Portugal, Porto, Braga, Douro Valley Week 6

I Porto simply amazing. Our 8 day home away from home is a large 1 bedroom apartment situated 200 metres from City Hall and the hub of the historic section. The city has many pedestrian parks and streets to keep you safe from zooming cars. It can't go unnoticed the respect of drivers and pedestrians. Oh so civilized.

Walking along Douro River in Porto, there is no shortage of cafes and bars. 

A GOOD WINE IN EVERY PORT

Our travels north into Pinhao located in the Douro valley, unveiled the largest manufacturer of port wines in the world. This farm consisting of 1,200 acres purchases 80% of its overall grape requirements from other growers in this region. These vineyards are on steep terraced in course sand and granite with poor yields but result in an bolder, muscular taste (more like a heavy hitting cab).

Alentejo is in the southern wine producing area with flat sprawling farms. The reds are a soft, delicious, fruity variety that are easy to enjoy. Sue, historically a white winer, loved these affordable wines.

A collection of wines in the grocery stores. Come on Ontatio! It's a great idea!

Cork Oak is the national tree of Portugal. They supply 50% of the worlds cork. Stores sell almost everything made from cork, note book covers, coasters, belts even shoes.

Braga, city of Religous Tourism

Farricocos walk barefooted through the streets during Easter week, with noisy rattles and torches of lit pine cones, ordering all sinners to get to church and repent and ask for forgiveness. This tradition is carried on only in Braga you say! Notice the statues in the window, some with large noisemakers and others carrying pots for fire. 

Espresso served anywhere

Lello Bookstore in Porto, where JKRowlings sat and had her Cafe, reputably getting her inspiration for Harry Potter novels. She taught English in Porto for 10 years and the uniforms from Hogwart are designed after a local school's.

There are so many parks we enjoyed. Here are collages that captured just a few.

Porto Train Station where we arrived and departed a total of 6 times for our various 1 day excursions, leaving this morning for our 4 days in Coimbra. History in the making!