….. since I posted and it may take me a while to get back up to speed! My plans to post every day for the whole year had to take a back seat to more entertaining and important issues. I got married, then we journeyed to Portugal where we enjoyed a break in the sun and enjoyed the culture and vibrance that Porto had to offer. A jolly good time was had by all, well, Helen and I enjoyed it anyway, so much so that we’d happily return for a second ( possibly third ) helping. It’s a fascinating city, especially if you like architecture, history and gastronomy, there’s plenty of all three to go round. Built on the steep banks of the River Douro the city extends up the slopes on both sides of the river, although one bank encapsulates the Vila Nova de Gaia, an almost seperate municipality, and the river is spanned by 6 incredible bridges dominated by the magnificent Dom Luis 1 bridge. The views from the top of the bridge are spectacular and far reaching as the city plays out across the span and down to the ancient waterfront of the Ribiera. A great place to be at any time of the day, a magical place as the sun dips below the horizon and the lights of the city illuminate the evening sky. Sitting here thinking of it it’s a far cry from this morning’s dull, drizzly Dorset offering….but, as Simon and Garfunkle famously said ‘ Gee but it’s great to be back home’!
North Dorset Wandering 