PORTO - PORTUGAL

Hi everyone,

well after 36 hours of being up, sitting in areoplanes, walking around 6 hours at Changi airport and negotiating Frankfurt and Porto airports we are here!

Firstly, Singapore Airlines had reasonable leg room that even Dave couldn't complain. Great selection of movies, (had the Oscars collection) so 4 movies later we arrived in Singapore. Used the train to go from terminal to terminal and admire the flora, They now have free snooze rooms with sun lounger type beds - but all used up with bodies.

It was 3am NZ time we boarded the next plane for 12hour flight so both Dave and I had sleeping pills wihich got us 2 - 3 hours sleep. Then Frankfurt Airport. My God! We were late arriving and had only 1 and half hours to board the plane to Porto. Luckily same terminal, however had to queue for passport control, and then walk miles then queue for a long time to go through security checks. Didn't have to pick up bags so Dave not lugging them around. Had half hour to spare so rather proud of ourselves. Germany at least has signs in German and English so easy to navigate.

Porto airport was interesting. We arrived looking down on the city. We thought it was quite a small port town, but no,  it is 2 million people strong and lots of motorways from the air! Think Auckland. On the coast with the Dorou river mouth coming out. No security, passports or bag checks or anything - our biggest fear was that our bags were lost. But no - nearly cried when I saw them.

We were picked up by our driver Diago - young, drove like a maniac on 120km motorways but quite delightful sense of humour and good English.

Hotel - was on the main part of the historic town. Cobblestones, old buildings, statues and terricotta tile rooves everywhere. Quite hilly and all narrow roads go down to the river on both sides. Our hotel is great. Old art deco style, young, very good English people at reception and consierges?. they were so interested in NZ as they do not get many guests from there, and extremely helpful and good service.

We had to wait 2 hours to get to our room so went for a walk down to the main tourist area (about 5 mins walk downhill).

This is us 1 hour after arriving in Porto! Diago told us the local food was this amazing type toastie sandwich which was huge (Dave and I had half each) full of ham, meat, cheese, more meat and potatoe. Local beer is great called Superbock and I had a white sangria with lots of fruit in it. Very yum. Then we were entertained by a guitarist and a couple got up and danced the Portuguese equivalent of the salsa! Already got a lovely vibe about this place. Lots of tourists, nice weather (about 22C).

So then to bed for 3 hours sleep and up for another beer and admiring the scenery and old buildings.

Very narrow, cobblestone streets.

Our hotel is at the side.

NEXT DAY - SUNDAY

After 13 hours sleep we were ready to explore and discover, and this took all day! Hop on off bus was a godsend as we were able to get to places and see along the river. Honestly this place has an Auckland viaduct habour vibe. Lots of bikes and scooters for hire, lots of pathways for biking and walking. Lots of hills to climb!

Man outside McDonalds playing vegetables for music!

This folks is McDonalds opposite our hotel and go to for breakfast! they have ham and cheese toasties for breakfast but no hash browns. It is amazing - done out in art deco style (see stained glass pictures ) and outside lots of umbrellas and tables and leafy trees to sit under.

The port for large cruise ships is in the background.

Our first hop off was this beach. Lovely white sand, walkways, but only for surfing not swimming! 

Along from the beach was this old fort that protected the township in days of old. As Dave said, "so looking at old shit now starts!" Big discussion about what happened to Portugal in WW2? 

Dave was on a mission to go to this port winery across the river. I had ideas of vines, trees, wine under the umbrellas etc. It was this lovely old building in the middle of what I would call the viaduct harbour busy tourist mecca. He tasted 5 ports - one white, two ruby red and 2 tawny. I just watched and laughed at his serious wine taster face! We had a lovely young, good English waiter who had great knowledge of it all. Who would think port could be so interesting ?????

After that we went up in a gondala (think Queenstown) which took you from the riverside to the top lookout by a bridge which you walked across to the otherside. You can see below the buildings all on the hillside.

This was the bridge we walked across and competed with trains for space!

Lastly this is our boat! We saw it tied up and had a look. Quite small but nice looking. Tomorrow we join it!

Spot the little person! This is middle of May - not even their peak season and see how busy it is. Would hate to be here in Summer, it would spoil all the charm.