Porto is an old city. It was thought that the Phoenicians were here as far back as 600 BC. This was followed by the Romans and even the Celts. It has a long and varied history. It was crucial to the Portuguese age of discovery back in the early 1500s. Henry the Navigator, Magellan and the like were instrumental in discovering the world. They held court in India, Macao, the Philippines, Brazil, well just about everywhere. At one time the Pope split the known world between Portugal and Spain. The English and the French ignored such papal bulls-shyte. Thankfully!
Porto managed to escape the 1755 carnage that destroyed Lisbon. Can you imagine a major earthquake followed by a tsunami followed by a great fire coming in on you all at once? Well that happened to Lisbon. Porto was spared. Perhaps they had better prayers at the time.
Today Porto is a bustling city of about 259,000 people. 1.2 million in the greater Porto area. It is predominantly catholic although sectarian in today’s society. The churches are fantastic in their architecture. You can say what you want about Catholicism but it has given the world an abundance of beauty in visual art and spiritual awakening. Porto reflects all of that.
It is a hilly city. The city centre is a UNESCO heritage site and sits in a bowl. You better have strong legs and good cardio if you are going to explore the place on foot. But your reward is good beer, excellent food, world renowned wine, Madeira and Port.
The place is full of tourists. Mainly old farts like me. In that vein you hear ambulances going by, sirens a blazing all day long. Maybe it’s the hills, perhaps the wine, probably the beer. Whatever but you’ll probably check out with a smile on your face.
Went for a long walk. The forecast was for low 70s. They lied. 94 right now. 96 tomorrow. Shyte. Everytime I do a Camino it is hot 🔥 hot hot 🥵. Always mid September. Crowded with people here. Lots of pilgrims. I think I counted 30 today. Leave Monday. One more day to get my legs.
Another Canadian band with a one hit wonder.
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