Thursday, June 9, 2011

Bom dia!

We have been in Porto now for several days and I’m already suffering from internet withdrawals!  The hotel we are staying at is very nice except for one thing.  Their bandwidth has no bandwidth.  The speed is like the old days of dial-up service.  As I write this, I’m in the process of uploading photos to Blogger .... 10 m.i.n.u.t.e.s per photo .... Ugh! 



So here I sit in their lobby, where the connection is marginally better and having a glass of port wine ... or two ... or three!  A girl has got to ease her pain of slow internet connections. Right?  Anyway, they are small glasses.  And the beans ... yummy!





Port wine.  Have you had port wine?  Love, love, love port wine!  Yesterday we did a port wine tasting ... the current year and then a 20, 30 and 40 year old port.  Four glasses of wine and then walk to catch a cab!  Not pretty ....




The city is old and somewhat sad in parts ... lots of vacant buildings, and yet, 
a vibrancy among its residents.  A hard working group of folks.
 
Besides, ya gotta love a city where men tend the laundry!  
I'm glad The Professor reads this blog.


We did the Big Bus tour, navigated the city bus, walked miles, got lost and eventually wound our way down to the twisty riverfront or the Ribeira, a popular street full of restaurants and outdoor eateries.  Good place to people watch and chill out.





Even the local canines find it fascinating!



This weekend after The Professor’s meetings, we head up to the Duoro Valley ... the birthplace of port wine!  The countryside will be more of my liking.  Keeping my fingers crossed for some good internet connection!

Miss visiting all you guys and gals!  Love to hear what you’re doing this weekend ... !