Porto

This was our second trip to Porto, but our first trip was negatively impacted by the relentless cold and rain. Fortunately, this time we got fantastic weather and were able to enjoy the city much more. One day, the weather was so good, that we took a bus out to the coast and a bit north of the city, and just walked back along the river. It was a very nice just to enjoy the sun and watch all the people who were doing the same thing we were.

 We also got great pictures of the riverside, and the city's famous Dom Luis Bridge.

Porto is, unfortunately, a city that is really focused on tourism including shops selling touristy stuff on seemingly every block. We noted that the level of tourism was incredible considering that it was not high season. As a result, we really did not do a lot of tourist stuff. We did wander in to Porto's main train station and got some pictures of its blue tiles.

We also found, as in the rest of Portugal, that most churches charge for entry, so we did not go into them, although of course we got pictures from the outside.

From left to right, is the Torre dos Clerigos, the highest tower in the old part of Porto, which is part of a church; the Church of Il Defenso; and the Chapel of Santa Clarita (also known as the Chapel of Souls). We did briefly go in the Chapel of Santa Clarita, so we can safely say that the facade is the most impressive part of the church.

Overall, we enjoyed our time in Portugal, and would definitely like to go back to see some areas in the central part of the country near Nazare, but we will give Porto a pass on future trips.

That is all for now.

Jeff and Shana