Porto, Porto District, Portugal
We had different things on our wish lists today so we decided to divide and conquer since it was our last day in Porto. Sheila wanted to go back to Gaia for some shopping and to see the rabbit mural. I wanted to take a tuk tuk Tour of Porto. But before we set off in different directions and while the street was quiet we decided to get the car turned around and facing the right way for our drive out tomorrow. After a 300 point turn (maybe a slight exaggeration) and some stressed out gesturing from the navigator, the car is now parked facing the right direction. Luckily, apart from a couple of pedestrians, no cars came along while we were doing it.
I walk downtown to where all the tuk tuks had been loitering yesterday only to find none there today. I figured I was too early and waited for a while but when none had turned up after half an hour I gave up and decided to take the funicular up to the top level and walk across the bridge instead. It’s much easier to get to the top that way than the steps that we walked yesterday! The top layer of the bridge is very high and you certainly get a Birds Eye view of Porto from up there.
When I walked back off the bridge I saw a tuk tuk waiting at the end of the street and decided to try my luck. We’d been quoted 30 euros yesterday for a one hour tuk tuk tour of the city when I was with Sheila but on my own he wanted 50! That was way too much in my opinion so that was the end of that dream. I wandered around some of the streets on the upper levels of the city instead.
We’d arranged to meet at 11:00 at the Majestic Cafe for a cuppa following a suggestion by Margot. The Majestic is billed as one of the most beautiful cafes in the world and they’ve gained further in notoriety since being featured in one of the Harry Potter movies. Their popularity was reflected in their prices sadly. It’s a lovely old world charm kind of place with ornate decor and pristinely dressed wait staff. I arrived first and filled in my time with a large glass of sangria. The tea and scones that followed were very nice also. The ambience of the cafe was slightly spoilt by the very noisy demonstration taking place just outside by a group of protesting teachers demanding better pay.
Next on the must see list was Sao Bento Train Station. The vestibule walls are covered in thousands of traditional blue Portuguese tiles depicting historical scenes. Amazing! We also went to see Livraria Lello. Voted the fourth most beautiful book shop in the world. It also featured in the Harry Potter movies and was an inspiration to J. K. Rowling when she was living here and beginning the books. We had a bit of a hassle with our entry tickets but luckily quickly overcome. That bookshop survives on its paying visitors, I think, not the sales of its books. Beautiful bookshop though.
An unexpected and very happy coincidence was the discovery that three of my Hong Kong friends from Adelaide were also in Porto. They read my blog and messaged me. We were able to meet up for dinner with them at a waterfront cafe and catch up on each others travels. It’s a small world.
We’re taking the car for another outing tomorrow. Wish us luck!
Katherine Reilly
2023-06-07
What a lovely surprise to catch the girls in Porto. It looks like a gorgeous city. I may have been there in 1981, but no memory due to too much sangria 🤪
Beth
2023-06-07
You're living my dream, Leanne. Enjoy! x
Helen
2023-06-07
Lovely Hong Kong, Brisbane, Adelaide catch up. Hi to all.
Suzanne
2023-06-07
You have covered several of the highlights of Porto. Good idea to turn the car around so you are heading in the right direction for tomorrow. Watch out for the narrow one way streets when you leave. Enjoy your driving day.
Marl
2023-06-07
Lovely day. Good luck with the driving tomorrow. I’m sure you’ll be fine.
Karen
2023-06-07
What a great day. You deserved that glad of Sangria.🍷🍷
Ann- Maree
2023-06-07
Wow! So lovely to you all in Leanne’s photo. Enjoy your travels.
Joc
2023-06-07
Hello, HK girls! I wondered if you’d meet up.
Chris D
2023-06-08
Looks very busy ..lots of Aussie tourists and others out and about post Covid no doubt.
Ange K
2023-06-08
Tut tut about the Tuk Tuk! They must have been tucked out. But it is a bummer when you make a decision against something uou've wanted. I can just imagine the 300 point turn too. It's amazing where Harry Potter pops up. I'm also enthralled. I may have bought a few HP things during our trip ... for the grand daughter of course ... hehe and a pair of earrings gorgeous moi. Wonderful meeting old friends in new places.
Liz Davis
2023-06-08
How wonderful meeting up with friends unexpectedly on the other side of the world. One of my favourite things to do when overseas. Beautiful photos again.