Porto, Portugal (September 2024)

 

After the air travel fiasco, I arrived in Porto safely on September 3. This was not the first time, but I explored this beautiful city freely and casually. After Jay Yoon arrived on September 5, we explored the city together in preparation for the Camino de Santiago to start on September 7.

We decided to visit the starting point in Matoshinos and to walk back to the hotel along the seashore and the Douro River shore. It was beautiful. We ate lunch at a river-front restaurant and it was wonderful.

Close to the hotel we stayed was the historic site including the Clorigos Church which we climbed to the top to enjoy the panoramic view of the City of Porto.

For dinner, we went across the Douro River and had delicious dishes at a restaurant along the river. We thoroughly enjoyed the meal.

After dinner, we decided to join the crowd to see the sunset at the Morro Garden facing the setting sun. There were a lot of people, but the sunset was fantastic. 

As part of the City Tour package we purchased, we also took part in a wine-tasting tour at one of many wineries in the area, namely Burmester. Porto is famous for its own dessert wine called Porto.

The city tour package also included a river cruise to see the six bridges from below and also beautiful scenery of the hills along the river. We also strolled along the river to see many actions that were taking place. 

One of the famous landmarks is Sao Bento Train Station. The inside walls of the station were decorated with Portugal's famous tile arts and it was truly remarkably beautiful.

As we explored the beautiful City of Porto, we saw palaces, statues, and gardens at many places. More than anything else, we enjoyed our companionship to prepare for the big event of Camino de Santiago.

Before Jay Yoon arrived, I went to the Cathedral to purchase the Camino Credential for both of us. We will collect stamps on the way before we reach Santiago de Compostela. 

Although I had to cancel my trip to Azores Island, our stay in Porto was pleasant and memorable. - Jeffrey