The Band is Back Together!

0 comments

The Band is Back Together!

We are back together in Porto! A week just flew by. For me lots of tennis and for Janelle lots of encouragement to learn knitting while being bribed with wine.

Today we set out to see Livraria Lello, the bookstore that legend has it that it was one of the inspirations for the Harry Potter series.

Whether it was the intricate wood designs or the amazing staircase or maybe the capes that the nearby students wear to school, I can see this imagery in the books and movies. And although J. K. Rowling lived in Porto and taught English nearby she denies the connection, however I and a lot of other people think it’s true.

An amazing side story is that the bookstore was going bankrupt until a friend of the owner suggested that they should start charging admission, then in the first year they turned a €1.5m profit!

That’s quite the line to get into the bookstore

Lunch? Mexican? Why not. And you know what? It wasn’t too bad – nachos were good and the tacos better than expected. Who doesn’t love a margarita for lunch?

Time to wash lunch down with some port. We learn about the different grapes that go into making port. And I had no idea that there is not only red port, but white too! Good job they not only offered the tour but the tasting too.

We are also having a special day today as our daughter and her friend are competing in their karate provincials. Go girls go!

0 Comments

0 Comments

Latest Posts

Starting our way home

Starting our way home

It seems unbelievable that this will be our last day in Europe and tomorrow night our heads will be on our own pillows. Crazy!! The usual breakfast fare; bacon, eggs, pastries A real honeycomb! After the hotel’s breakfast, we are out the door and visiting a small...

Bridges and Bridges

Bridges and Bridges

We whittled our options down and are now on our way to the area of Arouca where there is the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in Portugal, maybe even all of Europe. It was built in 2020 for the sole purpose of attracting tourists. It is essentially a bridge to...

Earning our Spa Day

Earning our Spa Day

It’s another spa day for us…you can’t have too many! But first we have to earn it. So, up and out the door to find our hike for the morning. We are travelling to the Serra da Estrela Nature Park about an hour away. An hour uphill though! Switch backs and soaring...

Obrigada Porto, but it is time to move on.

Obrigada Porto, but it is time to move on.

We loved walking around Porto, the riverfront there is amazing, so lively and vibrant. It was bittersweet saying goodbye to it because it means that our time here in Portugal is drawing to a close (boo!) and there is still so much of the country that we want to see....

Ole!

Ole!

When you are this close to Spain, of course one must go and explore it a bit. Luckily our cruise director thought of this as well. He's a pretty smart guy. It is a two hour bus ride into the city of Salamanca, a UNESCO site known as the Golden City because of all the...

That’s Nuts!

That’s Nuts!

We set sail today for our easternmost docking point along the Douro River, just on the other side of the border and into Spain. Along the way the knitters knitted; I eavesdropped in on a class about sweater math. OMG. The amount of things I don't know will never cease...

So, just how good are you?

So, just how good are you?

A very exciting day today as I get to walk upon the tennis court here at Vale do Lobo Tennis Academy. It’s been 5 weeks since I’ve swung a racquet and turns out quite a bit of rust needs chipping off. Very nice facility here Coach Eureko will be assessing me today to...

If you’re not eating and drinking…

If you’re not eating and drinking…

...are you even on vacation? Our first full day on the river cruise has come and gone. Sailing down the Douro River is as idyllic and beautiful as you'd hope. The morning is dedicated to knitting classes, or photobooks if you're me, all while taking in the very...

That’s it, we’re splitting up!

That’s it, we’re splitting up!

Today's the day, we're calling it. It's over. Just kidding - we are just going our separate ways for a week. This whole trip came about because I said 'YES!' to my friend Janet when she asked me to go on a Knit and Sip river cruise along the Douro River. Why would I...

Rain, rain, go away

Rain, rain, go away

A beautiful sight to wake up to today. The sun on the Algarve coast Today’s objective is to drive down the road for my week in Quarteira. This beach reminds me of Bedwell Rocks in New Brunswick. More sand here though The fortress guarding the harbour entrance But let...

More From This Category

Storytime

Storytime

After yet another very full day of making memories, we are finishing up our evening at the Storybook Palace Hotel in Nazare. Somehow, quite fittingly after our St. Patrick’s Day celebrating, we are in the James Joyce suite. Aaaahhhh…..cheers!! Our day started in...

read more
St. Patrick’s Day in Lisbon

St. Patrick’s Day in Lisbon

Today takes us back to Lisbon. Last time we were here we walked from the bus station to the airport. I’m sure today will be much more enjoyable. Ha! Our first two stops are the impressive Jerónimos Monastery and the famous pastry shop next door. The pastry is a tart...

read more
Bye bye Island Life

Bye bye Island Life

We had four fabulous days here in the Azores. San Miguel Island to be precise. We have a bit of time left before our plane takes off so we hit the streets and see what the city we are staying in, Porto Delgado, has to offer. First though, we need some sustenance....

read more