We are not in the quietest neighbourhood in Porto and that sure was not helped by their being a soccer (can not bring myself to call it football) game on the TV last night featuring the local team. Thank goodness so few goals are scored or we would never have gotten to sleep. As well theres a street drunk thats quite aggressive towards tourists so we have to be a little watchful and a little careful. Its the first time Ive been on the streets and its a shame that such a lovely place can be ‘spoilt by one person.
It was a case of me, the solo tourist, as Lee and I thought she would benefit from a snooze in and relax. So off I set with a head full of detailed directions (one day Ill have to a phone so I too can roam the streets, eyes glued to a device and seemingly oblivious to all around) to ‘town hall to meet the people with the blue umbrellas. Having booked for the free tour the night before I knew what was on and the attractions the tour covered but I called in to the Saint Bento Station prior
thinking it would not be too busy. I was wrong. But it is a beautiful station and the blue tiling around the walls do not disappoint. Their reputation and the actuality match which is not always the case with some attractions.
I found the tour people and lots of shots I put into this blog. The tour was conducted by Caoimhin ODochartaigh and not even I could make that up! A red haired Irishman fro Dublin led an international troupe around the sights of Portobello! Predominantly German and Dutch but surprisingly not an American in sight. Informative and well presented he established a really good rapport with individuals and nationalities and did a pretty good job. Its just difficult for me to hear a thick Irish accent and not think hes trying to take the mickey all the time. I thrive on the facts and figures of such tours, yes Im the one person that listens all the time and I found many of the factoids and snippets interesting. The story of the persecution of the Jews (a story we have in so many cities) was as fascinating here as anywhere in the world and on such a subject
I knew he was not taking the ‘mickey. The strangest facet of such tours is that they start and finish in different places and often several kilometres apart. I was fortunate, my sense of direction pretty good and I found my way home relatively easily. I suppose others have mobile devices!
Home to Lee then I take her on a shortened, condensed highlights tour. Works well, but she is lousy tipper!
The streets have been super busy today. Good weather and it being Saturday has seen every man and his dog out. Performance theatre and numerous singers are out as well so theres quite a buzz around and things have opened significantly earlier than yesterday. The restaurants did not open till 7 oclock at the earliest yesterday yet today they have opened for business all through the afternoon.
Ive booked with for a similar tour tomorrow. Several of the attractions are the same (the station, Lell bookstore, the cathedral) but several were not covered today so Ill add snippets to the history I heard today.
