Arriving late in the afternoon after travelling I guess for about 40 hours since leaving Melbourne , we thought we were feeling pretty good. I am here with my friend Susan and we are walking the ancient Portuguese Camino together.  So after a bit of a spruce up we went looking for dinner. We feasted on a plate full of char grilled Sardines cooked out in the open on the river front on coals. What can I say , they were amazing.  Our accommodation at Happy Porto Hostel was right on the Duoro River with amazing views across to the other side and along each arm. It is a self contained apartment and I would highly recommend staying here. It is also directly on the Portuguese Camino route to Santiago de  Compostella. Early each morning we were to see Pilgrims heading out, with their Camino shell  tied to their backpacks heading to Santiago. We were getting excited as this will be us in a few days.

Catching the city Hop on Hop off bus gave us a great introduction to see the city and also for us to get our bearings. I was very surprised to see that Porto is a very green city with many beautiful Parks. Some terraced into the hills and others acres and acres of greenery laced with walking tracks and sculptures within the spaces.

In the afternoon it was a time to get lost. Walking up the narrow back streets, winding their way  to places unknown . We were trying to find the famous book store Liviaria Lello where JK Rowlings was inspired to write the Harry Potter books.  Instead we found a fabulous Bar that displayed books.  After asking the Barman for a Dry White wine , he gave us 3 to taste. We settle on our choice and were then amazed when he said €2 a glass. Oh well can’t always get it right or did we?

We went to the Cathedral for our first stamp for our Credentials . Collecting these along the Way will enable us to receive our Compostella in Santiago. Walking into the Cathedral with my Credentials in hand , it was once again very moving for me embarking on another Pilgrimage.

Our last day in Porto was spent the morning on a boat cruising up the Duoro River and learning about the history of the buildings of this Historic UNESCO site .We then spent time on the opposite side of the river. This is where all the Port houses are. I’m not a Port drinker so wandering the streets was more interesting for me.

Dinner tonight was wonderful again, the food has been amazing here. Walking back to our accommodation the fog is drifting up the river and the soft blurred lights of the city  show us the way home.