Porto

Porto, land of port wine.

Its also one of the most picturesque cities I've been to on this leg of my journey (i.e. spain/portgual). Not much of an attempt has been made to tart up this city for tourists which means it still retains its dingy exteriors, winding roads, dark alleys and bonejaring cobblestones. Its the kind of city you fall in love with as you walk up winding paths and chance upon a small, old yet beautiful fountain tucked away on a corner of a nondescript road. its the kind of city that looks beautiful even when its pouring with rain and the wind threatens to knock you off your feet. its the only city in which i,ve been completely drenched and i still like. thats something huh. :)

I got to porto in the afternoon, arranged my train tickets to santiago de compostela, spain and walked out of the train station and was gobsmacked by the castle to my left, perched charmingly on a hill and the winding roads spread out on my right. its just so easy to imagine porto a few hundred years ago when feudal lords still lived in the castle; it hasn't changed that much. on the train ride from lisbon, the countryside burst forth with colour and life. tall spindly forests gave way to fields dappled with bright yellow flowers and lush greenery. sheep and cows lay complacently in the grass as they enjoyed the fleeting sun. the river rushed unceasingly below a graceful, soaring bridge that spanned the valley which is porto. (btw porto lies on both sides of the valley, i.e. on hillside). the people here are incredibly friendly.

braving the rain, i made my way around town, stopping at coffeeshops when the rain became too heavy. i sacrificed part of my Daily Telegraph to the rains, but my pants are STILL WET. good thing i bought linen pants which dry pretty fast, but they get wet also pretty fast. a yummy tart here, a coffee there, and soon i was on the other side of the river, admiring the many houses packed against the vertical face of the hill and the elegant bridge soaring across the river. the side of the river i was on, is well known for its many port wine caves (wine cellars) and i strolled into sandeman (some famous producer i think) and took a wine tour. a few minutes later, i was the proud owner of 2 bottles of port: one ruby and one white. port is sweet, almost sugary. the white has a rich aromatic honey taste with a strong brandy base which helps to lighten it. would taste good with cheese me thinks. this one ill keep for myself. the ruby was more fruity with almost juicy undertones. its all very young and very drinkable, nothing to get excited about though. the 1908 vintage was tempting though, at the low price of 3000 euros. lol. going to give the ruby to uk friends in return for board. haha. cheap wine.

now sitting in internet cafem waiting for rain to let up so i can get some stuff from the super makret and maybe walk around a little before going back to my, ahem, three star hotel. thats the most stars ive had in a looooong time. lol.