On our last day in Porto, we finally figured out how to not kill ourselves (maim only) on the steep slopes. We took a long walk that was downhill and straight to the Gondola. Took the Gondola to the upper bridge. Crossed over the bridge. Found ourselves in the center of the downtown/old town section that had nearly killed us the first day. I was so shocked to find us right where we had nearly died, where our desperate hunger was such as we almost went to McDonald's. To celebrate this accomplishment we dined a second time at the Doner Kepab place.
OMG this is Soooo much easier than schlepping up the slope!
And there's our apartment - middle building, middle apartment
The gondola view of the city
Across the bridge we go!
Great views from here too!
The evil, inoperative funicular that would have saved us the climb on day one.
And then...RAIN!...Get the rain coats on! Protect the cameras! Flee!
First stop - Porto Cathedral
Yup...MORE BAROQUE/ROCOCO!
At least there was a stained glass window
And there was tile work of a whole different quality and human expression than prior churches visited.
Seriously, I think this could become the emblem for de-I Sandia Outfitters Group!
Outside the Cathedral was a statue in honor of the Patron Saint of Cruise Ship Tour Guides, Saint Fall O'wmedam Nit.
On to the Train Station...right where we were four days ago. I mean on the very corner and we didn't know it! Of course we were about dead at that point too so I suppose we would not have enjoyed it. It is the massive building on the right.
Why are we going to the Train Station? Because in the late 19th century, the train stations of the world were being build as monumental public art works by governments. And the tile work in the lobby of this station was done exclusively by one artist. It was, without doubt, the most amazing we saw on the trip and a fitting finale.
A panorama view
The tile tableaux include both historical stories and scenes of everyday life. And the human emotion representation? Well, I will let you come to your own conclusion.
There was one last 'obligatory bit of tourism' needed. The river cruise.
And to say goodbye to Porto, one last going up our 'short walk' from where the shopping is back to the apartment.
2 comments:
Have you considered only vacationing in cities on the plains or steppes? No hills there, is all I'm saying... :)
I think via you guys I'm scarred of anything that touts it has "views"
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