fado singer herself on the adjacent table made my day, joining in and duetting with the young fadoista, much to her family’s delight and granddaughters’ embarrassment!
Photos - just my snaps!
Porto
Comments