Any Porto in a storm

So if you are tired of hearing about castles and cathedrals - I'm in about the same place seeing them (however if you are tired of hearing about food and drink you nay need to find a new blog)

I started my day finishing up my tour of Coimbra. The Fado last night was ok but just outside in front of the cathedral (I'm convinced that during the inquisition - yes, there was a Portuguese inquisition too - the idea was to turn every structure into a cathedral, chapel, monastery or convent. Did you know most cathedrals were only open to monks and other members of the church? Regular folk had another church or had to worship outside) members of the university were having a concert competition - so to speak. The students wear black cloaks over suit and tie (yes there is a hogwarts connection - Rawlings based Harry and the kids garb on Coimbra) and the were singing something a bit more uplifting than Fado. It was a nice way to end the night.

This morning I toured around the main university building that surrounds a giant courtyard on three sides and overlooks the river and the countryside on the fourth. And I thought Pepperdine was nice. The most impressive was the library with its own colony of bats to eat any insects that might damage the ancient volumes.

After a quick bite to eat it was an hour north to drop the car and arrive in Porto.

While the trip has been nice so far - Porto has really made an impression in just a few hours. The Douro river splits the town in half and of course it is mountainous on both banks. On my side are old dock buildings now hosting cafés and shops and restaurant and on the opposite bank are the old Port warehouses that host all the tastings.

I am sitting in a small cafe under the bridge enjoying a white Port and tonic and a ham and cheese snack. It is still a little early for dinner and much colder than elsewhere so I will finish up and grab some warmer gear before dinner.

Port tasting commences tomorrow. Don't expect brilliant commentary tomorrow evening.