A Stroll Through Ribera--and a Bike Race

 

A Stroll Through the Ribera--and Back for a Bike Race

 

 

 

Bom Dia

See the Douro River? This will be a somewhat slow tourist day. For one thing after nights of solid sleep, I got only a few hours last night. Delayed jet lag?

But I wanted to go out and at least get my steps in, so I made my way down hill to the Ribera. The problem with going down hill on the way out, is that one has to go up hill on the way back. I have been very fortunate in the weather. It's a bit chilly in the morning, but afternoons are warm (not too warm) and sunny, so I had a very pleasant stroll all the way down to the Douro River.  There are a lot of interesting architecture. I can't photograph all the lovely buildings, so you're going to have to visit yourself.

The photo of this square includes a shot of the Church of the Misericorde, which one can visit via the attached museum.

This little park is dedicated to Dom Henrique, whom I know as Henry the Navigator. You see him from the back because if I took a picture of the front of the statue it would be washed out by the bright sunshine.

I bring almonds from home, and as I have mentioned. These make the perfect apero with Tawney Port. I buy the semi cheap kind, but if you want to spend a LOT of money, there are bottles right up your alley.

The bike race is a one-day Monument in Belgium and is one of the oldest bike races in the world. I won't bore you with the ins and outs, since I have friends with whom I can dissect every detail. But I would like to mention that one contemporary team honored a long defunct team--from the USA!- -sponsored by 7-Eleven, and its sponsorship may be revived. It's a Norwegian Team wearing the red and green of 7-Eleven, and they made a cute video, too, featuring both the men's and women's teams.

So I'll sip my sips and rest my feet and enjoy the race.

Adeus.