chawen

Porto is Window-Licking Good!

Publication of this post was delayed by an untimely power failure in my neighborhood. The power, and thus the wireless connection was off for about six and a half hours. When the lights finally came back on, I could hear cheering from the streets, but the wireless took many more hours to reconnect. I went to bed and slept.

This is the Church of the Trinity.

Bom Dia,

Instead of little sleep last night I got no sleep. I can cope, but since it's Monday and the museums are closed I decided to give myself an easy day. Also the afternoon turned hot, but I managed to get my steps in.

The men's bike race yesterday turned out to be boring--even the cycling pundits said so. The women cyclists did better, and the winner of the race was a surprise.

I went and got some more groceries, including the Vinho Verde rose that is slightly frizzante--not exactly sparkling but a bit fizzy, which makes it more refreshing on a warm afternoon. I pick rose because it's versatile.

Tourist Tip: I checked out the Time Out Food Court, which bills itself as "The World's Greatest." Oh yeah? Well, I was underwhelmed. They sure do offer authentic Portuguese cuisine, but so do the cafes you encounter on every block. You want a food court? Go to the Mercardo do Bolhao. More offerings and more fun. Probably cheaper, too.

Here is a sample of a Porto sidewalk. Tiles. Slippery when wet and not smooth when dry. The uneven surface and cobbled streets in the historic center are not advantageous to my feet.

Anyway I strolled around in no hurry stoping frequently to lick windows. No, not literally. I'm translating a French term for window shoping. There are a lot of touristy shops, and if you want tat you can find it, plus the usual T shirts. But the more characteristic Portuguese offerings are some very nice hand painted ceramics, and cork products--even cork postcards besides, hats, purses, pouches, and key holders to name a few. Of course, Portugal is famous for the ceramic tiles that decorate the exteriors and sometimes interiors of its buildings. You can buy a sample to take home. If you are a futbol fan, there are dedicated stores. One has video of Cristiano Ronaldo working out in his underwear. Ahem. Nice looking guy.

If you come to Portugal--something I would highly recommend--you will notice that most of the Port Firms have British names. One famous brand is Taylors. I'm drinking Cockburn. This is because the English developed a violent fondness for the fortified wine, to which they had access because of the long and cordial diplomatic relations between the two kingdoms. For example, Portugal was the English Army's base in the successful Peninsular Campaign against Napoleon.

Pil simply cannot stop with the history can she?

What's your point? Have I mentioned my reverence for Caterina de Braganza recently? She introduced TEA to England. Catherine, as she was known in England was married to Charles II. He liked her, but he also liked a LOT of other women and had children by them. Unfortunately Catherine remained childless. This had historical implications.

Adeus