We are back in one of our all-time favorite cities! On our previous visit (pre-covid) our rental flat was in Vila Nova de Gaia, just across the river from Porto. (For a recap of that visit, photos of our beautiful views, and stories of various vagabond activities: https://conhan8.com/?p=2135).) For this go-round we decided that staying near the historic center of Porto would be an interesting change of pace. Bob did the research and found us a rental that was a 15-minute leisurely stroll into Centro with its gorgeous São Bento train station and must-eat-at Traça restaurant (where the prato da dia was olives, bread, squash soup, baby mushroom risotto, coffee; it met our lofty expectations).
I thought it might be fun to share our neighborhood so I decided to take a boundaried walkabout. Using our flat as the center point I walked three blocks in each direction and did some investigating of what I would find within those thirty-six square blocks. (I am using the term “blocks” pretty loosely as very few of the intersections meet at 90 degrees and some junctions branch out in 5 or more directions. It’s good to be flexible in our thinking.) Within that zone we had at least one bakery (padaria) and a fruit stand per block, 4 motorcycle showrooms, a decent grocery store, a unique pizza place for easy takeout, a meat market, a variety of hair salons/barber shops, a laundromat, and a nice mix of other eating/shopping establishments.
And now for some random visual delights:
We could have comfortably hunkered down into our neighborhood and had a happy stay but we had places to go and, more importantly, people to meet. Two of our dear friends, Lynne and Kerry, have relocated from Reno to Portugal (in Moledo and Porto, respectively); we were eager to catch up with them so we exchanged texts and arranged for a beach afternoon on the north coast.
Overall, a lovely day spent doing pleasant things with two life-affirming and truly gracious women. As we exchanged thank yous the next day Kerry treated us to a photo of the ocean view she had that morning while enjoying coffee in Porto (Foz area). She gave me permission to share.
One more road trip – actually two because we were so wowed on our first day that we went back for another taste. It’s BRAGA!!
Within the walls we admired buildings and gardens.
As much as we enjoyed our time on foot we also made a side trip to….
And finally, a few random bits with accompanying photos. Who knew 2 quiet weeks in the city would result in so much to post about?!?
You are an artist with both words and pictures; You caught so many things in both media. I am in awe and respect. Also, it’s competely fun to read and see your adventure. And sense of humor? The sardine market is my favorite.
I have so much to learn from you; what a lovely teacher 🙂 See you folks in April.
Thanks, Theresa! You are a kind reader. Doing the blog is one of the things I enjoy most about traveling – keeps me on my toes as I look for both the symbolic and the quirky to take photos of. And honestly, Bob always enjoys being part of the comedy. Yes, April! I can’t get my mind around the fact that it is just around the corner. Safe travels!
Beautiful feast for the eyes and stomach complete with cocktails and vino! Thank you for sharing! Wonderful insights into the area! Love your writing! I feel like I walked the blocks with you. (Savor the details you catch and share!(❤️
As always, your comment made me smile. It feels odd to be having this adventure with the world in turmoil and covid still hovering. I am not an ostrich with my head in the sand, I am in a bubble amidst the tumult. It definitely affects us, but we are fortunate to have a safe space to appreciate our journey.
It is wonderful to live vicariously and see all the lovely places you go. I agree with JoAnne – you see and appreciate so many beautiful things. You don’t miss anything that is unique! (And you are a fantastic writer.too) Dick and I are especially interested this time because Porto and Sicily are on our short list for places to go in June to celebrate our 50th anniversary. Susan Deckard enjoyed a river cruise on the Doura and we are wondering about combining that with a stay in Porto . (Now we are waiting to see what impact Putin will have on travel. I’m so glad that you and Bob are having such a great time.
Thanks, Cheryl. You have great options for an anniversary trip. %0 years. Impressive, especially for one so young.
If you decide on Porto let me know and I will send you the contact information for the Douro Tour we took. It was fabulous. We rode the train from Porto up to the Valley and had a grand time. Back the same evening.
Hoping this whole Putin mess is behind us soon. What a tragic situation.
xoxoxo
Thanks. I think we both agree that one of the best things about traveling is how it opens our eyes and our minds to new things. Wish you were here to enjoy this with me.😘😘
11 Comments
Patty Bell
Loved the colorful buildings and gorgeous gardens!
terricastle McAteer
You are an artist with both words and pictures; You caught so many things in both media. I am in awe and respect. Also, it’s competely fun to read and see your adventure. And sense of humor? The sardine market is my favorite.
I have so much to learn from you; what a lovely teacher 🙂 See you folks in April.
Constance
Thanks, Theresa! You are a kind reader. Doing the blog is one of the things I enjoy most about traveling – keeps me on my toes as I look for both the symbolic and the quirky to take photos of. And honestly, Bob always enjoys being part of the comedy. Yes, April! I can’t get my mind around the fact that it is just around the corner. Safe travels!
DiAnn
Beautiful feast for the eyes and stomach complete with cocktails and vino! Thank you for sharing! Wonderful insights into the area! Love your writing! I feel like I walked the blocks with you. (Savor the details you catch and share!(❤️
Constance
As always, your comment made me smile. It feels odd to be having this adventure with the world in turmoil and covid still hovering. I am not an ostrich with my head in the sand, I am in a bubble amidst the tumult. It definitely affects us, but we are fortunate to have a safe space to appreciate our journey.
Cheryl Freeman
It is wonderful to live vicariously and see all the lovely places you go. I agree with JoAnne – you see and appreciate so many beautiful things. You don’t miss anything that is unique! (And you are a fantastic writer.too) Dick and I are especially interested this time because Porto and Sicily are on our short list for places to go in June to celebrate our 50th anniversary. Susan Deckard enjoyed a river cruise on the Doura and we are wondering about combining that with a stay in Porto . (Now we are waiting to see what impact Putin will have on travel. I’m so glad that you and Bob are having such a great time.
Constance
Thanks, Cheryl. You have great options for an anniversary trip. %0 years. Impressive, especially for one so young.
If you decide on Porto let me know and I will send you the contact information for the Douro Tour we took. It was fabulous. We rode the train from Porto up to the Valley and had a grand time. Back the same evening.
Hoping this whole Putin mess is behind us soon. What a tragic situation.
xoxoxo
Bruce Hanson
Thanks for sharing your travels via photos and commentary. Much appreciated. Not there with you but there with you.
Constance
Exactly! You are never far from my thoughts and always in my heart.
JoAnne
Thanks for the lovely tour. You see and appreciate so many beautiful things. I know how you both enjoy your travels. Love you❤️
Constance
Thanks. I think we both agree that one of the best things about traveling is how it opens our eyes and our minds to new things. Wish you were here to enjoy this with me.😘😘