Porto

This is the northern Portuguese city of Porto (or Oporto,
as the English still call it, having long established themselves
there in the port wine business, in companies with names like
Cockburn, Warre, Taylor, Croft, Graham, and Sandeman.)

The port wine houses are across the river Douro from Porto ,
and the town of Vila Nova de Gaia, some photos of which we'll post later.
The scene above is of the riverfront, or ribeira, of Porto,
looking up towards the hilly parts of the city, with its
distinctive Clerigos Tower rising in the distance.

This is the Hotel Pestana Porto, right on the ribeira, where we stayed.
Pricey, but with a splendid river view, near good restaurants, and within
reasonable walking distance to the center of town and shopping.
The Dom Luis bridge, built in the 19th century by Gustave Eiffel,
is a short distance from here, and its upper level,
used by both the metro and pedestrians,
offers spectacular views of the city and the river.

Early morning on the Douro River, with the port houses of
Vila Nova de Gaia on the left bank.

The Dom Luis Bridge, and a couple of the wine boats, or barcos rabelos, in the foreground.

Another view of Gaia from the right bank.


This is a plaque commemorating the fierce battle waged by
the citizens of Porto to defend their city against Napoleon's troops
during the Peninsular War.

A view of the ribeira from the base of the bridge.


Night view of the city center, with the railway station on the right,
and Christmas lights in the street to the left.

Early morning, and a lonely seagull ponders his chances for breakfast
in the swift-moving waters of the Douro river.

This little boat is named 'Sea Wolf', while its larger
neighbors nearby bear feminine monikers.

FOR SALE - hot and cold running water, fine river views,
southern exposure. Laundry optional.