Tuesday October 7 -- Lisbon to Porto
We were all in the dining room for an early breakfast and onto a bus by 8:30. The train ride north to Porto, under gray skies, was about 4 hours. We had good views of the countryside as well as glimpses of the Atlantic. Lots of palm trees, villages, farms, and many abandoned buildings. Seems like a very pleasant country, though Alexandra talked about the economic woes that are only now starting to ease.
We had to haul our luggage into the station and onto the train, then heave it onto racks in Lisbon
and reverse the process in Porto. We really must learn to travel lighter! The mini-bus meeting us in Porto was not allowed near the station, so it was an uphill haul even after we got out the door. But once we got there the driver took over and we didn't have to touch our bags again until we unpacked in our cabins. First, though, we enjoyed lunch in the lounge of this lovely boat. Then we were given the keys to our spacious cabins -- full-size bed, lots of drawers, big flat-screen TV, small balcony, and lovely decor. Very, very nice here on the Amavida!
We had a couple hours to unpack and explore, then a welcome glass of port and appies in the lounge, followed by a delicious dinner with lots of choices and unlimited wine. The entertainment after dinner was a group of musicians from a local university, known as a "TUNA". They were lively and funny and most enjoyable. By then it was time to settle in for the night.
We were all in the dining room for an early breakfast and onto a bus by 8:30. The train ride north to Porto, under gray skies, was about 4 hours. We had good views of the countryside as well as glimpses of the Atlantic. Lots of palm trees, villages, farms, and many abandoned buildings. Seems like a very pleasant country, though Alexandra talked about the economic woes that are only now starting to ease.
We had to haul our luggage into the station and onto the train, then heave it onto racks in Lisbon
We had a couple hours to unpack and explore, then a welcome glass of port and appies in the lounge, followed by a delicious dinner with lots of choices and unlimited wine. The entertainment after dinner was a group of musicians from a local university, known as a "TUNA". They were lively and funny and most enjoyable. By then it was time to settle in for the night.
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