Porto is built on the side of a mountain. Walking along the river is fairly flat - but everything else is up steep hills. So last night we agreed that we would take the tram or the vernacular or an uber - but we would not walk all the way up to the old city from our apartment in Gaia.
Today was supposed to have been a photography day with Mark who lives in Porto (a friend of daughter Stephanie, who is a professional photographer). But he texted this morning and said he was not feeling well. He had told us his kids were sick a few days ago - so this is not surprising. But we had made no alternative plans. So this morning we both read our tour guide book and made vague plans. But then fatigue and hunger got in the way. We did not have a plan! Well, maybe we will walk over the bridge and along the river front on the Porto side of the river.
Old town is across the bridge over the river and then way the F up the side of the mountain. We were willing to walk down the hill from our apartment to the bridge and walk across it.
Views of Porto from the Gaia side of the Doura on our walk to the bridge.
There is a pedestrian walkway along the bottom flat section of the bridge. The bridge is undergoing major repairs - so the vehicle section was closed.
The entrance to the walkway for the Ponte Dom Luis I bridge across the river Doura.
On the other side of the bridge I saw a tree with these flowers - I found them very interesting.
After crossing the bridge we needed a way to get up into the old city. We were planning to take the vernacular up to the top of the city - but it is closed for an unknown amount of time. The only other way to get there quickly is by taking the steps. Steps are not our friends.
A view back to the bridge we just walked across. This level is supposed to have automobile access - but it is all under construction. the very top level does have vehicle traffic. You can also walk up there but it is a bazillion steps to get up there.
We walk along the river past lots of kiosks for river tours. Then, we head up steep streets to see what we can see. Lot's of restaurants for sure!
The St. Francis Church or in Portuguese see below:
We did not go inside the church, but headed up higher into the hills to see the Stock Exchange Building or The Pallacio da Bolsa. Only a late tour had openings for tours in English - so we signed up for one tomorrow at 10:15 am.
As we continued to climb upwards none of the buildings we saw were striking any photo excitement. Maybe we would have to go up further to see the old city! But neither of us could make a decision. I realized that we were both physically exhausted and hungry. So I said - let's get lunch. Michael searched but nothing popped up around us except tourist restaurants. Expensive places with mediocre food. We continued on.
A peak inside the Church of St. Nicholas.
A mercado.
Finally we stumble upon some major historical buildings. Worse thing is- lots of them are under repair!
Then we saw a McDonalds - hey that would be cheap at least. Guess what was just next door - a donor kabab place! We are saved - we both love it. And it is cheap.
McDonalds to the right - Donor Kabab to the left!
After a rest and a meal we continue up the hill. This looks amazingly like an English phone box!
The Camera Municipal do Porto - or town hall.
Inside looks very much like a church.
And so we end our day. We call an uber for around 5 euros because we are tired.
that sounds like 5 euro well spent.
ReplyDeleteDöner Kebab to the rescue!
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