Povoa De Varzim
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After our tiring day yesterday, we had an early night, only
to be awoken by a massive rainstorm. But we managed some more sleep than
planned, thanks to the battery failing in my mobile phone and with it went my
alarm call. The WCC had organised for the local tourist office to lay on
a coach and a guide (who was very witty) to take us for a tour of the local
city and villages. This lasted around 3 hours and was punctuated at two stops,
one of which was in Rats (yes, that is the name of the town). This is quite a
poor area, and this town is relatively well off due to the fact that it was a
staging post for pilgrims on their way to Santiago del Compostella. The church in
the centre of RATS is 12th Century, very dark inside and frankly not
much to shout about as a piece of architecture. That said the rest of the town
square has some lovely and dramatic buildings, and I have attached a picture of
the tower in the square. We had a bit of a laugh when some 40 of us all descended on
a café at the same time. The poor soul running the place was having a quiet morning
when the horde arrived. It took 30 minutes to get a coffee. He looked quite
daunted with all the visitors, but the sound of his cash register ringing up
the takings seemed to make him smile! We also stopped off at a wonderful hill top monument, which
is dedicated to all the emigrant Portuguese. Stunning gardens, and managed to
get the crew to pose under the Bougainvillea. (see attached) Once back at the marina, we had a quick lunch them a welcome
knap. This was followed by a 2 hours trudge around Povoa to find a mobile phone
shop that had Sony Ericson batteries in stock. Got there in the end and it is
now charging up, so all being well the mobile will be in action once again
tomorrow. Tonight is another prize giving and a reception at the Yacht
club. Which based on events to date, will turn into another party. Off to Leixoes tomorrow, which is a short 15 nm hop down the
coast. Hopefully the weather will improve by then. This will be our staging
post to visit the Taylors Portery. No doubt some samples will be acquired…………………………………… |
