Porto!

Porto in northern Porto on the Atlantic was a hidden gem.  Happy that Yang and Lucy recommended it.  Porto was perfectly sunny for 4 straight days (that last time I experienced so much sun was in Nice in July) with a wide river and an incredible two level bridge with a tram and walking path 60 meters above the water.  The old section of Porto is built into the hills surrounding the river.  The old homes/buildings some covered in colourful tiles and red roofs contained a surprising number of units that were abandoned.  One side of the river houses port wine lodge after port wine lodge all the way up the hill.  We went to two tastings/tours and were amazed at the low cost.  Everything was great value in Porto except for the Port we were offered when we sat down for our first lunch fresh from the airport without seeing a menu that ended up being €12 ea.  Taking advantage of tourists I guess. 

We spent most of Friday and Saturday at cafes on the beach.  The cafes were so pleasant with chairs and umbrellas you could sit under for hours (literally 6) and continually drink and eat while watching the waves crash on the rocks.  Gorgeous.  We enjoyed two dinners at the hotel restaurant (we actually stayed at real hotel, making it a truly relaxing vacation while still at a great value).  We went out for a few drinks Saturday night but the smokey bars got the best of us before long.

We also witnessed the colonisational (word?) spirit of the UK as the Manchester City football fan club/hooligans took over downtown Porto complete with over 10 Manchester City/English/British flags drapped over the balconies along the cafes on the river and 100's of chanting football fans.  We thought about going to the game, but I was too tired from finishing up my audit the night before this trip and sleeping for 1 hour.