Oriente Train Station
Bridges of Porto
Uchas Country House
On our second day in Portugal, we took a high speed train (not nearly as fast as Shinkansen!) to Porto. We were excited to meet our Adventure Tour guide, Pedro, and get started on our tour. The plan was to take a walking tour of Porto and then drive to Uchas Country House.
In Lisbon, we decided to take a cab to Oriente Train Station as it was going to be a long day with a lot of walking. Oriente station is huge, but it’s very easy to navigate.
Oriente Train Station Underground
Dennis excited to go to Porto!
The ticket agents were very helpful and soon we were walking around with two first class tickets on the high speed train to Porto. We decided to duck into a café for some coffee and pastry prior to the ride. It takes a couple hours to get to Porto, even by high speed! We also picked up some sandwiches and chips for lunch.
When we arrived in Porto, we got off the train. We were looking around for Pedro and we didn’t see him right away. Apparently, he had trouble parking the truck as there was construction. He marveled at how light we travel and then he told us that he was actually nervous because it was his first time being a guide for an entire week. He was also nervous about his English, but we assured him it was excellent. (Which compared to our Portuguese, wasn’t a lie!).
We stashed our stuff in the Tour Truck and then set off on our walking tour of Porto. Pedro told us all about the city; the history, culture, architecture, and present politics.
Here’s a picture showing how, in the very oldest buildings, there is no mortar holding up the structures.
The Old Town Area of Porto
Pedro said this area was not a safe place to walk at night time, but during the daytime it was okay.
Tragedy of 1809, people fleeing French forces were killed when a bridge (made of boats) collapsed.
Dom Luis Foot Dangle (The Boat is 45 meters below me!)
Serra Do Pilar Monastery
Dennis and a Red Graham Auto
We saw some very cool old cars on our tour!
Vimara Peres
Dom Pedro IV
Porto University Students (Their version of Rush Week) Senior Classmen dress in Black and torment underclassmen.
Our Room at the Uchas Country House (We’re ready for our Adventure to start!)
Tags: 10th Anniversary, Porto, Portugal, Uchas Country House