Through the big lock and cruising along then we dock. All off the ship or is it a boat? Not sure and I think I oscillate between the two but it doesnt really matter unless youre the captain. Im pretty sure everyone did get off as there were 3 bus loads of us. Must be a scary sight, 3 coach loads of aging tourists of various sizes and shapes, with various ailments and with a spectrum of moods! Most are good, some are quite grumpy. The coaches were not full but there are close to a hundred of us so 3 coaches were required. and well equipped we drove to Lamego an old religious town about half an hour from our dock. Saw a quite ornate Baroque church (ever seen a Baroque church?) with 686 steps down to the town. Surprisingly easy walk down then had a local but pretty good local sparkling wine before heading off to a vineyard specialising in muscatel. Brief tour and explanation of the method used to make port and muscatel and then a bit
of a ‘traditional banquet. Food was OK but the owner and 6th generation wine maker was a real find. Im confident that he was Mr Beans Portuguese twin brother. His stories were funny and he absolutely charming. Made the night heaps of fun.
