On Thursday we caught the new Metro to Porto. What
a fascinating old city. We took wandered through the streets looking at
the numerous churches, and tiled walls which were beautiful. Even the
railway station is worth a look with all the wonderful tiled walls. The
river Douro with all its tourist boats was a lovely sight. We went across
the river to Vila Nova de Gaia where all the port wine cellars are
located. Taylors had been recommended so we walked up the hill along the
cobbled streets to get to it. We were greeted with a port tasting then a
very interesting tour and then more tasting! The rose garden,
peacocks and view of the river and city were lovely. What's more it
was all free!
Our new folding bikes finally saw the light of day on
Friday and we cycled along the beach to Vila de Conde. This place has an
old monastery on the hill with an almost complete aqueduct. It was
market day. The market stalls had cages of live turkeys, ducks,
chickens, pigeons and all sorts of other birds. Turkeys being
purchased were stuffed into cardboard boxes.
It then really was foggy and two fog sirens went off all
day on Saturday. Eventually it cleared and we left early on Sunday morning
for the 76 miles trip to Figueira da Foz. Motoring again as less than
5 knots of wind - until we turned into the river when it blew 18 knots!
Arrived in at 6pm together with other boats who had also left Povoa at
the same time. The harbour was full.
So far there has been no wifi in marinas in
Portugal.
