The last day of our four months in Europe falls on the last day of the year. Though we are sad to say goodbye, we are excited about what lies ahead. We quickly became accustomed to Euro living: consuming our weight in pastries and cheese, drying our laundry on a line, walking everywhere, bagging our own groceries (this can be quite intense for you are expected to bag, pay and get the heck out of there in minutes, so you don't hold up the line. As I'd approach a checker, I'd start to panic as I quickly processed my strategic bagging game plan in my head!) After years of forgetting to bring my own bags to the grocery store, I FINALLY am now in the habit of toting them around with me.
This week, we checked off a few last must-see stops in Porto. One outing started out with a lot of resistance but ended on a positive note. Porto rests on the banks of the Duoro River which leads out the Atlantic Ocean. We walked from our place for four miles (this is where the complaining came in) and ended up at a spectacular water show at the mouth of the Duoro (this is where there were 'ooohs' and 'ahhs'). When the choppy Duoro river and the ferocious waves of the Atlantic meet, it creates an explosion. The waves reached 45 feet high the other night! We were mesmerized watching the action as the sun was setting.
There is a lighthouse buried in that spray!
One of Porto's most iconic sites is the majestic Livraria Lello that has been brightening the minds of locals and visitors since 1881. It is one of the oldest bookstores in Portugal and is rated one of the top three most beautiful bookstores in the world. The original owner opened the store with lottery money he had won. For all of you Harry Potter fans out there, it is said that the magical twisting staircase inside Livraria Lello inspired Hogwarts library in J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series. The author taught English in Porto in the early 90's and wrote her first draft of 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone' at a nearby cafe. Unfortunately, the Majestic Cafe was closed due to Covid during our stay.
The inspiring staircase in Livraria Lello.
Porto is most famous for its Port wine, so we couldn't leave without taking a wine tasting tour. It felt like we had a private tour for we were the only ones there! I've only had Port a couple of times in the past but hadn't cared for its sweetness and brandy taste. Thank goodness I gave the fortified beverage another chance because it was tasty.
FUN PORT FACTS: Although the grapes are grown in the mountainous Douro Valley 80 kilometers from the coast, Port wine took the city's name from which it was shipped, 'Vinho do Porto' in Portuguese and 'Port' in English. The earliest recorded shipment of Port took place in 1678. To protect the wine during the long treacherous sea voyages, a small amount of brandy was added before shipping to prevent it from spoiling. Now brandy is added during the fermentation process, which is an essential part of the making of Port. All ports must be from the Duoro Valley to bear the name Port. Have you ever noticed that Port wines have English names? (Don't worry, I never noticed it either!) It's because Port wine was created for British exportation in the 17th century. The Brits liked the sweet taste. Maybe the 19-22% alcohol content helped!
Taylors'—making Port since 1692, many of the grapes are still crushed by feet!
Taylors' warehouse of Port barrels.
The mighty staircase.
The small, white carvings of heads attached to the books on top show the head of the author with his/her books on the shelf.
Vintage trolleys still in use throughout Porto.
Porto has great street art everywhere.
Porto views