May 23rd

We awoke and went out to buy breakfast and other stuffs – only a little, because we have to carry it back. We went to Lidl store. We haven't been in on of these yet. So a little side, we have been buying and trying the different store brands of coconut yogurt. I'll put in a plug for Lidl's yogurt. Probably one of the best if not the best. It is something we have been able to find so far, almost everywhere. Anyway, went back to our place and ate breakfast. Then we set out.

Jeff had reserved us a free walking tour – lasts about 2.5 hrs. We arrived to 5 tour guides and a bunch of people. Our group ended up being 22 people. The guide we were assigned to, has a history major, and has been giving these tours for 10 yrs. We started in a huge square in downtown – Praca da Liberdade. It has large, grand buildings facing it – a couple of these are hotels, one is the city hall (with the instagram sign of Porto in front of it). There is also a massive amount of construction going on. Our guide said another metro line is being put in to go to the main hospital, because there isn't enough parking up there.

We moved on to the exquisite main train terminal. Beautiful tiled interior in picture form. Of course building the station took longer and cost more than was projected… sounds about right. Anyway, it was very crowded inside as it's art, and everyone wants to see it. It was completed couple years after 1910 (the date inscribed in the station). Interestingly, the builder did not include any ticket booths, or restrooms, so these had to be added.

Next he lead us to Teatro Nacional Sao Joao, and pushed the shopping area around here. He went into history of Porto and the Catholic church. He said Porto at one time had the highest density of Catholic churches and convents of all Europe. There are a number of them. We did not tour any, nor did he talk about any particular one on the tour. 

Next he lead us to the biggest section of medieval wall left (that has been restored), and one of six bridges. The bridge was built by a student of the maker of Eiffel Tower. On the other bank, is the row of Port wine houses, and wooden boats in front of the houses that used to bring the port wine from the vineyards to age here in the houses. It is a very busy area and picturesque. He gave us 10 minutes to take our photos and explore the bridge & wall.

Joining back up we went down many steps. He took us to a place to get dessert. Then on through the center of medieval Porto. He talked of how the city center was dying and abandoned, and how Porto is re-establishing it. Then he led us to the river, Douro, and the tour ended. We enjoyed and left in search of lunch.

Found a restaurant, and had set menus. We both had soup of the day: creamed potatoes, carrots, and pumpkin. I had main of bacalhau – a Portuguese dish of cod – shredded with seasonings and sides of salad and rice. Jeff had main of grilled pork chop with sides of rice, frites, and salad. We enjoyed.

Then went for a port tasting. We tried – well I tried three kinds: a white, a ruby and a tawny…. I'm a tawny Port girl. Jeff tried the white… He'll stick with, rather without  Port.  🙁   So sad for him, but happy day for Paula. Also went and found me some coffee – I just ran out of my coffee from Spice Merchant back home.

Now we stopped in a church, Igreja da Lapa. It was free and open. Nice main alter. It was a painting, I'm pretty sure. The heart of King Pedro IV is encased inside the church, something to do with Porto supporting him during a revolution attempt by his brother. 

We went back to our place, did laundry, vegged and then showered. Had French type supper, and then went for sunset.