A day exploring

Yesterday was a much appreciated leisurely start with breakfast at 10 at a restaurant right next door to our apartment.

When we’re away, John loves a market so it seemed appropriate that our first stop was Mercado do Bolhao simply to make him jealous. The market is Porto’s most important food market and the current building dates back to the early 20th Century.

Next stop was the cathedral, dating back to the 12th Century and a mix of Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque architecture. The gilding and decoration was fantastic and paid for by the wealthy of Porto, hoping to secure paradise. Wonder how well that worked for them?

Embracing our inner tourists, we took a boat trip along the Douro river, learned about the bridges that cross it and had the best view of the historic Ribiera district.

Our walk back to the apartment was via the church of Sao Francisco, one of the most prominent monuments in Porto, noted for it gothic carves and gilded interior. Sadly, photos weren’t allowed. We’d already caused a stir when Liz used the disabled toilet in the market and felt trying to take a sneaky photo could permanently turn Porto against us. You can use your imagination when I say that 400 – 700 kg of gold dust were used in its decoration.

We were able to take photos in the catacombs under the church, beautifully quiet and peaceful which is always a bonus when dealing with dead bodies in tombs.

Porto is hilly and not just an up and down hill! We walked up and down and up and down and repeat! Our apartment about 20 minutes walk from the river, at the top of the hill, and the walk back to get freshened up for dinner was hard work. We stopped halfway for a much needed cake and coffee stop in a small art deco patisserie, before coming across The Arruada de Ranchos. A procession of folk groups through the streets of Porto during the São João festivities

Hoping to see a Fado concert, had booked a restaurant back down near the river on the recommendation or our Air bnb host. So, less than an hour after climbing up the hill, we were heading back down for dinner. Our walking tour guide talked about the most beautiful McDonalds in the world and she was probably right. With its art deco glass, chandeliers and security guard it was a sight.

Something had been lost in translation. We are in a lovely tapas restaurant with fantastic views across the Douro to a backdrop of ABBA. Not quite what we had in mind and definitely better than planned. Fortified by the food and a glass of port with dessert, we made it back up the hills with not a grumble amongst us.