bags packed
breakfasted, fantastic as usual, and checked out. I wished to photograph the reception with its unusual furniture.
The receptionist obliged with a smile and informed us that the hotel had opened only two months ago - I saw its official inauguration was 10 March 2022 - thus we were among its first guests. The original function of the hotel was infrastructural administration.
If I were to find fault, it is that one hears trains from 06:30 - 24:00, which may not suit everyone but for train lovers, it’s a joy.
At São Apolónia, we boarded the train for Oriente, a new station built for Expo 98,
There we changed to the train to Porto, which had originated in Faro. The journey will take 2 hours 59 minutes. As we exited the original train, there was no indication that the Porto train would arrive on the same platform! A query to, would you believe, a Dublin guy now living in Portugal, confirmed that the train would indeed arrive there. He warned us to be careful as Portugal can be quite dangerous! Little did he know the places we’ve been!
The first class section was comfortable but the only toilet available, the other was locked, had a broken flush and no water for hand washing. It reminded me of the dark days of CIE trains!!
We travelled at various speeds, depending on the track. On the digital display, I noticed that the train’s highest speed was 222km per hour, when at that those high speeds one felt the train tilt!!! It was a strange sensation. No stations were displayed.
We arrived in Campãnha, from where we took a 5 minute train ride to São Bento. Diagonally across the street stood our hotel, Pestana A Brasileira. We were quickly checked in, upgraded again to the executive floor with a view of the teeming city life.
We walked the kilometer to Ribeira, a bar and restaurant area on the banks of the Douro. We are staying in the old part of the city. En route, we passed through narrow streets teaming with people.
We came to the Praça do Infante D. Henrique, the square where stood a monument to the King, who encouraged the geographical discoveries and as a consequence brought great wealth to Portugal.
In this square also is the Palace do Bolso
Looking down the narrow street, we could see the Douro.
We walked the length of the Ribeira. It was very beautiful - lined with architecturally interesting houses.
Across the river, is equally scenic.
We crossed on the lower part of the Eiffel like Bridge.
On this side of the river the ships are tied up for the evening.
We returned to the Ribeira.
Later at dusk, looking across the river, we saw the various port houses illuminate the hillsides - all the well known brands - Taylor, Dow, Sandeman, Cockburn and Graham’s.
We ate nearby and returned to the hotel through the the heaving crowds.
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