Day 22 - Porto (26-Apr-2018)

Ursi had to move the car by 8am from outside our apartment, as it is pay as you go meter parking limited to a maximum of 4 hours on a working day to a near by parking station for 5 Euros a day. She was hoping to buy bread rolls on the way back but learnt that the bakery in the supermarket doesn’t open until 8.30am. Back she went at 8.30 and much to her annoyance had to wait 20 minutes to be served (noting that she doesn’t do queues); she got the 4 fresh bread rolls, she had 1 for breakfast and made sandwiches with the other 3 for us to take with for lunch.

Today, we had planned to go on a free walking tour; armed with our lunch, bottle of water, cameras etc made our to the meeting place for the start of the tour.  After a brief introduction of name and where you come from, our group comprised of 3 German girls, a retired Polish couple (she an architect), a young couple from Holland, a young male Spaniard and our guide a young Irish guy, very appropriate for a tour of Porto in English. As we discovered during the next 3 hours in his company, he was very knowledgeable on Porto and Portuguese politics and history which he imparted with Irish humour; not sure if everyone in the touring party got his humour. To give him his dues, he made it interesting and worthwhile and our tip reflected that. 

It had been a long morning, especially for Ursi, so we decided to come back to the apartment to eat lunch and chill. Made a couple of accommodation bookings for the upcoming week before heading out to explore areas of Porto not yet explored. Both of us enjoy Porto immensely; it has the right vibes for us. One such area led us to a viewing point (off the beaten track) of River Douro; a meeting place of scores of young people and students enjoying a beer or two or three as you do, It got me in the mood too, so got a couple of beers for us (a first for me for a long time, no, not the buying, the drinking of) much to Ursi’s surprise.

Got talking to a couple of guys playing self made didgeridoos, sounded really good.

Another guy was playing a guitar whilst others were enjoying catching up with mates. Good vibes all-round.

After a tad more walking, made our way back to the apartment for dinner; which was had in a restaurant adjacent to the one from last night. Half a rib for me and salmon for Ursi with a shared salad and chips washed down with a glass of red for Ursi and the holy water for me. As per last night, my kind of restaurant; quality tucker cooked very well and friendly service all at a very reasonable price. Nice way to end another beautiful day in Porto.