Charlie and Marty’s World Cruise

Portugal

We finally made it to Europe and made two stops in Portugal – Lisbon and Porto.

Lisbon

Lisbon is a few miles up the Rio Tejo from the Atlantic. Arrival had us go by the landmark medieval fortified Belem Tower and the under a big suspension bridge.

Lisbon is a few miles up the Rio Tejo from the Atlantic. Arrival had us go by the landmark medieval fortified Belem Tower and the under a big suspension bridge.
Our ship was docked right next to the old part of Lisbon. Marty and I spent the first afternoon exploring on our own through the Alfama and Baixa neighborhoods. Alfama is on a hill with streets laid out by the Visigoths 1000 or more years ago.
At the top of the hill there is a big castle – Castelo de Sao Jorge. We had a look from outside but didn’t wait in the long line to go inside. Here’s the entry gate.
And here are the towers of a nearby church that we also declined to go inside (entry fee)
We then drop down to the Baixa neighborhood and start with a big square. Here’s a statue of one of the Portuguese kings.
We pass by many sidewalk restaurants on the pedestrian-only streets as we head toward the river.
And find another big square down by the river with lots of showing statues etc.
The next day we’re off on an excursion starting with a drive through Lisbon on our way to the nearby city of Belem. Here’s that medieval fortified Tower of Belem again.
And then we visit the Jeronimos Monastery. Late Gothic vintage. Still being used to host important state events. Lots of visitors lined up to make a visit.
Here’s a nice sunset from the World Cafe on our ship as we head north for our visit to Porto.

PORTO. A bit north of Lisbon and a few miles up the Douro river is the city of Porto.
Our drive from the port where we were docked to the city of Porto took us along a nice beach with surfers and this art piece made from fishing nets.
We make it to town. Here is a fountain with Gryffins below. Our tour guide tells us that JK Rowling conceived of the Harry Potter idea here in Porto when she was married to a local guy (soon to be divorced after one daughter arrived). The Gryffins led to Gryffindor.
Baroque Style Cathedral
Here’s another that reportedly has many tons of gold leaf on the interior. The Portuguese were flush with gold from their new world and Asia trading empire.
Here’s a statue of a famous couple – she being naked in this scene. He being a famous local author. They were imprisoned for a year for being adulterers. They were released when the old guy that she had been forced to marry died.
We head down to the river.
The city of Gaia is on the other side of the Douro.
Lots of high bridges cross the river.
This one was built in the 1890’s and was designed by Eiffel.
Lots of shops and housing along the river.
Porto and the Douro river valley are the source of Port wine. These boats are the traditional boats with barrels to transport the Port down the river.
Check out the rudder, tiller, and helmsman’s platform on this rig!
Quite a crowd along the river with lots of folks lined up for an afternoon cruise up the river.
Here’s our entry and exit point from the riverside scene.

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